Jolynn Carneiro runs an independent lifestyle brand called Nonsense Curry.
She designs and curates a variety of products (neckpieces, lamps, pillows, badges and notebooks). Jolynn’s specialty is customizing each item to express your narrative the best way possible, and her pricing starts at INR 80!
Isn’t it lovely?
Jolynn began her career manufacturing custom lampshades for her father’s Mapusa lamp shop (Carneiro Frontier).
As her unique aesthetic gained traction, she began to expand her territory, occupying what she now refers to as “a tiny island” within the business.
And what does this island have to offer?
All of her crafts, including neckties, bespoke pillows, novels, lamp stands, and other accessories. She tells us that ‘nonsense’ is her one-word take on life, and curry is a celebration of her Goan roots, which is why it’s called Nonsense Curry.
Despite the fact that she does everything from scratch, she now collaborates with a group of potters and weavers.
She puts the beautiful terracotta lamps, khadi pillow, and notebooks to life with their cooperation (she even designed one for the Fat Fish restaurant).
Jolynn takes delight in working directly with her customers since Nonsense Curry is all about individuality. She’s now working on a unique collection for a client and his unwavering affection for his long-lost dog. She’s even created pillows for a young child who is fascinated with space and the celestial bodies.
This is where her wit, humor, and love of doodling really come together in these exceptional collections.
To save waste, she packages everything she sends in eco-friendly packaging made from leftover paper and scraps. And as a result, the finished product bears her unique imprint while also looking stunning!
Humans of Goa is our original and official series that shares inspirational stories from the lives of Goans.
Let’s get a glimpse of her life.
Tell us about yourself…
Hey there! I’m Jolynn Carneiro, a lifestyle designer running a business model called Nonsense Curry – with a sustainable approach. I define myself through my work- the best way to envision who I am and what I stand for.
I live in Mapusa and my pet names are jojo banana, jo, jojo, or mojo jojo 🙂
What was that one moment that changed everything?
The spark to create was innate in me at a very young age. I just didn’t know which direction I would end up in- in my adult life. And looking back now its so interesting to see the process unfold. It started with recycled bottle art and lamp shades, that evolved into lifestyle products like khadi bags and carry-ons head wraps and so on and so forth.
But the itch to channel who I was into my products was evident, that’s when I gave my love for cartooning and never stopped ever since.
I remember my energy level and creative juices being on full throttle, pumping out products after products that gave me an even higher rush to have them leave the shelves and into their new homes- in their natural environment/ element. I kept my head in the game, which is how it has evolved into what it has today. I can’t harp on it enough that ‘ Consistency is key’ for any venture you want to pursue.
Any funny or inspiring childhood story or memory you want to share that shaped your life…
Where do I even begin?
I am and have always been a naughty kid. From sticking keys into a live socket- getting mildly electrocuted and yelling ‘who hit me coz I’ve never quite felt that sensation before’, Sticking my lips in a 90’s freezer when they were chapped to act as Vaseline – only to get them stuck and ripped out with blood all over it, setting my house curtain on fire- that escalated from burning a tiny ant with a match.
Yes I was a human test dummy by the looks of it. Picking up any and every street puppy or kitten and bringing them back home, a water baby that loved the ocean and spent a generous amount of time in it- that colored me into a brown pantone chart. Hmm, the more I reminisce the more evident it is of what a GREAT childhood I did have. I loved spending time in my village and would clock in hours and hours on my toasty terrace, just laying under a swaying coconut shoot and my first dog ‘Jeepoo’.
What’s the biggest challenge when pursuing this fulltime?
When you run your own thing and have built it from the ground up, and LOVE what you do – it’s hard sometimes to strike a balance between work and some down time for yourself. It’s a learning curve for sure. That and delegating work to someone else, when you’re so used to observing everything like a hawk and micromanaging.
A bit about your role models.
From Will Smith’s philosophies of life, to Trevor Noah for his comedy sketches and political ideologies and discussions, Tracee Ellis Ross for her independent spirit and a spot on love for laughter that we share, friends and family that keep me grounded.
What role did family and friends play? Any quick incident you recall?
Absolutely !
From absorbing everything my older brother did – gaming, music and art as a kid to my pop’s keen eye for interiors, lighting and repurposing ways, habits that are innate and instilled in me since I was a kid. After my degree in fine art with a major in photography, I started crafting lampshades and sold them at my pop’s store called Carneiro Frontier as my base. This holds the standpoint of my entrepreneurial journey and I owe it all to my family.
What would you tell yourself if you went back in time?
Nothing ! Everything you learn is for a reason. There’s no point in regrets or hoping for a smooth ride without those pesky potholes that teach you life lessons.
What legacy does Jolynn Carneiro want to leave behind? And for whom?
That I contributed to this planet and peoples hearts in a positive way.
You can catch a snippet of this conversation on ItsGoa‘s Instagram page. Humans of Goa is our original and official series that shares stories from the lives of Goans. ‘Humans of Goa’ celebrates the spirit of every Goan.
Insert #humansofgoa to feature your story, and follow @ItsGoa_ for more inspiring stories.
