Meet The Founder of My Poupette Authentications
Angie Houston, Founder
In the mid-1990s, eBay revolutionized shopping by bringing vintage, discontinued, hard-to-find, and unique items to the fingertips of buyers worldwide. During this time, Angie Houston—a banker and avid Louis Vuitton collector—discovered a troubling trend. While researching Louis Vuitton items to add to her collection, she noticed that many sellers were offering counterfeit versions of the same pieces she cherished. Seeing an opportunity to educate others, Angie reached out to these sellers to inform them of their fakes. However, eBay warned her to stop, citing auction interference. Undeterred, she tried contacting the buyers directly, only to be dismissed again.
Determined to make a difference, Angie founded My Poupette Authentications in 1999, becoming the first Internet-based company to offer independent designer authentication services. Initially, the company provided free authentications, focusing on Louis Vuitton handbags. Angie also created a logo that eBay sellers of authentic items could display, signifying the My Poupette seal of approval. And the rest is history.
As demand grew, My Poupette expanded its services to include authentications for all designer brands found in fine department stores, as well as any other trademarked products.
The Origin of Our Name
The name "My Poupette" carries a deeply personal significance. Angie was once engaged to a Frenchman named Pascal, who affectionately called her "ma poupette," which means "my doll" in French. Tragically, Pascal lost his life during military operations. When Angie started her company, she chose the nickname as a tribute to her lost love, who had always showered her with Louis Vuitton gifts.