Vendor Spotlight: ONDO
Hana (founder)
After 8 years of working in the fashion industry and graduating from Parsons, ONDO was founded in 2021 by Hana, a Korean American footwear designer from Philadelphia and New York.
ONDO is a line of small-batch body care products, carefully formulated using plant based, non-toxic ingredients to craft cruelty-free soaps, body oils and perfume.
How did you become a creator / business owner?
My mother and I have always loved doing crafts and we both have a background in art & design. She taught me soap making years ago and during the 2020 lockdown, I started making soap again and it slowly snowballed into a business from there.
ONDO (온도) pronounced like 'own-doe' means 'temperature' in the Korean language.
What does In Todo mean to you?
Community! Every market that uplifts BIPOC makers always have the BEST community and opportunities to make life-long friendships. It's not just about selling at these markets but being able to connect and feel like a family and team next to other vendor friends.
Community! Every market that uplifts BIPOC makers always have the BEST community and opportunities to make life-long friendships. It's not just about selling at these markets but being able to connect and feel like a family and team next to other vendor friends.
Any advice for new BIPOC business owners?
Never let your analysis paralysis stop you from moving forward and just do it!
Favorite song?
At your best by Aaliyah
Fave snack from your family background?
A variety of Korean snacks!
Biggest hurdle in running your business?
Finances. I was let go from my job in 2020 and the start-up costs to start a business was overwhelming and scary. Investing into your small business is definitely a hurdle if you don't have a primary job to back it up.
What's your dream vacation?
Surfing and swimming with manta rays and dolphins in crystal clear oceans.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I hope to expand and scale up my business to the point I can open up my own dream brick & mortar shop.
Favorite part about running your business?
I get to set my own schedule every day and I get to call 100% of the shots.
