Beenanza Design is a studio in Burlington, Vermont that was established solely for the love of design & pattern by me, Bethany Andrews-Nichols.
With over 12 years of graphic design experience, I specialize in print and pattern design with a focus in block printing. I strongly believe that the power, creativity, and compassion of women all over the world is what will bring about PEACE. I am a small piece of a powerful movement that is creating a deeper appreciation for things ethically made by hand.
The Beenanza Backpack is the epitome of me. I love wearing backpacks and being hands free without the constant shoulder strap adjustment. All the backpacks styles I was drawn to were only available in a solid-colored canvas, possibly with a fun pattern on the inside... And that’s when I decided, I want to wear my patterns on the outside. Inspired by a Boy Scout backpack from the 60’s combined with my obsession with pattern and my love for the ancient Indian art of wood block printing; the Beenanza Backpack was born.
Having traveled to Jaipur, India to learn more about this craft, I gained a deep appreciation for this ancient art, and am now on a mission to promote this unique slow fashion movement in Vermont. This backpack was fully designed by yours truly in my little studio here in Burlington. I am collaborating with a block printing cooperative of artisans in Jaipur, India. They are wood block-printing my designs onto canvas and assembling the backpack - all by hand.
Artisan wood block printing my "PEACE" pattern
Testing my prototype of the "PEACE ALL DAY-PACK" in Brooklyn
The bags will be available through my website & at a growing number of stores in Burlington, Vermont. Once established, I plan to set up a fund that will donate a portion of the proceeds from each bag toward the purchase and installation of household water filtration systems for families within the city of Jaipur & hopefully beyond. Beenanza is raising money through iFundWomen to help purchase the initial run of backpacks & materials to get the bags into market, as well as fees associated with setting up the Water Filtration Fund.
Thank you so much to everyone for your continued love and support. Peace!