New Vera Bradley tote bag was designed by Gulfport woman to promote unity
A tote bag available for purchase from Vera Bradley is the product of a Gulfport woman’s dream about promoting inclusion and unity in her community.
The limited-edition “Unity Tote” was designed by Victoria Williams, who works as a Vera Bradley store associate at Gulfport Premium Outlets.
Vera Bradley made the bag available this month as part of its effort to promote diversity and unity during Black History Month.
Williams designed the bag this past summer as protests broke out across the nation in support of racial justice after the police killing of George Floyd.
“I wanted the pattern to spark a conversation,” Williams said in a press release from Vera Bradley. “I wanted people to know that Vera Bradley is for everyone.”
Vera Bradley leadership gave the thumbs up on Williams’ idea and the pattern “Unity Tie-Dye” was designed.
“Vera Bradley is committed to promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion for our associates, customers and communities, so when Victoria shared her idea to create a special tote symbolizing that commitment, it was an easy and enthusiastic ‘yes!,’” Rob Wallstrom, Vera Bradley chief executive officer, said in a statement.
Williams, who admits to being a touch camera shy, recently had her photo taken with her tote bag design by Lisa Tilley of Tilley Photography in Pass Christian.
Williams asked Tilley to take her photo and the two agreed on her outfits ahead of the shoot. Williams was a bit shy at first, she said in a Facebook post.
She said Tilley “moved me right into my first pose … as the camera flashed the more I relaxed. She even taught me mow to stop squinting my eyes so much when I smile.”
Williams called Tilley “an amazing photographer and amazing person” in the post.
The Small Unity Tote Bag is available for $90 at VeraBradley.com.
This story was originally published February 18, 2021 at 4:27 PM.
