or Why we decided to start a Portland-based, exclusively online, luggage and accessories-company.
Some ideas come to you in a flash, others evolve slowly over time. The story of Jonny Sport is a little bit of both.
In 1995 my father-in-law, Bob Beckel, master craftsman, world-class tent maker, and owner of Beckel Canvas Products, located in Portland, Oregon, purchased a random lot of fabrics at an auction. In that lot there was a roll of vinyl “basketball material.” Being a frugal and creative maker of things he set to work making bags and luggage from the material.
I vividly recall walking into Bob’s shop and seeing these bright orange “basketball” tote and duffel bags. Jon, (my future-ex-husband) and I were immediately smitten by the bags and purchased several of them as gifts for our family and friends and for ourselves. Although they were only advertised by word of mouth, the limited production run of “basketball bags” sold out quickly.
My original “basketball bags” have been used almost everyday for fourteen years and counting. Every time I go to the grocery store, the farmers market, the airport, the beach, the bookstore, wherever, the bags solicit attention and questions from everyone who encounters them. After years of apologetic explanations about how the bags are one-of-a-kind-originals, “but please do go visit Beckel Canvas Products, because they make amazing canvas bags and tents”, the idea of resurrecting the “basketball bags” has slowly grown into a full-blown enterprise. It started with a search for the materials and has blossomed into a vision of how we would like to do business.
Our mission at Jonny Sport is to design and manufacture high-quality luggage and accessories that are locally made in Portland, Oregon. All of our products are 100% vegan meaning that no animal products are used in our products.
The other guiding principle of our company is to create a transparent web of relationships with our customers, our manufacturers, material suppliers, graphic designers, photographers, caterer, and the growing list of artists, musicians, professionals, neighbors, family and friends who are involved in our lives and in helping us hatch Jonny Sport LLC.
The last part of my first “official” blog is an introduction to the first three pieces of the Jonny Sport collection: The Everything Bag, The Weekend Bag, and the Kit Bag.
I have worked closely with Kathy Darnielle, sister of Jon Beckel and daughter of Bob Beckel, who now runs Beckel Canvas Products, to produce this series of bags. Jon (who has since passed) would love that the bags are now available to everyone.
Jonny Sport bags are built for the long haul, the short trip, and everything in between. Our close relationship with Beckel Canvas allows us to ensure the quality of our products. Each bag comes with a lifetime guarantee on the stitching.
Last but not least is a word about our “basketball” material. The first series of “basketball bags” was a random and delightful surprise. In the second round, my partner, Dan Revel and I, searched exhaustively to find the perfect material for our bags. I believe we found it. We are an online-only store and you will have to use your imagination when you see pictures of our bags on your computer screen, but my hope is that when you take the plunge and buy one or all of our bags you will be equally as delighted as I was when I received my first sample of this material in the mail. It is the “real deal” basketball material and will be around for a good long time.
If you still need convincing, drop us an e-mail, and we will mail you a swatch.
Thank you and please do revisit our blog to get the latest information and stories about our upcoming products.
Sincerely,
Rachel Elizabeth
President, Jonny Sport LLC
