8 local spots to support when shopping online in BC

Apr 9 2020, 7:56 pm

A few weeks ago, our schedules were full of meetings and social gatherings. Today, things look a little different as we adjust to a new work-life (and social life) in self-isolation at home.

Everyone is being impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, particularly the local business owners in our city and province. Many have closed their brick-and-mortar stores temporarily and are doing all they can to support Vancouverites digitally.

Now more than ever is the time to support BC-based companies by shopping local. We’ve rounded up eight local brands to consider the next time you shop online.

Rhino Coffee

@rhinotofino/Instagram

Tofino is hands-down one of our favourite places to visit during spring. Even though travel plans are being put on hold, you can still get a taste of Tofino by ordering from Rhino Coffee House.

A local’s hot spot, Rhino Coffee House was opened in 2013 by Duane Bell. Since then, it has continued to produce high-quality, freshly-roasted coffee made using local ingredients. Check out the Rhino website for exclusive offers for Daily Hive readers. Fun fact: The coffee shop dedicates doughnuts to volunteers in the community, adding them to a “Hall of Fame.” Remember to check this out when you visit in the future!

Nala Care

@nalacare/Instagram

As we spend more time indoors, we’re taking a closer look at the products we use. More specifically, we’re swapping anything that contains carcinogens, aluminum, or harsh chemicals for natural options. Vancouver brand Nala Care creates products that are completely free of toxins — including the only personalized deodorants on the market.

The company is led by mother-daughter duo Radmila Juristovski-Bosnic and Ada Juristovski, and driven by the big love and loss of a husband and a father, Alan Juristovski. To stay fresh at home, choose the scent and strength of your deodorant online in one of three options: sensitive skin, regular strength, or extra strength.

Wild Skin Care

@wildskincare/Instagram

Not getting enough fresh air can take its toll on your skin, rendering it dry, oily, or a combination of the two. To combat this, it’s important to maintain a regular cleansing routine. Wild Skin Care is 100% natural and manufactured in Vancouver using plants and botanicals that are sustainably harvested in the Great Bear Rainforest. The brand’s founder, Karen Martin, spent her career in forestry on the BC coast and has always been inspired by this beautiful place we call home.

Wild Skin Care’s natural moisturizers, cleansers, and shower gels connect you to the Rainforest with unique scents of labrador tea, cedar, and rosehip. The product line is delicate enough for all skin types, and Martin’s goal as the company grows is to build awareness of the unique and rare environment that we have here in BC.

Hygge Life

@hyggelifevancouvershop/Instagram

We don’t often have the time to enjoy slow, quiet moments. Now is your chance to make the most of this, and find quality products that can help you relax and be comfortable at home.

Vancouver-based brand Hygge Life can help you create a space, style, and mindset that focuses on small indulgences. The brand’s online store stocks handmade Canadian products like scented candles, jewelry, cozy wearables, and bath and body essentials. See the full range of Hygge offerings here.

Pilot Pet Gear

One positive aspect of quarantine is getting to spend more time with your four-legged friend. If you’re tired of using the same old leash to take them out for a walk, Pilot Pet Gear has you covered. Suz Graham founded the company when she couldn’t find everything she needed at the pet store. Today, her brand makes durable and functional dog gear that’s also fashionable.

All Pilot Pet Gear products are designed, tested, and handmade in Squamish, and they come with a lifetime guarantee. The brand is expanding its product line and is due to release more styles of leashes, collars, harnesses, and apparel very soon. Plus, when you shop via the Pilot online store, 10% of every sale is donated to a rotating animal shelter or rescue organization.

Bisa Lisa Studio

@bisalisastudio/Instagram

Staring at the same four walls in your space is no fun without artwork. Beatris Bogomilova, the Vancouver-based artist and founder of Bisa Lisa Studio can help with that. Bogomilova creates one-of-a-kind artworks, wall décor, and everyday items like charcuterie boards, coasters, key hangers, shelves, tables, and jewelry.

The artist’s passion for creating began during her youth in Bulgaria. It led her to study architecture and travel the world before launching her studio. A woodburning technique allows Bogomilova to create sustainable pieces using Canadian natural products (like beeswax) to finish. She also does pet portraits, and $5 from every portrait is donated to the BC SPCA. Visit Bogomilova’s website to order a piece and to see when her next workshop is taking place.

Celandine Healing

Many of us are feeling anxious and worried about our loved ones right now. Here in Vancouver, Celandine Healing is offering support through distance reiki healing sessions. The goal? To help you find calmness, reduce anxiety, and support immune function. All virtual sessions are led by certified reiki healer, Laura Robbins, and they’re open to anyone who wants to clear emotional blocks and feel like their authentic self.

After being diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, Robbins began her journey of internal healing. Now she’s offering that healing to everyone in the community. If you’re unfamiliar with reiki, it’s an ancient Japanese healing technique that balances a client’s energy for healing. Find out more and book your virtual session here.

Acorn Digital Strategy

@acorndigitalstrategy/Instagram

The world can seem like a scary place during a pandemic. But as Vancouver-based digital marketing agency Acorn Digital Strategy points out, generosity, compassion, and kindness spread just as fast as anxiety and fear. The agency is giving back and support local business owners during this unprecedented time. This means giving away a free Shopify e-commerce website to a business that needs to quickly create an online presence or update their current website — with no strings attached.

Acorn Digital Strategy is also giving the business in-need one month of free social media ad management, and a $250 ad spend to help promote their site once it is built. All you have to do is click here to fill out the giveaway form. The agency will reach out to learn more about your business, and a winner will be chosen on April 30.

Now more than ever, it’s important to come together to support the local businesses we love. With a little luck and a great effort by British Columbians, we can come out of this a stronger and even more connected community.

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