What is Queork? It is a private company with five locations. We carry several products made from cork: handbags, accessories, and an exclusive shoe line.
What first interested you cork? When my partner, Amy, was in Portugal she discovered how widely cork was being used. She wanted a cork collar for her dogs, and our story started when she was told the minimum order was 500.
How is business? We have enjoyed great growth in three years, and we continue to look for new ways to use cork, like in our new line of home products
Who are your customers? People who appreciate the design and sustainability of our products.
Why cork? Our cork products are water, stain and scratch resistant, and also light. It’s natural wood, so it’s beautiful. The cork tree is the only tree in the world that regrows its bark after it’s harvested, so it’s great for the environment.
What are your best sellers? The flapper bag is very popular with our tourists – it can be a small or large cross-body or a clutch. The other bag that does very well is our Lil’ Easy every day handbag, as you can make it large or small.
What’s new? We have recently begun carrying some locally sourced items and as well as a line of Portuguese jams, honey and chocolates.
Is there anything else you want to mention? We are very proud to be a New Orleans-based company, and we want to become the main provider of quality cork products in the U.S.
Queork
Five locations; visit Queork.com for details