For Alanna and Kevin Wilson, the owners of Billie’s Flower House downtown, reconnecting with nature was the inspiration to open a brick-and-mortar store seven years ago.
“It’s an experience and a sanctuary,” Alanna says, not just a flower shop. “Why not have our business reflect these goals inside of us?”
Part of Refresh Market since day one, the couple is curating the front entrance for the first time. Still in creative-planning stages, the walkway is inspired by “West Coast rainforest mosses and ferns.”
The indie market pops up on April 28 and 29 at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park.
Billie’s product is 90 per cent locally-grown.
“We love supporting local farmers, local industry and creating less of a footprint,” says Alanna.
Along with the foliage entryway, a new lounge area will be set up on Friday night with tarot and psychic readings.
Founded by Shannon Lorenz and Rachel Boguski, Refresh Market was born from the common goal of creating an indie market focusing on local community. It’s been five years and 11 markets later, Boguski says. And it keeps growing.
“People want to know where they are getting their products from,” she says, so quality is important. Vendors are edited to avoid oversaturating the market with the same products. This year, over 300 applied with space for 100.
Christine Becker is the owner of One Small Room on Mamquam Road.
In 2013, she started selling out of her 80-square-foot van and at Refresh Market as a pop-up retailer. By 2014, high demand prompted a move to a brick-and-mortar location.
Offering new and consignment children’s clothes, the former biologist turned thriftaholic made a “value-based decision to extend the usable life of a piece of clothing” when opening her boutique, helping reduce the eco-footprint and make clothing more affordable.
Becker says the market represents the shop local movement well.
“It’s inspiring to be in that environment,” she says.
Though it may be difficult to exclusively shop local, she says it’s about making choices when you can.
Having the store fosters community connection, she says.
“I think people appreciate the ability to come into a small store and the person who runs the business is in the space.”
Owner of Nootka Naturals, Mikki Bernier joined Refresh Market before having a storefront as well. While pregnant in 2014, she opened her skin care shop, befriended regulars and now they are raising their kids together.
“It’s that type of community,” she says, adding, “We are starting to distill and harvest ingredients ourselves.”
All other items carried are locally sourced.
Bernier formulates and manufactures all products, with scents inspired by the outdoors. Plans are to move into a larger location next door with an open production line, upcoming summer workshops, custom blending and a refill section.
She is looking forward to seeing old and new faces at Refresh. “It’s just been fabulous ever since we started,” she says. “It made me feel so part of the community.”
Refresh Market returns to the West Coast Railway Heritage Park on April 28 from 4 to 9 p.m. and April 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
