When did the store open?
We opened in October of 2020, after COVID meant I needed to change my career. I started it as a side business but I’m lucky that that I was able to evolve it into a store front. The name is taken from a combination of my maiden name and my previous business partner’s maiden name and I love how the H makes a lovely logo!
Tell us about the store
It’s a very small shop tucked into a garden court yard surrounded by other shops and restaurants. I curate the shop with a mix of home and garden decor in a mix of new and old. Everything I stock is handmade or vintage. With nothing been mass produced. So every piece has story and an artisan behind it. I also have a floral and herb farm so we mix in seasonal florals, plants and greens. And of course, being a Flagship store, we stock every shade of Chalk Paint. I have a shop dog, his name is Dave and he has quite the following! People often come in just to see Dave.
What Chalk Paint workshops do you run?
I teach an introduction to Annie Sloan course once a month for a maximum of six people. As it’s a small group, everyone gets to know each other and I can provide 1-2-1 attention. Participants learn 7-9 techniques and leave feeling confident about how to get the best from Chalk Paint.
What do you enjoy about having your own shop?
My heart warms up the most when I’m working with a customer who is struck by the beauty of the store. It fills my cup that the space I spend so much time creating and curating can have a positive visible effect on someone. I think it has become more rare to walk into a store that has a calmness to it yet is filled with creative elements that bring a mix of nostalgia, comfort and curiosity.
We are now into year six of the business and I continue to love this space and enjoy working with so many amazing artisans. I also have an incredibly loyal customer base, that enjoy the store as the creative space it is. I love that many of my days are spent creating beauty out of nature, found objects and handmade heirlooms.
What do you like about the area, Sidney and why should we visit?
Sidney has a lovely retail and art scene, as well as lots of outdoor activities to enjoy. We are surrounded by a group of small islands whose residents are mostly artists that have come from all over the world to paint, create and be. We’re located on the southern peninsula of Vancouver island, the most temperate spot in Canada. Personally, my favourite aspect to our area is the sea that fully surrounds us, the forests are filled with 1000 year old trees.
We also have an amazing business association that creates multiple shopping events through out the year. Last year our holiday open house had thousands of people came out from Victoria, and the surrounding communities to walkaround and shop in our little town. It was incredible. You could easily spend a few days enjoying the shops and cafes that Sidney has to offer. It truly is a magical part of the world. Worth a visit for sure 😉
