Hardware and/or fabric flaws on items purchased from accredited Petunia Pickle Bottom dealers are covered by the Petunia 100 percent Guarantee.
Where did the moniker Petunia Pickle Bottom originate?
DeNai Jones had extremely particular ideas about what a diaper bag should be, despite the fact that she wasn’t a parent at the time. And it wasn’t what she discovered while buying for a buddy.
“I want a product without teddy bears on it. Jones, a kindergarten teacher at the time with a lifetime passion for art and sewing abilities she picked up in 4-H, stated, “I wanted something with a changing pad that was incorporated into the bag.
Jones continued, “I found there was nothing even remotely like that out there. I recall using a pay phone to call my mother and inform her that I had found an untapped market.
That phone call served as the inspiration for Jones to launch Petunia Pickle Bottom, a witty diaper bag company she co-founded in 2000 in Ventura, California, with her husband Braden and friend Korie Conant.
Conant, co-owner and chief marketing officer of the business, has known Jones since they were both students at Ventura High School. “She was using silk brocade and other textiles you wouldn’t equate with diaper bags,” Conant said.
It seemed so DeNai. When we used to browse at thrift stores in high school, she would locate items to creatively rip up and stitch back together. However, not even Kate Spade was producing designer diaper bags at the time of Petunia Pickle Bottom, Conant continued.
Jones’ portrayal of modern parenthood undoubtedly touched a nerve. More than a decade after its grassroots origins, the business now sells diaper bags with built-in changing stations, luxurious materials, and vibrant designs in high-end boutiques and Nordstrom stores all across the country.
Petunia Pickle Bottom is now maturing as befits a design company entering its adolescence.
There are two new lines with unique names for men and women. Sons of Trade offers rugged felt laptop sleeves and distressed leather rucksacks. Without changing pads or bottle compartments, Petunia Handbags’ line of wallets, totes, and satchels boasts custom-designed hardware and cut-velvet materials.
A company store has also been established. The venue is the ground floor of the 305 S. Kalorama St. building, which Petunia Pickle Bottom has gradually taken over since relocating to the basement eight years ago.
The shop provides the approximately 30 on-site staff members a chance to speak with the company’s “incredibly devoted, very loud, and very honest” consumers, according to Kevin Churchill, vice president of merchandising and sales.
Some of those gatherings have been invitation-only parties for new and pregnant mothers, including bloggers from the Northern California-based Baby Boy Bakery and the Los Angeles-based Mommy Go Round. Slips of paper with suggested hashtags for uploading images to social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter are given to visitors as they enter the building.
As the word about the boutique spreads, other interactions have been more natural. It’s a magnet for out-of-town consumers and is open Monday through Saturday, which explains why there have been more reports of pregnant women in the area that was previously known for its mix of warehouses, railroad lines, and surfboard design studios.
It’s kind of humorous. Despite the fact that we operate on a global scale, not many people are aware of us. But, ” Braden Jones added.
Jones initially cut out fabric pieces that a local seamstress would sew together to create bags. She and Conant frequently strolled to the ocean during their breaks from their midtown Ventura garage office, passing the former meatpacking plant at Front and Kalorama streets.
Conant recalled, “We’d look down into the basement windows and dream of the day we could afford to move down there.
After seeing actress Reese Witherspoon using a Petunia Pickle Bottom bag—specifically, the Cucumber Roll—in a photo, they decided to jump on board. late in 2004.
Conant remembered, “The phone wouldn’t stop ringing.” “Boutique owners informed us that they were selling the bags straight from the box, without having a chance to arrange them on shelves. The landlord decided to take a chance on us even though we were overflowing.
The structure, according to owner Jim DeArkland, was constructed in the early 1900s and used as a distribution facility for Swift & Co., a Chicago-based meat supplier that was one of the pioneers in the use of refrigerated railroad wagons.
He claimed that the structure had served as Star Rug, the headquarters for a beer distributor, and the Works Progress Administration by the time DeArkland purchased and refurbished it in 2002.
It served as Parker Huggins’ private residence and shop location in the late 1990s. Parker Huggins was a couple-owned textile business well-known for its overdyed velvets embossed with gold designs.
Skylights, exposed brick walls, and refinished wood staircases are just a few of the building’s natural elements that DeArkland remarked, “I am happy to have such a creative crew making such good use of all the building’s natural qualities.” It’s obvious as soon as you enter that this is a great place to work.
On the third level is DeNai Jones’ office, which has a collage of pictures, sketches, and magazine pages covering one wall.
“Recently, a tour passed by here, and I heard someone exclaim, ‘Oh, see. She continues to use traditional mood boards. It was somewhat awkward, but it’s true,” laughed Jones.
Her workspace has French doors that lead out to a design studio where fabric swatches for the current and upcoming seasons are hanging. A second set of doors leads out to a deck with views of the ocean and space for the Pilates class that is provided for staff members every Thursday.
The open kitchen that is lit by skylights is immediately past Braden Jones’ office, which is located across the hall. The room has a damaged leather couch, walls coated with chalkboard paint, a surfboard, and a tray of different bottled spirits on a bookshelf beneath a window that views out onto Kaloroma and Front streets.
Officially, Braden Jones holds the positions of co-founder and CEO of Petunia Pickle Bottom. But his wife and Conant call him CVO, or chief vibe officer, in jest.
He served as the inspiration for Sons of Trade, whether he chooses to accept it or not. As soon as you go into his office, you can see that,” stated DeNai.
Conant continued, “And he’s the one who makes sure everybody has their preferred brand of coffee.
In 2008, Mike Fowler, who had previously served as Patagonia’s vice president of supply chain, joined the group and assumed the positions of president and chief operating officer.
The bags are no longer sewn by a single, local seamstress. According to Braden Jones, Petunia Pickle Bottom and its growing list of labels collaborate with six factories in Southeast Asia, each of which was chosen for its proficiency in manufacturing methods ranging from hand embroidery to laser-cut leather.
Conant and her husband have two sons, who are 2 and 5 years old and attend Oxnard’s Christa McAuliffe Elementary School.
Two boys, aged 5 and 7, are also the offspring of DeNai and Braden Jones. The kids have accompanied them on work and pleasure vacations abroad as they observe how DeNai draws inspiration for her textile designs from the local flora, animals, and architecture.
He said, “Life after kids is like life before kids.” Simply said, “Their opinions are much more numerous.”
The Petunia Pickle Bottom design team from Ventura presents an option for Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, that blends luxury and usefulness. Their top option is the City Carryall diaper bag, a limited-edition model from the brand’s Embossed Collection ($179).
The bag has sleek lines that resemble Kate Middleton’s “understated elegance,” gold hardware, and stitching that is all one color in an English lace design. The bag, which is called “Central Park North Stop” and is available in black, would be appropriate for carrying between changes of the royal diaper for both the duchess and her husband Prince William.
The bag has a cross-body strap and shoulder handles. The royal couple might purchase $20 worth of Valet Stroller Clips to use while strolling through Kensington Palace’s gardens in London.
The bag contains a removable changing mat, bottle compartments inside and exterior, a built-in changing station, and a zipped internal pocket in case Kate needs to quickly stow her tiara.
What’s in a name? DeNai Jones, the co-founder of the company, was given the moniker Petunia Pickle Bottom by her father when she was a young girl.
DeNai (Ventura) and Braden (Buena) Jones met in the middle of the 1990s through a common acquaintance who employed them separately as models while taking a photography class. They later got married and went on to higher education. They both studied in business and economics at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she majored in liberal studies. They wed in 1998, and today Miller, 5, and Sutton, 7, are their children.
Aha moments, as co-founder of Petunia Korie Conant put it: “You can practically see the bulb lighting up over their heads when you tell someone they don’t have to buy a blue diaper bag simply because they’re having a boy.” “Buying a diaper bag is a milestone. She claimed that at a time when it feels like everything is focused on the baby, it is the one item that is specifically for the lady.
pregnant with potential Petunia Pickle Bottom, a company founded in 2000, launched two new brands this year to complement its line of diaper bags ($159–$760) and accessories. Men’s clothing brand Sons of Trade began in May and offers items like felt iPhone cases ($38) and a leather knapsack with brass accents ($345). Patterned canvas pocketbooks are available for $62 and laser-cut leather satchels with hand embroidered are $598 in the Petunia Handbags collection.
The company store is located at 305 S. Kalorama St. in Ventura and features a selection of Petunia bags and accessories. It is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 641-3743.
What does the word “petunia” mean?
A petunia is any member of the nightshade family’s tropical herbaceous genus (Petunia), which is planted as an annual for its fragrant, vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers.
How do you remove the odor from a diaper bag?
Here is the quick and simple step-by-step instruction manual for bags that only require a minor touch-up. Most bags may be cleaned using this straightforward process. Take a moment to read the manufacturer’s labeling on the inside of your bag before diving in, though. Trust the information on the label. It’s unlikely that the manufacturer will respect the warranty if you clean your luggage improperly and it becomes damaged as a result.
- Empty your bag of everything within, including any sections with zippers or snaps, and throw away ANYTHING that is damaged or past its expiration date.
- Remove the bottom panel from your bag if it has one, then flip it inside-out to shake out any extra dirt that may be hiding in the seams or corners.
- To remove any lint, errant crumbs, etc. from the interior, vacuum it or wipe it off with a damp cloth or baby wipe.
- Put a tiny, opened box of baking soda inside the bag, if you have the time, and leave it there overnight. Your bag will once again smell fresh and new because to the baking soda’s ability to absorb and eliminate scents. (If your bag smells very bad, it might be more effective to sprinkle baking soda inside the bag, in the pockets, and in the compartments. Shake out the bag and vacuum any remaining powder after letting it sit for the night.
- Remove the box and place the bag back inside out after the baking soda has finished its work. Reshape your bag by shaking it.
- To disinfect, softly mist the interior with white vinegar, then let it air dry. When the bag is dry, the vinegar odor will have vanished (about 5 minutes.)
- change out the bottom panel.
- Restock with necessities, checking that everything is current, sealed properly, and functionally sound.
That was simple. And that ought to have just taken ten or fifteen minutes of your time. But there will be times when you have to work with your bag directly. dirty diapers, spilled sippy cups, and forgotten burping rags The list could go on forever. All of us have been there. When our infant is ill, when we’re pressed for time, or when we’re having one of those days where we seem to forget everything, our best intentions are put on the back burner. That’s OK. Life takes place. Here’s a cleaning guide.
Diaper Bag CleaningAdvanced
You must first ascertain the type of material your bag is constructed of. Each choice has benefits and drawbacks, but with a little more work, they can all be cleaned effectively.
Cleaning Cloth, Plastic, or Vinyl Bags
If your bag is made of cloth, you can probably wash it in warm water with mild soap. However, some cloth bags aren’t color safe, so it’s a good idea to test a tiny area first to make sure it will withstand your cleaning agents. then adhere to the instructions below.
- Apply the first three guidelines from Diaper Bag Cleaning 101.
- Find any stains (interior and exterior.) Start by scraping out the dried, hardened crumbs from crusty food stains with your knife. Don’t scratch or dig too deeply. Instead of gouging or scratching the surface, you only want to flake off the crumbs.
- Apply some warm water-dampened cloth to the remaining stain.
- If the stain persists after being treated with warm water, dab a damp rag with a drop of mild soap (dishwasher liquid or whatever you use to wash your baby’s clothes) and gently wipe the spot in a circular motion.
- To get rid of the soap, dab the soapy area with a clean cloth dipped in warm water.
- Dry off the area or regions.
- Baking soda should be used if the stain is STILL present after the fabric has completely dried. (To save time, you can omit the step using mild soap and water if you think the stain will be particularly difficult to remove; nevertheless, in my experience, most stains can be removed using simply this method.)
- Just enough water should be added to a tiny amount of baking soda to create a thick paste.
- With a rag or an old toothbrush, carefully apply the paste onto the stain and allow it to sit for 510 minutes.
- Take your knife and carefully scrape away the paste once it starts to dry.
- Rub the leftover paste carefully in a circular motion with your rag and warm water to remove it.
- Dry the bag out.
- If the stain still won’t go away after the baking soda treatment, you may need to use Magic Eraser or your go-to stain remover. Don’t forget to spot test the cloth first to make sure it can withstand the remover’s agents before following the instructions on your remover.
- After cleaning your bag, softly mist the interior with white vinegar to disinfect it, then let it air dry. When the bag is dry, the vinegar odor will have vanished (about 5 minutes.)
Some bags advertise their machine-washability. Although it may seem fantastic, I don’t always feel at ease washing bags in the machine. Not every machine functions in the same way. Different people are gentler than others. If in doubt, wash your bag by hand using either the spot-cleaning technique described above or by soaking it for 10 to 15 minutes in a large bucket or sink to remove any dirt and stains. The bag should then be reshaped, shaken out, and hung to dry. Try hanging your purse outside in the sun if the fabric is fade-resistant. Additionally to disinfecting naturally, sunlight will leave your luggage smelling great!
Cleaning Leather Bags
Although leather bags offer advantages, they do require special maintenance. It’s crucial that you adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations if your leather bag requires intensive cleaning. Always clean a test area to ensure that the cleaning solutions won’t harm the bag, and then proceed with caution. Having said that, taking care of your leather purse shouldn’t cause you to be alarmed. You did purchase a leather bag because of its longevity, after all. Right. So let’s get going.
- Place the open box of baking soda inside the bag and let it work its magic overnight if the interior smells musty or soiled.
- Remove the box and start working on the exterior of the bag after the baking soda has absorbed and neutralized any scents.
- If you want to clean the bag, lightly rub the inside surfaces with a cloth dampened with white vinegar, being careful not to get any vinegar on the outer leather that can be seen.
- Find any stains on the bag’s outside and treat them in accordance with the directions on your leather cleaner. Be gentle and take your time.
- It’s time to condition the leather after you’ve washed it. To keep the leather hydrated and stop cracks and splits, do this at least twice a year.
- After conditioning the bag, give it a quick wipe with a soft cloth or chamois to polish it and restore its brand-new appearance.
A Word on Mold
You DO NOT want to interact with mold. It could be necessary to have the bag professionally cleaned if you discover mold within or if there is a noticeably unpleasant stench. Mold should be removed from your luggage because it could be quite hazardous. Your infant and all of his supplies need to be kept away from anything that awful. Bring your suspected moldy bag to a professional cleaner so they may inspect it.
The Final Touch
It’s time to reorganize your diaper bag’s contents in whatever way feels the most organized to you, now that it smells nice and fresh (or at least doesn’t smell like old juice and wet diapers) and smells like flowers. Then, pause for a moment to acknowledge your accomplishments. (It won’t be that way for too long!) And keep in mind that spending a few minutes every few weeks or so cleaning up can spare you a lot of frustration in the long run. If you respect your bag, it will serve you well for many years to come.