New Kid on the Block

New Kid on the Block

March 28, 2022

Rewind 7 months and you’ll see me; in a preschool classroom, surrounded by 24 energetic four year olds, trying to figure out what my next step would be. Little did I know, I was about to start one of the most engaging and rewarding jobs I’ve experienced so far.

Growing up, Vignette, or as it was once known Hopscotch Designs or Magpie & Mabel, was always a huge part of our lives. My mom, Michele, and Jenn started the company when I was just five years old, selling the clothes on weekends at the farmers market. Once the company got a little bigger, all of us kids became the original Hopscotch models, taking photos in the backyard or wearing our “Peace, Love, Never Take a Bath” printed tees around school. Even with all this joy in mind, I never thought I would want to work for the family business, in fact I was adamantly against it. Beyond the good times, I got to experience our moms grueling work hours and the general hardships of owning your own business...

Fast forward to about eight months ago. While I saw how hard owning your own business could be, I was also now able to see how incredibly happy it made Michele and Jenn. The company was their 5th baby, and they were so proud of what it had become. After graduating college, I had done some work for the company off and on, and even got to travel with them during market season, selling clothes around the US and really getting a glimpse into what life was like working for Vignette... and I loved it.

Which brings us to today. I’m now just about to hit seven months on the job and have loved every minute of it! I’ve got to meet so many new and incredible people, from our lovely customers and reps, to the incredible families who are gracious enough to come out and model our clothing for us. However, the best part has been being able to work with my mom and the other lovely team members who I am lucky enough to be able to consider my family.

Michele, Jenn, and Mark (their partner in Poppet & Fox and Ettie + H) have shown me how with some hard work, clever ideas, and lots of love your dreams and passions can in fact become a reality. I can’t wait to see what the next 6 months will bring for not only the businesses, but also for my own journey as an employee. 

So, if I could go back and tell my 5 year old self one thing... I’d have to tell her that it turns out working for your mom is honestly pretty great.

-Madigan