In this episode of Grateful Connections: What Gratitude Built, I sit down with Renee Silverman, co-owner of Irv’s Luggage and director of the nonprofit Luggage for Freedom. Renee shares the inspiring story of carrying forward her father’s family business while reimagining what brick-and-mortar retail can be in the age of Amazon. We talk about her passion for creating community through Irv’s Luggage, the hands-on service that sets her store apart, and the growth of Luggage for Freedom- a program that provides women leaving domestic violence shelters with dignity, essentials, and a fresh start. From running a second-generation business to building a nonprofit that’s changing lives, Renee’s journey is one of resilience, confidence, and heart.

What You’ll Learn:

• The family legacy: Irv’s Luggage, founded in 1947 (GI Bill), relaunched in 2018 with a brick-and-mortar, service-first model
• Why Renee bets on expert guidance + repairs + curated selection to beat online-only shopping
• How the store became a community for travelers (touch/try gear, airline-size know-how, travel accessories that lower stress)
• COVID pivot lessons (puzzles & candles!) and growing a people-first team
• Inside Luggage for Freedom: year-round donations, October packing day (Domestic Violence Awareness Month), suitcases filled with new sheets, towels & toiletries, and backpacks for kids with blankets and books
• Impact at scale: 375+ filled suitcases delivered to 11 shelters in 2024—with more coming
• Renee’s advice for women owners: confidence, patience, and keep going (forgive mistakes, pivot when needed)

You can connect with Malinda:

www.gratefulconnections.com

Malinda@gratefulconnections.com

@gratefulconnections_co

You can connect with Renee and Luggage for Freedom:

• Shop: irvsluggage.com (and in-store at 1322 S. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, IL)
• Donate: gently used luggage, new towels/sheets, full-size toiletries, new/gently used backpacks
• Luggage for Freedom – Find what you can donate here: Amazon Wish List

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