When I first met Priscilla and Poppleton, “America’s Most Fashionable Piglets,” I was beyond nervous. You would think after interviewing some of the most famous people in the world: Tom Cruise, The Rock, Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, John Travolta, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lawrence, George Clooney and Will Smith, I would be used to a high-profile interview and a fancy photo op, but I wasn’t. At least, not when it came to these uber-popular and beyond lovable miniature pigs.
After waking up at some ungodly hour to have my hair and make-up done, driving five hours north, where we had arranged to meet (the piggies live near Jacksonville) and having everything meticulously planned (the shoot venue, matching outfits and blog topic,) I was still incredibly anxious and unsure. I mean…
What if they didn’t like me? What if I didn’t like them? What’s more, what if comedian W.C. Fields’ famous saying was really true: “Never work with animals or children.” Even worse, what if they weren’t as cute and as fabulous as they seemed on social media? I know for a fact some people (viewers) have definitely felt that way about me.
Just the other day at the drugstore, as I was standing in line to buy heartburn medication, a woman told me point blank how disappointed she was with how I looked in person. Of course, I profusely apologized (like it was my fault) and scampered out of the store like a dog with its tail between its legs.
Mind you; like a moron, I left without my medication! With a lingering case of heartburn and the ‘I look better on television’ blues, I drove the entire way home clutching my chest and peering sporadically in my rear view mirror trying to figure out why I looked so “different.” It must be the lighting, I thought…
With all of that being said, the risks of meeting Priscilla and Poppleton in person seemed to be mounting by the minute, but then again, I could have just been blowing the entire thing out of proportion. My mother always says I have a flair for drama. Despite my nerves, my intense trepidation and “negative Nelly”-like attitude, something magical was about to happen…
On a warm Saturday afternoon, at the splendidly decadent Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine, I met Priscilla and Poppleton, “America’s Most Fashionable Piglets,” for the very first time. The dynamic duo, who were snuggled comfortably inside a baby carriage, were being wheeled around by their owner, Melissa Nicholson. Be still my beating heart! They were so adorable, I almost burst with excitement and yes, they were everything I thought they would be and more.
I quickly learned that Melissa, a fun-loving, vivacious blonde, wasn’t just the gatekeeper to Priscilla and Poppleton, she was a direct extension of the piggies and their personalities. With a twinkle in her eye and a bounce in her step, she unloaded Prissy and Pop, respectively, into a baby play pen, where the two high-spirited animals frolicked in their new surroundings. I noticed straightaway, they were sweet, innocent and beyond curious.
I immediately got down on all four and started cooing, talking, petting and trying to get to know them. I have to admit, despite being a seasoned journalist and model, I had never shared face-time with two things so unbelievably cute and charming. I knew right away they would easily upstage me, but I was okay with it. After all, it’s not everyday a girl gets to mix and mingle with “America’s Most Fashionable Piglets.”
After a little more visiting, which consisted of me snuggling Pop and chatting with Prissy (by the way, pigs are very smart and can sense your energy,) it was time to get down to business. Time is money and money is time. I jest a little, but over the last few years, Prissy and Pop have not only amassed fame, but a social media fortune.
I’m not talking about money per se, I’m talking about the complete love and adoration of almost half a million people. Every single day, throngs of people follow the piggy pair on social media (more specifically, Instagram,) not only to check-out what Prissy and Pop are doing, but also to see what they are wearing. I am proudly one of those people.
Prissy rivals any South Florida fashionista: pearls, bows, hats, tutus, dresses, blouses, skirts (sometimes even in a Burberry print) are her wardrobe mainstays. Pop, like most boys, favors blue and wears shirts, shorts, bow ties, cowboy hats and loves him some good flannel.
They spend their mornings at school with Melissa (she’s a first grade teacher) and their afternoons are filled with fun activities, like going to the beach and frolicking freely in the surf and sand. Prissy can work a polka dotted bikini like nobody’s business. At night, the tuckered two always retire to a relaxing bubble bath and afterward snuggle up together in bed (wearing the yummiest pajamas.)
While all of these piggy shenanigans may seem like much to do about nothing, don’t tell that to their legions of fans. Not only are Prissy and Pop bonafide stars, it’s what they represent that is most intriguing. In a world filled with so much gloom and doom, these two mini pigs are the complete antithesis: they’re beautiful rays of happy sunshine.
Shireen Sandoval: How did the world of Priscilla and Poppleton come to be?
Melissa Nicholson: I started Priscilla a Facebook page when I first got her, so I wouldn’t bombard friends with pig pics on my personal page. My niece suggested I put them on Instagram and she actually set that account up for me. The guest appearances have evolved out of people wanting to meet them and we have tied quite a few events into fundraisers for homeless animal organizations and even did
one for the Diabetes Association.
SS: Let’s talk about Priscilla. How old is she and what is her personality like?
MN: Prissy turned two in April. She is definitely the one in charge. She is a true little diva with all the spunk and sass that comes with it. She’s a very affectionate little pig.
SS: Poppleton is just as cute. Tell me his age and describe his personality?
MN: Pop is 17 months old. He is a true momma’s boy. He is very mellow and laid back and just the sweetest little guy you will ever meet.
SS: Have you always been interested in pigs?
MN: I visited a pig farm while attending The University of Alabama and was literally in “hog heaven.” I have been in love ever since.
SS: What are they like as pets?
MN: To me, they make wonderful pets. Pigs are extremely intelligent and need lots of attention and stimulation to keep from getting bored, though. Prissy and Pop are lots of fun to take places and love being around kids.
SS: What kind of food do they eat?
MN: They eat mini pig pellets, fresh fruit and veggies, Cheerios, peanut butter and other pet treats.
SS: Do they like to cuddle?
MN: They LOVE to cuddle! I can fall asleep on the couch and wake up with two little snouts on my shoulder.
SS: They are social media superstars! How did it all start?
MN: I began posting pics of their daily life, and people started following. People
like to see what adventures they are going on and, of course, what they are wearing.
SS: Now that Prissy and Pop are so famous, what perks do they get (besides being
a “Shireen’s Favorite Thing”?)
MN: We get so much love and attention where ever we go. We also get products to try out or fashions to model in exchange for a post on our social media accounts.
SS: When did you first realize how beloved the piggy pair was?
MN: I think when I saw them on TV on Good Morning America one morning, it hit me. I also receive so many messages from people all over the world saying how their pics cheer them up and help them through tough times in their life (several battling cancer.) I also have a teacher in Hong Kong who uses their pics as incentive for her kindergarten students. If they are good, they get to see Prissy and Pop! Knowing they touch so many lives makes it all worthwhile.
SS: What is a day in the world of Prissy and and Pop like?
MN: During the week, they accompany me to my first grade class. After school, they always have outside time either in the grass or at the beach. The beach is probably their favorite place to root and play. Our weekends usually involve some sort of adventure. We like to do the local pet events that raise money for homeless animals in our area, even though we are always the only pigs. The dog community in Jacksonville has been very welcoming of Prissy and Pop.
SS: When dressing Prissy up, what do you look for in an outfit?
MN: Pink and prissy are my favorite.
SS: Is it easier dressing Pop?
Mn: It’s actually harder to find cute boy clothes.
SS: How many outfits do they have? (Don’t lie!! I have a lot of shoes!!)
MN: Oh, I have lost count. Each season, they seem to have outgrown
the clothes from the previous year, so we have to start over.
SS: Pigs (much like models) have their best angles. You have mastered the social
media photo of your babies. What does it entail?
MN: Thank you! Photographing them together is a challenge, but I think it’s fun for people to see the pair together sometimes, too. I have learned to get them to look up by giving them treats during shoots. Peanut butter and Cheerios are their favorite!
SS: Tell me about Prissy and Pop’s fashion website?
MN: Their website has merchandise including t-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, mugs, water bottles, and pet bandanas. We are proud to donate a portion of the proceeds each year to First Coast No More Homeless Pets, a local organization providing medical care to homeless animals.
SS: What was it like working with us on the blog?
MN: It was a wonderful experience. You guys are truly some of the nicest people I have ever met.
SS: If someone wants to have a pet pig, what type of advice would you give them?
MN: Do your research, and use a reputable breeder. My pigs were both tiny runts and are smaller than a lot of mini pigs, but they are also not full grown. Pigs grow for at least 2-3 years and often times 4-5 years. You also need to check to be sure you are zoned to have a pig before purchasing one.
SS: I know that you love and care for Prissy and Pop so much. I’ve seen it
with my own eyes. What have they done for you?
MN: They have brought so much unconditional love to my life and allowed me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people like yourself by sharing them with the world. They have also turned me into a complete vegetarian.
SS: What’s next for America’s Most Fashionable Piglets?
MN: We are just going to keep doing what we are doing and hopefully continue to bring smiles to others in the process. School also gets out next week, so I’m sure we will have some fun summer adventures ahead of us!
Speaking of adventures, the rest of our blog photo shoot was one wild hootenanny! Trying to get myself, Prissy and Pop to look in the same direction at the same time is NOT as easy as it sounds. With a little help from some peanut butter (it’s their favorite treat) and a few Diet Cokes for me, we were able to work it out.
Our outfits were spot on, too. With beautiful dresses and accessories selected by my stylist, Jackie Kay, from Lilacs and Lilies Boutique in Fort Lauderdale, we were able to match Prissy and Pop for three different looks. Each were inspired by the fun and freeness of summer.
The first look, a vintage-inspired sundress with lively colors and a floral print, is romantic and garden party-ready. Of course, Prissy and Pop would be the life of the party with their matching green and yellow colors. Pop looks dapper in a fresh summer shirt and Prissy, in pearls, a pink and white polka dotted bow and a floral dress, is pristine and the epitome of pretty.
The red 50’s-inspired look is an ode to fabulous teachers everywhere (like Melissa) and the fact that the end of the school year is just days away. To help celebrate, Prissy and Pop, who are excited for their summer adventures, pulled out their school year best. Pop looks smart in a polo pullover with blue piping and Prissy wow’s in her signature pearls, bow and sassy red polka dotted denim number.
Last but not least, who doesn’t love pink?! To finish off our blog looks, Prissy and I went as girlie as possible. I love the long, romantic maxi I’m wearing paired with the flower child-esque belt, but it was Prissy, in her most fashion forward tutu, who really stole the show. Pop, who always keeps things clean and simple, opted for a light blue shirt (all looks mentioned are pictured in the blog.)
After a day of modeling with “America’s Most Fashionable Piglets,” I was in hog heaven and ready to z-oink out in my own bubble bath. What an honor it was to spend time laughing and hamming it up with Prissy and Pop. Their natural joy and good-hearted nature makes the world a better place to be and that’s why they’ll always be one of my favorite things.
For Prissy & Pop fashions www.ThePrissyAndPopShop.Spreadshirt.com
Instagram: @Prissy_Pig
Twitter: @Prissy_Pig
Facebook: Priscilla The Mini Pig
Shot on location at the Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine: www.casamonica.com.
Shireen’s wardrobe & accessories provided by www.LilacAndLilies.com
Twitter: @LilacAndLilies
IG: Lilacandlilies_Boutique
FB: Lilac And Lilies Boutique
Twitter: @ShireenSandoval
IG: @ShireenSandoval
ssandoval@wsvn.com
www.shireensandoval.com
Photographer: James Woodley
Twitter: @BritFloridian
IG: @BritFloridian
www.James-Woodley.com
Hair & Make-up: Odette Hernandez
Twitter: @Odettehernandz
IG: O.D.E.T.T
Styling & Assist: Jackie Kay
blog ideas: Jackiekay211@yahoo.com
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com