If you're looking for a way to support local this Valentine's Day, look no further than DREAM LOVER Valentine's Pop-Up Shop happening tomorrow! DREAM LOVER is a pop-up shop curated with some favorite local makers and designers in Vancouver. Every brand featured makes their product from beginning to end. It's a perfect place to find a special gift for that special someone or for yourself! There will be leather bags, knit goods, body products, coffee & chocolate, and so much more. We asked a few who will be a part of the pop-up to answer a few questions about themselves and supporting local.
KAREN//
1. Tell us who you are and what you make.
Hello! I’m Karen and I make jewelry under the name Broken Promises.
2. What does "local" mean to you?
To me “local” means being apart of a community where you know everyone by first name, where everyone lends a helping hand, and where you can trust that the things they make are made with care and integrity. Pretty idealistic, I know! But it exists!
3. What is your favourite item out of your collection/brand for a Valentine's gift?
I just made these tiny grid studs the other day and think they’d be the perfect valentine’s gift because they’re minimal and non-symbolic. They could easily don anyone’s ear lobes!
ANDREA//
1. Who I am and what I make:
I am Andrea Rokosz and I am the designer and creator of Army Of Rokosz Jewelry, which is a line of (often times gender neutral) jewelry that I hand fabricate, carve & cast in my studio in Vancouver.
2. What does local mean to me?
I think for me the most important part of 'local' is the community that you form within your area, no matter where you are.
I strongly feel that your community becomes your support and the driving force behind your brand and it is what really helps small businesses and brands achieve some really amazing goals. It is such an inspiration to be part of a community like what we have in Vancouver where so many people are dreaming such huge dreams, putting so much work into making them a reality, and people get on board to help each other's dreams come true.
3. Favorite item out of my line for valentines.
Ooooooh, tough one...so many of my pieces have elements of romanticism woven through them...I'm totally going to go cliche and pick a ring for this one - the moonlight lovers ring. It was made to capture that moment when you've been driving overnight on the highway with your loved one by your side and the sun is rising with the moon still hanging in the sky. It represents some of my favorite moments of life, on adventures with people I love.
MARIE//
1. Tell us who you are and what you make.
Hi! I'm Marie Foxall and I make Wasted Effort jewelry.
2. What does "local" mean to you?
To me, "local" is as much about community as it is about geography. When I think of buying local, I think of a community of makers dedicated to their craft, involved in every step of the process. In that way, a product handmade from start to finish in Montreal is more "local" than something mass produced in a factory a few kilometres away. Luckily, in Vancouver we have great local goods, both in terms of proximity and community - and that's what we're celebrating with our Dream Lover Pop-up Shop!
3. What is your favourite item out of your collection for a Valentine's gift?
I think the Twin Peaks necklace (from the upcoming Paradise Lost collection) is a great visual representation of two separate entities sharing a common thread. And, um, things always end well for David Lynch's leading ladies... right?
Be sure to stop by Toast Collective at 648 Kingsway between 12pm-9pm tomorrow to stock up on some amazing local goods for your someone special (and let's be real, yourself, too).
