MEET THE SUBURBAN EDIT
For the month of June we are having a series of POP UP Shops at our Ellerslie location. To help you get to know the vendors a little better we are going to be introducing you to them a little bit before hand.
The Suburban Edit makes small Canadian shops convenient and accessible to those of us who are surrounded by big box retail. To learn more about the brands we carry, check out the vendor profiles in our blog. Be sure to follow us on social media. We LOVE seeing your purchases #thesuburbanedit for a chance to be featured.
WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY NAME? HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH IT?
My company name is The Suburban Edit. I came up with it when I was on a long walk through my neighbourhood thinking about all I wanted for this shop. My products are all about the suburban lifestyle. Even though suburbia usually gets a bad reputation, I love where I live. I wanted to fully embrace that and give it a nod in the business name.
WHAT IS YOUR NAME? DO YOU HAVE STAFF OR IS IT JUST YOU RUNNING THE SHOW?
My name is Kathy Heath. It's just me running the show, but I do get a lot of unofficial help behind the scenes. I do everything on the website myself, but my brother is a computer programmer so he's there when I run into any issues. My husband is an accountant and he helps me a ton with the numbers side of things. My sister is also over the top helpful with every aspect of the business. She patiently listens to all of my ideas, offers up her own suggestions and always gives me the best feedback -- she does so much that it's hard for me to call this a one person show. On top of that, I have a great group of friends and family who are always there for me lifting me up and I couldn't do it without them cheering me on!
WHAT IS YOUR TOP SELLING PRODUCT?
My best selling product would have to be the sponge cloths. They're a reusable cloth that replaces paper towel, and when you're done with them they are 100% biodegradable + compostable. Not only are they completely practical, but the designs are amazing. They add such a bright touch to any kitchen, can be used in the bathroom, and they make a really beautiful, inexpensive hostess gift.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT?
It is so hard to choose my favourite product, because I genuinely only bring in products that I would use myself or gift to someone I love. I actually love the cards + stationery in the shop. They're mostly sarcastic, which is very me. I also love to give people just the right card when the occasion calls for it. I will pick up a card months in advance of someone's birthday if I find just the right one. It's a small gesture, but it's so nice to give and even better to receive. I also have to write everything down. Notebooks and agendas are essential for me, otherwise I would forget everything!
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOUR PRODUCT? MARKETS? STORES?
You can find my products online with free local pick up available. I will also be doing lots of markets in the coming months, which will be consistently updated on my site so keep checking back! My next ones are the 124th Street Grand Market, Nest in the City and of course a pop up in shop at the Ellerslie Portage & Main!
WHAT DO YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?
I wish more people knew my company existed! Haha but on top of that, I wish people knew that I am deeply passionate about this shop. It has been a jumbled mess of an idea of mine for years that has become clear and is now in action. I am so proud to finally share it with others and connect more with the people who see the value in what I'm creating. As of right now all the makers behind my shop are women, and most of them are moms. There's so much heart in these products and when you're supporting my shop and my family, you're also supporting the women who said yes to community and being a part of The Suburban Edit.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR BUSINESS EXPANDING?
I see my business expanding by participating in more markets and pop up shops locally and beyond. Finding more makers, curating more goods, and expanding into men's products as well. I get inspired by the people I meet at markets and who chat with me via social media. I'm truly open to all possibilities and I'm a firm believer that if you listen to the little signs that pop up along the way, you'll always find yourself in the right place.
Kathy will be popping up June 23:
