Candid Keepers {#350}

I knew it immediately.  She was the kind of girl that could shine in a pair of sweatpants and sparkle in a ponytail.  Some girls just have it.  A tell tale sign is when your Skype appointment is just around the corner and you’re comfortable JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!  Well, with the exception of swiping off the messy counters behind you, right Arrington?  It’s okay, we both did it.

This is how I see Arrington Baysden Howard.  Trunk Keeper extraordinaire #350.

Q:  So first off, tell me your name and where you are from.

A:  Arrington Baysden Howard and I grew up in a small town called Rocky Mount.  About an hour from Raleigh, it was just your typical small town.  My sister has lived in New York for 2 years and she will frequently make fun of my “accent.”  I get made fun of all the time!  I don’t really hear it myself, but when I listen to other people around me it’s pretty clear that I’ve got one.

Q: What kind of a child were you?  How would you describe yourself?

A:  Probably much like my daughter.  Very set in my ways.  I knew what I wanted, and I wanted it NOW.  I don’t want to say demanding (laughing), but I think I was challenging.

Q:  So, you have siblings?

A:  Yep, I have one sister who is 5 years younger than me and we fought until we got to college.  Now she is definitely one of my best friends.  I was an active child involved in everything!  Then she comes along and is the antithesis of me.  I’m the girly cheerleader and she’s the tomboy.  We like to call ourselves the “functional-dysfunctional family.”  (lots of laughing)  We are VERY close now.

Q: Are you still that same girl or has your personality changed?

A:  Hmmm, I am still that same girl to the effect that I am stubborn.  Such as, I won’t sleep outside or go camping.  I prefer indoor plumbing!!  Plus, I still have that “open mouth, insert foot” problem.  I might say something I’m totally embarrassed about, but I OWN IT!

Q:  How many children do you have and what are their names?

A:  One daughter, 4 years old named Baysden.  I wanted to start her off with a unique name that was only hers so we gave her my maiden name.

Q:  If you could leave her with one piece of wisdom, what would that be?

A:  Definitely to just be kind.  Have a big heart and be kind to other people.

Q:  Tell us how you met your husband.

A: Ooooh, I moved to Raleigh after graduation for a job.  I’d been here for about 6 months when I went out with some girlfriends to a bar.  We had literally JUST walked into the bar when he immediately walked up to me and asked if I wanted to dance.  All I could think was, “this guy is gorgeous”, but I’m out with my girlfriends and I haven’t even gotten a drink yet.  So, I told him to come find me later, and the second I hit the dance floor there he was again.  The rest is history.  (laughing) We’ve been married for 8 years now.

Q:  What did you do before Matilda Jane?

A:  Before I had a baby, I was in interior design and a showroom manager for a high-end furniture company.  It’s funny because my husband and I were talking about what I was going to start doing and I told him, “honey, it’s going to have to be the perfect job and it’s going to have to fall in my lap.”  And that’s what it did.  Literally, I think I may have a little ESP going on.  I might think something or say something and it happens.  Very strange, but it happens.  (laughing)

So, when I found out they (MJ) were hiring I didn’t even have to think about it.  I mean, I’ve always loved the clothes and always thought my first attempt at working again should be something flexible and something fun and something social.  These are 3 things I like to incorporate into my life:  flexibility, fun and socialization.  I’m really excited about everything falling into place.  I’ve been to trunk shows and hosted trunk shows and it’s always a good time seeing beautiful things and buying beautiful things.

Q:  What do you think you’ll love most about working for MJ?

A:  Hmmm, aside from getting a discount on the clothes???  (both of us laughing)  I would definitely have to say meeting new people and learning about their lives.  I’m excited to get to know my customers better and build relationships.

Q:  What is your favorite piece of Matilda Jane Clothing?

A: I would have to say the Knot Dresses.  They are always so unique and beautiful and they photograph well.

Q:  Favorite meal.

 A:  Sushi!!

Q:  Any bad habits?

A:  Ugh, I bite my nails!  And I can’t live without coffee.  I don’t want to even talk to anybody until I’ve had my coffee.  It’s not that I’m not nice in the morning.  I mean, I’m a morning person and all, it just helps me breathe.  (laughing)

Q:  So, if you could wear one piece of clothing EVERY day and not have people point and laugh, what would that be?

A:  “Spandex.”  They are just so comfortable!!  (lots of laughter)

 

Let’s just leave it at that.  I love a girl who can wear spandex every day and actually admit that it’s her favorite article of clothing.   That’s my kind of girl!

So, for all you Raleigh customers, Miss Arrington is a breathe of fresh air who will most likely knock your socks off with her customer service and golden personality.

Let’s welcome her to the family!