Labour Of Love

05/10/2024

Dear Friends,

What a joyous journey it has been being a part of this community, and your lives, over the last two decades.

The shop was my stage where I got to play the role of curator, storyteller, friend, babysitter and amateur psychologist, uncovering insights to help you find the perfect gifts. 🎁

The time has come to close this chapter, and with flair! Please join me on Thursday, May 16th, from 6-9pm for a farewell party. There will be small bites, refreshments (and tissues) to accompany the laughter, tears and love for all!

Thank you all for years of friendship and connection. Excited to stay in touch on my new journey. New website is coming up soon!

With gratitude,
Regina

• photo - by .bernstein.photography
• sponsors -
restaurant

04/28/2024

Dear Friends,

After 30 years of running my own business, 24 of those dedicated to retail, it is time for a new chapter for me and Labour of Love. This has been a rewarding journey, and I’m grateful to all of your support over the years. The moment has come for me to turn my attention to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in my career.

In the meantime, I am open and available to share my passion and expertise as a consultant in the areas of curation, design environments, visual merchandising, retail storytelling and marketing for businesses big or small.

As for the Labour of Love space, starting May this beautiful community hub will be available for lease to another business or creative enterprise. This is a turnkey space with custom-made fixtures and ideal for those looking to leverage a combined office, gallery, studio, showroom and storefront, with a newly designed, state-of-the-art kitchen space. It is also perfect spot to host pop-ups, workshops and photoshoots.

My profound gratitude for your unwavering support throughout the years, to everyone in this community for the many years of friendship and heartfelt connection. While this chapter may be coming to an end, I believe that every end is a new beginning! Stay tuned for news on our formal closing party and big final sale!

I look forward to keeping in touch with you all on my new journey. Stay tuned for a new website! Please reach out if you’d like to discuss a consulting opportunity or schedule a visit to tour the space.

With love and gratitude,

Regina

04/16/2024

03/31/2024

Thanks for hosting your event with us! Hoppy Easter 🐣

03/25/2024

Immerse yourself in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, where you can learn new ideas, sharing knowledge, showcase your work, discover skills, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Let’s connect, host your event with us!

03/14/2024

Join us this Saturday, March 16th at 1pm! No presale tickets needed, pay $5 at the door for an interactive cooking and sharing experience.

Bring an open mind and get ready to celebrate Ontario produce at its freshest. We’ll be following recipes from the Peak Season, cookbook by Deirdre Bury , trying our hand at pickling carrots, radishes, and preparing Almond Dukkah.

This isn’t a workshop - it’s a chance to spend time together, get to know each other, and have fun in the kitchen. Let’s mingle and create some magic together!

Bonus - stay for the tour of our art exhibit! See you there, Saturday, March 16th, 1pm.

02/28/2024

Clean slate.

02/15/2024

Join us for a month-long, group exhibition showcasing local artists from Cabbagetown. This immersive event aims to deepen our understanding of the profound bond between humans and nature through various art forms and interactive experiences.

“𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚: 𝐀 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞” 🌿

𝐅𝐞𝐛 𝟐𝟗 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫 𝟑𝟎
𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐅𝐞𝐛 𝟐𝟗, 𝟔 - 𝟗𝐩𝐦

~ Dive into Elham Hazfi’s captivating painting series. 🎨
~ Immerse yourself in Lawrence Bernstein’s stunning photography. 📷
~ Discover the rhythmic melodies of Farzad Hariri and Bamdad Maleki. 🎶
~ Experience a transformative sound bath with Kevin Charlie. 🎼

ART EXHIBIT · MUSIC PERFORMANCE · WORKSHOPS · COOKING DEMOS

RSVPs for opening night and workshops are now open.

Let’s connect, create, and celebrate the beauty of nature together! 🌿🎨🎶📷🎼

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/biophilia-3096069

02/10/2024

Kung Hei Fat Choi! 恭喜發財!
Chinese New Year begins today, marking the end of the Year of the Rabbit, and the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. 🐲🐲🐲

恭贺新禧 – Good luck in the year ahead. 身體健康 – Good Health.
心想事成 – May all your wishes come true. 萬事如意 – May everything go well for you. 笑口常開 – May your year be filled with abundance of smiles and laughter.
恭喜發財 – Best wishes with luck and wealth.

These are some of the Chinese New Year wishes I shared with families and friends.
Stop by for some good luck candies, high five or hugs. 🧧🧧🧧Look forward to seeing you soon!

02/09/2024

On March 16, 2020 I decided to close the shop temporarily for the unknown COVID-19 situation. I took a long run with heavy heart. Then I saw the message on the light box at , “Please Take Care Of Each Other”. I ran home and started to write down my thoughts, what can I do to help others with very limited resources? The next day I started brainstorming ideas with my colleagues and we launched a project called “Say Thanks To Frontline Workers” shortly after - a hopeful movement which involved customers picking out a card of their choice from our website, tell us what they want to say, and where they want to address it, we will write it and send it out in the mail for free (anywhere in Canada). 💌

Hope can be contagious and inspiring. It can bring people together, fostering collaboration, support, and a shared vision for a better future. Hope can create a sense of unity and empower individuals to make positive changes in their lives. Powerful stuff!

Hopefulness is very important to all of us as it enhances well-being, resilience, purpose, and the ability to create positive change. It is a fundamental aspect of human nature that drives us to imagine, dream, and strive for a better tomorrow.

Business has been tough for us and for many others. But I remain hopeful, keep on keeping on! I truly believe that together we will make it through. Please support your local community and independent businesses. Show up, checking in on others, say hello, give your support wherever you can. Your presence is more important than ever!

Sorry for my wordy message. Sending you good thoughts and strength. Have a restful evening everyone!

❤️
Regina