One of a Kind Magazine

Summer 2013 1

8

20

Welcome to the summer issue of the One of a Kind Magazine.

As organizers of the One of a Kind Shows, it brings us great pleasure when our visitors share their feedback about our events. It is wonderful to learn that many of our customers see the shows not only as a place to shop, but also as an opportunity to meet wonderful artisans, discover unique products, and support local businesses. That has always been our intention, and it is gratifying to know that One of a Kind attendees clearly understand what we set out to do.

Drawing from these points, we want issue three of our magazine to focus on shops that share a similar mentality. In this edition, we visit storefronts from our exhibitors in Toronto, and stop by a curated boutique in Hong Kong. With merchandise varying from hats to clothing, home decor to teas, each of the stores we visited is an exercise in passion and perseverance. On these pages, you will meet Karyn, Arnault, Arounna and John, Michael and Laura. Despite their differences, the shop owners we speak to all share an unique entrepreneurial spirit centred around creativity and community.

We want to thank all of the One of a Kind exhibitors, Lilliput Hats, Bookhou, and Tealish for speaking with us, and for accommodating our visits. Special thanks goes to Arnault of Kapok and his staff, especially Anthony and Chris, for their assistance and for introducing us to all the emergent designers working in Hong Kong today.

We hope you will enjoy the featured stores and stories in this issue. If you have any comments, suggestions, or tips on any cool shops we need to visit, simply send us a note at janice@oneofakindshow.com.

Janice Leung Editor, One of a Kind Magazine Cover Image: Vintage wooden hat moulds at Lilliput Hats.

All photos included in this publication are courtesy of the artisans and owners, unless otherwise noted.

2 One of Kind Magazine

30

40

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 READ 6 READ 8 READ 20 READ 30 READ 40 READ 50 READ 52 READ 54 READ

PATTI’S PICKS SHOP DIRECTORY HATS OFF: LILLIPUT HATS BRANCHING OUT: KAPOK ONE STOP SHOP: BOOKHOU DOWN TO A TEA: TEALISH ONE OF A KIND RECOMMENDS STUDIO STORIES ONE OF A KIND CALENDAR

Let us know what you think!

Send us a note at janice@oneofakindshow.com Contributors: The One of a Kind Show Team; Editor: Janice Leung Special thanks: Brian Gallucci

TIPS ON USING THE ISSUU VIEWER

• Click on the page to zoom into the document • When you roll your mouse over the page, all links are highlighted in blue • Click on the X to close the full screen viewer Summer 2013 3

4 One of Kind Magazine

PATTI’S PICKS

THESE PIECES FROM THE STINSON STUDIOS ARE BOTH STUNNING AND PRACTICAL. I NEVER GET TIRED OF USING THEM OR EVEN LOOKING AT THEM!

In each issue, One of a Kind Show Director, Patti Stewart will share one of her favourite purchases from the Show.

Photo: Janice Leung Summer 2013 5

Odile Chocolat

829 Dundas Street West Toronto, ON

Sho Direc In addition to the stores featured

One of a Kind exhibitors who have

Support local businesses yea FASHION Cokluch 410 Rue Villeray, Montreal, QC Meg 849 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON Boutique LMCA (Voyou) 1556 Avenue du Mont-Royal Est, Montreal, QC FLAVOURS Bruce County Nut & Fudge (Summer only) 305 Main Street, Sauble Beach, ON Coach House Shortbread 235 Carlaw Avenue, Toronto, ON Mad Batter Bakers 135 Jefferson Avenue, Toronto, ON

Arabesque Pottery 4324 County Road 31 Williamsburg, Ontario 6 One of Kind Magazine

op ctory in this issue, here are a few other

e their own shops and boutiques.

ar-round and pay them a visit!

Tickleberry’s 1207 Main Street, Okanagan Falls, BC JEWELLERY Laura Serrafero 323 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON Studio 1098 1098 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON FASHION ACCESSORIES Honeybea Designhive 198 Walnut Ave Suite #7, Toronto, ON BODY CARE Demo Soap 171 E Liberty Street, Suite #262, Toronto, ON

Atelier B

5758, Saint-Laurent Boulevard Montréal, Quebec

Matsu Jewellery 9 Castlefield Avenue Toronto, Ontario

Summer 2013 7

Karyn recounts her path to hat making as a happy accident. She enrolled in a millinery class in night school when the tap dancing course she wanted to take was full.

8 One of Kind Magazine

Hats Off Lilliput Hats

For the past thirteen years, Karyn Gingras has been running Lilliput Hats—her shop and atelier—in Toronto’s Little Italy neighbourhood. From the ornate façade to the bright fuchsia door, the exterior of Karyn’s boutique hints at the meticulously crafted and playful designs you will find inside. We speak to Karyn about her millinery, her processes, and her plans for the summer.

Photos & Story: Janice Leung

Summer 2013 9

10 One of Kind Magazine

Summer 2013 11

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your shop?

For the last 13 years Lilliput Hats has been a curiosity in the heart of Little Italy. I remember the day before I opened, I was painting my 50 year old wooden door Lilliput fuschia. An older local couple passed by and asked what I was going to open in the former location of a famous tailor shop. I replied, “It’s going to be a hat shop”. As they walked away, I heard the lady say to her husband, “I give it six months.”

What can I say, I love my job, I love making hats. There are not many professions where someone says thank you everyday. People leave the shop happy, we share fun stories, and make beautiful things all day long. I got married last August, so my husband and I are making a gorgeous home above the shop.

I run long distances and this is my 2nd year riding from Toronto to Montreal on my bike.

Can you tell us a little bit about the neighbourhood?

The Little Italy neighbourhood is an amazing and diverse community. Many traditional restaurants and clothing stores. We have lots of food shops that still sell wonderful products like coffee, cannoli, and pizza. We also have vintage record shops, book stores, hair salons, hip cafes and bars! The locals support our businesses and the friendly shop owners make sure tourists are well fed and entertained.

What is a usual day like for you at the Shop?

Everyday is totally different. I typically arrive around 8:30 am after a vigoruous workout at my local gym, or an early morning bike ride along the lake. We organize our day according to what has to be completed in terms of custom client and wholesale store orders.

12 One of Kind Magazine

I am trying to get more active on social media.

A fellow craftsperson taught me to use Instagram, so I love to post random images.

The shop opens at 10am so I have a bit of time to myself to think up new designs. Then the day is filled with client consults and ensuring hats get made for the store and the upcoming One of a Kind shows!

Can you tell us more about your process and techniques?

We hand block each hat on a vintage wooden mould. We are currently working in a very fine sisal straw for current summer styles in the shop, as well as sampling new designs for fall and winter. In an effort to keep material waste to a minimum, I look for ways to make flowers and bands out of our felt and straw scraps.

Each hat takes a minimum of about six hours to complete from blocking to drying, to assembly to wiring the edge and then the final embellishment. Some days we dye straw cloth for our more sculptural pieces, so often there are bright colourful pieces drying in the sun in the backyard.

Since opening your shop in 2000, do you have any memorable visitors or stories you can share with us?

So many to recount! The shop by nature of its unique location attracts both locals and eccentrics. Some clients are hat fanatics and spend hours commissioning us to create their dream hat. We get gals dressed as pirates, older gents who are drawn to the lovely ladies and like to tell stories recalling the days when my boutique was a tailor shop.

I have a client who only wears red, and another who insists on piling her hat with every texture, ribbon, and beaded flower imaginable.

Summer 2013 13

We once had actor John Voight (father of Angelina Jolie) who was looking for a fur hat , which we do not carry. I directed him to a friend who was a furrier nearby. A very attractive woman overheard the conversation and insisted on driving him there, which he at first protested, then asserted that she first buy a hat from me before he accepted the ride.

We also had the former Lieutenant Governor Adrienne Clarkson in the shop. While I was inquiring how she liked to be addressed, she replied “it’s your excellency.” The phone rang for her in the shop and one of my assistants called out “Yo, Adriennne, phone for you!”

Any plans for the summer?

This summer kicks off with a visit to Mexico City to visit my husband’s family and to see the neighbourhood in which he grew up in. I began training several weeks ago for a 660 km bicycle trip from Toronto to Montreal, in support of the Friends for Life Bike Rally. On July 28 over 300 riders will embark on this six day journey in support for people living with HIV and AIDS. The Bike Rally is the sustaining fundraiser for the People with AIDS Foundation. This is my 2nd year riding and raising funds for this amazing cause. We average over 100 km per day, so much of my leisure time is spent hill training, and distance riding, in anticipation for this amazing trip.

After the ride, all I can say is that I will enjoy a few days in Montreal, celebrating with my cycling teammates. The summer is busy for me at the shop, as we have the Royal Ascot, the Queen’s Plate horse racing events, plus lots of custom bridal pieces. I am also excited about the community garden I initiated in the backyard of the shop. I have an unusual backyard in that it is behind a commercial building on College Street, yet it has about 2000 square feet of prime gardening space. I offered it to an agency that pairs people who do not have green space with someone who does. My yard gets planted with all kinds of veggies and herbs, which are then distributed and sold at small farmer’s markets in the city. It’s so fantastic to see the space being put to good use, considering I have absolutely no skill in the garden.

14 One of Kind Magazine

KARYN’S NEIGHBOURHOOD PICKS MY FAVOURITE PLACE FOR COFFEE

Manic Coffee, 426 College Street | Website They play vinyl records! Some days its Ella, some days its old school funk.

They also have the greatest homemade salted caramel gelato!

MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO GRAB LUNCH

Butter Chicken Roti, 398 College Street | Website This just opened a few weeks ago. My favourite is the vegetarian roti with cauliflower, peas, and potatoes. It is so large it feeds three hungry milliners!

MY FAVOURITE AFTER WORK HANGOUT

La Carnita, 501 College Street | Website Sometimes we step out for a bite at La Carnita, a tasty Mexican restaurant which also serves wicked margaritas! My husband is originally from Mexico City, and he approves it for authenticity. We also love to cook and hang out on my amazing back deck with the glorious early evening sun!

Summer 2013 15

In addition to the staff at Lilliput Hats, you will find Spalding Gray—an affectionate cat—holding down the fort. Named after one of Karyn’s favourite American humourists, read on to learn more about Spalding and how his sartorial elegance has impressed some of the shop’s most stylish clients.

Spalding wandered into my shop about 5 years ago as a tiny, emaciated, dirty, little kitten. I had stepped out for lunch and when I returned he was perched on a stool near a woman trying hats on. I assumed it was hers. My assistant told me the little guy just came in and stayed. So each morning, Spalding waits for me by my apartment door upstairs waiting to come down to the shop.

He likes to wander between the girls, getting head and belly rubs. Mostly though, he enjoys sprawling languidly in the middle of the floor, typically on top of a customer’s wedding dress or bar mitzvah suit. He has a penchant for open toed shoes and LOVES the ladies. On occasion he has been known to sport a bow tie for one of our (and his) favourite customers, actress Rachel McAdams (who incidentally always forgets my name, but never the handsome Spalding Gray).

He is also pictured on the official Spalding Gray website.

16 One of Kind Magazine

Summer 2013 17

18 One of Kind Magazine

KARYN’S TOP 3 ...things I love about my job

• My amazing team of smart, funny, and creative women • The fact that I get to work with my hands • The opportunity to collaborate with clients, to make things based on their individual needs

...picks for summer

• My lace headscarves • My hand dyed fine sisal straw hats with embroidered parrots • The Great Gatsby inspired cloches and beaded headbands

...albums I play in the shop

• Twelve by Patti Smith: She covers Neil Yonge, The Rolling Stones, and Jimmy Hendrix. She is my rock icon • Heartthrob by Tegan and Sara: A Canadian folk/pop sister duo who are sensational • The Best of Al Green, or any old funk, soul, motown

Lilliput Hats

462 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1A1 (416) 536-5933 www.lilliputhats.ca Come say hi to Karyn at the 2013 One of a Kind Christmas Show, November 28 to December 8 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto.

Summer 2013 19

Branching Out Kapok

In Hong Kong, where the retail landscape is saturated with mega malls and luxury goods, Arnault Castel founded Kapok in 2006 and reinvigorated the shopping experience by offering customers something a little different—a sense of discovery.

We stop by Hong Kong to talk shop with Arnault, and to uncover a few local designers you should know about.

Photos & Story: Janice Leung

20 One of Kind Magazine

Kapok currently has three locations in Hong Kong, two of which are situated in Wan Chai’s Starstreet Precinct. Here, Arnault is in the Sun Street shop that specializes in lifestyle and cultural products. The shop also has a cafe and an excellent selection of magazines, including titles such as Kinfolk, The Gentlewomen, and Vancouver’s Inventory.

Summer 2013 21

22 One of Kind Magazine

Can you give us a quick introduction about yourself and your shop?

I was born and raised in a small village in the south of France. I moved to Hong Kong in 1996, just fresh from school. After watching Wong Kar Wai’s Chungkin Express, I decided Hong Kong was the city for me! In 2001, I brought Lomography to Asia and finally founded Kapok in 2006.

How did you end up opening Kapok in Hong Kong?

When I opened Kapok, I was already living in Hong Kong for ten years. It was really becoming my home.

To be honest, I opened Kapok on a whim.

I needed an office for my small company and I found the nicest space on a small backstreet behind a temple. The space was too big for the two of us so I thought why not set up our office at the back and open a store at the front?

I was quite bored with the Hong Kong retail scene at that time. It was all about shopping malls and megabrands. I felt there was no independent stores and no sense of discovery.

I did not have any experience in retail but it became my passion. After quite a lot of hard and fun work, we moved to Wan Chai in 2008 and opened our second store in 2010 on Sun Street.

I chose Hong Kong because it’s my home and I thought something like Kapok was missing. With the shop, I felt I could bring something fresh to the city.

How do you select the brands and designers you feature at your shop?

With Kapok, I wanted to focus on small emerging brands that did excellent work and needed, I felt, a showcase for their work. I am very interested in brands that work at the edge between tradition/craftsmanship and innovation. Designers that do not just replicate traditional, vintage design but also apply some

fantastic techniques and give a new edge to these traditions.

This is the guiding principle in my choices and I work in many categories from fashion, cultural products, accessories, homeware, and even food. It is a new take on the “general store”.

Kapok recently celebrated its seventh birthday, what would you say is your biggest triumph and your biggest challenge with regards to running an independent business in Hong Kong?

I never really feel triumphant as it would stop me from always working hard to make Kapok better. But I have to say that, even after seven years, I have a smile on my face when I bump into someone on the street with a Kapok shopping bag. It always feels good that people in Hong Kong like what we have selected.

The biggest challenge is easy to guess: the rent.

Hong Kong is now the most expensive retail location in the world and it’s not uncommon to hear rents doubling or tripling. In this environment, it’s difficult to be able to grow and stay profitable without compromising on product selection or altering the mood of the shop...but we managed so far!

Any local Hong Kong designers you are excited about?

Hong Kong has become such an exciting place, with so many new designers every year.

Among my favourites (and I am sure I am forgetting many), womenswear from Daydream Nation and Tangram, menswear from HiLL, accessories from Seventy Eight Percent and VOID to name a few.

What is Kapok? Kapok is a type of tropical, emergent tree that can grow 150 feet or more in height. With branches that spread horizontally and a crown that takes an open umbrella shape, Kapok tree offers shelters for many animals and plants in the ecosystem. Borrowing this analogy, Arnault’s mission for his shops is to provide a space where the community can visit and discover emergent brands—both local and international—whose products strive to balance good design, craftsmanship, and quality.

Summer 2013 23

Spotlight on Hong Kong Designs 1. Mischa / Michelle Lai WEBSITE

With a fascination for fabric and textiles, Michelle began making one of a kind clutches using her own collection of vintage kimonos and obis in 2004. In addition to the bespoke pieces, the brand has expanded in 2010 to include the “Travel Series” (pictured here) with bags, clutches, totes and other accessories made from coated canvas silkscreened with the signature Mischa print (an interlinking hexagon motif to symbolize longevity).

2. VOID Watches / David Ericsson WEBSITE

Launched in 2008 by David Ericsson, a Swedish designer living in Hong Kong, VOID Watches are best known for their use of clean, geometric shapes with quality materials.

3. Seventy Eight Percent / Shai Levy WEBSITE

The design trifecta underscoring Shai’s urban bags are function, quality and style. Committed to sourcing and using premium natural materials, the Jurgen backpack featured here is made from Japanese raw denim and Italian vegetable tanned leather.

4. Balloon is Free / AppleZilla WEBSITE

A handmade jewellery line launched in 2012 with each piece lovingly designed and assembled by the local designer. Most creations are one of a kind, or part of a very limited edition.

5. Patinova / Ben Huang WEBSITE

A former landscape architect, Ben takes artefacts rich in local history—in this case currency—to create wearable pieces like these ten and twenty cents cufflinks.

6. Mariko Jesse with Faux Home WEBSITE

A renowned illustrator who spends her time between Tokyo, Hong Kong, and London, the teapot is a part of Mariko’s collaboration with Faux Home, a local boutique rug and homeware company. The resulting design—a clever reinterpretation on the French toile—showcases undeniably Hong Kong motifs like dim sum, egg tart, the Bank of China Tower, mahjong, and the Star Ferry.

24 One of Kind Magazine

Summer 2013 25

The shop on St. Francis Yard focuses on fashion and accessories. Here, the display features a selection of hand embroidered pins by Macon&Lesquoy from France.

26 One of Kind Magazine

Summer 2013 27

ARNAULT’S NEIGHBOURHOOD PICKS MY FAVOURITE PLACE FOR COFFEE

Kapok on Sun Street, G/F. 3, Sun Street, Wan Chai | Website We have a café at our Sun Street store, and our barista Willy is amazing, so I will have to go with Kapok on Sun Street.

MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO GRAB LUNCH

Manor Sea Food Restaurant, Shop F-G, 440 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay | Website The Principal, 9 Star Street, Wanchai | Website Dim Sum at Manor on Jaffe Road* is really delicious, and if you want to splurge a bit, the Sunday brunch at The Principal is amazing.

MY FAVOURITE AFTER WORK HANGOUT

TED’s Lookout, G/F Moonful Court, No. 17A Moon Street, Wan Chai | Website TED’s Lookout is a great new place hidden just behind Kapok! * The restaurant is not included on the map below. From the neighbourhood, it is approximately 20 minutes away on foot.

28 One of Kind Magazine

ARNAULT’S TOP 3 ...things I love about my job • The people I get to meet and work with • The great feeling when a nice, talented designer is succesful at our store • Being surrounded by beautiful, new objects everyday

Kapok also stocks various Canadian designers including Vancouver’s Strathcona Stockings, Herschel Supply Co., Toronto’s Metsa, & Montreal’s Betina Lou.

...covetable items for Summer

• Swim trunks from TIMO (Thailand) • Flip flops from Island Slippers (Hawaii) • Bruno Chaussignand sunglasses (France) and you’re ready for a perfect sunny summer!

...albums I play in the shop

• Pale Green Ghosts, John Grant • 20 Jahre Kompakt/Kollektion 1, Various Artists • Pacific Standard Time, Poolside

Kapok

G/F. 5, St Francis Yard Wanchai, Hong Kong T: +852 254 99 254

Kapok on Sun Street

G/F. 3, Sun Street Wanchai, Hong Kong T: +852 252 00 114

Kapok TOOLS

Shop 101, 1/F, K11 Art Mall, 18 Hanoi Road, TST, Hong Kong T: +852 3122 4113 www.ka-pok.com Summer 2013 29

One Stop Shop Bookhou

Six years after founding their multidisciplinary studio, Bookhou, Arounna and her husband John set up a brick and mortar store in Toronto’s Dundas West neighbourhood. What’s unique about this space?

The building in which the shop is located also houses their studios and their home. Read on to find out how this family integrates living, working, and creating into one cohesive unit.

Photos & Story: Janice Leung

30 One of Kind Magazine

Summer 2013 31

32 One of Kind Magazine

Summer 2013 33

34 One of Kind Magazine

Can you tell us a bit about Bookhou?

The name Bookhou is a combination of both our last names. We started the business in 2002 so that we could explore forms and imagery in a production format. We both sold artwork for a while and found that production allowed for the work to be more accessible to more people. We started to design work that we wanted to have in our homes or in my case, bags I wanted to wear.

Why did you choose to open Bookhou at the Dundas West neighbourhood?

We wanted to be in a neighbourhood that was walkable and also on a streetcar line so folks can get to us easily.

Can you talk a bit about the building that houses your shop? I understand that it is also connected to your studio and to your home.

When we decided to have a storefront we found the rental costs to be prohibitive in the downtown core and thought that if we combined our studio and home with the storefront it would be more cost effective.

How do you balance your home and work life since both of these areas are so integrated with one another?

It’s sometimes hard to balance both, since you are never away from work. However, we have small children and we will never be able to get enough work done if we are not all in the same place. A lot of the work gets done at night when my kids are sleeping.

What is the one most unexpected thing you have learned since opening your own shop?

Having a storefront allows folks to come by and visit and see what you have been working on.

I think that the uniqueness of our shop is that they can see things being made which gives visitors an added appreciation of the work.

Where do you see Bookhou (both for your company and your shop) in the next 5 years?

I hope to continue on the same path that we are on. We are going to undergo a huge renovation to expand our studio and living spaces, so I look forward to seeing how being able to spread out more affects our work.

AROUNNA & JOHN’S TOP 3 ...things I love about my job • Working for myself, I love that I get to spend my days making, experimenting, and designing

...picks for the summer • Our bags are the most popular items in our shop. I really like the pocket bag, since I don’t like to carry a lot and it perfectly holds keys and your wallet • The small round storage is great to use as a plant holder, giving your home a splash of colour • I am also excited about John’s new lamps combining wood and hand blown glass

...bands I play in the shop • Steve Earle • Joe Strummer • Of Monsters and Men

Bookhou

798 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1V1 (416) 203-2549 www.bookhou.com Come say hi to Arounna & John at the 2013 One of a Kind Christmas Show.

Summer 2013 35

AROUNNA & JOHN’S NEIGHBOURHOOD PICKS MY FAVOURITE PLACE FOR COFFEE

Sam James Coffee Bar, 297 Harbord Street | Website Ella’s Uncle, 946 Dundas Street West | Website We like to go to Sam James Coffee Bar* and Ella’s Uncle.

MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO GRAB LUNCH

The Happy Hooker, 887 Dundas Street West | Website Caffe Brasiliano, 849 Dundas Street West | Website The Happy Hooker has a great surf and turf sandwich, I also like the fish sandwiches at Caffe Brasiliano.

MY FAVOURITE AFTER WORK HANGOUT Trinity Bellwoods Park, 155 Crawford St, Toronto, ON | Website I like to spend time with the kids at Trinity Bellwoods Park (weather permitting)! * The coffee bar is not included on the map below.

36 One of Kind Magazine

Summer 2013 37

D.I.Y. Fabric Envelope We ask Arounna to share with us a D.I.Y. project for this issue of the One of a Kind Magazine. We love to see your finished project! Upload your image on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #OOAKDIY_BOOKHOU, and show us your creative prowess!

Photos & instructions by Arounna Khounnoraj

38 One of Kind Magazine

This simple project is great for making a small pouch or you can make larger ones to hold an iPad. This would be great as gift wrapping as well. A lot of the materials you need you can find around your house or at your local craft store.

What you need: • • • • • •

fabric (medium weight) scissors pencil, ruler, folding bone, awl rivet punch, rivets, and grommets spray glue leather washer (I just cut the circle from scrap leather) • leather lacing • thick cardboard (I just used an old cereal box) • envelope (this will be your template)

Step 1

Using the envelope as your template trace it onto the cardboard, taking the folding bone and ruler score at the edge of the flaps.

Step 2

Take the spray glue and spray on the back side of the cardboard (the non-scored side) work quickly and rub the fabric so that there’s no wrinkles. If there are any, just lift the fabric and reposition.

Once you are happy with how it’s laid out take the folding bone and rub the surface firmly, pay extra attention the edges.

Step 3

Cut the excess fabric till you get the envelope shape, push down firmly on the scored lines.

Step 4

Take the awl and make a hole at the top and bottom. Attached the grommet to secure the leather washer and hammer a grommet at the top of the flap. Slip the leather lacing through and tie a knot at the end. Now that your done you can open and close the pouch by twisting the leather lacing around the leather washer.

Summer 2013 39

Down to a Tea Tealish Michael and Laura are tea enthusiasts. Wanting to share their passion with everyone, this husband and wife duo established Tealish in 2005. Here, we take a closer look at their modern Queen West space while we seek their advice in making the perfect cup of tea!

Photos & Story: Janice Leung

40 One of Kind Magazine

Summer 2013 41

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the shop?

Tealish is a specialty tea boutique located in the heart of the Queen West neighbourhood in Toronto. The store features over 130 different teas from around the world, stylish teaware, and toronto’s only tea-centric café.

My wife Laura and I founded the business together in 2005 because we felt that existing tea shops in Toronto didn’t offer tea in a creative and engaging way. We felt that tea was a vibrant and exciting product so we tried to present it with the same enthusiasm we felt for it personally.

What about the neighbourhood?

Queen West is truly one of a kind. There is always such an interesting mix of people cruising the street, you never know what you’re going to find coming down the block!

Many things I thought I’d never see have been spotted roaming along Queen West! It’s always interesting that’s for sure and it’s with this wild and adventurous spirit that we created the Queen West Blend which basically has every kind of tasty and colourful ingredient we could get our hands on, blended on a lush black tea base.

Tea culture has changed significantly in the past few years here in Toronto, what do you attribute this shift to?

Tips for brewing the perfect cup of tea?

The most important thing is to follow the steeping time and water temperature for each tea family.

We always have brewing instructions on all of our packages, but for example green tea is not meant to be steeped in boiling water, or it can become bitter.

Many people misbrew their tea, leading to bitter brews and bad experiences. I’ve turned so many haters into fans by simply offering them a correctly brewed tea (especially with green tea).

MICHAEL & LAURA’S TOP 3 ...things I love about my job

• The overwhelmingly positive reception towards Tealish, our customers, and their feedback. We feel very thankful and fortunate that our customers love our teas, our store and our brand.

...picks for the summer

• Iced teas are key for summer so I’d say our best three are pomegranate goji green tea, lemon meringue rooibos, and blueberry lagoon white tea. All make delicious, super healthy cold beverages.

...bands I play in the shop

• Totally depends on who is working because I think it’s the move towards drinking high we have satellite radio. I like reggae or good quality loose leaf tea instead of cheap teabags. timey oldies like the Beach Boys. Stuff People are loving loose leaf when they try it that has a positive vibe and everyone can because it’s so much better tasting. The famed enjoy (because our customers range from health benefits of tea are also only present in age 15-80). If it’s one of the girls you’ll loose leaf grade. Once people see the light they probably hear a lot of local music like can look forward to exploring hundreds of Metric, Feist, Broken Social Scene, and creative variations at specialty shops like Tealish.

Joel Plaskett. Every now and then one of our local stars pop in for a tea, which is always fun!

42 One of Kind Magazine

Summer 2013 43

Treat Yourself to a Tea Popsicle Beat the heat with this thirst quenching treat Image & recipe by Tealish Lavender, Honey & Lemon Tea-sicle

• 5 teaspoons Tibetan Wild Lavender in 6oz boiling water – Steep for 5 mins.

• Add a few lavender flourets into the mix for added cute-factor • Stir in 2 Tablespoons Honey • Add approximately 2 teaspoons of Lemon Juice • Pour into your desired Popsicle mould and wait overnight

Sweet and Sour Hibiscus Tea-sicle

• Approximately 5 Organic Hibiscus petals in 6oz of boiling water – Steep for 5 mins • Throw a petal or two into the mould for added cute factor • Stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar • Pour into desired Popsicle mould and wait overnight

Matcha Green Tea-sicle

• 1 teaspoon of Matcha Latte Mix whisked into 6oz hot water • Once the mix is completely dissolved into water – Pour into desired Popsicle mould and wait overnight For more fun recipes, be sure to visit the Tealish blog at rethinkwhatyoudrink.wordpress.com 44 One of Kind Magazine

Summer 2013 45

46 One of Kind Magazine

MICHAEL & LAURA’S NEIGHBOURHOOD PICKS MY FAVOURITE LOCAL SHOP

The Spice Trader, 877 Queen Street West | Website A great place to pick up fine, organic spices.

MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO GRAB LUNCH Sweet Lulu, 859 Queen Street West | Website Convenient, with a very customizable menu!

MY FAVOURITE AFTER WORK HANGOUT

Czehoski, 678 Queen St West | Website Once a historic butcher shop, Czehoski is a local favourite.

Tealish

728 Queen St W Toronto, ON M6J 1E8 (416) 203-3301 www.tealish.com Come say hi to Michael & Laura at the 2013 One of a Kind Christmas Show.

Summer 2013 47

48 One of Kind Magazine

Summer 2013 49

For more One of a Kind picks, check out our blog at: www.oneofakindshow.tumblr.com ANDREW RECOMMENDS

MANAGER OF ACCOUNTS & SPECIAL PROJECTS

SWEET BLISS BAKING COMPANY

This little bake shop is perfect for last minute dessert ideas. Old style baking – so delicious! Call them up to find the baking schedule so you can get them fresh out of the oven! MORE INFO

GRAVITY POPE

With shops in Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver, Gravity Pope finally made its way to Toronto last November. If you love shoes, you will be instantly smitten by the shop’s impeccable selection of quality footwear. MORE INFO

AMY RECOMMENDS

MARKETING & SALES COORDINATOR

THE WESTERLY

Creme brulee french toast! Need I say more?!

MORE INFO

ROOM 2046

Seeing their unique chalkboard designs outside their store and the beautiful window displays...the highlight on my walk to work each day!

MORE INFO

JANICE RECOMMENDS

WEB & ONLINE MARKETING MANAGER

THE WORKROOM

I am not particularly good at sewing, but whenever I visit this Parkdale shop and see bolts and bolts of beautiful fabrics, I am always motivated to start a new project. Shop owner Karyn Valino also runs a wonderful blog Make Something. Her posts have definitely inspired me to pick up one of those Japanese Dress Books and try my hand at making some Liberty print blouses and dresses. So far, my project count is at three, time for a new summer dress perhaps...MORE INFO

JILL RECOMMENDS

EXHIBITOR RELATIONS & RECRUITMENT

BAGEL HOUSE

Their everything bagels are a-maze-ing!

MORE INFO

GRECO’S

Flaming Cheese at this Kingston restaurant.

That’s all I need to say. MORE INFO 50 One of Kind Magazine

VALERIE RECOMMENDS

MANAGER-BILINGUAL EXHIBITOR RELATIONS & RECRUITMENT

SHELTER FURNITURE

I love this modern and very comfortable line of furniture...MORE INFO

PATTI RECOMMENDS

SHOW DIRECTOR

EVERGREEN BRICK WORKS FARMER’S MARKET

I go every Saturday when I am in town! Get produce, baked goods, cheese, meat, something for everyone.

My latest discovery: Chili Sauce from Marvellous Edibles Farm from Owen Sound, Ontario! MORE INFO

TORONTO FLOWER MARKET

I went to the June edition and bought four big pots of flowers for my urns and garden. Don’t miss markets scheduled for July, August and, September. A great opportunity to meet and talk to the growers.

MORE INFO

COSMO MUSIC

It is a candy store for any musician! Excellent service and you can grab a latte right in the store while you shop and test drive the equipment! MORE INFO

DEVLIN RECOMMENDS

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

LADY YORK FOODS

I love Lady York grocery store for its authentic Italian produce and atmosphere. MORE INFO

YOYO’S YOGURT CAFÉ

With various locations in London, Ontario, this place has the freshest toppings and is always great on a hot summer day. MORE INFO

Summer 2013 51

52 One of Kind Magazine

STUDIO STORIES Originally cinema décor, we bought this display from a friend’s antique shop on Notre Dame Street here in Montréal. We love it, and we wanted to keep it in our flat but it is too big! It is now staying in our atelier. We use it as a separation between the studio and the little kitchen space we have.

We named them after our friends Jean-Pierre and Anne (who are not acquainted with each other in real life though!). We think their faces are amazing! They are always smiling, and they are always dancing. All day and night!

Judging from their smiles, we think they really like our studio too!

PHOTO & QUOTE BY FRANÇOISE MÉCHIN PELLET & THIERRY MÉCHIN

Say hi to Françoise & Thierry at the 2013 One of a Kind Christams Show. For more info, visit www.atelierdupresbytere.com Summer 2013 53

ONE OF A KIND CHRISTMAS SHOW & S

NOVEMBER 28 TO DECEMBER 8, 2013 GET DIRECT ENERGY CENTRE, TORONTO, ONTARIO

ONE OF A KIND SPRING SHOW & SALE MARCH 26 TO 30, 2014 DIRECT ENERGY CENTRE, TORONTO, ONTARIO DON’T MISS OUR SISTER SHOW

THE ARTIST PROJECT

FEBRUARY 20 TO 23, 2014

BETTER LIVING CENTRE, TORONTO, ONTARIO

THE ONE OF A KIND SHOW & SALE IS A CANADIAN SHOPPING TRADITI FOR THOSE IN SEARCH OF ALL THINGS HANDMADE, UNIQUE, AND FAN FOR MORE INFO, OR TO PURCHASE TICKETS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.ONEOFAKINDSHOW.COM BANDANA BIB BY CHRISTIAN SIMARD & ARIANE ST-PIERRE CYR. MEET CHRISTIAN, ARIANE AND MANY MORE TALENTED ARTISANS AT THE 2013 ONE OF A KIND CHRISTMAS SHOW IN TORONTO.

54 One of Kind Magazine

SALE

T TICKETS

ION NTASTIC.

Summer 2013 55

56 One of Kind Magazine