A Peek Into My Design Process
on April 03, 2025

A Peek Into My Design Process

I often get asked what goes into designing a Poppy Bag, so today I wanted to give you a little peek behind the curtain. Every single style starts the same way: with a problem I’m trying to solve in my own day-to-day life as a mom.

From there, it looks a little something like this…

  1. I start with a problem. Maybe it’s digging through a bag to find my keys or realizing I need something I can take to the beach and to preschool drop-off.

  2. Then I sketch. I draw it all out—pockets, straps, zippers, everything. I buy every similar product I can find and read all the reviews. What do people love? What’s not working? I test them myself, too.

  3. Next comes the tech pack. It turns my sketch into a document full of details—measurements, materials, stitching—all the info my manufacturer needs.

  4. Then materials. This part takes time. I think about how the bag will be used, how it needs to feel, and what kind of environmental impact it will have.

  5. I get samples and swatches. The first sample always teaches me a lot. I wear it, I test it, and I write down everything I want to tweak.

  6. Then we revise. I get a new version made, and repeat the process until it’s just right.

  7. I choose the colors. Based on fabric swatches and patterns I’m loving at the moment—think season, mood, vibe.

  8. We go into production. This is when it starts to feel real!

  9. I get the first finished bag. I photograph it (usually with my kids running around nearby), and get ready to share it with you.

  10. Then… we launch!

Every step is done with intention. With your real life in mind. With the hope that this bag is going to make your days just a little bit easier and a lot more beautiful.

Thanks for being here and following along with the process—it means the world.
I can’t wait to show you what’s coming next.

With love,
Sharee
Founder of The Poppy Brand