A Colorful Way of Living: How to Be More, Create More, Do More the Vera Bradley Way

From the co-founder of the Vera Bradley empire, a practical and inspiring book that shows women how to awaken their full potential, at any age.

"This place could use some color!" That's what Barbara Bradley said to her friend Pat during an airport layover. It was 1982 and all the women could see was a succession of drab, bulky suitcases. When they returned home to Indiana, Barbara and her business partner got out a few Simplicity patterns and a Singer sewing machine and set to work. And the Vera Bradley Company was born. A Colorful Way of Living offers practical, inspiring advice to empower women of all ages to navigate life by the values that provide the foundation of the Vera Bradley empire. Women looking for the encouragement to start a new chapter, women balancing career and family, and new graduates entering the workforce will all benefit from the Baekgaard's learned wisdom has as it applies to career, life, and relationships. Lessons include "Noticing Every Detail," "Choosing Nice," and "Remembering Always—there's enough room for everyone."

In this highly readable book, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard shares the values that have helped her to thrive in business, health, and relationships--in every aspect of her personal and professional life.

© 2025 St. Martin's Press (Ebook): 9781250121929

Release date

Ebook: March 14, 2025