Meet Monica Botkier

PB: How do you determine your future colors?

Monica: Colors are tough. Right now we look at some of the forecasting information. We go to the leather shows in Italy to see what they are coming up with. It is really a gut thing. With bags you can’t do bags in all these fantastic colors because people don’t buy them, so we have to edit them down. Based on my mood and inspiration for the season we pull all these palettes together.

PB: What is your typical night out?

Monica: Well I am a mom, so this might be a boring answer. I have a 3 year old who has a lot to say and loves shoes and handbags! She goes in my closet and tries on my shoes and handbags.

PB: That is what we were going to ask, if she loved shoes and handbags!

Monica: She totally does. But about 5 months ago I did go out one night and stayed out until 4 or 5 am, and it was amazing!! Every 5 months I love to do this, but other than that I just go out to dinner typically.

PB: Where is your favorite place to eat in New York?

Monica: Well my husband just opened a restaurant. So I am going to that very often. It is called Spur Tree; it is really nice Jamaican food. He is Jamaican. It is light but stick to your rib good. Great drinks, it is really fun!

PB: You mentioned that you traveled a lot when you were younger. What was your favorite trip so far?

Monica: I would say Cambodia. I visited Cambodia in 1997. I actually did a whole South East Asia tour. I started in Hong Kong and then I flew down to Malaysia, then to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and then Thailand. That region really impressed me incredibly.

PB: Is New York the place that you want to settle?

Monica: I am a born and bred New Yorker. I really love this city. Sometimes I think I would love a country back porch lifestyle, but I think I would go crazy. Or maybe Jamaica!

PB: Do you drink Starbucks?

Monica: I actually drink coffee from Le Pan. The caffeine from Starbucks makes me so jittery!

PB: We are really glad this could work out. We have wanted to meet you for a while!

Monica: We do pay attention and love to hear what our customers have to say, so thank you too!