Meet our New E-Commerce Production Assistant, Yvonne Neal

We are excited to introduce you to our newest M&G team member, Yvonne Neil. If you've received a gift from our online curated gift shop, it was likely assembled by Yvonne! She has worked for us part time for a few years, but we are now thankful to have her full time as she joins our team as the 'E-Commerce Production Assistant.' She will be responsible for assembling the gift designs ordered from our online curated gift shop. Her careful attention to detail as she lovingly packs each and every gift from our online shop, and ties every bow with perfection is much needed and appreciated by our gift recipients. As we head into our busy holiday season, we are so thankful to have Yvonne on the team full-time to assemble our gift designs!

Keep reading to learn all about Yvonne in her own words! 

Tell us a little about yourself:          

Aloha! My name is Yvonne and I am a bonafide military brat, born and raised abroad and throughout the US. I now consider both Honolulu, HI and Washington, DC home, though I have west coast and southern roots as well.

I attended a women’s college in New England and since graduating, have had the opportunity to raise my daughter in coastal America while advocating for Coast Guard families and military related quality of life issues. Although I have one child and easing into an empty nest, I come from a big close-knit family and currently have 5 nieces and 3 nephews.

I enjoy traveling, so far visiting all 50 states and 21 countries. When home, I can be found exploring local arts and culture, the vibrant food scene, or hiking. Other interests include volunteering, baking, ogling design ideas, and listening to music.

Fun fact: I am also a DC notary. 

What attracted you to the E-Commerce Production Assistant Position:

My initial role at Marigold and Grey was as a seasonal part-time production assistant in 2021. I learned about the company through some custom cookie Instagram accounts I had been following and was drawn by the fact that it was a local, small woman-owned and led business centered on creativity and a beautiful feel good product.

When I joined the company, I had the opportunity to support production for both custom as well as E-commerce and was honored to be invited to join the team permanently as an E-Commerce Production Assistant in 2023.

What were you doing before joining M&G and how do you think it will benefit you in your new position?

My educational background is in policy and public administration; however, I have extensive experience in government, nonprofit, and community work. I was also a Coast Guard spouse for over two decades and actively involved with my daughter’s school communities and activities. These involvements meant lots of gifting!

Any military spouse will attest to the grit, organization, and flexibility the lifestyle demands which definitely prepared me for all that the production experience could bring. This lifestyle also taught me the importance of details and that has translated well to my role.

What do you look forward to about this job?

Relationships. The company not only has a family atmosphere amongst staff, but this is also reflected in the care taken with clients. What I enjoy most about E-Commerce Production is that you feel a connection to each and every recipient through the personal notes accompanying the gifts. You also have the opportunity to experience every aspect of the production side of the business from inventory, assembly, and even shipping.

A favorite celebrity wedding:

If I had to choose a real celebrity wedding, I would say Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. I appreciated the green and white color scheme and understated style, yet their decision to incorporate new traditions was a reminder that weddings, even royal ones, are about the couple (unless you are the heir!).

My true favorite wedding is a fictional one. The wedding between Araminta and Colin in Crazy Rich Asians was so over the top fabulous, yet it was reflective of the love between the couple. I appreciated the lush tropical aesthetic, acoustical accompaniment, and the overall romantic vibe of this wedding.

Favorite movie:

I don’t have a favorite movie, but when I’m feeling nostalgic, I enjoy watching Love Jones, Dirty Dancing, or Pretty Woman.

A favorite travel destination:

Sydney, Lisbon, and Stockholm are my top three at the moment. Wonderful people, gorgeous water views, beautiful architecture, ample culture, and vibrant food scenes check all the boxes for me. I love visiting our National Parks and if I had to choose a domestic destination, it would be a tie between Grand Canyon NP and Volcanoes NP.

A favorite Instagram account:

I am still finding my way around Instagram and use it primarily to keep up with friends and family as well as organizations I have been or am currently involved with including Marigold and Grey's Instagram. My goal is to eventually use it for inspiration around travel and design.

The best gift I’ve ever given:

Around the time of my daughter’s graduation, I had some family jewelry redesigned into coordinating, monogrammed cigar band rings.

We hope that you enjoyed meeting Yvonne, the hands and heart behind the gorgeous gifts from our online curated gift shop. We hope that you enjoyed learning a little bit more about Yvonne as she joins our team full time as the our new E-Commerce Production Assistant. In the meantime, please visit our online curated gift shop with over 100 different gift designs and themes for you to choose from for every occasion and no doubt, Yvonne will have a hand in bringing your gift to life.