Something that I have learned this year is how to slow down and to be more intentional with everything I do. I have been planning to compile a list of small businesses that I have discovered this year. Seeing as October is Small Business Month in Canada and the holidays are coming up, I figured there is no better time to share my ever growing list. Let's support people in our own communities whenever we can and stop constantly going to Amazon for everything (guilty!).
1. Province of Canada
Left: Province of Canada PoC Tee Heather Grey, Right: Province of Canada Skinny French Terry Sweatpants
Province of Canada is 100% designed and made in Canada - something we don't really see any more! Keeping everything made in Canada ensures the whole process is ethical and that the final product is of the highest quality (I have been living in their sweatshirts). This year, they released their "PoC" emblem logo line, with 10% of proceeds going towards Black Lives Matter and Indspire to support our BIPOC community across the country.
2. Catherine & Co
Left: Kokoti Candle, Right: Bambu Candle
Catherine & Co is a Toronto based sustainable candle company. The beautiful scents are inspired by Africa, handcrafted in Toronto and named after the owner's mother. The scents are all so carefully curated and each candle tells its own story. Their scents are not overwhelming at all and all their candles use beautiful crackling wooden wicks
3. 100 Years of Love
Left: Femme Fatale Candle, Right: For The Love Of Gold Candle
100 Years of Love is another candle brand I have been loving this year. With their minimal branding and unique candle names, it would be a great gift to give anyone this upcoming holiday season.
4. Well Kept
Left: Safety Razor Kit, Right: Sea Sponge
Thinking of making a change to stop using those disposable razors or disposable plastic cartridges? I finally found a Canadian brand this year that makes solid brass safety razors. It takes some getting use to, but now using a razor is like a beauty ritual with this gorgeous dusty rose razor.
5. Old Faithful
Left: Oak Bath Brush, Right: Tamanohada Round Soap
Old Faithful is inspired by minimal Japanese design and offers Canadians curated, quality goods for simple living. Up your home decor game with these utilitarian goods or gift them to friends and family to inspire slow, intentional living.
6. Mimi & August
Left: Peaches Cafe Yo Reusable Cup, Right: Valencia Hair Clip
Mimi and August is a Montréal based company that sells a little bit of everything - apparel, accessories, paper goods, cute reusable cups and... those beautiful hair clips you keep seeing everywhere!
7. Vessel Home Goods
Left: Ridge Glasses, Right: Double Wall 16oz Glasses
Vessel has a beautiful collection of modern and whimsical glassware online. I've been eyeing the Scandinavian brand Ferm Living's Ripple Glasses, and I'd say Vessel has some comparable items (minus the duties).
8. Toronto Market Co.
Left: Mumgry Chocolate Peanut Butter, Right: Local Fruit & Veg Box
So, Farmers Markets aren't really a thing this year - but Toronto Market Co. came up with an ingenious way to bring local produce, food, baked goods, jams, spreads, you name it, right to your door. They do deliveries once every week or you can pick up from their downtown location.