Shop small Part I: Toronto (a working list)
As the city gears into another lockdown, I’ve seen countless lists pop up of small businesses and wonderful brands that contribute to Toronto’s relentless spirit and ever-developing culture. These businesses support livelihoods, families, passions - it’s a shame to see them have to shutter for good, and we should do all we can to avoid that altogether. What doesn’t make sense is that so many essential services (read: big companies, not health care services) seem to benefit from the closure of non-essential services in the city. For example - a friend of mine is a florist. She cannot operate as normal, but grocery stores have flowers. Independent bookstores can’t open, but Costco still has cheap books.
It’s a complicated and twisted set of rules, but there are many ways that local businesses have adapted to run during these times. I hesitate to call them small - the impact they have on this city’s culture is large, and we can’t afford to lose them.
On that note, here is a list of Toronto spots, brands, companies, etc., that I hope you support.
CLOTHING
SIMPLY SUZETTE - best sourced denim site I know
EASE - an eclectic curation of fabulous brands
YUSHU - that Kindness sweater I wear in all of my stories :)
JEWELLERY & ACCESSORIES
BEAUTY
MAJESTY’S PLEASURE - Their Pleasure Delivered special self care boxes are safely delivered to your door. This is the perfect gift for a loved one, or even yourself!
F.MILLER SKINCARE
NAKED BEAUTY BAR - they have gorgeous “pressies” so your nails still look good!
JŪS BY OREYA - hair goods!
THIC PRODUCTS - new hair care brand!
FOOD
LOLA SUSHI - My family has been coming to this hole-in-the-wall spot for years. It is probably the most cost-effective sushi in the city, and the owners are such wonderful, kind, and smart people. I can’t say enough good things about them. Please keep them in business.
SUD FORNO - they have delicious meal boxes that I’ve been getting almost every week!
FAMIGLIA BALDASSARE - selling PASTA BOXES!
SWEET BLOOMS TORONTO - for the most delicious donut bouquets that are perfect gifts and accommodate just about any dietary restriction!
PAI - just opened at Yonge and Eglinton for uptown folks who were out of the downtown delivery range!
COFFEE, TEA, JUICE
THE HONEST LEAF - delicious matcha!
HIMALAYAN JAVA - in the YONGE AND EGLINTON AREA
HOLLYWOOD GELATO - I don’t care what season it is
TANDEM COFFEE TORONTO - they sell delicious match that they import from Japan!
HOME
MOSWN FLOWERS - breathtaking bouquets by my friend Alexa James, I’m sending these as birthday and holiday gifts. They’ve recently launched a floral circuit!
2.PEONIES - an affordable flower circuit and stockist of beautiful vases
LA FEMME SOY CANDLES - if you’re looking for that body candle!