10 Small Businesses You Will Love.
October is for small businesses in Canada, and although supporting small businesses should be an everyday thing, we want to celebrate this month by highlighting a few local businesses we love for all the wonderful things they do beyond turning a profit.
Sustainability Focused
Tentree
Photos from Tentree platforms.
It’s no secret that the world is losing forests at an alarming rate. Forests are not only important because they purify the air we breathe but they also prevent erosion and filter the water we drink. We are big fans of clean water and air but even bigger fans of brands that are participating in preserving and creating forests globally. That’s why you will love Tentree.
Every time you purchase an item from this brand, ten trees are planted around the globe in Canada, USA, Haiti, Mexico, Brazil, and more. Earth-first principles are the heart of the brand with more than 98% eco-friendly products. Not only do they offer clothing but homeware and candles as well.
Leze The Label
Photos from Leze The Label website.
Leze the Label was founded in 2018 based on the idea of comfortable work clothes for women. If you are all about comfort then they are for you. Especially in a post-covid world where we want to dress up without compromising on quality and feel. The clothing line is made using a regenerating process to obtain high-quality, comfortable, and environmentally friendly fabrics.
Support Communities
Aille Design
Photo from Aille website.
Aille Design is the ultimate fashion statement: Inclusivity. Featured in Cosmopolitan UK and Vogue Italy, Aille incorporates Braille bead-work into its fashion garments co-created with a diverse team of sighted and non-sighted individuals consisting of braille readers, fashion stylists, and disability advocates.
Allie Design believes inclusivity is the future of the fashion industry and their goal as a company is to continue reducing stigmas surrounding disabilities.
The Give and Grow
Photos from The Give and Grow website.
The Give and Grow company supports young women in the Toronto community by providing workshops to encourage creativity while engaging in meaningful discussions about growth. Their workshops are funded by the sale of planters and apparel products. They have been featured by CBC Toronto and BlogTo and have created workshops in collaboration with Adidas that inspire women in the Toronto sports community. To learn more about their workshops and activities follow them on Instagram.
Mental Health Advocacy
Maqoba
Photos from Maqoba website.
Maqoba believes everyone deserves access to mental health treatment, regardless of race, gender, or social class.100% of their profits are donated to those who can't afford mental health treatment as well as support mental health charities and initiatives.
Women Owned Business
Poppy & Peonies
Photo from Poppy & Peonies website.
As a woman life is always changing, which is why this Canadian accessory brand combines style and function for everyday life. Natalia Dusome admits that her style changed after becoming a mother, so she wanted to create products that inspire modern motherhood.
For Poppy & Peonies, quality and sustainability go hand in hand. Their entire collection is vegan leather, cruelty-free, and PETA-approved. Additionally, they recognize the importance of supporting multiple initiatives like indigenous communities, children in need, food banks, and shelters.
Signed By Dahliah
Photo credits: Signed By Dahliah
The 100% Canadian-made brand is an advocate for slow fashion. Their products are one-of-a-kind high-quality custom-made. Signed by Dahliah works with other small businesses to source fabrics while striving to keep production waste to a minimum.
Wooly Doodle
Photos from Wooly Doodle website.
Wooly Doodle's goal is to provide a product that is ethically made and to educate the importance of sustainable fashion practices. Their products are comfortable, functional, and made with eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable processes. They offer gender-neutral clothes for babies, toddlers, children, and adults.
Omi Woods
Photos from Omi Woods website.
Omi Woods jewelry offers contemporary heirlooms that celebrate African culture. Their products are designed to last and to be passed down from generation to generation. Ethically handmade with fair-trade African gold and fine metals sourced from around the world that are recycled to produce classic designs for every taste.
Zoba Martin
Photos credits: Zoba Martin
Based in Toronto, Zoba Martin is a luxury fashion brand creating custom garments for special occasions. With its focus on bridal work, the brand continues to evolve to create sophisticated and elegant pieces.
Follow and support these small business brands on their social media channels and add them to your gift-giving list this holiday season.
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