How to build a better blanket
Vancouver-based brand MINCA creates chic, comfortable pieces that go above and beyond
When it comes to adding accoutrements to one’s home, it doesn’t get much better than a blanket.
From providing a practical element of warmth, to upping the overall style of a space, a great blanket or throw is pretty much always a worthwhile investment.
And now, there’s a cool new Vancouver brand that’s making the decision to acquire a chic new piece that much easier.
Called MINCA, the company offers a curated selection of blankets that merge the aforementioned fashion-function element — seamlessly.
Brooke Wells, the brand’s founder, chatted with Postmedia News about creating better blankets, what makes MINCA unique and why natural fibres felt like the perfect fit.
Q When and why did you start MINCA? A
I started MINCA last fall. I’d had the idea for a long time but it took some soul searching to get it off the ground. My boyfriend and I gave ourselves a break from the corporate hustle, and went travelling in South America for a few months. After working 9-to-5 jobs for so long, the shift to having freedom to be creative and explore new ideas was the push I needed to get started.
Q Why blankets? A
I saw the opportunity to create blankets that were both luxurious and truly functioned for my lifestyle. I use blankets all the time, whether I’m boating, cosying up in a cabin, or just walking across the street to Kits beach. I couldn’t find anything at an attainable price point that actually performed outdoors and was made from quality natural fibres, so I created MINCA.
Q Is there a story behind the name? A The name was inspired by my travels to Minca in Colombia. When I visited Minca, I already knew that I wanted to start a blanket brand, and I was so inspired by the beauty, tranquillity and magic of the place. The two months I spent in Central and South America helped me make MINCA a reality, so I wanted the name of the brand to reflect that experience.
Q What makes your blankets different from other offerings? A Our blankets are made from natural performance fibres and we have a full range of options to suit every aspect of people’s lifestyles. There’s a lot of heritage and tradition with blankets, which I wanted to incorporate while still keeping them modern. I’m from New Zealand originally, and I grew up spending a lot of time outside wearing natural materials like merino wool. It was important to me to use those fibres in the fabrication of my blankets so that they functioned for multiple uses.
Q Who is your target customer?
A
I really created MINCA for myself, and people like me, because I wanted something both utilitarian and vaguely bohemian that suits my lifestyle. Like many Vancouverites, I’m fairly adventurous and MINCA blankets are perfect to take along. That said, they’re so multi-functional that one target customer is hard to define; they’re for people who love to travel and be outside, or just want a beautiful accent for their home.
Q And what inspires the designs?
A Everything I design starts with an experience I want to create, inspired by a place I’ve travelled to. I think about how the blanket will be used, where you will take it and then I explore fabrics that will hold up to those activities while feeling beautiful and special. I create a mood board of images and hand-draw designs, and from there I start creating patterns, textures and yarn dye stripes to bring my vision to life. I test all MINCA products myself — I use them around my house and bring them on adventures. I make tweaks and adjustments to the design from there, ensuring that each piece brings together my minimalist, bohemian vibe with a utilitarian function. Design and quality are the two most important things to me — my goal is to create special experiences so that my customers feel connected to and inspired by.
Q Where can people check the blankets out? A Our full line is available online at thisisminca.com.
Q What is the price range for MINCA creations? A
Pricing ranges from $125 to $400 depending on size and materials.
Q Lastly, what’s next?
A
I have so many ideas for MINCA. I’d love to collaborate with local designers on new prints and I’m working on getting stocked at local retail partners, too. I’m also working full-time in the fashion industry so taking it one step at a time but the dream is to keep travelling to new places for inspiration, and to eventually launch MINCA baby as well.