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Posts Tagged ‘The Insider’
Monday, July 28th, 2008
The Insider column introduces the people and places that make up Petunia Pickle Bottom. Click here for past episodes.
 Meet Nina Mazur - Customer Service Supervisor
If you’ve ever called the Petunia offices with a comment or question, there’s a good chance that you’ve talked with Nina Mazur, our Customer Service Supervisor. Filled to the brim with friendliness and a desire to help, Nina is our very own UK-expatriate. If her charm doesn’t win you over, her delicious British accent will.
So you were born and raised in London. How did you end up in Ventura? I’m not quite sure exactly. After living in the UK with my husband we decided about a year ago to come and try life in sunny California. He’d lived here for quite a few years before moving to London and so we thought we would give it a try. Somehow we ended up choosing Ventura.
What was the biggest adjustment or culture shock about coming to the U.S.? Everything! Everything is different, nothing is the same! Not even the language we speak. I had to learn quick to stop asking my officemates to borrow their rubbers (what you call an eraser).
 Besides for proper British English, what else do you miss? Proper fish and chips, sausages, nice looking English money, weather seasons, Robinson’s fruit drink, rugby, the English accent, being able to walk to the store, English TV soaps, British movies and music, the Queen mom…oh my list can go on and on.
 C’mon, you know that California is growing on you though. Anything you’ll admit is better than back home? I love the fact that I can grow vegetables here. Yesterday I picked my first green beans which were delicious. Also, the beaches are beautiful and there is one just 5 minutes away from my home. Plus I have a lovely growing family here of friends.
I imagine in Customer Service you get to see both the good and the bad in Petunia bag owners. What’s the best part of the job? Receiving emails on how happy a customer is about the service we provide or receiving little thank you cards or photos of their families. I like the personal contact and the fact that I can almost become a friend, someone they can trust to help them through the situation.
Any advice on how to deal with difficult customers? I believe customers come to me because they really have a legitimate concern they need help with. The best advice I would say is to listen and try to understand their point of view and then help find the best steps forward. I believe PPB gives me a lot of freedom which helps me help the customer to the best of my ability.
Have you had any funny customer service encounters you can tell us about? One time a store called wanting to replace a Scout wipes case because it had dents, but the message I received said the store wanted a replacement “buttwiper holder” which cracked me up for days.
 I’m sure you get questions about all the products in the PPB line. What’s your favorite PPB product? Ohh, it has to be the Pink Parfait Touring Tote, I’m short so this bag is the perfect size for me and I am constantly amazed at how much I can put in there. The pockets are great because I can keep all my things separate, and the shoulder strap allows me to wear my bag messenger style when I don’t want to fiddle around with it. I also have the Kimono Roll which is luxurious and perfect for day or evening.
Okay, now some fill-in the blank…
 Favorite beauty product? Lip balm. You can’t have chapped lips.
Three things we can always find in your desk? A photo of my family, food and hair bands.
Topping your playlist? John Mayer, Rachael Yamagata and The Prodigy
Favorite website? Right now ….. Facebook. It helps me keep in contact with all my mates in the UK the rest of the world and also family. It’s fantastic!
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Tuesday, July 8th, 2008
The Insider column introduces the people and places that make up Petunia Pickle Bottom. Click here for past episodes.
Meet Morgan Simpson – Employee 001 & Sr. Account Manager
Wow, Employee 001. You do realize that there is only one number one. I know, crazy. I was the first person hired at PPB to help out part-time to fill orders and do quality control. That was almost 6 years ago! Some of my fondest memories were chatting it up with the owner’s moms while we sat at a big table prepping bags and filling orders. What started out as a family business has grown to an internationally renowned company – it’s been amazing to be along for the ride.
So you’ve seen a lot of changes go on at Petunia over the years. What hasn’t changed? The company culture. PPB remains a fun, passionate business full of dedicated employees. I consider all of my co-workers to be more than colleagues, and they are some of the most genuine, smart and fun people I have ever met. We have true friendships and one thing in common: a love for the PPB brand.
So now that those days of part-time quality control work are over, what do you do at Petunia now? The formal description would be that I manage all of our domestic accounts to ensure a positive relationship with retailers and am the liaison with our sales team. I also deal with all prospective new accounts. However, the less formal description is “the dabbler”.
What’s the best part of being The Dabbler? Definitely interacting with retailers. Over the years, I have established some great relationships with store owners and really enjoy hearing about their families, the accomlishments of their stores and their success with PPB.
Such as… Stork’s Nest of Old Pueblo comes to mind. Whenever we talk I feel like I am talking to an old friend – so supportive and enthusiastic about PPB. I have been working with them for several years and love to see them continue to be so successful with the brand.
Also, I have to give a “shout out” to my old buddy, Stu, from Go To Baby in NYC. I have been working with Stu since I started at PPB. Stu runs a great store and has always shown so much support to PPB throughout the years. It’s been a privilege to watch his business and his family grow over the years.
Which products are retailers and reps reporting are the hottest PPB items right now? The Boxy Backpack (always!), the Touring Tote, our Scout bags and our new Cosmopolitan Carryall. A retailers and reps are both eagerly anticipating the release of our Fall fabrics which will be out in the coming months.
Do you have a favorite Petunia bag? The Misty Shanghai Touring Tote. I consider my style to be “classic” – not too trendy and not too plain Jane. The Misty Shanghai exudes elegance and class. I love that I can wear the bag with jeans & a t-shirt or a black dress and it still looks great! I always get a ton of compliments when I carry this bag.
You run Petunia’s San Diego office. How would you describe the office décor? We work in the old, historic Spreckels Theatre built in 1919. The building still has many of the original fixtures including two “safes” we use as closets and all of the original marble and tile. Our office is adorned with soft pink walls, chocolate carpet and PPB product proudly displayed throughout.
Any dark secrets of the SD office you’re willing to share? Since we work in a theatre building, we often get some big name bands in town such as Arcade Fire, Damian Rice, etc. The band tour busses often sit right outside of our offices and occasionally when a band is in town, we’ll sneak down for 10 minutes and try to get into the “sound check.” If that doesn’t work, we have been known to do a “walk by” of the tour bus on our lunch break in hopes of catching a glimpse of someone famous. We’re a little star-struck down here in SD.
 Okay, short answer…Favorite beauty product? Sabon Lavender/Apple Body Scrub. Your skin will feel like silk!
Three things we can always find in your purse? Neutrogena “Dreamy” lip gloss, a hair clip (the perfect solution to any bad hair day) and PPB Business Cards since I’m always on the road.
Here’s an imaginary $1000. You spend it on… Plane tickets to Kona. I’m in a wedding at Kona Village in October and the airline tickets are astronomical!!
I cannot live without… My husband, Louie. He rules.
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Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
The Insider column introduces the people and places that make up Petunia Pickle Bottom. Click here for past episodes.
Meet Miller Jones - Petunia’s newest addition
Born: 2/28/08
Full Name: Miller Frederick Jones
How did you decide on his name? Miller is my mother’s maiden name and Frederick is Braden’s dad’s name. Both people we wanted to honor.
Current nicknames? I call him “punkin pie”, but to Braden he’s “lil dudical”.
What did Sutton think of Miller? He said, “Baby, out of mommy’s belly!” Then he kissed his little fingers and said they looked like macaroni noodles.
Favorite PPB newborn product? Our PPB organic swaddling blankets. I love a sleeping baby.
What has surprised you the most the second time around? How high strung we were as parents with our first child. By the time the second child rolls around you realize babies are pretty resilient.
Favorite feature of his right now? The dimples on his elbows.
See pictures of Miller’s nature-inspired nursery here.
Photos by Rikka Zimmerman Photography.
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Thursday, June 19th, 2008
Miller Frederick Jones
Born February 2008 to Braden and DeNai Jones
(tune in next week for more details on Miller’s arrival)
Photography by Rikka Zimmerman Photography.
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Thursday, June 5th, 2008
The Insider column introduces the people and places that make up Petunia Pickle Bottom. Click here for past episodes.
Meet Mindy Ehret – Design & Development Do-It-All
What does Design & Development involve at Petunia? I work with design staff to develop new silhouettes and products for the Petunia line as well as working on redesigns of existing ones. I oversee the design process from the original concept and prototypes on to production-ready products. This includes working with our factories in Asia and traveling over there every 3-4 months to work on development and production.
Were you always interested in design? Yes, I’ve always been creative. When I was younger I was very resourceful and made a lot with found items. I used to make roses for my mom out of Kleenex and dolls with clothespins and tissue paper dresses…
Have you had the chance to design anything for yourself? I did make my own wedding dress which I loved!
Is there anything you’d still love to have the chance to design? Actually one of my favorite things to design is costumes. I have been fortunate to have been able to costume two short films. My ideal project would be to costume a period piece between 1920-1990. I really like the 20th century because then you are able to build a character with a mix of vintage pieces and new design.
So the design part of the job is definitely up your alley. What about the traveling part? You must be racking up those frequent flyer miles with all those trips overseas. I really enjoy traveling to Asia. I like spending time with our factories and working hands on with our team over there. It is a lot of fun to be able to see firsthand the construction of our products and use creative problem solving on the factory floor.
Anywhere else you’d love to visit? I have always had a fascination with Russia because of their whimsical and colorful architecture. I remember when I was little a neighbor traveled there and I was in awe of her photographs. Something about them just stuck with me. I really hope to make it there someday.
As a member of the design team, you must know the PPB product line inside and out. Have a particular favorite?  The India Ink Touring Tote. I love this bag not only as an everyday purse but also as a travel bag. When I travel for work, I have found this to be the perfect bag for carrying around all of my daily items and the changing pad pocket is perfect for holding my passport, extra money and any documents that I want to keep secure. Then to top it off it is Glazed which allows for it to be wipe-able when the person next to you spills coffee on you in the crowded subway…
Even though PPB’s bags are “technically” diaper bags, we always hear from women that the fabrics and silhouettes make them easy to pass off as out-on-the-town bags and the pockets and compartments make them ideal for keeping everything organized.
So let’s get some other Mindy must-haves…
Must-have fashion accessory? I have a necklace that I purchased in Hong Kong that is a carved red cinnabar medallion with a pagoda and flowers carved into it. It is a great companion to so many different outfits that it is definitely my favorite accessory right now.
Must-have décor accessory? Inke Heiland Wallpaper Menagerie sold at Romp. These are super cute wall decals that are hand cut from vintage and reprinted retro wallpaper. I really like the use of retro designs and bright colors as an accent for a room.
And something you’re never without? My digital Camera and Moleskine sketchbook. I am always taking pictures of inspiring things… everything from unique seam constructions to cool colors to a fun pattern to an awesome plant for our backyard. I use the camera and notebook to gather ideas for every aspect of my life… home decorating ideas, personal sewing/craft projects and then of course work. You never know where you will find inspiration.
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Thursday, May 22nd, 2008
The Insider column introduces the people and places that make up Petunia Pickle Bottom. Click here for past episodes.
Meet Rachel Tolle – Production Manager Mastermind
Can you explain what a Production Manager does? I work with the design team on sourcing materials and factories for new design projects. Once we have a new design developed, I work with our factories to manage our productions from the materials phase all the way to getting the final product here in the US.
What is one of your favorite aspects of your job at Petunia? The people. We are a really close family. And I really enjoy the opportunity I get to travel.
Have a favorite place you’ve been too? I think Thailand would be my favorite. I haven’t been there for work, but did get a chance to spend some time there on my honeymoon. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world and Bangkok is such an exciting city and one of the best places I have ever shopped. The people are so friendly and the food is fantastic.
Any place you’re still hoping to add to your itinerary one day? All my life I have wanted to visit Argentina. It’s a beautiful country with such a wonderful history and colorful culture. My husband also lived there as a child and has not been back since, so it would be a very special place for me to visit.
What’s something that you always pack when traveling? Big, oversized sunglasses. They make every one look fabulous. I’m currently wearing my new Marc Jacobs pair but I hear that Victoria Beckham has a sunglass line so those are definitely next on my list as she is the queen of big sunglasses.
So, we notice you have a bun in the oven. When’s the big arrival day? Boy or girl? A girl set to arrive August 24th.
Have you started decorating a nursery yet? The inspiration for my color scheme is from the album cover of the 1999 re-issue of The Beatles Yellow Submarine - really bright and bold colors. It’s very cheeky and mod.
Any treasured finds so far?
I ’m addicted to ModernNursery.com. This is my first child and I can’t get enough of all the amazing products this website offers. I am currently in love with the Avalisa wool rugs that they carry. I definitely want to pick one up for the nursery but I keep changing my mind on which one I like because they’re all so beautiful! I also love their collection of Uglydolls. I find them strangely adorable.
Have a PPB bag you’re eyeing for your new little one? I have already picked up an India Ink Shoulder Bag from our Glazed collection. It’s a great size and quite sexy as far as diaper bags go. Though I do also love our Scout Collection. They’re the perfect bags for the modern dad that the modern mom secretly envys.
How has it been being pregnant?
It’s like a strange force has invaded my body and I have no say over what’s going on! I can’t speed up the process or slow it down. I just have to sit back and let it all happen, which can be amazing, tiring and at times very fun.
Any strange cravings?
Chocolate cake. But then again I craved that before I was pregnant, so I don’t know if I can blame that one on the baby.
Where’s the best place to get your chocolate fix?
I never met a chocolate cake that I didn’t like but I must say that my favorite is from the Vons bakery. They have the best chocolate butter cream frosting and when it comes to chocolate cake, its all about the frosting!
Check back in the fall for news about Rachel’s addition to the PPB family - Baby Tolle.
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Tuesday, May 6th, 2008
The Insider column introduces the people and places that make up Petunia Pickle Bottom. Click here for past episodes.
 Meet Melissa White–Operations Manager Marvel
So just what kind of operations do you manage at Petunia Pickle Bottom?
I oversee the flow of orders, keep track of inventory, deal with department store orders, manage shipping and dabble in some customer service.
What’s the best part about your job?
I’d have to say learning something new every day. Change and growth are all part of the scene here - I’m never bored!
Besides the fascinating world of orders, inventory and shipping, what’s something you’ve always wanted to learn?
I’d love to learn how to play the cello and cook Ethiopian cuisine. It’s my favorite cuisine.
Any good local Ethiopian restaurants you frequent?
Not any in Ventura that I know of. My favorite place to go out in town is probably Westside Cellars for their veggie tacos. It is an upscale place known for its wine, but I love these fancy tacos! If I’m grabbing something quick it has to be Snapper Jack’s Taco Shack. I love their burritos and chicken tacos. Basically it’s all about the fire-roasted salsa.
Mmmm…sounds delish. So you like a little spice in your food. Does that go for your style tastes as well?
I think so. One of my favorite PPB fabrics is the Misty Shanghai – I adore the color combination of the neutrals in white and grey but with the bright pop of yellow. It reminds me of summer. I also love the ethnic stylings of the India Ink fabric - classic, daring, and reminiscent of foreign travels.
Are you a travel lover? What destinations are on your short list?
I’d love to visit Morocco. The country is rich in cultures from many different peoples (European, Moors, Berber) which shows up in their architecture, food, music, and way of life. You can experience rich history and beauty all with modern comforts. I’m planning a trip to go there…someday.
What 5 things did you always have with you?
Burt’s Bees chapstick, sunglasses, cell phone, water, and mint gum. Oh, and my iPod- can I make it my top six?
We’ll let it slide this time…as long as you tell us whose topping your iPod playlists right now.
Sea Wolf, Radiohead, Portishead, and World Lounge. I’m also a big KCRW fan.
Any favorite KCRW programs?
Metropolis for music, This American Life for interesting stories, Good Food to make me hungry!
Ok, now for the serious stuff….Who has the cleanest desk in the office?
Well, that depends on what you mean by clean! Organized or the most space? I always have a mass amount of paper on my desk, which is just part of the job, but I know where everything thing is…does that count?
Hmmm, so you’re trying to win on organized chaos….
Then I would venture to say John’s desk, but Korie probably gives him a run for his money.
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Thursday, April 24th, 2008
The Insider column introduces the people and places that make up Petunia Pickle Bottom. Click here for past episodes.
 Meet Kendall McKinley – Master Marketing Coordinator
So what does coordinating marketing really mean?
I work on all marketing related materials and projects. A major focus of mine is trade shows from application to show recap, set-up to breakdown.
What’s the best part about trade shows?
Getting to travel to fun places and meet all the other vendors. I’ve made a lot of good friends with other vendors that I would have never met had I not been at all these trade shows.
Heels or flats when you’re working the trade show floor?
Ohh, toughie. I own more heels than flats but right now I just loving flats. It’s a draw.
Do you have a favorite bag you love to highlight at the trade shows?
 My favorite bag is the new Cosmopolitan Carryall in Midnight Blackberry Cake. I love the design of the silhouette. It’s exactly my style and I love the long shoulder straps!
We get a ton of feedback from women who don’t have kids and still use Petunia bags as their go-to purse. Not having kids yourself, what are your tips for how to rock a PPB bag as a non-mom?
The bags rock themselves. They make great purses with all the pockets and ample room. I most recently test wore the Cosmopolitan Carryall for the last trade show and just loved everything about it. The size was perfect, and since it is an actual diaper bag it’s loaded down with pockets galore - a huge plus. I was always able to find my cell phone and my car keys because they each had their very own pocket on the outside of the bag that was easy to access. I also recently discovered that the Boxy Backpack makes a great overnight bag for my puppy when we go out of town.
So the dog has its own PPB bag? Geez, ruff life…..(get it? Ruff?)
Funny. Yes, Mercedes (English Cocker Spaniel) prefers to travel in style with her Trotting in Tiergarten Boxy to carry her necessities. The nature theme is animal-appropriate and the Glazed fabric can stand up to her sharp little nails.
Where did the name Mercedes come from?
She is almost 100% black but with one small circle of white on her chest that looks like the Mercedes car emblem.  I personally like to call her “Mercedes Girl” in a high pitched singing tone. She’s so cute! Feel free to post her picture….
Alright…
How about some fill in the blank.
I can make a mean ________ in the kitchen.
Mess…though my tortilla soup is pretty rock’n.
I cannot live without my ___________.
Slip-on tennis shoes! Oh so comfortable and oh so easy to slip right into. Maybe not the most fashionable of shoes but I couldn’t live without them.
My all-time favorite movie is __________.
Zoolander. Hands down. No contest. I do a fierce Blue Steal.
Now if only we had a picture of that…
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Wednesday, April 9th, 2008
The Insider column introduces the people and places that make up Petunia Pickle Bottom. Click here for past episodes.
 Meet Pepper Grout - Finance Manager/Booking Guru.
So you’re the money lady. Yep—I am the financial hub in charge of accounts receivable, accounts payable, HR/Payroll, commissions, taxes, Worker’s Comp, etc.
Were you good at math as a kid? I started early. I always pretended I was a banker with play money from the Monopoly game, and growing up, my family had a restaurant where I was the cashier. So I got lots of practice.
Accounts payable, receivable, payroll, taxes…how do you keep it all straight? Are you super organized? Martha Stewart-esque filing systems? A great attitude keeps it all straight for me… and I laugh a lot.
Besides getting to sign all those checks, what’s one of the best thing about working at Petunia? Our annual spa day! Just kidding, however the owners are very generous and at the same time they keep it real.
You get to see all the PPB bags come and go through the office—have a favorite bag? Definitely the Cosmopolitan Carryall. Love the line. It reminds me of my grandmother with her big bags and all the stuff she carried with her. My sister and I used to rummage through it for fun and one time we found a pancake in a baggie of all things. It just cracked us up.
Now we’re curious. What’s in your purse? No pancakes I hope… No pancakes, but I always make sure I have lip stuff of some kind, a picture of my husband and a toothbrush! You never know when you’ll need to brush.
You mentioned you were a fan of the new Cake Collection. Which bag from the line sounds the most scrumptious? I’d have to go with Chocolate Cherry. It reminds me of back in the day when Brach’s still made chocolate covered cherries. They were a family favorite on Christmas morning.
Summertime is just around the corner. If you’re not sending bills, writing checks or playing Monopoly, where will we find you when the weather gets nice? Most likely camping and fishing. They call me “Catfish Hunter” although I haven’t actually caught a fish yet. I keep on trying though. Maybe this will be my summer…
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Friday, March 28th, 2008
The Insider introduces the people and places that make up Petunia Pickle Bottom.
Meet Marcella Tambouris.
Customer Service Rep Extraordinaire.
When she’s not rocking out to The Doors or shopping for vintage clothes, Marcella spends her 9-to-5 processing orders, working with our sales reps or speed-typing a gazillon words a minute at the PPB office. She took a moment to open up herself–and her desk drawers–to us.
Beside the usual office supplies, what hidden gems are in your desk? A picture of The Doors and a miniature box of Nerds.
Besides rocking the vintage clothes, what do you actually do at PPB? I place and process all of the orders that are submitted by our sales reps, and assist House Accounts in placing orders. I also work with our sales reps to keep them up to date on order status and product availability.
I cannot live without my…. Vintage clothes; I was born in the wrong era; I belong in the 60s/70s so I treasure my vintage collection.
Then you must have some advice for a must-have fashion accessory. Big rings; I don’t go a day without wearing funky large rings; I feel weird if I walk out of the house without one.
Imagine you are a PPB bag. What current fabric best describes your personality? Hmmm, I would say Morning in Mumbai; it’s bright and colorful but the Peacock print gives it a vintage feel.
Ok, let’s dig a little deeper. If our office was a boy band, you’d be the ____ one. Oh this is hilarious…if I had to choose one I’d say I’d be the stylish one…clothes are very important to me.
Willing to share your favorite guilty pleasure? Rock of Love with Bret Michaels on VH1…it’s so obviously fake and ridiculous but I LOVE it…I can’t get enough!
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