My Favorite Things: Greater Goods
A little while ago, I visited the cutest little shop in Bridgeland. Owned by a couple of this city's most inspiring girl bosses, Greater Goods Boutique & Tea Bar is a collection of incredible products from Calgary's best makers all under one roof. My first visit involved a berry iced tea and a cheeky graduation card for my roommate. It was love at first sight. I mean this place is everything my ethereal, bohemian and chic little heart could dream of. So on my second visit, I grabbed my camera and snapped some photos of probably every product in the store.
And while I would like to share everything I loved, I have whittled the list down to ten of my favorite things from Greater Goods.
One of my favorite things about Greater Goods is that the ladies who own it are not only incredible people who have wonderful hearts, amazing talent and inspiring creativity, they are committed to local business. The products they list, the workshops they run and the artisans they help support all has an impact on the local community. It's energizing and inspiring to have a space where artisans, patrons and community members create a positive impact in the community and support local, hard-working entrepreneurs.
Anyway enough blabbing from me, here are my favorite things from Greater Goods.
Salt Water Tea
Okay, this one counts as two things because Nicole makes the cutest jewelry and candles. Let's talk about her jewelry first. I probably fell in love with these pieces while going through the Explore section on Instagram. I clicked on a photo of a necklace and I was hooked. However, I didn't actually buy a piece of jewelry until I was in the store. I bought this adorable, minimalist black and gold necklace. I wear it with everything I possibly can! She makes everything by hand and with love. And here pieces are the highest level of quality.
And her candles...equally as wonderful. These candles are hand-poured, soy candles with a beautiful crystal hidden inside. She currently has five different varieties: Rose Quartz and Lemongrass, Quartz and Cardamom, Citrine and Citrus, Amethyst and Lavender and Amazonite and Peppermint.
You can find all these at Greater Goods, but I recommend visiting her website for the full collection. You'll probably be inspired to buy everything. While you're there, be sure to follow her on social media!
Website: www.saltwatertea.com
Mint and Daisy
I found Mint and Daisy a few years ago at a market. From her refreshing bath salts to her indulgent bath bombs to her luxurious lip balms, Amelia's line of bath and beauty products is all natural, free of synthetics. I like to grab a glass of wine, throw a few salts in a warm bath and relax with a good book. Okay, I actually don't do that. But I do use these products, and I love them. You'll feel refreshed and relaxed without the spa price tag.
Website: www.mintanddaisy.com
Friday Sock Co.
You might remember these guys from my last Bridgeland adventure. Friday Sock Co. provides designer, mismatched socks for any occasion. I mean, I would totally wear these to a job interview. Because these pieces shout creativity and personality and a little whimsy. Currently, the company offers a variety of designs which are available at many locations across the city and on their website. They also have a subscription services because everyone needs new socks every few months.
Website: www.fridaysock.co
Tout de Sweet
Oh man. Old-fashioned made, small batch confections. YUM! Every piece is corn syrup, gluten and nut free, and made with all-natural, organic ingredients. Tout de Sweet's factory and shoppe is actually located in B.C., but they source the best ingredients from local producers. Chief confectioner, Jeannette, makes a range of product from popcorn to lollipops to caramels. Definitely worth a try because we all need a little more sweetness in our lives.
Website: www.toutdesweet.ca
Kokedama
I love the green space of the store which made pretty by Kokedama. The woody and floral elements give the whole area a whimsy, ethereal vibe which is totally what I want my house to look like. And I think my house needs a little more outdoor, earthy inspiration.
Website: www.kokedama.ca
Update: Greater Goods no longer carries Kokedama products, but you can find a list of other vendors on their website.
Crafted
The wonderful lady behind Crafted is also one of the owners of Greater Goods. (Nicole from Salt Water Tea is other one.) Crafted Goods was inspired as a way to curate a collection of locally-made, high-quality products from some of the city's best makers. Pam created and supports this network of entrepreneurs and artists through her two locations and various workshops. She also has her own line of crocheted products. Oh and did I mention that she is not only a business maven, but her background spans mechanical engineering, television production, and graphic design? Talk about inspiring!
Website: www.craftedgoods.ca
Cards
This is a collection of card makers. From cute and floral to edgy and cultural, the card collection at Greater Goods has a little something for everyone. And it's where my love affair with this store began. I just want to mention just some of the card makers: Hop 'n Flop, Diamond Cake, Kathryn E Pearce and Becky Warren Designs.
Majesty Industries
Majesty Industries is an eclectic collection of vegan leather goods. I love these brightly-colored and sturdy travel pouches. Julie makes all of her products in her Edmonton studio by hand and with a lot of love. You can see more of her collection on her Etsy site and she carries a few products at Greater Goods.
Website: www.etsy.com/shop/majestyindustries
Tearrific
So when you're ready to check out with all your new goodies, don't forget to grab a tea from Teariffic, also known as YYC Tea Wagon. On my first visit, I enjoyed a refreshing berry iced tea, and on my second visit, I had a delicious and indulgent earl grey. Terrific specializes in loose leaf tea that has been blended by hand with nothing extra added. It is pure and delicious tea. You can find Tearrific at various locations around the city or at the YYC Tea Wagon.
Website: www.tearrific.ca
I highly recommend that you check out this store and support some amazing entrepreneurs, makers and artists. Huge thank you to Nicole and Pam for letting me feature your beautiful store! Be sure to visit the store, check out the website and follow them on social media (handles below!)
Website: www.greatergoodsco.ca
Instagram: @greatergoodsyyc
Facebook: Greater Goods
Twitter: @greatergoodsyyc