Photography
and styling:
Louise Roche
@ Villa Styling.
was one of the top performers in the company.
I was learning so much, my creativity was on full
play and I was having outburst of ideas.
What sparked you to create your
business?
Around the time when I was about to finish my
studies I had to make a decision because the
urge for creative pursuit wouldn’t stop.
Do I leave a career that I was studying towards
and embark on an uncertain adventure and what
about all the social work that I wanted to do?
I also realised I always had this entrepreneurial
streak in me; even after my degree I wanted to
do independent research and work with INGOs/
NGOs.
The problem with social research is that you
always have to look to others for funds.You
may have a fantastic proposal that would help in
poverty alleviation but if it is not in the interest
of donor agency, that idea is nothing.
Being the type who can’t wait, I choose instead
to make things happen and utilise my creative
skills and serve a purpose at the same time.
However, it wasn’t until one day my husband
said, “What do you need to get started, what is
the first step?” and it was actually him who put
things into action. He comes from a business and
graphic designs background.
What inspires you in your designs?
Nature, people and their stories. Oon has just
debuted its first homewares collection which
was inspired by the colours, rich cultural and
traditional artisanal heritage of Kathmandu.
What do you love the most about having
your own label?
Creativity.
At this stage, I most love the fact that I’m able to
give to the community. That our work helps to
create decent work for women and earn a good
living wage.
The other thing I love is freedom. Freedom of
working your own hours, which can be up to
24 hours a day sometimes and yet, you don’t
complain.
This is tough because I have so many favourites.
My current favourite is Prabal Gurung.
Who are some of your favourite
designers?
What has been your biggest highlight?
Right now debuting the Oon homewares will
What is your favourite item in your store
right now and why?
From the Oon home it’s the multipurpose felt
baskets. It has a beautiful texture, looks like a
work of art in itself and is multipurpose you can
use them as vase sleeves, as a storage for kids
toys, can be used as laundry basket and colours
are delicious to inject freshness into any room.
qualify for the biggest highlight, because when I
took that leap of faith I thought if this doesn’t
work I’ll go back to my academic career. I have
never looked back.
What are your plans for the future?
We will be adding custom made services to
Oon home and new product categories. As the
brand grows we also want to develop more
clear, transparent ways to extend our social
engagement and commitment in Nepal.
CONTACT:
oon.net.au