September 3 2013

Modern Mom {Natalie Volk}

I love living in a small world. It’s this small world that allows me an afternoon of real time with the talent behind one of my favorite handbag companies. The backstory: about year ago, I worked with Brahmin on a project, and easily fell in love with their product, and the people behind it. Natalie, a designer for Brahmin has such an off-beat, on-point fashion sense, we just had to feature her here. Her wit and charm? Just as endearing. 

Meet Natalie Volk.

Typical day for you? I work part time, so my days vary, but a typical work day begins with a 4:45 am wake-up (coffee is an absolute must!), getting my kids school things prepared, NPR in the car, a busy work day at Brahmin, pick up kids, dinner, homework, play, then crash!

Share with us a bit about your work? I have been a designer for Brahmin, a Fairhaven, MA based handbag company for about six years. I do a little bit of everything from designing handbags and small leather goods to developing custom leathers. Growing up, my Mom was an illustrator and my Dad was an automotive designer, so I was very fortunate to realize from an early age that you can actually make a living in a creative field.

I have my degree in apparel design from the Fashion Institute of Technology and designed for several companies in New York before moving to New England about 12 years ago. After a brief period attending MassArt for graphic design, I realized that fashion was truly in my blood. I transitioned into accessory design and have never looked back. I love designing handbags, as I feel it is something every woman can wear, regardless of age or body type. Handbags are a great way to freshen up your look or try out a new trend without having to invest in a whole new outfit. I feel very proud to be working for Brahmin, as we are somewhat unique in that we have a local manufacturing facility. 

I like to cook when I have the time, and enjoy reading lots of silly fantasy fiction and anything that has to do with the decadence of European royalty during the Renaissance. I love art history and I am an NPR and PBS junkie.

My boys are pretty close in age, which makes them naturally quite competitive. There are definitely those moments when I want to tear my hair out because of their constant bickering, but there are an equal amount of times when they are declaring each other their best friend and coming up with all sorts of silly games. I think my favorite moments are being able to just eaves drop on their play time together. It just amazes me to see their imaginations at work.

Three words that describe your family? Passionate, active, and playful.

My style is pretty eclectic, but it usually involves some kind of reckless color and pattern cacophony with a slightly ethnic vibe. I can’t live without my Frye cowboy boots.

Your style icon? I first became aware of fashion in the 80’s, by trying to mimic Denise Huxtable from the Cosby Show. This later evolved into an obsession with Deborah Harry and 80’s New Wave style in my 20’s. You can’t get much more fabulous than Iris Apfel- talk about using fashion as a form of play.

Happy mom moment? I am never happier than when I am playing at the beach or having an impromptu dance party with the boys.

Dedicated you time? I couldn’t function without yoga – it’s what keeps me sane and gives me the stamina I need as a busy Mom. I feel like I am always in the fast lane, so I really try to put on the breaks and steal a little “me” time every week. I discovered the hard way that you need to recharge your own batteries first so you can care for the rest of the family.

What you’re listening to right now? I could never get sick of Prince, but I also love Phoenix, Vampire Weekend, and Of Monsters and Men. I have a decent length commute, so singing in the car is essential.

Three things in the bottom of your Brahmin? Helios Pure Relief spray which smells amazing (and is made in Rhode Island!), my Retrosuperfuture sunglasses that make me feel slightly cooler when I am wearing them, a couple of matchbox cars and Lego people.

We’d find you where on date night? Our last date was at Launch, a trampoline park in Warwick, and the roller skating rink is next on our list.

images by K. Laine Imagery and Design

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