Blooming season is here, so it’s time to take advantage of all of the beautiful colours. Grab a fresh (or dried) bouquet of flowers to add to your space from some of our fave flower shops in the city. Plus, if you don’t feel like checking out the stores in person, most have an online site to place an order for local delivery!
Here are flower shops to visit in Toronto.
Wild North Flowers
What you’ll find: Fresh flowers, dried flowers, plants, gift items, and local delivery.
Address: 135 Tecumseth St #6, Toronto, ON M6J 2H2
Phone Number: (416) 504-3000
Thyme Studio
What you’ll find: Fresh flowers, dried flowers, vase arrangements, and local delivery for M2 to M8 postal codes.
Address: 779 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H & 28 Bathurst St Unit 1-102
Phone Number: (416) 465-7601
Olivia’s Garden
What you’ll find: Fresh flower bouquets, fresh flower cake, dried flowers, vases, coffee & treats, and local delivery.
Address: 569 Crawford St, Toronto, ON M6G 3K1
Phone Number: (647) 936-6663
Bellwood Blooms
What you’ll find: Fresh flowers, dried flowers, plants, pots, planters, greeting cards, candles, and local delivery.
Address: 3130 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 2A1
Phone Number: (647) 948-8198
Broadview Flower Market
What you’ll find: Fresh flowers, plants, arrangements, and delivery options.
Address: 737 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2P6737 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2P6
Phone Number: (416) 778-0288
May Flowers
What you’ll find: Fresh flowers, dried flowers, vase arrangements, floral kits & bundles, and delivery.
Address: 1020 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6E 1A4
Phone Number: (416) 546-4820
Riverside Flower Shop
What you’ll find: Fresh flowers, dried flowers, plants, event arrangements, and delivery.
Address: 600 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B4
Phone Number: (416) 530-2773
Tiny Flower
What you’ll find: Fresh flowers, floral arrangements, houseplants, and decorative pots.
Address: 637A Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M7
Phone Number: (647) 348-6889 & (647) 342-4475
Beachwood Flower Shop
What you’ll find: Fresh flowers, bouquets, plants, plant accessories, and event arrangements.
Address: 1916 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1H
Phone Number: (416) 691 8185
Pistil Flowers
What you’ll find: Fresh flowers, bouquets, plants, cards, baskets, and vases.
Address: 100 King Street West, Toronto, ON, M5X 1E2 & 181 Bay Street, Toronto, ON, M5J 2T3 & 55 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
Phone Number: (416) 367-1200 & (416) 367-4400 & (416) 395-1817
Toronto Flower Gallery
What you’ll find: Fresh flowers, plants, and themed bouquets.
Address: 111 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5C 2M6
Phone Number: (416) 367-0476
Eden Flowers
What you’ll find: Large assortment of fresh flowers and plants.
Address: 1391 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1Y4
Phone Number: (416) 925-8188
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With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, you’re probably on the hunt for the perfect present. As it turns out, you don’t even need to search that far to find great gifts to spoil the moms in your life with something they’ll love! There are so many wonderful Canadian brands stocked full of gift-worthy items for you to shop – allowing you to support local this Mother’s Day and beyond.
Here are our fave Canadian brands to shop for Mother’s Day gifts.
Apparel
Tentree
Tentree is dedicated to finding and sourcing the most sustainable fibres and materials available. The brand takes great pride in finding better, healthier, and more eco-progressive solutions for its customers. In addition to placing such a large focus on amazing materials, tentree plants 10 trees per item purchased. So, not only can you give a practical present to the mom in your life who loves the outdoors, but you’re also helping the planet while you’re at it. How cool is that?
Kotn
Kotn is a total fan favourite for those minimal yet super chic pieces for women (and men too!). Ethically made from authentic Egyptian cotton, the quality is seriously remarkable. You need to grab wardrobe staples for the people you love and of course, for yourself.
Peace Collective
From Toronto-themed apparel to sports team merch, Peace Collective has it all! Founded in Toronto, when you shop Peace Collective, you’re investing in garments that stand out in more ways than one. Every piece sold gives back to the communities that need it most, so you can feel good about picking up a Mother’s Day present here.
Roots
Did you know Roots was founded in Toronto in 1973? Known for its comfortable loungewear, appropriate and relevant for all ages, we think any mom would be thrilled to get a new matching Roots sweatsuit for Mother’s Day!
Smash + Tess
Smash + Tess was founded by a mother and daughter who believe that everybody in every chapter of life should feel cute and comfortable! The brand is popular for its stylish yet cozy rompers which are super size inclusive and would make for a great present!
This Is J
You can never go wrong gifting a new pair of great PJs if you ask us. Our faves come from the Canadian brand, This Is J! All of its PJs are ethically and sustainably made in Canada, with a functional approach at their core. Not to mention, they’re super cozy.
Accessories
Mejuri
Everyone knows the best gifts come in the smallest packages. Gift mom something sparkly this year with the help of Mejuri. The cult-fave jewellery brand works with trusted suppliers across the globe, using high-quality, responsibly sourced materials to create pieces meant to last a lifetime. Check out its Mother’s Day edit to find something she’s sure to love.
ARMED
ARMED offers fade and tarnish free jewellery, so you never have to worry about ruining any pieces. The accessories are made by hand with high-quality chains, stones, and fine metals, to make a statement. The brand even has vintage-style home decor and apparel as a bonus.
Lambert
For the eco-conscious fashionistas out there, Lambert’s bags and accessories are made for people on the go who aren’t willing to compromise ethical and sustainable standards for the trendiest of styles. The brand’s products are Canadian-designed, PETA-certified, and authentically stylish. Made from PU leather (polyurethane), Lambert is changing the vegan leather world with its multifunctional bags that are made to last!
Dainty Diamond
If the perfect Mother’s Day gift you’re searching for is delicate jewellery, then you have to check out the Canadian brand, Dainty Diamond. From earrings to rings, to even anklets, this shop is sure to become your new go-to. It offers high-quality pieces made from solid gold, sterling silver, and gold vermeil, that last forever.
Jenny Bird
Jenny Bird is a female-founded Canadian jewellery brand, (by Jenny Bird herself), that has been seen on celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner, and even Michelle Obama! The brand is known for its iconic gold hoops and layer-able chains and there are so many great options that would be perfect Mother’s Day gifts!
Matt & Nat
Did you know the popular bag and accessory brand Matt & Nat is Canadian? Founded in Montreal, Matt & Nat is committed to providing stylish and animal-friendly accessories. Upgrade mom’s purse this year with one of many cute options to choose from!
Pixie Mood
Gift your mom a brand new vegan-leather bag from Pixie Mood this Mother’s Day! Pixie Mood is a Canadian-designed vegan, sustainable bag brand that offers timeless bag options that will stand the test of time.
Beauty & Self-Care
Saje
Every mom could use a little extra self-care in their life! Enter Saje. Known for its 100% natural essential oils, Saje offers an array of wellness products for the mind and body. Its Relieving Essentials Kit would be the perfect gift.
Evio
Does the mom in your life love cosmetics? Launched in 2019 by Brandi Leifso, Evio, is a Canadian lifestyle brand that offers cosmetics and skincare that’s affordable, inclusive, vegan, and cruelty-free.
The Scented Market
The Scented Market is the brand to visit for clean personal and home care products, hand-crafted by Kristy Miller with love. You can order the Mother’s Day Gift Boxes online to spoil the special person in your life. The Scented Market is known for its natural soy wax candles that are free from phthalates, parabens, and animal byproducts.
Pivot Skincare
Pivot Skincare is all about offering products that leave skin hydrated and glowing, especially in the (Canadian) wintertime. The Plant-Based Nourishing Oil is the star of the brand and it’s made with awesome natural oils that are great for your skin. We love a good glow all year long.
Graydon Skincare
Graydon Skincare offers powerfully-natural, plant-based skincare products and has a focus on creating formulations that are nutrient-dense, clinically-proven superfood ingredients that will nourish your skin from the outside in. Treat your mom to its “Clean Beauty Starter Kit” which includes Graydon’s Fullmoon Serum, Face Foam Unscented Cleanser, Skin Stuff Face & Eye Ceramide Cream, and Bamboo Charcoal Sponge.
Frizz + Co.
Montreal-based Daphné Eastmond founded Frizz + Co. to provide much-needed trusted products for textured hair. Along with sleek, biodegradable packaging, Frizz + Co. products feature scientifically-proven, powerhouse ingredients to protect, condition, and strengthen strands for Sunday curls any day of the week. Gift mom the gift of great hair this Mother’s Day!
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With the holidays coming up in less than a month, it’s time to shop for the loved ones on your Christmas list. Retail stores, especially small ones, have taken a major hit from the pandemic. So, this year, it’s more important than ever to support and shop local. There are so many stores in Toronto that have a ton of high-quality and unique gifting ideas, you’d be surprised at all of the awesome items you can find!
Here are local stores in Toronto to shop at for gifts this season.
Hoi Bo
Hoi Bo is the perfect gift to give. The brand holds true to offering pure and simple pieces. Shop sustainable products including handbags, footwear, dresses, tops, jackets, and so much more, that will seamlessly fit into anyones wardrobe.
TOWN
TOWN is your one-stop-shop for gift giving this year. This shop located on Bloor Street West, downtown Toronto sells both cards and gifts. If you don’t want to run all over town gift shopping this year, just head over to TOWN the store!
Armed
Armed offers trendy and fun, tarnish free jewelry, so you never have to worry about ruining your new pieces. The brand has a bunch of different styles of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and even a breathtaking ‘The Rove’ apparel collection.
Good Intentions
Good Intentions is a boutique hosting a large collection of exclusively women-owned Canadian brands and vintage clothing! There are tons of gift-worthy items to shop, including its Mystery Gifts Bags – which do the work for you!
Smash+Tess
Vancouver-based company Smash+Tess has changed the game for day-to-night clothing. Its pieces can transition seamlessly with comfort and style. Give the gift of chic and cozy this season!
Cocktail Emporium
This one-stop shop is for all things cocktails. Quite literally. Cocktail Emporium has all of the bar tools you’ll ever need, glassware, ingredients for special drinks, and more. If you know a lover of cocktails, you need to check out this shop.
Souvenir Studio
Souvenir Studio has beautiful ceramics, home accessories, furniture, textiles, jewelry, and so much more. The company focuses on being able to showcase emerging designers and artists in the store. If any items catch your eye at this local store to give as gifts, then check out the website to book an appointment to shop.
Likely General
Likely General is full of unique and quirky pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. The brand primarily focuses on selling the work and expressions of women, marginalized, queer, and non-binary folks first. Inclusivity and community support at its finest!
Gee Beauty
For the beauty lovers that you know, check out Gee Beauty. Founded in Toronto in 2005, the brand sells lovely, high-quality make-up, not only from its own brand but others as well. Other brands found at the shop include Dr. Barbara Sturm, Dr. Dennis Gross, OUAI, and so many more.
Blackbird Vintage
For the person in your life who loves all things vintage, you may want to check out Blackbird Vintage Finds to get them their perfect gift. You can find everything from typewriters to jewellery at this eclectic vintage and gift shop in Toronto’s historic Distillery District.
Mejuri
Mejuri sells stylish fine jewelry for your everyday lifestyle. If you know someone who loves accessories, then you need to take a look at this brand. Gorgeous jewelry that your loved ones can cherish forever.
Easy Tiger Goods
Easy Tiger Goods is a lifestyle concept store that specializes in beautifully designed and well-made products. These products include home décor, accessories, jewelry, and other interesting knick-knacks. The brand curates a selection of goods that are made with integrity by creators, to ensure high-quality pieces.
The Wanderly
At The Wanderly, it’s all about the stories that each product tells. The company seeks out artists and creators who produce these interesting and unique items. The inventory is ever-evolving, so always keep an eye out for new featured pieces.
Merchant of York
Shop locally – and sustainably this holiday season at Merchant of York! This store is the home to plenty of unique products made by brands that share its core values of creating items that have good design, are high quality, long lasting, and sustainable. There are tons of gift-worthy items to shop, guilt-free!
Revelé
Relevé is the home to a variety of high-end active and loungewear that any fitness-lover, (or comfort-lover), would love! Treat them with a hoodie they’ll never want to take off or a new set to flex during their next workout.
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The temperatures are starting to drop and homebodies are rejoicing. Fall is the season for relaxing evenings indoors and homebound weekend activities. It’s time to shift to indoor living. Is your space ready for it? A little refresh can go a long way, during this transition season. Pick up some of these locally-made items and freshen up your living space this fall.
Here are our picks for locally-made items to refresh your home for fall.
Lady Green Inc. Bee Beeswax Candles
These Stratford-made 100% beeswax candles come in some clever shapes you’ve likely never seen: pyramids, skulls, middle fingers, naked bodies, and more. Beeswax candles purify the air naturally, and burn 3 times longer than paraffin. If you want to freshen up the feeling of your space and add some ambiance, treat yourself to some of these beautiful candles.
Pine Flora Crystal Succulent Holders
Indulge your inner plant lover and your inner crystal lover with these intentionally crafted succulent holders made from crystals. Whether you’re wanting some protection, increased confidence, or a reminder of your self-love self intentions this fall, these little treasures can add a boost of positive energy and beauty to your space.
Botanik and Bloom Handmade Everlasting Wreaths
Nothing says welcome home like a handmade wreath on the door. Hang one of these hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind wreaths outside (they’ll hold up against winter temperatures outside), or indoors. Made with everlasting materials, this is a truly all-season item. Grab yours at Likely General on Roncesvalles, where there is no shortage of locally made goods that will make your space feel like a sanctuary.
Upper Canada Weaving Custom Throw Blanket
Netflix and chill just got more sumptuous. Upper Canada Weaving designs and weaves custom blankets and textiles to suit your taste. They specialize in working with local farmers and spinning mills to make one-of-a-kind blankets that bring out the beauty of the fiber – whether it’s wool, alpaca, mohair, linen, or cotton. Invest in a truly quality blanket you love, and your nights in will be truly superior.
Stephanie Cheng Art Print
Toronto-based freelance designer, illustrator, and screen printer Stephanie Cheng creates striking prints that are inspired by the human form and negative space. Freshen up your walls with one of these (very affordable!) bold prints and add a splash of colour and a new look.
Earth Love Green Home Cleaning Products
If you want to lighten your toxin load this fall, detox your cleaning products and make some greener swaps. Earth Love is an Oakville-based maker of all-natural, waste-free cleaning products which include laundry detergent tablets, all-purpose cleaner tablets, dishwasher tablets, eucalyptus shower melt tablets, and more.
Toss your old ones and step them up with these artist-made tea towels that bring some heartfelt aesthetic into your kitchen. Ontario-based artist Kate Golding draws inspiration from her surroundings and creates tea towels that are works of art, reflecting the beauty of pastoral Prince Edward County, the Great Lakes, and more. Fabrics are printed using a premium reactive dye process so the pattern won’t fade in the wash. Get them at Scout on Roncesvalles, where you’ll find thoughtful, locally-made goods in abundance.
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Now check out this nostalgic collection. McDonald’s has partnered up with the beloved Toronto brand, Peace Collective, to create an awesome launch.
You’ll find all of the retro (and limited edition) apparel like tees, hoodies, sweaters, tote bags, and more, with your fave characters like the Hamburglar, the McNugget Buddies, and Mayor McCheese.
Not only are the McDonaldland characters bringing us back to the memories of the 90s, but it’s also for a good cause.
McHappy Day is on May 11 in which a portion of the proceeds from this line, beginning now until that date, will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada as well as sick children across Canada.
The items range from a $320 varsity jacket to $12 lapel pins.
Browse the Peace Collective X McDonald’s collection right now online before it’s gone!
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There’s nothing better than having a fresh cup of joe in the morning or walking around the streets with a yummy mocha latte made from your local coffee shop. With the difficulty that businesses are facing these days, it’s always a great idea to support local shops as much as you can. So, enjoy a delicious beverage for take-out and help out a businesses at the same time.
Here are local coffee shops to support during the holidays.
Rooster Coffee House
Rooster Coffee House has three locations, one on Broadview Avenue, King Street East, and Jarvis Street.The company works closely with its roasting partners at Pilot to create the signature Rooster Blends. It has a rotating lineup of incredible and sometimes award-winning single origin coffees from all over the world.
Hale Coffee Company
Hale Coffee Company has a location in Toronto on Campbell Avenue in the Junction Triangle. Stop by for a beverage and baked goods, or even order online to get fresh coffee grounds to your door.
White Squirrel Coffee
Located on Queen Street in the Trinity Bellwoods area, White Squirrel Coffee is a relaxed coffee shop that serves organic coffee, as well as fantastic ice cream and other goodies.
Dineen Coffee Co.
Dineen Coffee Co. has three locations across Toronto which includes Yonge Street, Bay Street, and Gerrard Street East. The first cafe on Yonge Street was built in the historic Dineen Building. This was once home to W. and F. Dineen Co., who originally made fur clothing. The building is one of the oldest structures in Toronto, and is listed as a Toronto Heritage Property.
You can enjoy NEO Coffee Bar as takeout or delivery. It’s located in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood on Frederick Street and is the perfect shop to grab your caffeine fix.
Versus Coffee Bar
Versus Coffee opened its doors in summer 2016 in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood which is in the heart of downtown Toronto. At Versus Coffee the concept is simple, friendly people, quality products and unique atmosphere.
Strange Love Coffee
Strange Love Coffee first opened shop in 2017 and has locations at Spadina Avenue and Queen Street West in Toronto. It has a bunch of classic blends as well as new and adventurous ones.
The Library Specialty Coffee
Coffee and baked goods—name a better duo. This cozy shop is located at Dundas Street West in Toronto has everything you’d ever want when making a coffee run.
Field Trip Cafe
Enjoy takeout at this local coffee shop. Field Trip Cafe, which is located at Westmoreland Avenue, was inspired by the idea of an old-school classroom, with green chalk boards displaying the menu.
Bulldog Coffee
Known for its super cool drinks like the rainbow latte and marshmallow latte, Bulldog Coffee definitely sticks out from the crowd. It’s located on Granby street in Toronto, so if you live close, you should check out one of its inventive beverages.
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Hudson’s Bay is in the works of creating a marketplace to support local businesses while increasing the amount of product offered at the bay.com.
Last year it was announced that HBC would be focusing on ways to grow its online presence after it was revealed that some locations were to close due to unpaid rent. Since then, the company has launched a new e-commerce platform and is tweaking its loyalty program.
The marketplace will serve as a virtual space where customers can shop local brands, artists, and of course, The Bay’s products too.
The majority of these businesses will fall under categories that already exist at Hudson’s Bay. However, there will also be a handful of new product lines added which include pets, sports, health, and outdoor equipment.
The president and CEO of Hudson’s Bay, Iain Nairn, stated to the Toronto Star that the company is planning to support over 300 new businesses.
There are a few requirements for Canadian brands who wish to be showcased on the site. Businesses who want to be involved must have direct to consumer shipping throughout Canada and available inventory on-hand.
If you’re a Canadian business and meet these requirements, be sure to apply!
Although no specific date has been given for the Hudson’s Bay marketplace, it’s said to be fully available sometime next month.
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With face masks being apart of our daily outing routine for the foreseeable future, it’s a great idea to find styles that your kids love. From fun colours, to cool designs, there are a bunch of local stores to check out that offer youth-sized masks. Keeping your little one safe and protected outdoors is a must, so support Canadian businesses while doing so. It’s a win-win situation!
Here are stores to purchase kid’s face masks in Toronto.
Olive+Splash
Ki The Label
Peace Collective
Province of Canada
Bathing Belle
Kol Kid
West Coat Kids
Early Bird & Worm
Mini Moche
MOJI
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It’s always an amazing time to support local businesses. There are so many shops in Toronto and the GTA that offer incredible inventory that’s just as good, if not better, than at big-box retailers. Some local stores even carry its own in-house label as well as name brands that you’re sure to recognize. Feel good and look great when you shop these independant stores!
Here are the best Products to shop for at local businesses in Toronto and the GTA.
Women’s Apparel
Poor Little Rich Girl
Ease
The Narwhal Boutique
Kotn
Coal Miner’s Daughter
Zahara’s Boutique
Men’s apparel
Uncle Otis
Park & Province
GOTSTYLE
Kotn
Accessories & Footwear
Armed
Mejuri
Gravitypope
Get Outside
Studio D Shoes
Heel Boy
Beauty & Skincare
PIVOT
BITE Beauty
Tribal Eye
Deciem
Home
Stylegarage
Elte Mkt
Equilibrium Furnishings
EQ3
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Even though the world is starting to reopen after months of lockdown and folks are starting to go back to work, there are lots of us still working from home. While we’ve likely found our groove after months of WFH-life, if you’re wondering how some notable Toronto boss babes have transitioned to work from home life, then keep on reading. These ladies are not only leaders in their respective fields but they’re incredibly inspiring. Find out how each one of these boss babes structures their schedule, breaks up their day, and for some, leads their teams!
Caleigh Rykiss, Owner of BOLO
“I am one of those rare people who THRIVES working from home. Before I started BOLO I was a freelance writer and producer and I really found a good flow in a WFH routine. Now that I’m back home after a few years spending 12hrs + per day at the studio, I feel uber productive – despite the fact that the future my business and industry is in serious danger. My mornings are sacred – I usually take an hour or so to quietly drink my coffee without any work distractions – catch up on the news and snuggle with my puppies. After that I usually have a focused few hours between 9-11am where I put my head down, answer emails, make changes to the BOLO class schedule and plan my social media posts. I think it’s really important for people to know what their most productive hours are – its a key to breaking the WFH code. My favourite time to workout is between 11-1pm ish – I feel awake and strong and I find its a great way to break up the day. I will usually participate in a virtual BOLO class and then plan out my class for that day or the next day. Another silver lining to WFH is the ability to elongate workouts and spend more time activating, mobilizing and stretching the body. After that I usually have another super productive hour in the early afternoon. I teach classes and host staff meetings in the evenings – which is a nice way to end the work day. My biggest weakness is social media – I find that I am on my phone FAR MORE than usual and it can be a slippery slope. Still working on figuring out how to prevent going down rabbit holes and wasting time there.”
Afiya Francisco, On-Air Style Expert
“Even though I’ve been self-employed for many years, self-isolation is a whole new experience that sees me taping live segments remotely from my kitchen while homeschooling my two boys, Felix and Des. A typical day is a green shake, homeschooling for about an hour and a half. I squeeze in meetings/emails/research during the boy’s hour-long morning screen time. One of my favourite things has been getting in daily family hikes after lunch. Then the afternoon kind of mirrors the morning. Finally, once the kids are in bed, I’m back to work.”
Natasha Koifman, President of NKPR
“Over the last few months, working from home has been an adjustment. As a business owner of a PR agency, it’s been important for me to continue to instil confidence in our team as well as continue to support our clients and partners. While we’re all working in isolation, we’ve made sure that everyone on the team feels connected the same way they would when they’re physically in the office – so we start each morning with a full team Zoom meeting; every day a different member leads the call, we go through account brainstorms, share industry news and interesting articles and do interactive activities. We also always encourage everyone to take time for themselves during the workday to get outside and clear their mind.
To break up the days, I start my mornings with a quick workout via an online SPINCO on Demand class and then later in the evenings my partner and I go for long walks to explore different neighbourhoods. Rediscovering everything that this city [Toronto] has to offer by foot has been incredible – I’ve gained a new appreciation for our communities, from local grocers and artisans on the Danforth, to local coffee shops in my favourite neighbourhood Bloor-Yorkville. I’ve also found a new love for cooking! Right now I’m slowly making my way through Anthony Bourdain’s cookbook — spaghetti alla bottarga is one of our favourites… I mean I didn’t even know what bottarga was until now!
Our clients, big and small, have had to make changes to adapt to the current climate so this has been an exceptionally important time for us to really stretch our thinking and explore new and innovative ways to support them. Being a valuable partner at the table – a true extension of their team – is part of our brand ethos and in these times this has been even more than an imminent priority; my workdays are spent in client meetings and coming up with creative solutions based on their goals to make sure that we are helping them reach their goals as well as ultimately drive sales through an unprecedented time.
What I’ve learned most is that as we adapt to a changing world, we’re presented with so many opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our way of living has changed…and we’re now given the opportunity to reprioritize our time. Something I’ve been thinking a lot about is that our only irreplaceable currencies are time and love, so the most important choices we can make is where and with whom to give them to.”
Catherine Addai, CEO of KAELA KAY
“My day usually starts at 7 am to get my kiddies ready for their day and ends around midnight. In between, my days are filled with meetings, order fulfillment, and conversations with the production team, lots of emails, food breaks (very necessary) and checking in with my family. As all parents dealing with homeschooling and trying to work during this COVID-19 time, I’ve had to adjust to working from home in my basement and adjust my schedule so that I work 2 full days a week and I home-school our children 3 full days week. Also, 4 pm has become my golden time on workdays where I try to get as much work done as possible by 4 pm so I can make shipping carrier cut-off times and be wrapped up by 6 pm. To get ahead in the week, I plan my upcoming week on the Saturday prior; I plan what’s happening with the children and homeschooling, what shipments are going out based on the production schedule, what content we will be sharing on social media, what Zoom meetings I need to be on etc. – I’ve learned to reserve my Sundays for leisure and actually BEING with my family :).”
Ellie Mae Waters, Creative Director and Founder of Ellie Mae Studios
“As a creative person, working from home has definitely been a shift. I have developed a very serious relationship with Zoom. Most of my day feels like I’m jumping from one Zoom call to the next, which feels productive, but actually gives me a lot less time to get the work done that we were talking about. It’s been very interesting developing a creative process with the rest of the design team while being physically apart, but mood boards and FaceTimes have really helped.
To break up the day my boyfriend [Ellie Mae’s CEO] and I go for a drive and take our French Bulldog, Clay, for a walk. I find the fresh air helps me to disconnect and gives me a fresh perspective on everything that is going on.
Leading the team from a distance has definitely taken me into uncharted waters. The connection that we have in the Studio has always been one of our biggest strengths; I miss connecting in person to really grasp how everyone is feeling.
At the beginning of quarantine, we worried that people were going to burn out with so much screen time and not being able to leave their homes. To make sure everyone’s mental health stayed in a good place, we chose to change our five-day work week into four days. It has been an adjustment but working from home has really pushed our team to communicate more. I believe that once we’re back in the studio, we’ll be a stronger group because of it.“
Alex Nikolajev, Content Creator and Host, One Last Thing podcast
“Working from home can definitely be a challenge so I do try to stick to a consistent routine from Monday to Friday to ensure I’m the most productive between my 9-5 work and the podcast in the evening. And really my best tip for getting sh*t done is time batching. What that means is literally blocking out chunks of your day to focus on a specific task or a series of small tasks and assigning a set time to each of them. Let’s say I need to go through emails — I’ll set 30 minutes right in the morning and then in the late afternoon. Those two blocks of time are strictly dedicated to checking email and then I don’t have to stress about reviewing them throughout the whole day. This allows you to not only better focus on what you need to get done but it also breaks up your day and makes each priority on your checklist seem achievable. I also time batch my workouts in AM and go for a run or jump on my Peloton because I always find I feel distracted throughout the day if I’m thinking about having to workout vs. if I just get to it first thing in the morning. Lastly, if all else fails that day, a quick cuddle with my dog is simply the best way to take a clear break and then dive back into work!“
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