Solare Shop

Blakely Hiner &
Angela Hodgkinson - Owners/Founders

Where do you live

Oklahoma City, OK

What is the story of your brand and how would you like it to evolve

While owning separate businesses, we found common ground in art, natural body products, ceramics (!) and Georgia O’Keeffe — from there, Solare was born. We are constantly dreaming up new products and ideas around which self-care is honored. Our house-line of oils and candles will be released in the coming months — we can’t wait to share more!

What inspires you and helps you get into a creative flow

We share time at the shop probably 1/4 of the time we’re open - and the time we are together, throwing around ideas, design, and more (i.e. dancing to Childish Gambino or catching up on our fav podcast of the week) are the most fulfilling to me (Blakely). It’s a reminder of why we’re partners and how much we are capable of. Meditating and taking a step back from whatever I’m stuck on can be extremely helpful and inspiring as well.

What is the message that you want to express through your product/service

Our intention has and always will be to empower women through self-care. Self-care was initially born out of a certain amount of repression/oppression and lack of support for marginalized people, women included. Although there is a marked sense of consumerism and privilege swirling around today’s IG version of “self-care,” there is a real need for self-reflection, understanding and care in this moment. We believe there is no progress as women or a people before we learn to take care and nuture our selves.

At the core of Solare is the innate belief that less is more — further than just living minimally or purging once a year, it’s ensuring our needs are met holistically with safe products that are made with integrity. Our products are not idealized regimens for people with limitless time and money but, instead, high-functioning products that serve multiple purposes — reducing waste and ideally focusing one on small rituals and luxuries that help anchor us down in the present moment.

What does the word beauty evoke for you

The Solare version of beauty evokes our shop muse — Georgia O’Keeffe — and her natural and pared-down lifestyle. We are so enamored by her strength and self-made desert life.