The VPD Dream Team

The saying goes, “It takes a village,” and this rings true when it comes to Vintage Page Designs and the Handmade Book Club. As my businesses have grown, so has the need to have a team of people to help me.

Four years ago, I brought on Mikki. Two years ago, I hired Allie and Amber. Last year, Abby came on board. And of course, my husband, Andy, who has been with me all along the way. We jokingly call ourselves the “A Team + Mikki,” but truly, they’re the VPD Dream Team. I thought it would be fun to dedicate a post to getting to know them a bit better, because I couldn’t do what I do without this crew.

I asked each member of the team to provide a short bio, then peppered them with questions to learn a few fun facts. I hope you enjoy learning about them!

Mikki Soliday – Executive Support Specialist

Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you live (with whom), etc., and what you do at VPD.

I’ve lived on all the coasts! I grew up on the East coast. Raised our family on the West coast
and now live on the Gulf coast. Home is in Fairhope, Alabama, with my husband of 25 years, Mike. Our grown twins are not far away… Our son is in New Orleans, and our daughter is down the street.

I’ve been with the Handmade Book Club almost since the beginning and have done many different things over the years. I am now part of an amazing team and am currently responsible for our Friday events and guest artists, the Inspiration Galleries, the Club and Team calendars, and mostly, keeping track of Ali and Ali on track!

What’s your favorite way to spend the weekend?

Making books, of course! I also love collage and photography and wouldn’t say no to just about anything mixed-media! I love trying new restaurants (or eating at old favorites), thrifting and antiquing,
theater, open houses and spending time with my family. The order changes!

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I have seen 389 live shows and have the Playbills from all of them in big, fat binders.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Grown up.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

Singing. But I’d have to be able to belt!

What’s a cause/organization that’s close to your heart?

There are so many causes and issues that pull at my heartstrings, but I suppose the ones that pull hardest are Human Rights, Hunger & Housing & Arts & Culture.

If you’re dancing alone in your kitchen, what song are you listening to?

Show tunes. For sure!

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Sold all of our stuff, bought an RV, left California, and after we dropped our kids off at college, hit the road with no idea where we were going to land.

If you won a free trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

On a spectacular art or culinary retreat. Almost anywhere.

You’re in a time machine. What time period are you going to, and why?

I don’t think I’d want the time machine to send me back; I’d want it to send me forward. I would love to know what 100 or 200 years from now looks like. I think!

Name one item on your bucket list.

No bucket list.

Allie Stewart – Chief Operating Officer

Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you live (with whom), etc., and what you love about your role at VPD.

I’m a puzzle junkie and taco connoisseur. I live in Oregon with my husband (Michael) and 5 year old daughter (Rey). When I’m not playing with my daughter or helping keep VPD’s operations on track, you might find me doing a puzzle, making something crafty, listening to a musical soundtrack, planning our next trip to Disneyland, or reading a good book in my hammock.

I love that I get to be behind the scenes, helping things run smoothly. Creativity is an integral part of my life, and it means so much to me that my job helps other people bring creativity in their lives. But the best part of working at VPD are all the wonderful club members I get to interact with and the team that I am lucky enough to work with each day.

What’s your favorite way to spend the weekend?

My perfect weekend day starts with a Matcha latte, and then some sort of adventure with my 5 year old daughter, Rey. After we get home, a nap for myself, family time, and some creative alone time after Rey goes to bed.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Those who have met me in person have always been surprised when I say I’m an introvert. I can come across bubbly, but I need to be alone to recharge — an extroverted introvert.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

I LOVE to sing, but I have zero talent or skill for it. I would love to be able to sing in a way that wouldn’t make others cringe.

What’s a cause/organization that’s close to your heart?

Political and social activism are both very important to me and there are many causes I support and seek to educate myself on.

To name just one, as an adoptive parent, I have become passionate about education around the adoption industry (such as the importance of ethical adoptions, positive adoption language, and honoring birth families, etc.)

If you’re dancing alone in your kitchen, what song are you listening to?

Musical soundtracks or Disney songs.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Zip-lining in Hawaii

If you won a free trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

France.

You’re in a time machine. What time period are you going to, and why?

I prefer the comforts of modern day and I have no desire to get a peek into the future. If I had to choose, I would go back and experience big moments in the arts (concerts, plays, etc).

Name one item on your bucket list.

Visit all the Disney parks. 🙂

Amber Weaver – Marketing Manager

Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you live (with whom), etc., and what you love about your role at VPD.

I live in a rural part of Pennsylvania with my husband of 19 years, Jim, our sons Lincoln (17) and Landen (15), our adorable dog, Dexter, and our feisty cat, Khyber.

Writing and creativity have been lifelong passions of mine, so I love that I get to incorporate both into my role as Marketing Manager at VPD. I help with social media, newsletters, Pinterest, and the blog. The highlight is this community and the most amazing co-workers.

What’s your favorite way to spend the weekend?

Somewhere on vacation with family or friends. Or better yet, family AND friends.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I was an elected official! I served four years on our district’s school board, as well as the county’s career & technology center’s Joint Operating Committee.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Thanks to the movie Space Camp, I wanted to work at the Mission Control Center for NASA.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

To speak the language of every country I visit.

What’s a cause/organization that’s close to your heart?

Education, and equity in schools.

If you’re dancing alone in your kitchen, what song are you listening to?

Superstition by Stevie Wonder.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Have children.

If you won a free trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

For culture: Greece. For rest & relaxation: Maldives.

You’re in a time machine. What time period are you going to, and why?

I’d like to take a peek at the 1920’s to see my great-grandma in her twenties. We’d don fabulous flapper dresses and visit a jazz club.

Name one item on your bucket list.

Catch a concert at Red Rocks.

Abby French – Customer Support Specialist

Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you live (with whom), etc., and what you love about your role at VPD.

I live in Ohio with my firefighter husband, daughter (Ellie), two big dogs, and a cat named Noodles. You can usually find me listening to podcasts (true crime or pop culture) and audiobooks (historical fiction/chic lit) on full blast. I also enjoy long romantic walks…to the beauty aisle, themed parties, and sparkling fruity water drinks.

My main role on the VPD team involves talking to people. I help our members and customers, and if you know me, you know I love to talk and I love to help! Getting to know members and helping solve problems and answer questions is such a fulfilling job and my favorite part of what I do. Not only do I get to communicate with our amazing members every single day, I also get to work with some pretty stellar coworkers daily.

What’s your favorite way to spend the weekend?

Hanging with friends and family…  Reading, kayaking, watching movies, making smores around a bonfire, and grilling out.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I ran a marathon.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A fashion designer.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

Is singing beautifully a skill??  If not, then playing the guitar.

What’s a cause/organization that’s close to your heart?

Lifeline of Ohio (spreading awareness on the importance of being an organ donor).

If you’re dancing alone in your kitchen, what song are you listening to?

24K Magic by Bruno Mars or anything Taylor Swift.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Skied down a black diamond without falling (and hated every minute of it).

If you won a free trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Turks and Caicos or a fabulous European excursion.

You’re in a time machine. What time period are you going to, and why?

The 1950’s, and I am basing this entirely on makeup, hair, and clothes! The red lip, the winged eyeliner…the dresses, the super put-together style. What a time to be alive, lol!!!

Name one item on your bucket list.

A lovely trip to Prince Edward Island (hello Anne of Green Gables)

Andy Manning – Chief Financial Officer

(AKA our resident jokester)

Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you live (with whom), etc., and what you love about your role at VPD.

I’m originally from Swansea, Wales, but now living in Groton, MA, with my beautiful wife, Ali, and spectacular daughter, Hannah. Oh, and a whole menagerie of animals and fish. I love running, visiting new places with Ali, and I’m a crossword addict.

I do the financial tasks at VPD, so I typically take care of all the billing problems, payment changes, etc. I enjoy the job as it’s detail oriented, and the team that Ali has assembled at VPD is a group of talented, fun people to work with.

What’s your favorite way to spend the weekend?

Launching my daughter’s cat into the nearest pond with a trebuchet.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I enjoy launching my daughter’s cat into the nearest pond with a trebuchet.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A T-rex. I was 13 when Jurassic Park came out, but since I’ve been mentally stuck at 15 my entire adult life, I still consider it my childhood.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

Any and all cool martial arts (not judo, too slow).

What’s a cause/organization that’s close to your heart?

Ancient Order of Druids. Not all that interested in the religious aspect, but the clothes are fabulous.

If you’re dancing alone in your kitchen, what song are you listening to?

‘Monster Mash’ by Bobby “Boris” Pickett and ‘Hot to Go’ by Chappell Roan have equal time. Both bangers.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I can’t say for legal reasons, as the statute of limitations hasn’t run out yet.

If you won a free trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Anywhere which maintains a 3000 mile separation distance from my mother-in-law.

You’re in a time machine. What time period are you going to, and why?

To the moment in time immediately before the ecological disaster caused in 7, and not do the thing I’m not allowed to mention.

Name one item on your bucket list.

Not dying.

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As you’ve probably gathered, we not only work well together, we have a bunch of fun, too. Here’s one of my favorite photos from our team retreat this past May.

Comment below and let me know which response surprised you the most!

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