Meet Sarin Jivalagian | Founder and CEO of Pursue

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarin Jivalagian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Searching for purpose and real satisfaction is what pushed me to start Pursue. For more years than I can count, I watched others move through life doing something they genuinely loved and I always hoped I’d be one of those lucky ones. That’s what inspired me to turn my lifelong love of fashion and designer bags into a real business.
What began with thrifting, grew into sourcing rare vintage pieces from around the world. I used to dream about owning these kinds of bags and now I get to find those exact pieces, discover ones that I never even knew existed and share them with the world. It’s been the most rewarding and honestly the most fun part of Pursue’s journey.
Pursue isn’t about massive inventory. It’s about a carefully curated collection, giving vintage designer bags a second life and giving customers a first chance at falling in love.
And that’s why, even with three little kids and a full-time job, I can say without hesitation that I finally love what I do. And I can’t wait to keep building from here.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Pursue is a curated shop for vintage and pre-loved designer bags, built around the belief that luxury should be accessible to all and that it should feel personal and meaningful.
What sets us apart is how intentional everything is, from sourcing to presentation. Whether it’s a classic piece or a rare find, we look for bags that make our customers feel confident and excited to wear them.
Getting here hasn’t been easy. I started Pursue while working full-time and raising three young kids. With no business background, I’ve had to learn everything along the way. I’ve built relationships with international vendors, learned how to source globally, created a website, handled logistics, navigated slow sales, and shown up even when it’s tough. And believe me, there have been sleepless nights, tears, and more than a few moments of doubt. But every message from a happy customer, every repost, every sale reminds me why I started.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay to grow slowly, as long as you’re growing with intention. I want people to know that Pursue comes from a real place. It’s not about chasing trends or selling as much as possible. It’s about the joy of finding something special and getting to share that feeling with someone else.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a true Valley girl, so if my best friend was visiting, we’d keep it local. I’d start by taking her to my favorite coffee shops like Yonder and Laidrey, I love introducing friends to good coffee! As a typical Valley girl would do, we’d probably do some shopping too.
While I love being out and about, I’m also all about cozy, chill energy. One night would be spent at home by the fire pit with wine and music, just talking and laughing.
We’d also plan a girl dinner which includes salad, fries, and wine somewhere on Ventura Blvd. Just easy and perfect for catching up. It’s simple, it’s local, and it’s exactly the kind of energy I love.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give a shoutout to the dedicated moms who work endlessly for their families. I hope you also get to love what you do. This journey is for all of us chasing something more, while giving so much of ourselves to everyone else. You deserve to feel fulfilled too.
My three kids have been both my inspiration and my biggest cheerleaders. I’m building Pursue for them. To show them that it’s never too late to chase a dream and that you can create something meaningful from passion and purpose.
Lastly, I want to recognize my husband, who has been my biggest supporter while I juggle a full- time job, motherhood, and building Pursue.

Website: https://shoppursue.com

Instagram: @_shoppursue

Other: TikTok: @_shoppursue