We’re Ma & Pembum, and when we're not totally goofing off, we create custom leather bags and accessories. You choose the style and colors, we make it in-house. We also donate to organizations fighting human trafficking, and we have a heart to raise awareness. That said, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. As two long-time friends, moms and business partners, we pretty much run 80% on being 100% ridiculous. (Yes, we break for dance parties. No, we never turn down a glass of wine.) Drop by our Hinesburg, Vermont retail spot to visit! As long as you're open to cackling at all of the antics (in footie pajamas if possible), feel free to kick back in our lounge area (remember that thing about wine?) and let us help you design your favorite new side kick. See you soon!
Our Mission
Ma and Pembum supports Amirah - an organization that is dedicated to ending human trafficking. For more information, please visit:
Founder
Phebe Mott
Phebe studied Studio Art at the University of Vermont, which led to several years of exhibiting her paintings across the state. After her second child was born in 2013, she found herself at home experimenting with old leather scraps left over from a UVM art project. As her projects became more extensive, friends began requesting leather bags made in particular colors. Once the operation became too big for her tiny house, she joined forces with long-time friend Elisabeth, and together they moved Ma & Pembum into a combined retail and production space in Hinesburg.
Phebe wears all the hats she can find at Ma & Pembum, including design, production, and customer service. She lives a very convenient mile away from
the palace with her husband and two little blondies. More hats!
Co-Owner
Elisabeth Garvey
Elisabeth Garvey, a Pennsylvania native, graduated from the University of Vermont in 2003. With a strong background in business management, Elisabeth brings a wide variety of skills to the industry. Her expertise in Sales and Marketing, Human Resources, Finance and Customer Service has paired nicely with the day-to-day operational functions of the business. Elisabeth joined Ma & Pembum as a partner in December 2018 and has loved every part of the growing business. Daily karaoke breaks with the team are her favorite.
Elisabeth and her husband live in Shelburne, Vermont with their teenage kids and crazy dogs.
Professional Sewist
Leah Niemasz-Cavanaugh
Leah has a professional background working with children and families as a nanny, teacher, counselor, and birth and postpartum doula. Leah has always been artistic and loves creating beautiful things, through photography and other art forms. When she needed a job after moving back to Vermont from California, Leah decided to ask Elisabeth (who she met during a Photography class on Zoom) if she needed help at her shop. To Leah’s surprise, Elisabeth responded that yes, she and Phebe were looking for a seamstress, and after one interview and Elisabeth yelling out the door as Leah left the interview, “You’re hired!”, Leah began her work at one of the best jobs she’s ever had.
When Leah is not playing with and sewing leather at Ma & Pembum, she works as a Birth and Postpartum Doula as well as a Photo Editor. She loves cuddles with her dog Maple (who also happens to be a one-dog Ma & Pembum Greeting Committee).
Ecomm Consultant
SARAH Elliot
Sara Elliott is a mixed media botanical artist, educator, and general creative person with an array of interests and skills. Raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, she now resides in beautiful Hinesburg, Vermont with her three humans, dog, cat and 11 chickens. In the summer of 2019, Sara joined the Ma & Pembum team when she approached the owners about a collaboration of her painted canvases and their beautiful
leathers, combined into one-of-a-kind fine art bags. Little did they know that Sara happened to be well versed in website management as well!
Sara helps Ma & Pembum as their e-commerce consultant by assisting with their website, launching their online growth, and often joining the crew for afternoon snack time. Yes, it’s a thing.
Professional Sewist
ASHLEY FARLAND
As a native Vermonter, Ashley Farland exudes the state’s homestead vibe. Her fascination with design and all things creative started at an early age, driving her to pursue a career as a maker. Eighteen years ago, she began working for world-renowned restaurants in New York City; Le Cirque, Gramercy Tavern, and Marea. She was even hand-selected by Michelin 3-Star Chef Joel Robuchon to open his NYC restaurant L’ Atelier, which was a life-changing opportunity. Working under the direction of chef Robuchon and his French team, Ashley quickly learned what excellence truly means, and the level of commitment it takes to work in a Michelin Star restaurant.
Ashley has taken her experience in the fast-paced city restaurant life and her drive for excellence to her position with Ma & Pembum as part of the production team. As it turns out, she’s also a top-shelf pavement hitter for marketing purposes!
Intern
Phebe Hubbard (jr)
Phebe junior is lucky enough to be Phebe senior's niece, which is how you get to high places in life. She is graciously donating her talents to Ma and Pembum's plot for world domination this semester.
Barketing Manager
Charlotte
Charlotte is one heck of a shop dog and she knows it.
Canine Resources
MAPLE
Maple is available for cuddles as needed (it's in her contract), so long as there is a ball involved.
