tanya mcnellis design director

With a passion for creativity and innovation, Tanya McNellis joined goldbug fourteen years ago after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York where her talents and accomplishments were recognized with numerous awards and acknowledgements. Tanya was the first full-time designer hired at goldbug, and has held the position of Designer, Senior Designer, and is presently goldbug's Design Director. Tanya has enjoyed seeing her team continue to reach the highest level of design and go “beyond the box” for each of their unique and successful partnerships. She is an inspired and inspiring manager who is devoted to her team. When Tanya isn’t leading her team of nine to design the most adorable accessories, she enjoys decorating her home, taking hikes with her family, golfing, dancing, playing cards and cooking new recipes. Tanya is instrumental to goldbug. Her positive attitude, passion for designing innovative and thought-provoking children’s products and intense determination is inspiring to all goldbug employees. Get to know Tanya and goldbug better by watching her video.

How long have you worked at goldbug?

Fourteen years.

What is the most rewarding part of your position as design director?

The most rewarding part of being a design director is watching a great design challenge grow into a creative idea, which then turns into a fabulous product. The end product is the icing on the cake, but the journey my team takes together is so much more rewarding. I have always felt that I have the most amazing and talented team of designers. I try my best to lead by example and inspire thought-provoking, intelligent design within each of the designers.

What is your favorite product we have designed? Why?

The glitter dinosaur purse my team designed for Cat &Jack. This purse is for the girl who does not desire conformity. Dinosaurs are not just for boys, young girls can be rough and tough, intelligent individuals that like them too!