Interview with Beth Reid and Jen Borja
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After living overseas for several years, the first person I became friends with when I got back to Canada was Beth Reid. The company we worked for was expanding and had outgrown their office. They were waiting for a larger one to be renovated, but in the meantime we both had awkward working arrangements. My desk was sandwiched between a wall and my boss’ desk (whereby he could literally read my emails – which he did, constantly); and hers was beside the photocopier machine on the way to the washroom. I’d pass her “office” whenever I needed either and that’s how our friendship grew, over quick chats here and there. But from the moment I met her, I just knew we’d be friends. It’s been 10 years since those “awkward” days and I’m so glad I was right!
Beth is one of the craftiest people I know and always has a project on the go. So, I wasn’t surprised when she opened Needles and Knots with her business partner Jen Borja last year. Beth met Jen on maternity leave, and while taking daily walks with their little ones they discovered a mutual interest for crafting. They attended a macrame night at Left Field Brewery and were hooked! It was similar to knitting, which they both enjoyed, but was less labour intensive. The idea of opening their own shop one day started brewing, and last summer their dream took shape when they launched their Etsy store. They use natural materials – like cotton, wood, and even cinnamon sticks! – in their designs and are eco-friendly conscious using recyclable materials whenever possible, especially with their packaging. They have a great partnership, each contributing complementary skills to the business. With full-time jobs outside the shop, a new puppy (in Jen’s case), and four kiddos between them, on paper it might not seem like the right time to have started a second business. But as we find out, it really was! And I for one am so glad they did as their snowflake ornaments were a big hit over the holiday with my family.
Let’s chat to Beth and Jen!
What’s your happiest memory associated with a smell?
Jen: Campfire and fireplaces. The smell of natural wood burning reminds me of my childhood. I grew up with a fireplace and haven’t had one since (there’s just no room) but whenever I smell smoke or burning wood from a fireplace it reminds me of cold winter days being cozy and snuggled all together inside. The same is true for campfire, as much as I hate not being able to get rid of the smell of it for days afterwards, it reminds me of camping in the summertime with my family.
Beth: Mine is an odd one, but it's fresh cut grass and whenever I smell it I am immediately transported to my grandmother’s house. When I was younger, I would ride my bike to her house to cut her lawn. She’d pay me something like $5 but she’d always have fresh cookies waiting for me afterwards. I loved helping her, she would sit in the backyard while I worked, and we’d chat. It was something I could do with my grandmother. It’s also a great summer smell.
Do you use essential oils in your personal life? If so, how?
Beth: Yes, I do. Apart from in my skincare I use them in purposeful ways, especially with the kids. For example, there was a bout of lice at their school, so we used tea tree oil in their shampoo to help ward them off, which seemed to work. We’d also use lavender to help them calm down before bedtime, placing a drop on their wrists so they could smell it whenever they needed. We also use wool balls for our laundry and would dab a little bit of essential oils on them, like lemon, to freshen our clothes in the dryer. Those are just some of the ways we use them in our house.
Jen: I’ve been using essential oils since I was kid! My mom is very much into holistic medicine and aromatherapy so anytime we were sick as kids we’d do steam inhalations. She’d boil some water, put in a few drops of tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint or even a concoction of essential oils, and we’d put our heads over the bowl with a towel overhead. So, from a young age I do remember essential oils being present in my life. Currently, I have 2 long-lasting diffusers that gently mist the essential oils into the air, one in my bedroom and one in my workspace. I use them if I need to relax or stay focused. We use them for the children too, especially in winter when they’re stuffed up, sick or have a headache.
How has opening a business during the pandemic been like for you two?
It’s been good timing for us. We probably didn’t realize it when we started brainstorming, but everything seemed to align perfectly. Online shopping was exploding, most retailers had to pivot during this time, or they’d lose business; people were spending a lot more time inside so were looking for more comfortable and enjoyable living spaces; and we had extra time on our hands, thanks to travel bans, no commutes, and older kids. We wanted to offer something that people might need during this time that would bring joy. For us that’s crafts and plants. The idea behind our hangers is to bring more plant life into your space, whether that’s an office or home. We can’t compete with the likes of Amazon next-day shipping, but we’re fast, local, and small. Word of mouth has been great, and the process has brought us closer together. It’s been our saving grace during this time, and we’ve been able to motivate each other. We love coming up with new ideas and seeing how people react to it. It’s exciting when someone we don’t know buys one of our items!
What lead to the addition of the diffuser offerings in your shop? How do they work?
That was the brainchild of Jen thanks to her experience with essential oils. She also came up with the design around the holidays when we were thinking about smaller things for stocking stuffers and were inspired by other macrame ornaments we were seeing. We understand that not everyone may want a hanger so we’re trying to be more accessible, while still using similar materials. We also don’t have a storefront, which allows us to be creative with our product offerings. It’s been fun! For the diffusers, we have ones with and without cinnamon sticks included. You place a few drops of essential oils on the natural, untreated wooden beads that are also included. They get absorbed then release slowly and is long lasting. You can hang them anywhere you may want a fresh smell like a car, closet or bathroom.
What’s your favourite plant or essential oil and why?
Jen: Mine is eucalyptus! I love the smell and how versatile it is. It’s my go-to essential oil.
Beth: I love citrus smells, so either lemon or lime. I spent some time in California and the place I lived at had a lemon tree in the backyard so every morning I’d pick fresh lemons to make lemonade.
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