Happy International Women’s Day! We’re celebrating the amazing women who work at Loungefly and make the magic happen, from bringing your favorite designs to life to ensuring every accessory is as perfect as it can possibly be. They bring their passion for fandom into every piece of their work. 

Check out the interviews with these incredible women and hear about their passions, who inspires them, and what they hope for women in fandom:

Woman sitting on stairs outside holding a Mickey Mouse bat crossbody bag.

Monique Herrera, Designer


What do you do for Loungefly? 

At Loungefly, I’m on our design team. I get to collab with our creative, leadership, and product development (PD) teams on designing and drawing new, out-of-the-box unique bag concepts and collections. I get to draw bags for some of our favorite licenses!

Some of my favorite creations I have designed and worked on with the teams are: Stitch Shoppe Tinker Bell Lantern Crossbody, McDonald’s Happy Meal Backpack, Stitch Shoppe Alice in Wonderland Mushroom Crossbody, and our Stitch Shoppe Christmas Gingerbread House handbag. 

If you loved these as much as I do I can’t wait for you all to see what we have coming in the next year!!!



How do you think you bring a different perspective to your work as a woman?

I think as a woman of my generation, I contribute a lot of creativity from my childhood. I create with purpose and add tons of story-telling collections. I hope more than anything I inspire some of my coworkers daily to be unique and strive to be different.

 

Which women inspire you the most?

Women of all ages doing what they love for a living is soo inspiring to me!

I have to say creative, unique, goal-driven, and risk-taking women are amazing and I’m so happy to be able to not only work with these types of women but also to have friends and family around me that live by this!

 

Favorite fandom?

I really love the Disney fandom! It’s truly nostalgic and really is the reason why I wanted to work for this company. I collect a lot of our Mickey Mouse and Disney Loungefly bags. My closet is full! Mickey is my forever favorite guy.

 

What do you want the future of women in fandom spaces to look like?

I would love women in fandom spaces to keep growing and expanding in different categories!! Different styles of collectors, home décor, and more high-fashion, cool trendy girls mijas!

Women sitting wearing pink with a small deer on her lap.

Shea Zahedi, Associate Sourcing Manager – Softlines


What do you do for Loungefly?

I facilitate the production of our bags and soft goods through the factories.


How do you think you bring a different perspective to your work as a woman?

I’m a very nurturing team player and natural multi-tasker. My department is run by women, and I see the same qualities adding to their success as leaders. 

 

Which women inspire you the most? 

Women of color, especially Black women as they do most of the heavy lifting to make this world a better/safer place. In the face of systemic adversity, they continue to organize, educate us all and support the most vulnerable communities. 

 

Favorite fandom? 

I love Period dramas like Downton Abbey and Bridgerton. 

 

What do you want the future of women in fandom spaces to look like? 

The continued erosion of gendered stereotypes for fandoms will benefit all fans. Funko has done such a good job contributing to this with our product offerings and inclusive atmosphere.

Woman taking a selfie with winged eyeliner.

Heather Espinoza, Apparel Product Developer

What do you do for Loungefly?

I handle everything apparel for Loungefly & Stitch Shoppe – from making sure the Creative Team’s art is placed as intended on all apparel categories, developing new techniques for apparel, to making sure everything fits right for our full range of sizes offered and even the smallest details as making sure our hoodie Mickey Ears, actually look like Mickey Ears – and not to mention, look the absolute cutest standing upright when you’re wearing them.

I work closely with Liz, our SVP, to make sure everything is as perfect as it can be for our Loungefly customers. I also get to be a part of all apparel photoshoots and see our apparel come to life from start to finish. 


How do you think you bring a different perspective to your work as a woman? 

I think as a woman you tend to look at things with a finer scope and pay attention to the little details that you know someone will appreciate at the end of the day. Especially for Stitch Shoppe, you tend to think of how this can fit better for our end customer, and you find joy in thinking someone will put this piece on and it’ll bring a smile to their faces because of how hard you worked on it to get it right. 


Which women inspire you the most? 

The women that inspire me the most are women like America Ferrera & Rita Moreno. Truly any woman that has come up against all odds and found a way to represent herself and her background in a way that makes people light up and feel like they belong on any platform, stage, or position – those are the women to be proud of. 


Favorite fandom? 

Oh gosh – hardest question on the planet as I am a dork at heart. I’m a sucker for anything honestly. But I think my absolute is always Winnie the Pooh. With a side of the hidden cult classics like Swan Princess & The Rescuers.  


What do you want the future of women in fandom spaces to look like? 

I would love to see the future of women in fandom spaces to continue to grow. I have found that the longer I work at Loungefly, the more I have in common with my younger self that was always a little hesitant to share my love for these fandoms. You know, when it wasn’t cool haha. But it gives a sense of expression and charisma to who you are to be able to share how much you were a fan of all the things.

Woman sitting at a wood table outdoors with her chin resting on her hands.

Claire Skelly, Graphic Artist

What do you do for Loungefly?

I get to design fun and creative bags and accessories.

 

How do you think you bring a different perspective to your work as a woman?

As a kid and even now, it's hard to like something without being questioned or quizzed. Video games were for boys, barbies were for girls, I had both. The positive side to the ridicule and gate keeping: it only fueled my passion for fandom and ability to make great art that all fans can appreciate and enjoy.


Which women inspire you the most?

My mom, and Princess Leia/Carrie Fisher


Favorite fandom?

So hard to narrow it down, but I love film, animation, and video games. Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and you're never too old for cartoons. I could rewatch Adventure Time forever.


What do you want the future of women in fandom spaces to look like?

Mutual respect and being able to enjoy something without being questioned. No gate keepers or policing. No sexism or discrimination. Enjoyment without being mocked. Safe space to indulge in passions without ridicule and disparagement.

Selfie of a redheaded woman wearing glasses and a Hello Kitty shirt

Christina Wiechman, Wholesale Demand Planner for Loungefly


What do you do for Loungefly?

In a nutshell, I am responsible for bringing together the customer demand and ensuring that the proper supply is being produced in a timely manner to meet these needs.  Sounds easier than it actually is 

 

How do you think you bring a different perspective to your work as a woman?

As a woman, I bring different viewpoints from my career and personal experiences. I have spent the bulk of my career in the fashion & apparel industry, having been involved in everything from t-shirts to designer runway brands. In my past roles, I’ve been able to establish close relationships with many cross-functional teams and trailblazers at all levels. 

I’ve also been fortunate to have worked with strong (mainly female) leaders who took me under their wing and mentored me. When faced with challenges, having a diversity of voices can bring innovative solutions, better decision-making, and promote a more inclusive environment.

            

Which women inspire you the most?

There are so many I’m not even sure where to begin. I really admire females that stand in their truth and are a positive role model to all.

Some that come to mind are: Princess Diana, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Simone Biles, Lizzo and Ashley Graham

            

Favorite fandom?

Hello Kitty and all her friends!

 

What do you want the future of women in fandom spaces to look like?

Acceptance would be #1 and also the representation of all female walks of life, nationalities, and backgrounds. 

Woman sitting on red steps outside.

Jessica Garcia, Graphic Artist

What do you do for Loungefly? 

I am part of the creative team and have worked on the designs and helped developed new types of products for LF for 4 years now.


How do you think you bring a different perspective to your work as a woman? 

I think more women being hired into roles traditionally filled by men, such as a manager or Art Director, is helping improve diversity in the industry. I think our customers and licensing are becoming more diverse as well. Having multiple perspectives on both sides only helps to strengthen the relationships we have with our customers and licensors.


Which women inspire you the most? 

My mother had a huge influence on how I face adversity, personally and professionally. I learned to always face a difficult situation and people with grace and respect, while maintaining my values. She left her family and friends to move to a country that did not love her back, but she pushed herself to learn the language and I’ve always admired the way she embraced self-confidence. She believes in herself, and advocates for herself and others. I will always appreciate the influence that she made for me as a woman.


Favorite fandom? 

My favorite fandoms are horror and Scooby Doo, but also a huge fan of Disney with Goofy being my favorite character.


What do you want the future of women in fandom spaces to look like? 

I think women supporting other women is a positive change within any industry. Women in higher roles investing in up-and-coming women can help motivate and to strive harder for greatness.

Natasha Merlos, Marketing Specialist

What do you do for Loungefly?

I am part of the awesome marketing team and my role is the Marketing Specialist. I handle all marketing samples & shipments, as well as work closely with all of our amazing authorized small shops. I also have a hand in our social media platforms, bringing all those announcements and fun, exciting details to fans daily! 


How do you think you bring a different perspective to your work as a woman?

I pride myself in being that go-to, if-you-need-an-answer-I’ll-find-it-for-you type woman. I strive to stay positive, even when things can be stressful. Always looking for ways to improve, keeping open lines of communication, and working as a team player! Reach for your goals ~ anything is possible if you give it your all! 


Which women inspire you the most?

My mother, my grandma and many women I work with daily! I am lucky to be surrounded by so many strong, successful, goal-oriented women that support/cheer each other on daily! 


Favorite fandom?

Oh boy! I love it all! I'm a huge Disney nerd, I also love Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, and Sanrio. 

Oh and I love sports too! 


What do you want the future of women in fandom spaces to look like? 

Representation, growth and fun! Whatever makes you happy, share it proudly and wholeheartedly! Be YOU!