About Us - Mustkies

HELLO, I’M GERRY!

I design pieces that I believe are your next must-have — creations that complement your lifestyle while prioritizing functionality, quality, and longevity. From daycare to dog beds to handbags, Mustkies has always been about building beautiful, purposeful designs that make life easier and more stylish.

Geraldine (Gerry) Signer - Founder and Creative Director of Mustkies Handmade bags

A LITTLE ABOUT ME & THE MUSTKIES JOURNEY

I’m an entrepreneur and designer living in White Plains, New York, with my husband Robi, our daughters Amelie and Chiara, and our rescue dogs Ginger and Coco.

I was born in France and grew up in Brazil and Taiwan, where my father’s career allowed me to travel the world and experience luxury and culture firsthand. My mother, with her refined eye for design and craftsmanship, taught me to appreciate beauty and quality in every detail.

After studying Interior Design in London, I spent most of my career working with luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Shinola Detroit, Oilily, and J.McLaughlin, learning what makes products truly timeless — thoughtful design, purpose, and emotion.

 

The Boutchkies Family Daycare, White Plains NY

FROM BOUTCHKIES TO MUSTKIES

When balancing motherhood and a corporate career became difficult, I founded The Boutchkies Family Daycare in 2009 — a multilingual daycare that served local families until 2017. It was my first entrepreneurial success and taught me the value of creating something meaningful that fulfills a real need.

A few years later came The Poochkies, a line of elevated, customizable dog beds designed to solve common issues of poor-quality materials and difficult cleaning. Crafted in durable outdoor fabric with zip-off tops for easy washing, Poochkies reflected my love for design, craftsmanship, and my growing passion for dogs.

Then came Mustkies, born from a conversation with a friend who was searching for the perfect everyday crossbody. What began with the Tina Bag quickly evolved into a full line of timeless, multifunctional bags — including my signature piece, The Sydney.

The Sydney holds a special place in my heart because it ties together everything that shaped me: travel, luxury, craftsmanship, and functionality — all in one beautifully designed bag.

MY PHILOSOPHY

With years of experience in luxury design, I’ve learned never to compromise on quality. Each Mustkies bag is built to last — crafted in waterproof canvas, stitched with UV-protected thread, and finished with premium hardware. My mother’s eye for detail and my father’s global perspective continue to inspire every design.

At the heart of Mustkies is my favorite quote from Audrey Hepburn:

“Nothing is impossible; the word itself says ‘I’m possible.’”

That belief fuels everything I do — to empower women to believe in their ideas, embrace creativity, and live beautifully without fear.

If you have an idea, run it by me. I’ll do my best to make it happen. 💙

Geraldine (Gerry) Signer
Founder & Creative Director, Mustkies