Editorial

Mother-Daughter Duo Teresa and Echo Hopkins, Founders of Ordinary Habit, Share Their Favorite Accessories for Daily Rituals

Making mindful moments an ordinary habit.

Routine has officially been rebranded. What was once the mundane must-do’s of brushing our teeth, washing our face, making coffee, and taking the dog for a stroll have become sacred self care rituals. And to be honest, we now live for the meditative moments of massaging moisturizer on our face. Perhaps nobody understands the significance of slowing down more than mother-daughter duo Teresa and Echo Hopkins of Ordinary Habit.

‍

Believing that something ordinary can be transformative, Teresa and Echo reimagined daily play as an activity that could be engaged with mindfully, and artistically, to create moments of calm. Which is convenient for us because, yes, as a matter of fact, we do need aesthetically peaceful interludes amidst the bazillion alerts, reminders, and headlines of everyday life.

Ordinary Habit began as a line of beautiful-to-look-at jigsaw puzzles. Anyone can piece together works of art and elevate their coffee table with puzzles like Jardin d’hiver puzzle by Lida Zaruffo and Soft Rhapsody by Priscilla Weidlein. But it doesn’t stop at puzzles. Ordinary Habit has now expanded into collections of matching cards and accessories for the home. The company donates a portion of their proceeds on a recurring basis to groups that support emotional and mental wellbeing. Currently Ordinary Habit is donating to The Loveland Foundation, which brings opportunity and healing to Black women and girls.

‍

We chatted with Teresa and Echo about why taking moments for yourself is important, connecting meaningfully with those around you, and the products they use to piece together a solid daily routine.

The Brands

Chatting with Teresa Hopkins and Echo Hopkins

‍

co-op: So, Teresa and Echo, for the people who don't yet know you, tell us about who you are!

Teresa and Echo Hopkins: We're the co-founders of Ordinary Habit, but our fun fact is that we're also mother (Tre) and daughter (Echo)!

‍

co-op: Ordinary Habit creates artful experiences in the form of puzzles. What inspired the idea to create puzzles, and do you have a favorite piece count to tackle?

EH: I started doing puzzles on the coffee table at my office as a way to take a break from my screen or phone. This evolved into everyone on the team gathering around, or taking a few minutes at a time to have a meditative pause in their day. It was amazing! I started sharing the puzzles with my mom, and she began the habit of keeping one on our dining table at home, starting her day with tea and some puzzle time to focus on the day at hand. Once we'd done a few we struggled to find more that were aesthetically pleasing – so many were huge, or were not great quality, and thus Ordinary Habit was born.

TH: I love a 500 piece for most puzzling time, but a holiday or a family get together is perfect for 1000s too (smaller and they seem to get done too fast). And finally, last year we released some 100 piece puzzles because sometimes you just need a quick fix, if you know what I mean. They’re perfect if I want to go hang at a coffee shop or kill time on a plane trip! OK, so I just said I like all the sizes. I guess that makes me undecided as to my favorite!

‍

co-op: As a mother-daughter duo, what are some activities you like to engage in together to connect?

TH & EH: We've always come together in the kitchen. Much the same way we use puzzling as a form of tactile meditation, cooking and baking for us is a form of relaxation. We love making meals together, and hosting!

‍

co-op: What are some co-op brands you're really into right now?

TH & EH: Both of us are big fans of Gossamer – for when a puzzle can't quite get you there for relaxation! Dusk is a staple in both of our households. Crown Affair is also a constant thing we reach for. We love the ritual they've created out of slowing down with your haircare routines, and making products that feel luxurious. Haus is also a lovely companion to a little evening puzzle time.

‍

co-op: What are some Q4 collabs you're most looking forward to?

TH & EH: We did a beautiful collaboration with One Stripe Chai Co that came to life in a bundle that includes a puzzle and a tea blend. We worked with Manuja Waldia for the artwork, and we're so thrilled with how it came out. We're also super excited to be launching a holiday marketplace that will include some of our favorite products, so that folks can come to Ordinary Habit as a destination for holiday gifting. Everything we've chosen are things we love, and that bring peace and calm into our lives. We can't wait to share that with others.

‍

co-op: 'Tis the holiday season! What are you gifting and what's on your wishlist?

EH: We'd be spilling the beans on each other if we answer this! Or maybe this is a great way to publicly announce to my mom what's on my list...

TH: Echo, you are too funny (and please send me your list so I can buy early)! But yeah, I won’t give it up – Echo always knows the perfect gifts for me anyway!

‍

____

‍

Products Teresa and Echo are loving right now

‍

"I was recently introduced to Sound and immediately fell in love with the subtle flavor. Great when you're sick of water, and want something that isn't alcoholic."

Tangerine Lemongrass & Green Tea, $30/Pack of 12 Cans, Sound

‍