Supporting local in the time of COVID-19
Well folks….let’s talk about the last couple of weeks, shall we?! Oh man…what a crazy time this is, and we just hope that everyone out there is staying safe, healthy and at home (as much as possible). This has, and will continue to, impact everyone, and I am still just trying to wrap my head around what this means for the wedding industry. There have been so many incredible posts by fellow industry people about the immediate affect, and I am blown away by the grace that everyone (vendors & couples) has been handling our current situation.
Bonnie & I have decided that we might as well use this extra time to dive back into the blog, because why not! When talking about what we wanted to start with, it became super clear to both of us that shining a light on how to support small businesses during this time was the right thing to do. Small businesses are what make up our communities and we just love them all oh so much. The Good Party did a fantastic post over on their blog featuring wedding companies who are getting creative, so be sure to check it out! We thought we would take a look at some of our personal favourite small businesses all across Victoria. If you live in Victoria and have the means to do so, please please continue to show your favourites some extra love right now. If you have found yourself without the means but still want to help, be sure to give them lots of love on social & google! If you don’t live here in Victoria, then I hope that this post inspires you to think of a variety of businesses who are no doubt struggling right now and dealing with a whole lot of uncertainty. We could all use a little extra love right now, and I know as a small business family ourselves, we all say thank you.
So without further aideu, here are 10 local Victoria businesses that we want to show a little bit of love:
Agrius/Fol Epi (Yates)
Open limited hours daily to provide their incredible bread, pastries, coffee, and sandwiches in a safe take out form while also offering a variety of house made gourmet grocery items and incredible meals for your fridge or freezer (duck confit, anyone?) They also have some of their amazing (hard to find) wine list available for purchase to take home. Who says you can’t still have a romantic date night? - Bonnie
Website - www.agriusrestaurant.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/fol.epi/
Amelia Lee
This is my favourite home store here in town, and I swear it’s like walking into your own pinterest shop. The owner, Khloe, has a heart of gold and impeccable taste. Their online shop is open and if a global pandemic isn’t the perfect excuse to treat yourself (or friend) to a new home “pick me up”, then I don’t know what is. They also have the most wonderful collection of baby goods, featuring many local suppliers, and so while celebrations may be on hold, sending a bit of love to a new mama (or mama to be) sounds like a great idea! Local delivery is free. - Barb
Website - www.shopamelialee.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/amelialeeboutique/
Annex
Amazing new boutique gym offering spin, barre, and strength classes. Even though they only opened their doors a few months ago, these amazing people were among the first to shut their doors to do their part, and from the get go froze all memberships to alleviate this cost for members while offering totally free daily live work outs on instagram for everyone! They truly believe in creating a supportive community and keeping everyone healthy. If you want to show them some love, they are still offering punch passes available for purchase on their website or app which can be used when their doors open up again. - Bonnie
Website - www.annexvictoria.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/annexvictoria/
Bolen Books
Finding yourself with all this extra time at home, and feeling like your excessive Netflix bingeing has hit its limit? Bolen’s is offering shopping via phone or online, and you can either have your purchases delivered or pick them up from their take out window. They have thousands of books, games, puzzles, and are an incredible family to boot! So consider getting your next book order local (and bonus: anything we can do to reduce the amount our postal workers have to do, is incredible). - Barb
Website - www.bolen.bc.ca
Instagram - www.instagram.com/bolenbooks/
Foo
So many local restaurants are working hard to provide alternative options to going to the busy grocery stores and providing safe take out, giving us a bit of variety in our food options and taking the stress off cooking during a stressful time. This also keeps many hospitality workers employed in one of the hardest hit industries. Foo is one of these places, and they are working hard 7 days a week with slightly limited hours and a take out window on their patio to keep things distanced and outside. Plus, their food is super tasty! - Bonnie
Website - www.victoria.foofood.ca
Instagram - www.instagram.com/fooyyj/
Frontrunners
This is actually my husbands store, so the shout out is slightly biased. But I am so proud of how they have been handling this! While their doors of all 3 locations are currently closed, they are taking orders via online orders, phone or even FaceTime! So whether it is a new pair of running shoes, nutritional, run shorts etc., they can help you. They are offering free local (contactless) delivery, and can’t wait to get back out there with the run clinics once this is all over. - Barb
Website - www.frontrunners.ca
Instagram - www.instagram.com/frontrunnersvic/
Hide + Seek Coffee
This lovely husband and wife duo are working hard to keep all their customers caffeinated with the tastiest coffee through this weird time. They have a ‘coffee window’ open limited hours at their store front in Oak Bay, and are also offering online orders for beans with free neighbourhood delivery! Pick your tasting notes and they’ll pick out something delicious for you and bring it to your door - does it get any better? - Bonnie
Website - www.hideandseekcoffee.ca
Instagram - www.instagram.com/hideandseekcoffee/
Maaface Artistry
I know I speak for many ladies when I say I’ll be running to get caught up on my favourite beauty regimens once personal services can open their doors again (I forgot what I looked like without lashes and nice nails… yikes). Laura at Maaface is doing everyone a solid and offering any kind of full lash set for the price of fill to get you back on track, and this is for literally anyone. Even if you aren’t an existing client. Or didn’t have lashes previously. She is just that amazing. You can also choose to pre-pay for your set (at fill price) so you can be added to the waitlist for preferred appointment times before the schedule opens up to everyone. Looking forward to some gorgeous lashes (and she is crazy talented!) - Bonnie
Website - www.maaface.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/maaface.artistry/
Marta Cafe
If you haven’t been to Marta Cafe yet, then as soon as we are allowed to share a coffee together again, you need to get there STAT! Local girls, Ellie & Nikita have created their own little slice of parisian paradise, and this neighbourhood cafe delivers. It is one of my favourite spots to meet a friend (or catch up on some emails) over a delicious croissant & latte. They are currently closed, but are selling Gift Cards (email them at info@martacafeandpantry.com) for future visits. Every bit of cash flow they can get helps, so let’s help keep them alive! - Barb
Website -www.martacafeandpantry.com
Instagram -www.instagram.com/martacafeandpantry/
Twist of Fate
Talk about adapting! This local event bartending company has launched a Curbside Cocktail program, and I couldn't be more for it. I love me a good cocktail, and let’s be honest: a plain ol’ G&T just isn’t cutting it these days. They offer contactless delivery twice a week, and bring you the mixture, garnish & instructions. All you have to do is supply the booze & glass. I can tell you from personal experience, they are damn good, and will definitely make your day better. - Barb
Website - www.twistvictoria.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/twistvictoria/