Oonsie Boutique

Is Fashion truly Inclusive now?

Cover Photo Courtesy of Oonsie Boutique

Find out how Edmonton-based brand Oonsie boutique is helping curate an inclusive style experience.

What comes to mind when you hear the term “Inclusive Fashion” ?

Gender? Sexuality? Disability? Age? SIZE? Religion?

We all know Fashion was that kid notorious for creating a warped view of what the world looks like for decades, but lately, we’ve seen a switch. From the inclusion of plus sized models, to a representation of people with disabilities and varying sexualities on the runways, fashion is finally using its power to create culture, for good. The start of a culture that is truly inclusive.

Despite fashion finally catching up on inclusivity, Sara Awatta walked into stores only to find a limited selection of plus-size jumpsuits and dresses to suit her fashion needs. This birthed her brand “Oonsie” - an inclusive clothing boutique that breeds confidence, enhances every woman’s beauty and offers extended ranges in sizes.

In a chat with The Issue Magazine, Sara lets us in on her personal backstory.

Founder Sara Awatta | Photo courtesy of Oonsie Boutique

The Issue Magazine Writer: Getting to this point, have you always had a love for Fashion? 

Sara : “My sisters would tell you the only fashion sense I had growing up was wearing whatever they had in their closets, but university changed all of that. I started getting interested in fashion and fabrics. I got my love of colours and patterns from my grandma, who in my opinion was consistently the best dressed everywhere we went. I remember spending some time with her in the fabric district in Cairo and feeling different types of fabrics while listening to her speak with the seamstress on which fabric works best for the style she wants.”

The Issue Magazine Writer: “When did you know you wanted to do this, and what was your biggest motivation to just start?”

Sara : “I knew I wanted to start Oonsie about 6 years ago. I didn’t feel inspired when shopping for clothing items and found an outdated selection of plus-sized clothing lacking in pieces such as jumpsuits and skirts. I would walk through markets and go to events, and find close to no vendors catering to my size. That coupled with my strong belief in supporting locals was my biggest motivation. With Oonsie, I try to be in as many markets as possible so that others won’t have to feel that same way [I did]. I have received a lot of feedback from customers and event attendees that my booth was the first place they found clothing that fits them at these events.”

The Issue Magazine Writer: What's your mission and who did you intend Oonsie for?

Sara : Oonsie Boutique is an inclusive clothing boutique. Our mission is to provide clothing and accessories that enhance your beauty and confidence. We understand the importance of clothing that fits and our focus is to provide you with that. Our hope is that when you discover Oonsie Boutique, you’ll discover a wardrobe that gives you the confidence to live your best life.

Photo courtesy of Oonsie Boutique

The Issue Magazine Writer: What was your style inspiration for the vision behind Oonsie boutique?

Sara: My style inspiration for Oonsie would be my grandma. Style inspirations come from different places but what really guides my style is capturing the extra confidence and grace that I saw the right clothing provide to my grandma. Styles come and go but the feeling that clothing gives you stays with you. 

The Issue Magazine Writer: Where did your inspiration for the name come from?

Sara : Oonsie means incense in Somali. Although my background is not Somali, I found this word beautiful. I enjoy burning incense daily as it brings me a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. That is the feeling I want people to have, when they shop and wear Oonsie pieces.

The Issue Magazine Writer: What are some of your favourite styles out this season?

Sara : My absolute favourite thing this spring is the return of the pleated skirt!

Photo courtesy of Oonsie Boutique

Photo courtesy of Oonsie Boutique

The Issue Magazine Writer: What is something most people wouldn’t know about Oonsie Boutique?

Sara : That 75% of our clothing is made in North America and that we are currently working on designing and creating our own clothing line with sizes up to 6x. We’re hoping to release it early 2023.

The Issue Magazine Writer: What advice would you give to someone starting?

Sara : Do your market research and start with a small but impactful collection. Learn about your ideal clients and don’t be afraid to get some feedback to guide you.

The Issue Magazine Writer: What advice would you give yourself knowing what you do now? 

Sara: Take risks, it is definitely worth it! 

The inclusive sizing market is a vast and untapped opportunity for most fashion brands. With their elegant and timeless styles ranging from XS to 3X, Sara’s dream is for Oonsie Boutique to become a household name for Canadian-made inclusive clothing.

 You can connect with her brand on Instagram @oonsieboutiqe and shop their website www.oonsie.com.

Sara Awatta | Photo courtesy of Oonsie Boutique