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.

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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