Thoroughly Mod[ern] Mama:
An Interview with Deanna Campbell
My new galpal Deanna Campbell is a self-professed workaholic and mom of two gorgeous daughters, Courtney and Peyton. She’s married to an amazingly (she says oddly!) tall 6' 8" guy named Eric -- whom she admits comes in very handy when people can't reach things at the supermarket. With a background in design and marketing, Deanna conceptualized MyRetroBaby.com four and a half years ago when her youngest daughter, Peyton was a mere 6 months old. With all four of our tots soundly asleep, I had great fun chatting with her about her online shop and her ideas on what ‘retro’ is all about. |
 What do you think has caused the tremendous popularity of all things “retro” right now?
'Retro' style spans many decades from the 1940's vintage to 1980's old school and everything in between and beyond. It really has no definitive historical accuracy. Our view of retro is of days gone by, a simpler time. In our fast-paced, always-connected world, we long for those days. By surrounding ourselves with products with retro influence, we feel nostalgic; it calms us. We are able to share the past with our children. It's a way for us to connect with them through retro culture.
Who are some of the brands that are knocking it out of the ball park in creating new pieces with a “retro” feel?
Burgundy Blue designer Suzie Gardner is always coming out with super fun products with a retro feel. I think she designs in her sleep! Her 1950's retro dairy ad burp cloth set and vintage babysitter boards are fabulous. Dolce Mia is another great company that captures retro vintage style in their products of growth charts, party invitations and more. They have a wonderful retro space kids’ line that our customers love! I also love Havins Originals with their southern California vintage rock and roll style.
 What are your personal favorite items to give (for instance at a baby shower) and why?
I love to give theme-based gifts. Since sock monkeys are one of my favorite retro items, I think all babies should have one! A great gift for both boys and girls is a sock monkey with a sock monkey blanket, sock monkey slippers, bib, and snapsuit. We have a theme gallery which really helps to put together creative theme gifts. Some of our popular baby themes are cowboy, aviator, ballerina, and rock star.
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