When we set out to bring you some of the cutest gifts around, there was no question that Ban.do was a perfect match! Between their fun, cheery products and positive message, it’s no secret why we’re obsessed with this LA-based powerhouse. We sat down with our friends at Ban.do to talk inspiration, staying organized and what it means to be #AerieREAL.
Aerie: Tell us about Ban.do! How did the company get started?
Ban.do: We started making one-of-a-kind hair accessories (think: flower crowns before they were a trend) that sold out pretty much immediately. The thing is, since they were one-of-a-kind, once they sold they were gone. So we began to make things in multiples, which allowed us to create accessible price points for every girl, and ban.do was born! We’ve evolved a lot since the beginning, but we’ve always been built on strong branding and the desire to bring fun products to all girls everywhere. We’ve always been very serious about fun!
Aerie: We’re obsessed with ban.do’s bright, fun aesthetic. What inspires the team on a daily basis?
Ban.do: Why, thank you! We find inspiration in a lot of places: Pinterest, Instagram, and our spectacular ban.do girl gang, to name a few. Connecting and collaborating with artists is one of our favorite things. We’re also inspired by our Los Angeles office, a.k.a The Ban.do Party House! There’s a disco ball wall, glitter wallpaper, and a pop up shop in the back: major creative fuel. When we’re not at the office, we love to explore LA by checking out museum exhibits, catching a movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, or treasure hunting at the Rose Bowl Flea Market.
Aerie: Staying organized can be tough at times! Do you have any tips for how to step up your desk game?
Ban.do: Totally! Our latest product line is all about creating the ultimate dream desk. The goal is to make your desk a place that totally works for you AND that you love looking at. Because if you’re not inspired, what’s the point? We love putting the “fun” in functional with cute desk accessories like pretty file folders and notebooks, bright markers and washi tape, and extras like colorful prints and tiny disco balls. Disco balls definitely increase productivity. Or at least remind you to have regular dance parties.
Aerie: Our ban.do collection is amazing! We know it’s hard to choose, but is there one product you’re REALLY excited about?
Ban.do: You guys, that’s basically impossible. But OK! We’re super excited about the I Am Very Busy Agenda, which is packed with magical things like compliments, stickers, a secret code language, and fun, weekly to-dos. People are obsessing over our agendas and interacting with them in really cool ways (see: #omgbandoagenda on Instagram), and we want to pop champagne and jump up and down about the whole thing!
Aerie: It’s no secret we’re excited to partner with a REAL company like ban.do! What does being #AerieREAL mean to you?
Ban.do: To us, being #AerieREAL means being who you are without apology and with a lot of celebrating and confetti-throwing. One of the phrases in our agenda is “Do whatever, be weird, it’s OK!” and we pretty much live by that. We can’t get enough of the individuality of our customers, who are sparkly, edgy, preppy, and everything in between. We’re all about inclusion, because that’s what makes things fun. And we just really want to be friends with everybody.
Show us your favorite Ban.do products with #AerieREAL on Instagram and Twitter for a chance to be featured on our Style Gallery! xo