Miam Miam, a cozy neighbourhood shop in Ottawa’s Chinatown, is more than just a retail space. It’s a community hub where you can find unique artisanal products, enjoy coffee or soda, and connect with like-minded individuals.
In this interview, we chat with Amber and Andrew, the passionate duo behind Miam Miam. They share their journey, the inspiration behind their shop, and their vision for fostering a vibrant community.
Amber and Andrew are the owners of Miam Miam General Store. Photo by @scotthwilson on Instagram.
Apt613: What drew you to Chinatown as the location for Miam Miam?
Amber: We love the Chinatown neighbourhood. Both Andrew and I grew up in this area when we were in our 20s. We were casually looking for a spot in the Ottawa central area and when this spot became available and was still affordable, we jumped at the opportunity.
Can you elaborate on the inspiration behind the shop’s concept and aesthetic?
Amber: It’s been a dream of mine to open a little shop for a very long time. I have constantly searched for inspiration while travelling and living in different cities. My favourite place for inspiration was Japan, where so many lovely small spaces were perfectly put together.
Andrew and I are also in love with Oaxaca City, Mexico. We tried to draw inspiration from these places as we were putting together Miam Miam and it feels like an extension of ourselves.
Miam Miam. Photo by Yuli Sato.
You have a strong commitment to supporting local artisans. How do you choose which products to have in your shop?
Amber & Andrew: Community is something we strongly believe in with Miam Miam. A lot of our vendors are old and new friends that we love and support in our daily lives, in and outside the shop. We choose them because we’re inspired by them.
What role do you believe Miam Miam plays in a community like Ottawa?
We want to be your neighbourhood hang! We’re there to lend an ear when we can, serve you some coffee, and help you look and feel good! We want to be a hub and see everyone in our community thrive!
What kind of feedback have you received from customers so far?
So far people have been warm and welcoming. It’s so nice to be on Somerset Street West and close to such great small businesses: Last Unicorn Vintage, Birling, Past Lives Vintage, Darling Vintage, Paninaro, Drip House, and Art House Cafe. It feels like such a grounded, growing community.
How do you envision your shop evolving in the future?
At the moment, we love how Miam Miam is growing and taking form. In the future, if it were in the cards, we would love to find a space big enough to have a wood shop, pottery studio, and studio space to put on woodworking/pottery workshops and host more artists.
Miam Miam General Store. Photo by Yuli Sato.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to open a similar spot or any brick-and-mortar?
GO FOR IT! Ottawa needs more local/exciting/new spaces! It is definitely scary but once you take that first initial step anything is possible! You only live once!
What is the most rewarding aspect of owning and operating Miam Miam?
Building customer relationships, meeting new people, and being a part of folks’ lives!
Can you tell us of any exciting events coming up at Miam Miam?
We are putting on a Harvest Party and Flea Market on Oct. 19 in the parking lot beside our shop! It runs from 11am-5pm, and you will be able to meet a lot of the artists we have in store! We are honoured to have Miranda Ceara & the Odd Fellows Orchestra play music for us throughout the day along with Jordan & Nick serenading us with acoustic tunes.
View this post on Instagram
Be sure to check out Miam Miam’s upcoming Harvest Party and Flea Market, on Oct. 19 from 11am-5pm. Many of the artisans will be in attendance, and music will be played by Miranda Ceara & the Odd Fellows Orchestra.
.gif)
