“Our goal is to be less dependent on suppliers and have more of our product made here, by us, as makers ourselves and as a business,” says Leslie MacDonald, founder/owner of Plant and Curio: Cutest Plant Shop (P&C). So when warehouse space at 1160B Heron Road became available, her idea for a multipurpose studio space materialized. Ottawa’s in for a new plant-themed treat.
Photo: Plant & Curio.
During pandemic times, MacDonald and her team found their Preston Street store reaching capacity: “We literally had stock, plant projects, so many boxes incoming/outgoing, our plastic pot recycling program, etc., just overflowing. We found a want and need to be able to have more creative space for our own plant pot and decor production.” But they had no room to grow. Once the warehouse-style location in a new neighbourhood was spotted and secured, new roots were planted.
Lovely things will be made in the new space. There will be “more of our merchandise produced here in Ottawa, by us, such as our pottery and cement planters, to cut back on ordering from overseas or the U.S. whenever we can,” MacDonald says. More independence and more local goods? Score.
Photo: Plant & Curio.
P&C’s production studio is also “able to entertain new projects and collaborations as they come up,” says MacDonald. Recent pop-ups with local artists Floral Sweeties and Sarah Marsh Art were highly successful. More are coming. Additional square footage allows them to do so much more: “In the past, with the pandemic, we have had a small capacity, often ranging from 4 to 6 people at a time. We really wanted something to spread out and not feel cramped.”
With more room, staff will soon begin teaching plant-oriented workshops, and outside local experts will guest-teach. “Macrame, various art mediums that we’ve done in the past, and new ones too are coming, as are classes/workshops with local makers and art collabs.” Clearly, MacDonald is creating a hub to bring together a multitude of local artists and is always looking to “showcase artists’ work that reflects our shop style. We love local art, and here in Ottawa we are really spoiled for talented people!”
Photo: Plant & Curio.
Community and support are very much needed, says MacDonald: “2021 was really a tornado that I feel I’ve just been thrown out of, and really just dusting off and looking hopefully at what is going on in 2022.” With that in mind, 1160B Heron Road is a place “to make more exciting things happen.” Plant lovers have another safe place to visit for all their plant needs and to experience new local art, and local artists have a new venue to showcase and sell their work.
Photo: Plant & Curio.
“We made a cute little separate room at our entrance where we hope makers/entrepreneurs can showcase their goods in pop-ups and it will feel like their own little shop within the space,” MacDonald says. “I think it’s important for budding entrepreneurs to be able to try things with a bit less loopholes and barriers and risks as there are to opening a full-on business. It helps build confidence to dip your toes in the water first… I was able to have the encouragement to start my own business from trying little pop-ups first in different capacities, which gave me the guts to do it!”
Photo: Plant & Curio.
The P&C studio will open the weekend of Feb. 26, 2022, for retail shopping and include a pop-up with local worm composting initiative The Box of Life. You’ll have to follow P&C to find out what else’s happening on Heron Road in 2022.
Plant & Curio is a local Ottawa gift shop of tropical houseplants, handmade plant pots, and decor started in 2017. They are a women-owned and run small business highlighting many local artists’ goods, with a focus on giving back to the community. Check out www.plantandcurio.com.
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