withlovebunny

My name is Nikky, and yes it is spelled this way. I'm the one-woman show behind With Love, Bunny.

After graduating from college in 2004 with a B.F. A. in Fashion Design, I moved from Chicago, IL to Kalamazoo, MI. I was lovesick, broke, and daydreaming, and I had just moved in with my (then just boyfriend--now husband, Josh). He was still in college, and I was at home a lot (my job was on weekends) and I quickly got antsy for pulling my sewing machine back out. I made a purse out of vintage fabric from my Grandma. I hand stitched on sequin chains to spell out "Fair Isle" (just because I liked the sound of it) in retro cursive across the front. The complete project took about an hour. I had made bags in college but this time I had a different vision.

When I showed it to Josh and he said, "Why don't you start making and selling those purses while I'm still in college, and by the time I'm done you'll have a whole collection to start a shop?" I knew I had found something. By 2006, the wheels were in motion....but very slowly....

I thought about my business name or label, if you will. I asked my closest friends. In college, I had a friend say that I was like a little white bunny. I was blonde, had fair skin, and big front teeth with a gap. I used to raise Himalayan rabbits as a teen, so my love for them was very strong. From "conejita blanca" to "Bunny" it became. And when I created something, it was like I was giving away a piece of my heart.

I sewed in secret--from family--from friends--it was like I was putting my diary out open on the table--for anyone to see. If someone didn't like what I designed, I would be devastated. So I would carry my own bags around, or send them to Chicago for my best friend Lindsay to use. I eventually made business cards and whenever I received a compliment, I handed some out.

By 2007, I had made my first sales shortly before leaving Kalamazoo to tiny little Cadillac, MI after my husband accepted a job offer. Thank God that internet-shopping exists.

My grandma was a small-business entrepreneur, tailoring and altering anything people brought her. She and I were very close and enjoyed many of the same things. She was a great inspiration to me growing up. She provided me with all the vintage fabric and notions you could imagine.

Between her enthusiasm, Josh's support, and my education--I created, With Love, Bunny--a collection of silly designs + rockin' accessories + bunnytastic bags! Not for the shy, these are statement pieces that will get you noticed and make you happy.

Take a piece of my heart with you
...To You from Me...With Love, Bunny