Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your business. I’m Vonnie Chan a wife to an amazingly supportive husband who will put up with bins full of stuff spread all over to the house. Mother to a six-year old boy who cannot get enough Star Wars and his three year old sister who has willingly agreed to be Ashoka, his paduan while battling droids.

Chicks & Frogs was launched to celebrate the joy and humor of raising kids. Our line is created for haute little chicks and future princes.

How did you first get involved with crafting? I’m a gatherer who revels in creating new things out of found objects. For a long time I made cards. I collected bits and pieces of interesting objects, buttons from old sweaters, old Chinese coins from my parents village, corrugated cardboard, ribbons, stamps, then I made personalized cards to give to friends and families. After having kids, my passions turned to sewing. Since then I have been lovingly creating clothing for the people I love.

What are your favorite materials to work with? Colorful fabrics that celebrate the rich heritage and diversity of our community.

Do you have a favorite color palette? In the spring it’s always bright, bold, and whimsical fabrics which give me a sense of renewal.

What are your inspirations in your art and in life? Our connectedness either via technology, food, culture, and lifestyle is what inspires our product creations. We are really just trying to get through the parenting years by laughing everyday at ourselves (and of course our kids)-not in a mean way.

What is your favorite song or album to listen to while working? Anything by IZ. His voice and music just make me smile. I also listen to a lot of NPR. Wait Wait don’t tell me is always a favorite.

Who are some of your favorite indie artist/crafters and why do you love them? Nan Eastep of B.Spoke Tailor. I love her line of biking clothes that can go from bike to boardroom. Okay maybe not boardroom but definitely office. Her raincoat is gorgeous, comfy, and simply amazing!

Cherry Chaicharn of August Table. She makes this great line of plates and tableware. Subtle drawings of cities like San Francisco, Bangkok, and Hong Kong. Her plates let me dream of faraway places while I eating fruit tart from my crammed kitchen table.

Any exciting future plans or developments in the works for your business? Creating a line of clothing for girls inspired by repurposed kimono dresses and other fabrics.

Please check out my website at

www.chicksandfrogs.com