Blog Posts
Still dreaming about Camp Onikas...
Camp Onikas cultural immersion experience in Ecuador. It was absolutely incredible....there are not enough superlatives to properly describe it. The country itself is so beautiful with breathtaking vistas everywhere and the warmth of the people is contagious. When we travel through Ecuador it seems like the land itself just welcomes us with open arms, it is such a beautiful feeling. This year we visited the amazing Hacienda El Porvenir, owned by Veronica's family. It is a gorgeous, rustic lodge tucked into the hillside with a stunning view of the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano...
Every week is "Small" Business Week!
We've been thinking lately about what it means to be a "small business". As we recently wrapped up an amazing Camp Onikas trip to Ecuador (see pic above), where we were asked many questions about The Onikas, we found ourselves reflecting on the fact that we are literally a two-woman show handling all aspects of our biz! The word "small" in this moniker is somewhat of a misnomer in that it may imply minimal or less-than efforts. Fellow small business owners reading this will understand when we say that building a small business is just as challenging as any other operation, and in many cases, perhaps even more so as there is not a multi-division organizational setup...
Lost in translation - our adventures in #monsoonprinting
We were warned! Don't go to Jaipur INDIA in the summer! It's bloody hot! The monsoons are horrible! But what do you do when one of us still has a full time job and the other has limited childcare options...you suck it up and go anyway! You may ask ask yourself: why does the monsoon season affect the block printing process? Well, when it is too wet outside, the air is too damp for proper drying, and, as we learned, the colors dry in unexpected shades...
Who the heck are The Onikas and why uniforms are the new black
Jonnyka was born in Honolulu, Hawaii where her hippie parents were living the early 70’s dream (hence her middle name-- CLOUDS). Veronica was born in Quito Ecuador to a large, boisterous extended clan. Fate brought both of us to Dallas TX where, in 1983, we met during our freshman year at Ursuline Academy- an all girls Catholic school that boasts Melinda Gates as an alum. In true 80’s manner we shared a love of indie bands like New Order and a penchant for Mia flats, lipstick that was two shades too light for our skin tone, and massive shoulder pads. Aside from our dubious fashion choices, we also bonded over a love of art and a desire to travel the world...
