Supporting Local Businesses
With the complications in trade relations between Canada and the United States, I wanted to talk to you about the importance of supporting local businesses.
During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, buying local experienced a significant boom in Quebec. Many people became aware of the importance of supporting businesses in our beautiful region. However, this momentum didn’t last as long as we had hoped. Inflation, rising living costs, and other economic factors have curbed this enthusiasm. Yet, buying local remains a crucial value that deserves to be upheld despite the challenges.
Supporting Local Artisans Means Supporting People
For me, each product I create is not just a fragrance; it’s a small part of my story, my workshop, my expertise, and my passion that I want to share with you. Behind every creation lies a moment of emotion and a specific intention. (Create a perfume)
That’s what I love most when I buy a handmade local product: getting to know the story of the creator and witnessing their passion as they present their work.
Whether in my personal life or for Kanopé, I try to support businesses in Quebec and Canada as much as possible. For my business, this means working as much as I can with local suppliers, contributing to a more circular economy where every step and every ingredient matters.
It took me time to find my essential oil suppliers, but today I’m proud to work mainly with Zayat Aroma and Noblessence, two remarkable Quebec companies whose passion for their craft shines through in the quality of their essential oils.
For our labels, instead of printing them in China—where it would cost me significantly less—we chose to collaborate with a Montreal printing company that works with many small local businesses.
All our beautiful designs are created by the talented Aurore Lefèvre.
The only thing we haven’t sourced locally yet is our black glass bottles… but we’re still searching. Because we believe in this approach, and every step counts.
By buying local, we support real people: artisans, creators, and passionate individuals who pour their heart and soul into their creations every day. We also support local projects, stories that belong to us and resonate deeply with our culture, values, and environment.
I’m proud to say that my fragrances are designed and made in Quebec, and they’re part of our local expertise. Over the years, this approach has given me much more than just the creation of perfumes: it has brought me valuable encounters with artisans and passionate individuals who brighten my daily life.
Buying Local: A Sustainable and Human Choice
It’s not just about choosing products closer to home but also about actively participating in a more sustainable economy. Buying local also means making environmentally friendly choices by reducing the distances products travel and supporting more responsible production methods.
It’s a way to discover unique creations, often far from mass production circuits, where every detail tells a story.
By supporting local creators, we become agents of change. We contribute to an ecosystem where craftsmanship and expertise are valued, where every purchase has an impact. It’s a way to shine a light on local talent, encourage small-scale projects, and strengthen our communities.
And you, what local creator or artisan have you discovered recently? Share your favorites in the comments!
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