VonaAnanas means Hope & Pineapples in Icelandic, though many languages use forms of ananas (stemming from the scientific name for pineapple). How did I arrive at hope & pineapples? I'm so glad you asked.
Hope: Hope came from the hope that this crazy idea would work. Hope is something that comes and goes much like the tide and hoping that my little idea of selling goods that I make and that make me happy would have the same effect on others requires quite a bit of hope. Pineapples: Well pineapple love came about in college when I was joining my sorority and my "Big" decorated many things with a pineapple theme as an ode to our love of a shared favorite show. Pineapples then became a thing that was a silly shared love with other people I met and when friends and family traveled pineapples made them think of me. It wasn't until I was a few years into this pineapple craze that I really learned about pineapples and their history and their meaning. Pineapple or anana loosely translates into "excellent fruit" and was a staple of the early Caribbean natives diet. When Christopher Columbus "discovered" the islands he brought back pineapples from his journey. This sweet, yet interesting looking, fruit became popular among the European elite. Due to the rarity and exotic nature of the pineapple it was often given as a royal gift. It should also be noted that pineapples were used in decoration due to their "royal" nature so rooms and places decorated heavily with pineapple designs were considered luxurious and gratifying. It is from this origin of giving and many, many years of continuing the tradition that pineapples are now most associated with hospitality and welcoming especially in Florida and Hawaii. It is my hope that my gifts not only bring joy and happiness into your home but that you also share this site and these goods with friends. The days of gifts "just because" may be waning but nothing brightens your day and others with a simple gift or card to let them know you care. Pay it forward when you can and I wish only the best for all who visit this site. Jordan Egbertson Owner, VonaAnanas |