Love, Local: Stilara | An Artisan Shop in Downtown Kincardine, Ontario featuring Canadian-Made and Local Products
In my early 20’s I lived and worked in Lake Louise and on days off we would head into Banff to browse the one of a kind stores there. Places like Spirit of Christmas, Rocky Mountain Soap Company when it first opened and Banff Trading Post full of products made by local artists and makers. For me, Stilara has that same amazing feel. If you love a good browse where you will find unique gifts, fun greeting cards, amazing local artisanal products or something purely for yourself to set on your bedside table or keep on the kitchen counter you have to spend some time in Stilara.
Just north of the Kincardine Public library in Downtown Kincardine this shop is owned and operated by Nicole Rae Ireland. The walls are covered with painting by local artists, the retro clothing and vintage items all finely curated, the crafts and puzzles picked out by Nicole at the tradeshows she attends that feature Canadian products. If you head into the store you will definitely come out with something, even if it just a small treasure for yourself. Also, please note the answer Nicole gives about Google reviews – they really matter, especially to small businesses. It would be amazing if everyone who reads this could make a goal to write 3 reviews this month for those Bruce County businesses you genuinely recommend when talking to friends. The owners would be so grateful. And now onto Nicole's interview.
What is your business name, address, and how long you've been at this location?
Stilara is located at 743 Queen Street, Kincardine, Ontario. We have been in business at this location for 8 years in November!
Tell me about your business, what you do, who you serve.
Stilara is an artisan shop featuring 50+ Canadian Small Businesses and Local Artists from Bruce and Huron Counties. In recent years we have expanded the shop to also feature vintage home decor and pre-loved clothing.
If you come in you will see that we are full to the brim with so many amazing products. Here is an idea of what we sell: greeting cards, puzzles, candles, soap and bubble bath, paintings, preloved clothing and books, tea, crafting kits (embroidery, yarn, clay), stickers, DIY charm bracelets and so much more.
What inspired you to start your business?
I always had a passion for handmade and Canadian made items. When I had the opportunity to open Stilara, I was very inspired to bring a store to Kincardine that solely focused on featuring handmade, Canadian made, and Canadian small businesses.
What do you love about being a part of the community?
I love how there is always something to do here in Kincardine. Always an event going on, either big or small, run by people from our community! We are lucky to have so many dedicated members in the community that support these events!
What is your most popular product or service and why do people love it?
Our most popular product would have to be our locally made pottery by Nicole Marie Pottery in Ripley, Nicole makes beautiful pottery mugs that always fly off our shelves! Another popular product category is our locally made candles by Willow + Pip in Southampton and Aura Botanicals in Ripley, one of the main reasons Stilara always smells so good inside!
What is something that happened this week that made you smile?
We had a few positive Google reviews come in over the weekend, and sharing the store with others who appreciate it as much as I do, always makes me smile!
Where are your favourite places to visit/hang out after hours in Bruce County?
I love visiting the small towns in Bruce County on my days off and popping in and out of other local businesses. Or spending time outside in nature, hiking the Bruce Trail, or exploring local events!
Any community events, causes, or charities you're involved in?
Every holiday season, we host The Handmade Christmas Artisan Market at the Kincardine Pavilion. The entry fee is donated to the Huron Shores Hospice. We are going on 4 years of hosting the market and have raised over $10,000 for the hospice which supports end of life care for people in our community. I love being able to bring people together, and feature even more local small businesses at the market!
Where can people find out more about Stilara?
Instagram: @stilarakincardine
Website: https://www.stilarakincardineshop.com/ - you can see the products that we sell and also prebuy for pickup later.
Can you share some Love, Local. Is there a business or person in the community that you are always recommending to other people. Can you tell me about it, why you love it and why we should check it out.
I highly recommend checking out Harbour Rose in downtown Kincardine. Jaye's store features lots of Canadian brands, and even makes her own products inspired by Lake Huron and Kincardine in house! It's a lovely shop with friendly staff!
If you have an idea or recommendation for a business you think I should meet and feature I would love to hear about it. You can send me a message here and I will be sure to check them out.
Love, Local is my way of celebrating the small businesses that make Bruce County special. I’m Kendra Knaggs a small business branding photographer serving Kincardine, Port Elgin, Southampton and Bruce County. If you’d like photos like these to show off your shop, studio or services, get in touch. I would love to make it happen.
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