Today on the NEXT BIG THING show we proudly present Tricia Chin, a 23 year old designer from Portland, OR who makes the scrumptious looking plush lunch pack, a delicious trio of cute new friends. Read on to find out all about the birth of the plush juice box, and what you might find in Tricia’s lunch pack on any given day.

How old is your company and how did you get your start?
My company had its fledgling start circa 1995. When I was about ten years old I discovered a bag of fabric scraps in my mom’s closet, and began making all sorts of pocket-able little plush friends. Ten years later in college, I did an independent study in character design. Post-college, in an attempt to leave a lasting impression on interviewers I would bring along little plush juice boxes to leave behind so they would remember me, and hopefully hire me. While people responded to the cuteness of the plush, they didn’t necessarily get me any jobs and I realized that I should probably quit giving them away for free.

I really love how your lunch paks include a surprise flavor juice box! Sounds like you are quite the connoisseur?
I used to drink juice with lunch all the time, from juice boxes no less. They were always a staple in my lunch bags for school growing up. During college my parents would send me bulk cases of juice boxes. I would take them to class or just drink them in my apartment. People thought I was silly and looked 5 years old, but I suppose I’ve always liked juice boxes. They’re just so convenient as well as the perfect serving size.

What inspires you?
Portland is filled with so many crafty people and it adds a lot of fuel to my fire. I’m a big fan of local artists APAK Studio. They are a illustration and craft duo here, with a really adorable style. They make really beautiful paintings with gouache on wood panels and I also love their Gocco print cards. I am a sucker for earrings, too. Sometimes I feel sort of naked if I don’t have any on. Even my boyfriend will think it’s weird if I am not wearing a pair. That said, I really enjoy Totinette here. She uses a lot of unique beads, with a sleek and modern design style. The dress I’m wearing in my picture I sent you is actually one of them.

I have to ask… What do you normally have for lunch?
Normally for lunch I’ll usually have a sandwich, salad or soup or a combination of the three. Nothing too heavy though or else I’ll pass out mid-day. But sometimes food comas can be fun.