We’re so excited to introduce Stephanie Partridge, the winner of our 2024 TOBIQ Coloring Contest and the inspiration behind the Highlands bag. In this Q&A, she shares her background, travel stories, and the journey that led to her winning design.
Meet Stephanie
Q: Tell us a little about yourself: where you’re from, what you do, and what you enjoy outside of traveling.
A: I’m a lifelong learner and collector of hobbies. When I’m stressed, I start a new creative project, which helps calm me. When I’m overwhelmed, I start baking. I can’t even tell you how many batches of “procrastibaking” cookies I’ve made over the years!
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, obsessed with collecting sand dollars and catching crabs. For five years, my family lived in Iowa, where I was immersed in the magical glow of fireflies and siren warnings of tornado watches. As an adult, I've lived on the tropical Oahu, Hawaii where I worked at an airline and traveled to see all the main islands. I served as a missionary for my Jesus in Colorado and Wyoming, where the beauty of the aspen stole my heart. I've lived in the splendor of the Utah mountains, covered in sparkling snow.
My husband and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary this year and we have five incredible boys who fill my life with meaning and hope for the future. I am a college student at 43 years old, a lover of plants, a graphic designer, a social media manager, and published author.
Q: Do you consider yourself more of an adventurer, traveler, or everyday explorer?
A: I'd like to think I'm more of an adventurer, seeking new experiences and opportunities to meet new people and cultures, although putting that into practice doesn't always translate that ideal into reality. I wouldn't consider myself well-traveled, however, I love exploring world cultures and customs in books, Google searches, and my imagination.
Q: What types of trips or adventures do you usually take your duffel or travel bag on?
A: This past year, my husband and I decided we would make it a year of adventures. With our five boys, we toured Seattle, Canada, New York, and New Mexico.
Keeping belongings organized while traveling with five kids is a challenge! I LOVED having my Tobiq Duffel with me for these trips. Our three youngest boys could fit all of their clothing for the week in one duffel. We had them put all their shoes in one compartment, and they each got their own compartment for their clothing. On our way back from New York, I used two compartments for dirty clothes (so nice to have that separate), another compartment was used for souvenirs, and the last for shoes and toiletries. I LOVE compartmentalizing our travel supplies so that coming home isn't such a headache to unpack.
Q: What's one destination that's still on your bucket list?
A: The Mediterranean. I would love to see the history of Athens, watch pasta being made in Italy, and sit on the steps of the Cathedral of Seville.
Inspiration for the Highlands Bag
Q: What inspired the color combination you submitted for the contest?
A: My husband had some business trips in Europe, and we decided I'd join him in Scotland. On the days that he worked, I toured Edinburgh alone. Every person I interacted with was kind and genuine, from street performers to store clerks and local families attending church. The buildings, architecture, history, and vibrant energy were overwhelmingly beautiful.
On the weekend, my husband (Brett) and I took a bus tour up to the Highlands. It was as if we were riding into a dream or a place that God had chosen to depict His masterful artistry. There was no break in the wonder and beauty, and I became incredibly grateful for the preservation of such a place on this earth.
The tour took us to see Glenfinnan Viaduct, also known as the Harry Potter Bridge. I stood looking out over the field of green, shoes soaking from the constant rain, and wishing I could plant those wet feet right there and never leave. I can't imagine a more abundantly beautiful place in the world - so full of life and growth.
I was looking through pictures from our trip when seeking inspiration for color combinations, and I knew I wanted to recreate the feeling of being surrounded by beauty and life in the Highlands of Scotland. Scotland has my heart.
The TOBIQ Coloring Contest Experience
Q: How did you hear about TOBIQ?
A: I have been following TOBIQ for several years, originally hearing about the bags from a friend. I'm so glad I've found this amazing company! Also, as a cancer survivor, I love supporting businesses that give back in amazing ways.
Q: What does being part of the TOBIQ community mean to you?
A: Being a part of TOBIQ means being in a community of adventure-minded people, who love organization, family, travel, and efficiency. I love being inspired by other creative people doing amazing things.
Q: What made you want to participate in the 2024 Coloring Contest? Did you think your design would win?
A: I really didn't think my design would be chosen. I saw other designs being submitted and loved them all! I was certain that I would not be the "cool kid at the table" in this realm, but decided to just go for it and see what happened.
Q: Do you have a creative background or was the contest the first time trying something like this?
A: This was my first time trying something like this, and I'm so glad I did! I recently earned my certificate in graphic design through my online college. I haven't decided what I want to be when I grow up (there's still time, right?), but I love being able to create things digitally, so gaining knowledge in the field of graphic design made sense.
Q: Have you had any fun reactions from friends and family when they found out your design won?
A: I am certain that my husband is my biggest fan! He's been my hype man from day one and always encourages me to be creative. When the competition was going on, he would tell me which of his coworkers and friends he had asked to vote for me that day. I'm so glad to have his support and encouragement.
Looking Ahead
Q: Where's the first place you're planning to take your Highlands bag?
A: My husband and I will be going on a cruise soon, and I can't wait to take my Highlands bag with us!
Q: Do you have ideas for another TOBIQ bag color combo you'd love to see?
A: Ooh, that's a tough one to answer, but I really loved the Hawaii collection. Tobiq always has so much variety in their colors because of new partnerships, coloring contests, and seasonal changes. TOBIQ is the best! Just wait and new colors always come.
Q: If you could give a piece of advice to future contest entrants, what would it be?
A: It would be to not overthink your design and just send it in! You can tweak your color combo over and over a million times, but most likely you'll just end up back where your original color choices started. Create something you love and then send it in!
Shop the Highlands Bag
The Highlands bag is more than just a colorway; it’s a piece of Scotland’s wild beauty, translated through the eyes of someone who sees life as an adventure waiting to be embraced. We’re honored to carry Stephanie’s vision into the world, and we can’t wait to see all the places this bag (and this community) will go. 💚
👉 Shop the Highlands Collection here!
