10 Etsy Shops to Help you Find the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

10 Etsy Shops to Help you Find the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

 

It’s almost Mother’s Day and with all the craziness going on in the world, the simple act of a thoughtful gift for your Mother will most definitely be appreciated.  (*Exclusive Coupon Code Below*)

During these trying times, we need to look past the big department stores and large companies and start to support our neighbours and small businesses. That’s why Etsy has come up with the hashtag, #StandWithSmall. Read more

10 Fun Etsy Shops for Enamel Pins

10 Fun Etsy Shops for Enamel Pins

Have you jumped on the enamel pin train yet? They are so much fun to collect and to decorate! Add a special flare to your button-up collar, your vintage jean jacket or decorate your pencil cases and backpacks! Read more

How to Find Locals So You Can Support Locals

How to Find Locals So You Can Support Locals.

So you’re on the road, you’ve been cruising and it’s time to eat! One problem, you’re sick of going to the same chain restaurants and supporting the same big companies. Your heart believes in supporting locally but sometimes it’s just hard to find the small local businesses.

I’ve come up with 5 different tips on how to find locals. Read more

Salmon Arm Local Boutique :: Chris.andthebee

Salmon Arm Local Boutique :: Chris.andthebee

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

Montreal boutique, Evelyne.andthebee interview

Montreal Boutique : Evelyne.andthebee

Montreal Boutique
Our story begins…

After working in events, Evelyne got a first-hand view of the difficulty that comes with getting noticed as a designer. This inspired her into wanting to help get the designers to the public, and the public to the designers. Evelyne went into wholesale to try and make this possible, and many of the designers she had met from doing events asked her to sell their items. She said yes. It wasn’t until a couple years back when Evelyne was asked to fill in a few shifts for a friend over at Boutique Général 54, a local boutique that supports a ton of local artists. Evelyne loved the job but was much too used to working for herself to become an employee. After the talk of opening a second Boutique Général 54 with her friend and store owner Jennifer, the timing just wasn’t right, so Evelyne decided to give it a shot on her own. And now, just celebrating their one-year anniversary, we have… Read more

Montreal Boutique Général 54 : Support Local

Montreal Boutique Général : Jennifer.andthebee

Montreal Boutique Général
Our story begins…

Our story begins in 2003 with the opening of a store, Local 23. The idea behind the store was to be a showcase for all the amazing and talented friends that part store-owner Jennifer has. A place for artists alike; musicians, designers, painters, etc. After confronted with a lack of space for all the treasures, trinkets and talent the store now runs as a full throttle second-hand store, with always changing commodities. The artists however, have their place with Jennifer at a new store! The store opened in 2006 to make room for emerging designers to have a place next to experienced makers. With a desire to help people, and encourage the DIY community, Jennifer started the beautiful… Read more

Montreal Etsy Fair 2017 – Support Local!

Montreal Etsy Fair 2017 – Support Local!

This week I enjoyed myself at the 2017 Montreal Etsy Fair! There were tons of artists (100+), and a TON of people! It was one of those events that you can’t really stop walking… You just get engulfed by the current and find yourself back at the beginning all of a sudden…. How did that happen? Nevertheless, it was amazing to see so many people come out to support the incredible local talent that Montreal has to offer! Read more

montreal locals boutique les coureurs de jupons

Montreal Locals Boutique : Kristelle.andthebee

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 Children’s Boutique: Galina.andthebee

Montreal Children’s Boutique: Galina.andthebee

montreal children’s boutique
Our story begins…
Galina has lived in the neighbourhood du Plateau-Mont Royal since 2002. She wanted to use her years of experience as a graphic designer to offer a new business on the street. One which combines retail with an artistic vibe. Galina is mother to two young boys, who may also be referred to as The Little Monsters or Les Petits Monstres. And with these two young boys it was brought to her attention that there wasn’t much as far as a children’s boutique in the area. Galina and her brother took the opportunity to offer something unique on the street and in February 2016 they opened to the public. Everything seemed to fall into place and that was seen as a positive sign to Galina; that she had begun a valuable project. Read more