(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A collage of colors all made in Chicago.
“It's just a way for people to come and have a good time, and you can buy things there, but it's also a joy to be in the space too,” Adrianne Hawthorne Thomas is the creative mind behind Ravenswood's Ponnopozz.
“It's a made up word. It's actually based on two imaginary friends I had as a kid that I don't remember.”
The shop opened in 2019, a combination of Hawthorne Thomas' artwork and goods from across the city.
“You'll find candles that are made locally in different scents with like really fun colorful labels, clothing items–like really colorful and wild pieces of clothing like jumpsuits or turtlenecks,” Hawthorne Thomas said.
“Hair accessories that are really fun, with hair clips that look like the Chicago flag or that look like, you know, a piece of kale. Like we have all sorts of fun just interesting, unique objects.”
Ponnopozz has also played host to a number of storytelling events and workshops over the years.
“Something unexpected was getting people into this space, and they're not necessarily shopping. You really get to know people when they spend more than a couple of minutes in your space.”
There are plans to move to a smaller location, but Hawthorne Thomas says that won't dim Ponnopozz’s power to put something new in your home and a smile on.
“We focus on joy and fun and color and whatever that translates to, whether it's prints or my paintings or colorful leggings.”
Color is the vibe at 4839 North Damon Avenue and online at Ponnopozz.com.
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