I know Ines Ortner as a Costume Designer, Museum Curator, Set Designer, Artist and Store Owner. Ines did a fantastic workshop for SMOC, just a few years ago, it seems. We went over to see her at the Bowen Island Museum and had a tour and then she told us about her new store. Ines has popped up at so many events I love: ECO Fashion Week, Tomoe Arts, SMOC, and at theatres and museums, that I thought she should pop up here and tell how she is moving forward through COVID 19. Thank you Ines! Thanks also to Marilyn R Wilson, who began the COVID 19 Interview process. Community Builders, here!
The Real Rapunzel
1) Please tell us about your business, work, length of time, audience, goals..
Not even a couple of years ago I scaled down my costume design business to re-focus on smaller custom design projects and opened the store The Real Rapunzel here on Bowen Island. On offer are corky, unique and fun gifts and souvenirs, fashion accessories and soft furnishings with a Bowen Island centric focus, made in house, and we also love to present the wonderful works from Bowens artisans, from BC or further away. My favourite part is when customers come with their ideas for cool custom products, and of course once a while I still make dresses or costume bits and pieces on order.
2) How did you work with people before COVID 19?
The concept of my store is all about the personal touch, about sharing the fun and joy of the products I am making or find for resale. It is by definition a playground for grown ups, however some of my best customers are very young in age too, so sometimes my tiny store is buzzing like a family event. It is always about the people and I get to know so many interesting travelers from everywhere in the world… I always think we just should add a coffee and cake bar as well J .
3) How has social isolation affected you and the people you work with?
Well, the store came to a complete standstill, and I missed the personal interaction with my customers right away. However, it is interesting to me how this complete stop is imposing on us to look at our personal and communal essence, so I did a lot of thinking and considering how things could look afterwards. I also started to make music again, which I hadn’t done for quite some time, wrote a silly ‘Corona Lisa’ song and practice learning a new instrument, the melodeon (punk shanties are on the list) and just enjoyed the incredible rare free time I had at home.
4) What are some strategies for keeping your Art and work going during this time? Stores are closed, but you keep going. I keep seeing your posts and they make me look at what you have done and want to know more about now.
It did not take long before some approached me with some custom designs for backpacks and of course face masks. I started making them with fabric I had actually earmarked for a cosmetic bags collection this year. They have spiders, flamingos, otters, beetles or sushi on them and my customers love them. We also make some black ones, and fancy ones for special occasion.
Supplies become a challenge, more than ever, but then again I prefer to do small quantities since I don’t like to bore my customers nor myself.
I also make now aprons and ovenmitt sets for kids and they will be exclusively available on my new online store, which will hopefully be open in August.
Beside our brand this store will also features some amazing local artisans.
To be honest, I can’t wait to open my real world store soon, I am aiming for the beginning of June. Despite or rather because of all distancing, and masks, Plexiglas and hand sanitizer I am more than ready for great deep belly laughs with my customers.
Connect with Ines and The Real Rapunzel and check for opening hours and updates
on Facebook: The Real Rapunzel
or Instagram: therealrapunzelonbowen
The store is 575 Artisan Lane, Artisan Square, Bowen Island
5) Do you have a motto, mantra, song, book, role model, mentor that keeps you moving forward during COVID 19? Again, thanks in advance. If you can attach a good photo of you and your store, Art, etc. I will post.
One of my most favorite books ever is “Frederick the Mouse” by Leo Lionni (ok it’s a kids book, but hey, my inner child has a ferocious appetite). In fact I actually build the business plan for my store with this book in mind, since I really think that everybody in society has a role to fulfill. Certain roles don’t seem to be so productive as others, but some people are at their best in the role to encourage, inspire and spread a little happiness. I always saw my store in that role.
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