handmade

Salmon Arm Local Boutique :: Chris.andthebee

Salmon Arm Local Boutique :: Chris.andthebee

andthebee@hotmail.com

Salmon Arm Local Boutique
Our story begins…

In the beginning, Chris and his business partner Karen ran a local clothing store for a few years. They had items from local artists but mostly falling in the fashion genre. And just as many of our past interviewees have told me, there was always talk amongst the locals of not having a place in town for the various local artisans. Chris and Karen came across an available space in an old Canadian Tire building and thought it would be an awesome place to take on the project. A project that would finally supply a home to 94+ artists from the Shuswap. And so we have… Read more →

Etsy Mothers Day Gift Ideas

Etsy Mothers Day Gift Ideas

andthebee@hotmail.com

Mama’s Day! And although I’m not completely on-board with the Hallmark-hijacked-holiday as far as its main incentive being consumerism. The original creation of the holiday was with good intent, and any excuse to appreciate our amazing mothers is okay with me.  Read more →

montreal locals boutique les coureurs de jupons

Montreal Locals Boutique : Kristelle.andthebee

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montreal locals boutique 
Our story begins…

From old friends, to business partners; Kristelle Mercier and Geneviève Paquette explored the idea of putting together their talents to create something positive and new. Kristelle, having previously worked as a manager of a small bistro, had the desire to open her own business and the skills required to operate it. And Geneviève, a designer of her own ethical fashion line, brings imagination and artistic insight to the project. Together they decided to create a space for like-minded local artists to showcase their products, and to provide an accessible opportunity for the community to shop local, and discover local artists. This led to the beginning of… Read more →

Montreal Hats, Ophelie: Corine.andthebee

Montreal Hats, Ophelie: Corine.andthebee

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Montreal Hats : Corine.andthebee
Our story begins…

Our protagonist, Corine, took delight in fashioning together accessories for the hair.  She experimented with making them at home; floral headbands, lace veils, clip-on braided headpieces, oh the fun! Besides the enjoyment she got from assembling and creating, she also realized that there wasn’t many people doing this. It soon opened up to her as being a “need” for the general public, and therefore a business. This understanding helped develop hair accessories into hats, and hats into a business. Corine taught herself the art, and 18 years later we arrive to the current time of her story. The story of Corine and… Read more →

Les Chocolats de Chloé Montreal Quebec Support Local Chocolate

Montreal Chocolate Shop: Chloé.andthebee

andthebee@hotmail.com

Les Chocolats de Chloé
Our story begins…

Chloé was in her early 20’s when she realized that making chocolate could be a job. An exceptional realization I imagine. She had always loved baking at home, and decided to educate her passion at the pastry school of Montreal. Chloé worked different jobs here and there, but knew she was looking for something more. It was in 2002 when Chloé was working at a bakery in Old Montreal that she had made the decision to start her own business. The support from her community uplifted her to do just that. The owners at the bakery helped her with the paperwork, and her friends at Réservoir Brewery helped her with the renovations. Her first store opened in 2003, and in 2008 she moved to the location she is now. This is the beginning of the delicious little chocolate shop… Read more →