Behind the Bag: The OG Around the Way Girl

April 2025 still felt like winter in New Hampshire. The kind of in-between season where nothing in New England looks new, the wind was still testing my seasonal depression meds and I needed to keep myself entertained or else I was going to go insane...enter a new craft project!

I came across a blog post on Pinterest, one of those late night scroll stopping moments where something just clicked. Not a business plan- just a feeling. 

Soon after, I hunted down a vintage red and navy rugby stripe LL Bean mini Boat and Tote on a resell site. It was already broken in, well loved and embroidered with CH...Champagne Hippie, a moniker I had given myself years before. That detail alone made it feel meant to be. 

There were no rules to follow just a blank canvas to express my eclectic side. I started layering inspiring and funny patches, building a one-of-a-kind bag that felt personal, expressive and wearable for my every day life as a mom and Pilates instructor. 

Every patch carried my energy- humor, confidence, protection and nostalgia. This wasn't about perfection, it was about creating something that felt collected, lived-in and unmistakably mine. 

This bag became my every day carry and it reminded me of my favorite LL Cool J songs, Around the Way Girl because this bag isn't about trying too hard or following trends. Its about confidence, individuality and having your own lane. It became the blueprint for every custom bag that came after it. Mix meaning with play, let your personality lead and have fun!