Onda Cove – Beautiful Things for Every day

Onda Cove is run by Emily Mowl, and her family.  Establishing themselves at Folkestone Harbour Marketplace, they all have a say in the items on sale, the social media concepts and are there for the putting up of shelves.  Emily started Onda Cove in June 2025, progressed to a hut at the Folkestone Harbour Festive Marketplace and returning for the summer in 2026, the team is ready.  Folkelife met with Emily to find out more about what’s in the store.

“I’m originally from Leeds, but I’ve now lived in Folkestone longer than anywhere else. I can’t imagine being far from the sea, a little swim is part of my daily ritual. Onda means ‘wave’ in Portuguese, and a cove is a safe, familiar haven by the sea. The name Onda Cove felt natural because it combines the energy and excitement of waves with the comfort and familiarity of a cove. That balance is exactly what I want to reflect in the products we choose, finding bright, exciting alternatives to the products you use everyday.”

excited to be in folkestone

““I met my husband through my best friend from university, both from Folkestone. When they first brought me here, they spoke about it casually, almost taking it for granted. But I immediately saw how special this place is. I’d even done an A-Level geography project on the Eurotunnel and Folkestone, so coming here felt meaningful, not just because of the Eurotunnel but because of the coastline and the community.

“We left uni, got married and with a stint in London, we moved to Folkestone in 2001.  After nearly 10 years of commuting, I gave up work when I had the children.  I had the idea to get a job when my youngest went to school, and that worked out for three days a week.”

love your work

“Alongside my main career, I’ve always had a strong interest in fashion, interiors, and thoughtful design. Friends often commented on the way I put things together, and that helped me recognise that I could apply those skills more intentionally.

“With some time available each week, I began exploring products that reflected the kind of design-led, coastal-inspired lifestyle. I love pieces that balance beauty with everyday practicality. My husband and youngest joined me at a trade fair where we focused on finding well-made, affordable accessories and homeware that could fit the personality of Onda Cove.

“After launching the online shop in 2025 and taking part in local markets, like Sandgate Farmers Market and the Sandgate Food Festival, it became clear that there was real appetite for products that bring a sense of coastal creativity and outdoor living into people’s everyday routines. Christmas at Folkestone Harbour was a brilliant step forward, and returning for summer feels like a natural progression.”

steep learning curve

“Starting Onda Cove began as a small side project, an experiment in applying the things I care about and the skills I’ve built over the years. Seeing it grow through word of mouth has been incredibly encouraging. Having a physical space at the Harbour Arm feels perfect for the brand. My family have been a huge support: my husband brings financial and practical expertise, and my children offer fresh perspectives, especially on design trends and social media. Their input helps keep the brand relevant across generations.“

at home at the harbour

“I loved having the hut at Christmas, even though it meant long weeks, it was exhausting but energising at the same time. I really missed it when the season ended, so returning for summer has felt like coming home. Opening the door to our new space brought a wave of excitement and optimism.

“What I love about the Harbour Arm is the connection with customers. People take the time to chat, to ask about the story behind the business, and to share thoughts on what they like. That chance to chat is important, people want to understand the thought behind what we choose.”

this isn’t work

“There’s an old saying that if you find something you love, it doesn’t feel like work, and Onda Cove absolutely feels like that to me. I take real care in selecting our products. Rather than simply choosing things I personally like, I focus on items that reflect our core ethos of design-led pieces with a coastal connection, a sense of fun, and a spirit of outdoor living.

“Curating exciting alternatives to everyday items is at the heart of what we do. I love discovering products that bring a little spark, something beautifully made, slightly unexpected, but still familiar and accessible. Sharing those finds with people is one of the real joys of running Onda Cove.”