Vera Bradley is the name of an American luggage and handbag design company, founded by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia Miller in 1982. The Fort Wayne, Indiana company produces a variety of products, including handbags, luggage, and accessories. It is most recognized for its patterned bags.While traveling through the Atlanta, Georgia airport, neighbors Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia Miller noticed the fact that there were no feminine looking luggage styles. They started the company with five hundred dollars, (each contributing $250). The name comes from Baekgaard's mother, Vera, who was a stylish inspiration, formerly a model for Elizabeth Arden. Net revenues from continuing operations totaled $485.9 million for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017.

Miller and Baekgaard were awarded the 1987 Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the state of Indiana byArthur Young/VENTURE Magazine.