Emmanuel and Alana worked together to curate and make accessible a collection of sustainable clothing, accessories, and home goods… THen they added a cafe.

Back in 2019 as a student/barista, Emmanuel started to organize pop-ups around Grand Rapids to sell his collection of second-hand/vintage clothes. At the same time, Alana was developing her craft for unique handmade spoon rings. Eventually their paths crossed, and they collaborated on a pop up at Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge.

It was just about to be the beginning of a great partnership between their clothes and spoon rings, then COVID-19 hit, putting a halt in their plans for future pop-ups. 

Fast forward to the summer of 2021, Alana and Emmanuel started thinking about selling clothes and handmade spoon rings in a space less transient than a pop up shop. Together, with their passion for fashion, community, and sustainability, they opened OTONO on November 12th, 2021 at 317 Division Ave S.

Since then, they have moved locations, expanded their selection and opened a cafe in the same space in downtown Grand Rapids Michigan.

Cafe OTONO opened in the Spring of 2025. You can find tea, pastries & of course coffee! Browse clothes while you wait for your drink to be made and spend some time sipping your drink in the cozy seating area.

What you will find at OTONO are items carefully selected by Alana and Emmanuel. The space changes weekly with new clothes thanks to the store credit program which offers customers store credit for bringing in clothes. (Find out more about store credit by switching to the tab.)

During the other days of the week, you can find these two either rock climbing, thrifting, traveling, or enjoying a coffee in the shop.

They have high hopes for their brand and for the community they’ve became a part of, and they are excited for the many things to come in the future!