Member Interview and Giveaway: Peppermint and Cocoa

Shop: Peppermint and Cocoa www.etsy.com/shop/peppermintandcocoa

Name: Lori Janis

Site: pinterest.com/peppermintncoco

VKC: Tell us a bit about yourself and your shop.

Lori: I'm that girl, were it possible to have blue birds (gracefully) fly about you as you went on your daily routine, I would. I have a  dashing husband (Joel), an incredibly supportive family, and a faithful cat, Pemberley. My shop is called Peppermint and Cocoa and I actually stumbled upon collecting vintage childrens clothes one day thrifting with my now husband, then (very new) boyfriend. I found two amazing little girls outfits and just had to have them. I remember saying aloud I would save them for my one day daughter. Looking back now, probably in the Top Ten things not to do or say when with a new boyfriend! Thankfully though it didn't scare him away! I slowly began collecting a rolling rack full of adorable, hip vintage clothes for kiddos. I then needed an outlet to share them and thanks to etsy I now have Peppermint and Cocoa.

VKC: Why are you drawn to vintage?

Lori: My personal style has always drawn from characters such as Ann Marie from That Girl and Mary Richards from The Mary Tyler Moore Show. My mom introduced me to those iconic shows way back and I'm forever grateful. I also have three dresses from my late Grandmother (Ella Mae) which she wore in the early 40's and 50's. There's something whimsical about wearing an article of clothing that was once worn, way before you came along.  I like knowing a person has zipped the zipper or tied the bow and they too had dreams, failures, favorites etc.  You get to continue a story, by writing a new chapter.

VKC: Where do you find your treasures?

Lori: Long forgotten chests, magical wardrobes and Chloe's Closet.


VKC: What is your process when creating/working?

Lori: I usually set out for the day with a made up child in mind, for instance I've always drawn creatively from the TV show Pushing Daisies, so I might think if Ned and Chuck had a little girl what would she wear?

VKC: What do you do when you are not creating/working?

Lori: I'm a full time nanny as well as an inspiring childrens book writer, when I'm not doing any of the above I love to collect vintage Pyrex, like I actually dream of mixing bowls. My husband and I have also started a little venture of restoring old furniture and reselling it. We love to sand, paint and bring to life older mid century modern pieces while listening to Carole King and Bob Dylan on vinyl.

 

VKC: What is your favorite item in your shop or that you have sold and why?

Lori: That is so hard! I sincerely love all the items but if I had to choose I would say my quilted pattern jumpsuit with lace trim is a must have. That was found when putting together a closet for the "child" of  Rhoda (Valerie Harpers spin off from The Mary Tyler Moore Show) and Joe Gerard.

 

VKC: What giveaway or discount would you like to offer our readers?

Lori: I would like to give a $15 credit + free shipping to one special winner.
As well as offer 20% off  one item to new and old customers. Starting now until May 27th (my 29th Birthday)
Coupon Code MINT20 (please use only for one item). 

Thanks so much, Lori!

If you'd like to enter to win a coupon code from Peppermint and Cocoa, please leave a comment below.

There are a few other ways to enter - please leave a separate comment for each.

1. Favorite Peppermint and Cocoa on etsy!

2. Follow Peppermint and Cocoa's pinterest boards! 

This giveaway will be open until Monday, May 28, and a winner will be selected randomly. Good luck!