In an age of convenience, we have become accustomed to the quick, the now, and the familiar. But over the past year, there has been a welcomed resurgence in supporting locally owned businesses and taking a look at what our backyard has to offer.
For over 40 years, Canada has been celebrating Small Business Week as a means to highlight, encourage and support people building their businesses around the country. There are roughly 1.2 million small to medium sized businesses running in Canada. So not to sound corny, but small is big!
On the grand scale, easily-accessible and well-trusted corporations are running the show, but local businesses are fighting to stay afloat and provide a personal touch you can’t find with major retailers.
While small businesses are being hit harder than ever with Covid restrictions, something beautiful is happening. In March, the internet searches for “how to help small businesses” skyrocketed, proving that people care about people. And these small businesses are run by just that, real people.
During Small Business Week, we encourage everyone to take a walk around your neighborhood (safely, of course) and explore your local stores and establishments. We all have a part in supporting each other and uplifting those who do what they do best.
Shopping small and local benefits the businesses while engaging community and independent economic growth, creating local jobs and keeping a craft alive. Not to mention, the more local the brand, the more local the product, meaning you’ll know exactly what you’re getting, and where it came from.
If you’re not sure where to start, the team at Fable has compiled a list of four small Canadian businesses encouraging culture, diversity and products you can believe in. Take a walk or open another tab to discover some of the businesses putting Canada on the map for doing great things.
Foli
Waterdown, Ontario
A plant. In a pot. Straight to your door. That’s an idea we can get behind.
Bottom line is plants can be stressful. What variety is best for a dark apartment? Which ones need minimal attention? Foli takes the guessing games away and provides you with exactly what you need to keep your space green, beautiful, and free of wilted ghosts of plants past.
Inspired by the beauty of greenhouses, Foli carefully curates locally grown plants and indoor trees for every level of expertise, sustainably packaged and shipped directly to your home across Canada. You will be provided with a detailed yet simple to understand care guide so you know exactly what to expect, making it as easy as ever to keep your greenery healthy and happy.
Available for purchase with or without pots, prices range from $15 to $230 with everything in between. In addition to plants, Foli also sells locally made accessories including wreaths (perfect for the upcoming holiday season), candles and totes.
Our recommendation is a Rubber Plant. They require minimal care and from experience, are one of the easiest to keep alive. No matter how forgetful you can be.
Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro
Vancouver, British Columbia
Sometimes you just need to get away. Away from your daily hustle and bustle, back to simpler times, and great food. In Vancouver, Salmon n’ Bannock takes you away from the city, and leaves you amidst the streams and forests of Canada’s First Nations. This Indigenous-owned bistro first came on the scene in 2010, quickly becoming a beloved destination for Vancouver locals and visitors alike, providing an authentic experience that’s few and far between.
Inspired by diverse traditions and heritage, the people at Salmon n’ Bannock bring their own culture from a wide range of First Nations to your dining experience, including Cowessess, Frog Lake, Haida, Lac l'Orange, Nuxalk, Ojibway, Quw'utsun, Squamish and Tsimshian.
What they all share, and what we sometimes forget, is respect and importance of community through food. Their menu features traditional indigenous dishes and ingredients of bison, salmon, bannock and more, including a wine list from North America’s Indigenous wineries.
Call them for take away or visit them at 7 - 1128 West Broadway, Vancouver B.C.
STIL
Vancouver, British Columbia
In reality, life is quite simple: If you can dream it, you can do it. It’s STIL’s mission to help women achieve their wildest dreams, whatever they may be.
Founded and run by women, for women, STIL produces both tangible and digital products that inspire you to optimize your busiest days, keeping work and a packed social life as simple as possible, so you can unwind with a moment just to yourself.
Since 2015, STIL has been designing minimalistic planners to organize the chaos, as well as journals to self-reflect, center, and decompress. Not only are they developing products to encourage women for success, they are developing a community. Joining Club STIL gives you access to a chat for business women sharing tips, stories and motivation, while also getting early access to product and exclusive offers.
Their website also features downloadable templates for weekly finance planning, sleep tracking and wellness reflections and many more.
A bonus? Their download section includes playlists for whatever your day brings.
Pretty Denim
Toronto, Ontario
Simplicity is key, especially when stylized and constructed like the denim pieces from Pretty Denim. This Toronto-based brand is designed by stylist Tahnee Lloyd-Smith, centering around clean lines fit for a modern urban woman.
Not only does a purchase with Pretty Denim guarantee you’ll look great, you’ll also feel great buying it. Every piece is handcrafted in Toronto in a non-factory setting. Promoting slow fashion and true quality craftsmanship, you can feel good about encouraging the creation of your wardrobe and supporting local designers.
Pretty Denim has already captured the interest of major fashion publications, with good reason. Their sustainable materials and fabrics are used in every inch of the garment, from Cupro (repurposed cotton) lining to the Corozo (“vegetable ivory”) buttons.
Written by Sasha Zeidler
