When discussing designing successful spaces, I speak a lot about the importance of connection and personality within the décor; choosing pieces that reflect your individuality, your style and your community allow for a creative space that invites you in, making a house a home.
One of my go-to brands when looking to bring local artisans into the finer details of design is Woodlot. With each item carefully handcrafted in their Vancouver studio, Woodlot brings beautiful scents and natural ingredients to their collection of candles, soaps and beauty products. Not only is their packaging aesthetically on-point (essential in my industry for welcoming clients home) but the products within offer both beautiful palettes and scents to keep the design going even once they've been used.
This week, one half of the founding team behind the brand, Sonia Chhinji, opens up to us about the creative inspirations in and around the city that make the magic she and her partner, Fouad, create, happen.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm Sonia Chhinji and I'm the co-founder of Woodlot. We create natural products for home and body out of our studio based in Mount Pleasant, Vancouver.
How did you get started in making natural products and what led you to where you are now?
My partner and I share an interest in making. He was taught how to make soap back in Lebanon, and I was always tinkering with turmeric masks and ghee tealights as a young girl. We started making candles at home and giving them away as gifts, received some initial traction and decided to take the leap into creating our own line of natural beauty and home decor handcrafted goods.
Do you have a Vancouver muse? Or a favourite place in or around the city that inspires you?
I am inspired by all the flowers and trees in the city. One of my favourite things to do is bike the city during cherry blossom season.
When it comes to style/design, what is the one thing you covet the most?
I love pairing ethnic art with mid-century modern pieces. I love a good rug, couch or art piece.
Do you have any predictions for the future of your industry?
The natural beauty/ home goods space is growing alongside ingredient knowledge from customers. I predict a similar shift in thinking will happen with beauty products as it did with food.
How would you describe Vancouver’s artistic/creative community?
Collaborative, talented and supportive. I am especially loving all the public art displayed throughout the city.
What is your favourite creative website?
I love Monocle and Vice.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I can't imagine myself to be doing anything else at the moment, but ask me tomorrow ;)
Finish this sentence: My day is not complete without...
Coffee and a walk in the city.
Is there a song or a musician that inspires you to create?
Hip hop always gets me in the mood to create and get stuff done.
Do you have a favourite creative space?
When I am feeling in a rut, I love working out of startup spaces or coffee shops, anywhere where the vibe feels energetic.
Artistically, what is your favourite part of the city?
I love walking through Mount Pleasant. There's a ton of public art, murals and artist studios.
