About W. H. Petronela

“Buy quality, not quantity.” Although a popular concept today, it was novel when Judy Vojtech and Peggy Patterson grew up. This pearl of wisdom passed down from Peggy’s mom is the driving force behind W. H. Petronela—along with Judy’s mom’s advice to “coordinate your shoes with your handbag”—a notion that Judy and Peggy embrace when designing their polished, ladylike handbags. W. H. Petronela, named in honor of the women who encouraged the designers to follow their passions—Wilma Henrietta and Petronela—has earned a loyal following among discerning women of all ages who appreciate the collection’s classic yet modern shapes and thoughtful design details. While Judy holds a degree from LIM College, she also has one in accounting—a helpful combination when diving into a competitive marketplace. Add Peggy’s passion for fashion and keen eye to the mix; the result is a solid partnership that also extends to friendship. W. H. Petronela gives back. Judy and Peggy created, H. O. P. E., a nonprofit organization addressing the needs of the hungry. The two prepare and serve food for the hungry in the Cleveland area. With every purchase, the founders contribute a portion of the sale price to H. O. P. E. Women can truly look and feel their best, knowing that their purchase helps those in need. Read their story