2020 has been an interesting year. To say it has affected our small and local businesses is an understatement. Now more than ever, it is important for us as a community to come together and show our support.
We made a list of some of our favorite local businesses ranging from baked goods and prepared food to clothing and jewelry. If you can’t physically shop at their locations, swing by their social media pages or websites and show some love by following and sharing!
Kaela Kay - Toronto,ON
Instagram:@kaelakayonline
Vibrant, unique, bold and timeless describe Kaela Kay perfectly. Kaela Kay is a clothing brand and the brain child of Catherine Addai the 2019 Women’s Wear Designer of the Year. Located and fabricated in Toronto by local seamstresses Kaela Kay channels her Ghanaian roots through the creation of beautiful feminine pieces sure to stun!
The Good Tile - Toronto,ON
Instagram: @thegoodtile
You dream it and The Good Tile can make it happen! When Shay was looking for something for a personal project and couldn’t find it she saw a gap in the market that she knew could be filled. Offering custom LVT and peel-and-stick wallpaper in beautiful, bold patterns that will ensure your space stands out from the crowd.
Allin Mikuna - Etobicoke,ON
Instagram: @allin_mikuna
Allin Mikuna is owned by Cristina & Sergio with a focus on legume based soups. They have expanded their plant-based friendly offerings to a storefront on Browns Line where you can grab hearty and healthy meals for your family and even a sweet treat.
A.Mano Creations - Ontario
Instagram: @a.mano.creations
“By hand” is what a mano means in Spanish and this is exactly what is offered from A.Mano Creations. Every piece is handmade from polymer clay by owner and creator Alicia, who is a designer by trade. She is able to create one-of-a-king wearable creations for you to enjoy, drawing inspiration from design projects.
The Happy Bakers - Etobicoke,ON
Instagram: @the_happy_bakers
It’s more fun when you bake together and that’s exactly how The Happy Bakers started. Four co-worker’s dream of owning their own bake shop. With determination and drive, they made it happen. The Happy Bakers is a boutique coffee and bake shop serving up fresh baked goods in South Etobicoke.
Kestrel Books -Vancouver,BC
Instagram: @kestrelbooksvancouver
Kestrel Books is a bibliophiles dream. They have been providing people a place to find rare, vintage, antique, out of print and general inventory used books for three decades. Swing by their storefront to find something interesting you might not have known you were looking for.
Nautical Nellies - Victoria,BC
Instagram: @nauticalnellies
Have a hankering for fresh delicious seafood? You're in for a real treat when you visit Nautical Nellies. They have a variety of fresh flavourful dishes you are sure to enjoy. Overlooking the Victoria Inner Harbour make sure to check them out for your next date or take-out night!
Once Upon a Tea Leaf -Maple Ridge,BC
Instagram: @onceuponatealeaf
A cup of tea and some good conversation can solve many things. Mother-daughter duo Cindy-Lea and Taryn have been steeping now for 14 years at Once Upon a Tea Leaf. Stop by their storefront to try some unique blends, find some locally sourced gifts for someone special on your list and a treat for yourself while you are there.
Lepp Farm Market - Abbotsford,BC
Instagram: @leppfarmmarket
What started as the sale of summer corn from a trailer, has grown into Bob & Charlotte Lepp’s dream of owning a year round farmers market. Located in Abbotsford, Lepp Farm Market offers local fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and other local products, much of which is grown right behind the market!
Little Donkey - Fort Langley,BC
Instagram: @littledonkeyfoodanddrink
As owner Katerina put it best, “The offering is simple: Beer & Burritos. The two go hand-in-hand.” Little Donkey sources many of their ingredients locally, this includes using local breweries and organic coffee roasted in Langley. With a wide variety of burritos to choose from you are sure to find something that leaves you taste buds tingling!