If you ever wondered how you could make a cup of tea cozier, don’t only give your cup a figurative hug wrap it up with a literal one too. Onana Knitted Accessories, helps do just that with personal knitted cup sleeves and a colour palette that will get you ready for the holiday weather. Portobello West had a chance to speak with the two ladies behind Onana Knitted Accessories – Eleanor Li and Rachel Cheng.
“Onana began in May 2011 when Eleanor saw a photo of a cozy online and made one for herself.” explain the girls. Eleanor brought Rachel on as her partner in 2012 and the rest is history. Based in Vancouver and New Westminster, Onana consists of handmade, customizable, knitted mug and to-go cup cozies called Snugs – how cute is that?? “We believe in creating something handmade in a manufactured world so that every imperfection is perfect because it was made by two hands that are full of love and have you, and no one else, in mind.”
When asked what inspires the girls “[We are] Inspired by the world around us – from our own lives, our peers and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube). Looking at current trends (quotes, images, and colours) and browsing craft fairs and speaking with other makers.” This cultured outlook reflects the Onana designs, with tags hanging off the sleeves displaying witty quotes like: “Tea is my Hommie” and “Tea Rex” to name a few. “We like to think of our products as a collaboration between us and our customers.” continue Eli and Rachel “Some of our popular selling cozies are ones designed in part with a previous customer. Our Snugs allow customers some ownership through their own design.” Friendship and customer relationships are incredibly important to Eleanor and Rachel as well as their company Onana Knitted Accessories, expressing exactly what they hope each customer experiences when purchasing a handmade cozie “We just want our customers to take some time out of their busy day and share a moment over a hot drink with a loved one, friend, colleague or even stranger.” Just in time for Christmas where sharing a moment with a loved one can be that much more special with the help of Onana Knitted Accessories.
Eleanor and Rachel will be attending this months Holiday Market held by Portobello West on December 7th and 8th. Displaying their product and love for what they do. Onana Knitted Accessories has sold 300 cozies to family and friends, through craft fairs and via their Etsy shop (onanaknits.etsy.com) when asked what they are looking forward to at the upcoming Holiday Market – Connecting with customers on a personal level, reconnecting with other vendors from past craft fairs, and of course hot chocolate!
SHOP Onana Knitted Accessories on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/OnanaKnits
LIKE Onana Knitted Accessories on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnanaKnittedAccessories?filter=3
PIN Onana Knitted Accessories on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/onanaknits/