About Us - Made in the USA!!

Q: How and when did boodlebags get started? There were two of you at first, right?
A: Yes – a friend and I started the business in early 2008. She wanted to get my opinion on some tote bags she had made. Oh, such great color combinations and funny little characters appliquéd on – I was smitten! I pestered her about making the bags to sell and starting a business, finally asking if she’d let me play, too! We had a great first year, but it was really demanding. My partner left the business in June 2009.

Q: Where did the name come from?
A: The word “boodle” is turn-of-the-century English slang for bribe money, or ill-gotten gains, but is also used for valued belongings or “goodies.” “Boodlebags” seemed fitting, it’s catchy, and it wasn’t already taken. Besides, it’s fun to say!

Q: What’s special about Boodlebags?
A: I love to carry a cute, colorful bag – style should make you smile! But I’ve ditched plenty of cute bags because they were badly made or poorly designed. As a mom, I know what features are important in a diaper bag or changing kit. I really put a lot of thought into the designs! And I test them out myself to be sure that what seemed good in theory works well in reality. Also special, and very unusual these days - MADE IN THE USA! But what's really special is our mission statement: "Make Good/Do Good."

Q: "Make Good/Do Good" - what does that mean?
A: What that means to me is first to create excellent, affordable products and be as green as I can in that process. Pattern pieces are cut by hand and the scrap is utilized whenever possible, reducing waste. I make my bags to be durable, keeping them out of landfill. I use the best materials with the lowest environmental impact that I can afford. I source my materials domestically to keep my carbon footprint lower.

Secondly, my goal is to create local jobs. This is harder than it sounds. I’ve actually been laughed at because I refuse to outsource my labor overseas! My bags are made in the USA - right here in Snohomish, WA (north of Seattle). I employ a few helpers; some work in-studio, and some in their homes. This provides flexible work opportunities in my community. I also source as many of my materials as I can from American manufacturers. At this time, my raw materials are on average 80% American-made, from cotton crop to final finishing! Not all materials are available from domestic manufacturers, but I'm always looking.

Finally, I want to help others. I donate a number of bags each year to charitable organizations which support new mothers. In addition, I want to provide my customers an opportunity to do the same! Again, this is a local effort. So much attention has been given to overseas charities (and well-deserved), but here at home we have new mothers who are in dire need, too. My donation program, which is a work-in-progress, allows customers to purchase diaper bags or changing kits at a discount, which will then be shipped for free to the charitable organization of their choice. Customers would receive a donation receipt for tax purposes. Of course, I have to verify the legitimacy of each new request, but in the end I hope to have a nation-wide network of charities that my customers can choose from.