Behind the Scenes with Ponomo
Q&A with Hannah Tarkinson & Sonya Tomlinson of Ponomo
By: Keriann Russell, Project Manager/Fashion Insider, MainelyMara.com
Ten years ago, Hannah Tarkinson made a stylish leather bag using only a hammer and nails. Today, this bag has evolved into one of the most talked about accessory lines in Maine called Ponomo (pō`nō`mō).
Using a combination of art and fashion, the company has embodied the term “vintage-modern” with pieces ranging from monocle earrings to hand-made hobo bags – always using the coolest vintage materials and the best grade leathers.
We were lucky enough to sit down with Hannah and Sonya in their studio to get a behind the scenes look at Ponomo.
Hannah is a mother of two, a professional photographer, a musician and an extremely talented designer (obviously). Sonya is Ponomo’s Sales & Marketing partner, and a prominent local hip-hop artist, who joined forces with Hannah last spring.
What was the inspiration behind starting Ponomo?
H: I knew I wanted to do something I loved on all fronts. After my bags started to get a lot of attention, I decided to incorporate my photography background and love for music and art all in one. I wanted Ponomo to be one-of-a-kind.
What kind of girl/guy do you imagine wearing Ponomo?
H: I have customers as old as 70-80 and as young as 15. It really depends on their personality – it’s someone who appreciates the art of fashion. As corny as this may sound, it’s someone who is not dressing to impress but to express! {Hannah laughs to herself}
What part of the design process do you like most?
H: I love hunting for the recycled items. I work with pretty old stuff. There is always an energy with the pieces; I love all the history. I also enjoy working on custom orders with heirlooms – handing over the finished product is very exciting.
Who are your style icons?
H: {Without hesitation} Kate Moss! I’ll even ask myself while designing, “What Would Kate Wear?” M.I.A. is also one of my style icons, and of course, Alexander McQueen…he made “wild” into mainstream. But I always have in the back of my mind that I’m not creating for any one person.
Our blog, Local Style, highlights fashion and style in Portland. How would you describe each other’s personal style?
H: Sonya’s style is hip-hop meets vintage with a girl-next-door approach that still retains its uniqueness.
S: Hannah’s style is rock meets artist. She has a t-shirt that she cut holes in that resembles Swiss cheese that only she can pull off. I find her style ahead of the curve.
What tips can you share with MainelyMara readers about accessorizing their look?
H: When accessorizing, the louder the piece the simpler the clothing. The beauty of accessories is that they’re for all shapes, sizes and ages.
S: Scarves and jewelry! If you don’t have a circle/eternity scarf in your repertoire, get one.
What advice do you have for young aspiring designers?
H: If you’re young and aspiring – that’s half the battle. It’s best to have support from people who have your back. I’ve found the people who are pursuing their own dreams are going to give you the best advice.
What are your long term goals for Ponomo?
H: To remain Maine-based, to consistently include salvaged materials in our work and to expand our fan base and retailers across the country… and hey, why not worldwide while we’re at it!
Wrapping up, what is one thing you want MainelyMara readers to know about Ponomo?
H: Ponomo isn’t about making the buyer fit our style. Our goal is that a Ponomo piece encourages the wearer to accessorize in a way they might not have considered before with pieces that help to enhance the style they’ve already established.
A special thank you to Hannah and Sonya – we love your story and your creations & we know the best is yet to come for Ponomo!
