Vicfolk, meet Emily Scholes, maker behind cozy toque and flower crown company Olann Handmade in Victoria, BC. We caught up with her during this chilly spring (perfect toque time) to chat about the weather...and other things…
What describes you?
Dreamer, homebody, hard-working, a bit of a ranter.
What is the basis of your business?
On trend. Inspired by nature and the heart.
Who is your community?
Close friends, creators and family.
Which neighbourhood do you live in?
Vic West.
Describe your neighbourhood.
A sweet little spot that keeps getting better and better. Nestled by the Gorge and within walking distance to town...I think it will soon become the next big thing!
What do you like about your hood?
Small, quiet and well situated. Great amenities and fabulous, local shops.
Name three Vic West haunts you frequent.
Hold General, Fry’s bakery, Victoria Sushi.
What are three things you adore about Van Isle?
The water and beaches.
Island life (camping, taking a drive, visiting small nooks across the island).
When those visiting our island and city tell me how lucky I am to live here, because I know I am.
What are three things that drive you crazy about where you live?
Passive aggressive people.
The cost of ferries.
The near constant wind.
Where are your favourite places to go in the greater area?
Dallas Road.
Visiting our locally owned, little stores.
Tofino.
Wine in the afternoon on a patio downtown.
Describe what “home” means to you.
Where the husband, kitties and art is. Clean and fresh. Flowers in vases in every room. Not wanting to leave.
If you moved here from somewhere else, when was the first time Van Isle felt like home? Do you plan to stay here for a long time?
I grew up in other places in Canada and in the UK. Will Vancouver Island ever feel like home? I’m not sure. But for now I plan on staying and continuing to make it my home. I always dream of downsizing to an even smaller island, but that dream is in the distant future.
What are some lessons you learned being an entrepreneur/maker here?
There is such a strong community for makers in this part of the world. There are local customers who value locally made goods and are prepared to support their artisans. It’s a lot of work but if you put in the effort and produce enough merchandise, it does pay off.
How do you feel supported as a business owner/maker in your home?
In my home, my husband and family support my endeavors. It is not an easy job, especially since I already have another full time job, but for me it satisfies my creative outlets to be able to “make” in the spare time I carve out for my craft.
How often do you "hone your craft"? What are the hours or efforts put in with your business?
I make practically every day. I am always working on something whether it is an order, a new design that I am trial-and-erroring, or just ploughing away at getting pieces made for upcoming events. It is rare that there is a day that I am not working on something. So when I get home from my day job, I maybe sit for a few minutes or start the laundry or do the dishes. Then I begin my other job as maker for the few hours I have left in the day before dinner calls and bed soon follows!
What's next for you in your business? What are you excited to expand into?
The most pressing thing on my to-do list is to approach local retailers about stocking my items. I have a to-do list a mile long but essentially this is my next big step. I am also going to start producing a Summer and Winter collection for Olann that will feature beautiful linen and cotton fine knits and virgin wool and alpaca sweaters and accessories. I want Olann to be the company local people think about when they consider making their next knit purchase. I am also in the process of applying for 2017 markets and have just signed up for my first one, The Craft Cartel 2017.
This is a blog about Victoria and Vancouver. Do you notice any areas of overlap between the two cities? What about differences?
I don’t visit Vancouver enough to comment too specifically, but there is a general “West Coast” vibe that resonates though both locations. I think Islanders think they are more relaxed but this might just be a misguided perception! Victoria is a smaller city and doesn’t feel as frenetic as Vancouver. Victoria is a bit less multicultural in some respects as well, but both cities now have great bike lanes!
What do you like to do when you visit Vancouver?
Go to the beaches, do a little shopping, eat food on Commercial Drive, visit Stanley Park, ride my bike though Gastown and go for lunch and visit art galleries in the area.
What do you show people in Victoria or on the island when they visit from other places?
Beacon Hill Park and Dallas Road, Sooke and Sombrio Beach, Coombs and Tofino and Goats on the Roof, camping, the Gulf Islands, whale watching. I take them out for amazing food, picnics in the park, and bike rides all over town.
What do you hope for the next generation of people in your hood?
That it only becomes more cool, more developed and offers more interesting social activities!
Lastly, is there anything about the island that makes you go "aww, my home!"
Every time I drive off the ferry in Swartz Bay and head into Victoria I sigh and always feel so thankful to be back on the island. It always just feels different from where I have come from in the best possible ways.
Check out Olann Handmade on Etsy and Instagram!
