The summer might be coming to an end, but the sun never stops shining with Gypsy Soul. Gypsy Soul is one of our two winners of the Free Pop-Up Space competition at Manulife Place, Edmonton. With only 1 week until the opening, we wanted to introduce you to the company’s founders, Brandi and Chelsea. We sat down with the ladies and talked about the company and all the exciting things they have planned for the pop-up space.  

Beauleigh:  Who is Gypsy Soul? Can you give us some background information on the creators of the company?

Chelsea + Brandi: Gypsy Soul is a lifestyle brand that is based on an unconventional style of living, being a free spirit, someone who loves to travel and going on adventures! We started Gypsy Soul almost 6 years ago now, the two of us met at a music festival in BC which was crazy because we had both grown up in Edmonton with all the same mutual friends. We both had our own little brands and we decided to plan a trip to India in search of fabrics. We had no intentions of starting another company together but we found this amazing fabric and we were inspired to start Gypsy Soul while in India. We then found this incredible silk shop in Goa, India so we ended up bringing home a 5 piece collection. We opened a little showroom in Chelsea’s house and booked appointments and in a couple of weeks, we had sold out of all our pieces. After that, we decided to explore working on a Kimono and that was one of our first big pieces that really put us on the map. A lot of people told us what we were doing was too ‘niche’ or a ‘fad’ and funny enough that year Chanel hosted their first Bohemian runway show and the ‘Boho’ trend took off.

Beauleigh: What an exciting journey for you both. What is something you have learned along the way, getting where you are now?

Chelsea + Brandi: One of the things we have learned in the last 6 years is to always stay on brand and stay true to who you are. People can really tell that when they see us, we live our brand. It hasn’t been easy and sometimes we had to say no to big opportunities, for example, a company wanted us to reproduce and replicate our hand died silk which is a one of a kind product where no two pieces are the same. For us, we didn’t want to dilute our brand like that and a businesses associate, Jamie from One Teaspoon said to us “for no amount of money do you go against what aligns you with your brand” and we have really tried to stay true to that. It’s really about the sustainability of it all – we are doing something that we love and at the end of the day we are the lucky ones.

Beauleigh: Why did you choose to participate in the Manulife Place Pop-Up Competition?

Chelsea + Brandi: We were looking in Edmonton recently to find a commercial space to set up a shop and checked out a couple different places and nothing really seemed right. We have such a loyal following in Edmonton and such a great support network and really wanted to open a shop where we grew up. We weren’t sold on any of the places we looked at and then a friend of ours tagged us in the Manulife Place Facebook post for the competition and we were both so excited to apply! We sent in our application and sure enough about a week later we found out we had made top 3 and then Beauleigh calls and said we had won! We were honestly so excited about it as it is such an amazing opportunity for us in such a great place. Being from Edmonton it means the world to us!

Beauleigh: Give us a preview of what is to come! What are you most excited to feature at the Manulife Place Pop-Up Space?

Chelsea + Brandi: We have so many fun pieces in the works for this shop! A couple pieces are going to be exclusively available just for the pop-up. We will be working with a couple of our favourite Edmonton designers to design some exclusive pieces with them. We really want to tie in the art and fashion community of Edmonton with our designs, and giving these designers a space to showcase their work. We have also been curating a vintage collection that will be available as well as vintage homeware pieces.

We couldn’t be more excited to see what Gypsy Soul has in store for their pop-up space. We’ll see you all there on Sept 7!

 

Image Credits

Photography by: @whitewillow_fashion

Makeup by: @missymackintosh

Models: @sidneysauve_  @dejavumodelmgmt

Only 2 more weeks until the opening of the Manulife Place Pop-up space in Edmonton! This past April Beauleigh and Manulife launched a contest for local brands to win a free pop-up space in Manulife Place. We sat down with one of our winners, Ryan Willisko of Nitro Snow to learn more about the brand and what we can look forward to with the Pop-Up!

Beauleigh:  Tell us about Nitro Snow? Can you give us some background information on how you started with the company?

Ryan: Nitro Snow as a company has been around in Europe since 1990. Originally, I was previously working for a distributor of Nitro Snowboards in Edmonton, and in 2016 I had the opportunity to start and partner Nitro Snowboards directly in North America. We started the Canadian business out in our garage and a small warehouse that we were working out of for about a year. Nitro Snow North America has been progressively growing ever since. When we started we had the brand in about 25 retailers across Canada and now we have over 110 doors. Nitro Snow is now available coast to coast in Canada, predominately in Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and British Columbia.

Beauleigh: We are so excited to have you as one of our Manulife Place pop-up Winners – Why did you choose to participate in the Manulife Place Pop-Up Competition?

Ryan: We chose to participate in the competition because we believed it would give us a platform to express who Nitro Snowboards is and express who we are. It’s hard sometimes for brands starting out – they make all these amazing products, but don’t get to have that direct interaction with the end-consumer when its sold through a retailer. This way people can experience the products in person, get to know the brand and who we are. We want to make this pop-up first and foremost a marketing experience as our goal isn’t just to sell product, but rather highlight Nitro Snow, and the inner workings of the brand. We want to make a statement in our own backyard. We are an international company, and we felt this was a great opportunity to focus within Edmonton and help support the community.

Beauleigh: What do you hope to achieve with your pop-up space at Manulife place?

Ryan: We have a few different initiatives planned for this location, as we want to help give back to the community and support people in need. Nitro Snow will be giving 10% of outerwear sales back to people in need through technical outerwear. We also want to do this ourselves, and we aren’t going to subcontract that out, our staff will actually be handing out our technical outerwear to people in need, it is our way of giving back. As much as we are a business we also want to support the community that has been there for us.

Beauleigh: Give us a preview of what is to come for the Nitro Snow pop-up space.

Ryan: We want the pop-up to really be an experience as well as making sure we have a selection of products so that there is something for everyone. We will have a variety of price levels on products from headwear to more technical pieces like an outerwear jacket. What we are most excited for with the space is integrating the local business culture in Manulife Place with Nitro Snow, bringing people a little bit of fun in their busy work day! I find people often forget to take a minute to themselves, or even get outside and have some fun. #SkipWork, We are trying to create an environment that someone passing by on their lunch break can come in and have a coffee and hang out with us, watch movies, even play some foosball! We are also planning some exciting events for the space including athlete meet and greats, we also want to do nights focused on Women in Snowboarding. We will also be hosting intro to snowboarding nights for kids, who can come with their parents and learn about snowboarding and what to look for when buying technical pieces.

Beauleigh: What can we look forward to seeing from Nitro Snow in the future? Goals after the Pop-up Space?

Ryan: We just finished a very busy Olympic year so the Pop-up space at Manulife will be our main focus for now. After the Pop-up, we would love to do more pop-up locations in collaboration with our retailers, possibly one in the US. We have a couple of film projects in the works right now so we are looking forward to working on those as well.

We can’t wait for Nitro Snow’s Pop-Up to open at Manulife Place and hope to see you all there on Sept 4th!

At the beginning of April, Beauleigh and Manulife Place announced a competition that would showcase the best of Edmonton’s independent operators and entrepreneurial scene, offering 2 retailers the chance to win rent-free Pop-Up Space at Manulife Place for 4 Months.

Since then, we have received an overwhelming amount of incredible applications and, although we are not surprised by the talent and vision of Edmontonians,  we were pleasantly surprised by the wide range of unique concepts and ideas that flourish in the City of Edmonton. To everyone that applied, a big thank you! We wish you all nothing but the best in the future.

With much anticipation, we are so pleased to announce our 2 Winners of the Manulife Place Pop-Up Competition: Nitro Snow and Gypsy Soul!

ABOUT THE WINNERS:

NITRO SNOW

In 2016 Ryan Willisko acquired the exclusive rights for Nitro Snow North America and has brought the concept back to his hometown of Edmonton.  Nitro Snow is the only Edmonton based winter sports brand in Alberta, featuring high-quality technical snowboarding apparel, equipment and accessories for Kids, Teens, Men and Women. Ryan’s goal with Nitro Snow at Manulife Place is to create a strong foundation for snowboarding, while at the same time promoting and incorporating art and fashion in the community. 10% of all of Nitro Snow’s sales at the Manulife Place Pop-Up will be given directly back to Edmontonians in need via Technical Outerwear.

Who would you invite to go with you in this dream machine? #NitroQuiver 📷 @bobplumbphoto

A post shared by Nitro Snowboards 💥 (@nitrousa) on May 24, 2018 at 12:20am PDT

GYPSY SOUL

Brandi Dea and Chelsea McKinley, both born and raised in Edmonton, started their journey on a trip to India in 2012, that inspired them to design their first label, Gypsy Soul. Since then, Gypsy Soul has taken off, being picked up by retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Shop Bop, ASOS and more. Gypsy Soul is predominately an online retailer, with one brick and mortar location in Kelowna, BC., that features Women’s apparel, accessories and swimwear. Gypsy Soul style includes bohemian travel-wear that encompasses their mantra ‘Always Go’.

W A R D R O B E Over the years we have collected so many treasures, silks, samples and vintage oh my! With SPRING on the horizon we are joining the community in a massive CLOSET CLEANOUT @laurelpackinghouse SUNDAY!! Doors open at 10 and close at 2. You prob don’t want to miss this!! #gypsycloset #cleanout #sale #gypsysouldesigns #kelownaclosetcleanout #downtownkelowna • • Creative direction: @tabatha.ann.barker Hair: @modsalonkelowna Photography: @freshfinishmedia Makeup: @flickmynic Style and Wardrobe: @bdealux @gypsysouldesigns

A post shared by Gypsy Soul Designs (@gypsysouldesigns) on Mar 21, 2018 at 12:43pm PDT

Nitro Snow and Gypsy Soul’s Pop-Up Space will open on September 1st, 2018. See you all there!

Photo Credit: @donnelly_b

As we come to the end of the not so summery summer in Toronto, we think it’s safe to say we are starting to feel those vacation blues. Lucky for us, Toronto has just been given a little trip to Italy in our downtown core – staycation here we come! Ciao!

A second Sud Forno location has arrived at Bay Adelaide Centre, a much anticipated arrival after the success of their first Queen Street West location. Sud Forno is a South-Italian style bakery and restaurant created and operated by Cosimo Mammoliti, the founder of Terroni.

Monday relief. 🤓

A post shared by Rachel Cohen (@iamrachelcohen) on Sep 18, 2017 at 8:53am PDT

Located in a heritage building off of Yonge St. and Temperance St., Sud Forno offers a unique fast casual meets fine dining experience on two levels. The ground level of the restaurant, dubbed “La Mensa” includes communal style seating where you can enjoy a cappuccino and Nutella Bombolone, or a glass of wine at the full service bar all while listening to a live DJ.

Dreams do come true….try our BRUNCH pizza at Sud on Temperance this weekend! – smoked salmon, sliced tomatoes, capres, red onion and mascarpone…delicious!! • • • #thehungryhoe #to_finest #toreats #food.diva #travellinfoodie #tastesbyjade #blogto #hypetoronto #foodbloggersca #thenewpotato #Italyfoodprn #Foodrepublic #Tastingtable #Lacucinaitaliana #Food52 #Tofoodies #Toronto_restaurants #stupidgoodfood #curiocitytoronto

A post shared by SUD Forno (@sudforno) on Sep 16, 2017 at 10:27am PDT

If you’re in a hurry, grab and go options are available as well but if you have time to stay awhile, which we recommend you do, try sitting in the upstairs dining room called “Da Geppetto” that offers a full menu with authentic Italian cuisine.

If the aroma of the fresh bread and coffee wasn’t enough, the space itself is a sight you don’t want to miss. The detail in the design is stunning. This 7,300 square foot (confirmed SF) is accentuated by the wood ceiling panels and intricately laid mosaic tiles on the floor.

The #Sud2 floors in progress… #ciot.toronto #ciotstudio #ciot1950

A post shared by SUD Forno (@sudforno) on Mar 8, 2017 at 7:55am PST

Yes, I google translated what pagnotta meant …it's "loaf" BTW 🤓 and YES – I could use a PAGNOTTA of freshly baked bread this morning (or 2…) 🤗🥐🍞🥖 💭 // What delicious yummy foods are you all craving this morning ? 👇🏻 😋👇🏻 • • • • #workaholic #summer #styleinspo #minimalism #unilife #lifestyle #fresh #bread #foodie #torontoblogger #styleinspo #styleblogger #summervibes #fashionblogger #canada #canadiangirl #lifestyleblogger #wiwt #ootd #vsco #pictureoftheday #photooftheday #cali #fblogger #instagood #italianfood #girl #vscocam #backtoschool

A post shared by JESSUNDECIDED.com | Lifestyle (@jessundecided) on Aug 30, 2017 at 6:20am PDT

Whether you’re on a quick lunch break or stopping by after work, Sud Forno’s warm atmosphere will give you that staycation you’ve been daydreaming about. Buon appetito!

Photo Credit: @empty_quarter 

It’s no secret we love our city, so naturally we enjoy Toronto’s waterfront, especially in the summer.  But, it has seriously been lacking when it comes to a cool place to eat or hang out.

As the retail consultants working with Brookfield Properties on Queen’s Quay Terminal, we have spent the past few years working together to revitalize the retail component at the historic building.

Working with the landlord, our goal was to create a destination on Toronto’s iconic waterfront where people can come together and enjoy the food and vibe. The renovation at Queens Quay will not only draw the residents, the office workers, the 15 million people from the GTA or the two million tourists that visit the harbourfront every year, but also those working in the financial core and the event goers from the ACC and Rogers Centre.

The retail strategy is an integral part to the redevelopment. The past couple of years have been spent de-leasing and re-leasing the property, focusing on the right tenant mix. Selecting tenants that resonate with the changing demographics is key.

Say Hello to the new Queen’s Quay Terminal.

Sobey’s remains a strong anchor tenant to the complex and kick-started the revitalization with its expansion and renovation and Tim Horton’s also renovated and opened in new premises.

The long-standing restaurant tenants, Pearl Harbourfront (expected to open June 10) and Watermark Irish Pub (re-opening as The Goodman Pub and Kitchen), are both completing major renovations with a whole new look and feel.

Our goal in expanding the food offering at QQT was to bring in fast casual concepts.

The Goodman Pub and Kitchen –  Designer: McMillan Design

Joe Bird will not be your average chicken joint and will offer a variety of chicken inspired dishes. They will also be serving some Instagram-worthy frozen treats from their ice cream concept, The Fix.

Joe Bird – Designer: Green Tangerine Design Inc. 

The Pie Bar is an authentic Italian Pizzeria and Cocktail concept with an animated environment on the waterfront.

Pie Bar Pizzeria and Cocktails – Designer: Green Tangerine Design Inc. 

What better place to work out than the waterfront? SWAT is a multi-disciplinary team consisting of personal trainers, chiropractors, physiotherapists and registered massage therapists. They are recognized for training world’s first class athletes.

Synergy Wellness Attitude Training –  Designer: Giannone Petricone Associates Inc.

The completion of the renovation at QQT could not have better timing. The restaurants will be opening their doors throughout the summer in addition to celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary.

 

Stay tuned for an exciting announcement every Wednesday [ starting today! ] for the next few months on our Instagram!

As the retail consultants working with Osmington on the Union  project for the past five years, we as a collective team have a strong vision in mind. 160,000 SF of newly developed retail space will be created at the Station providing us with a blank canvas to create and curate the most iconic destination Toronto has ever seen.

Every Wednesday and Friday make sure you check out our feed to see which operator you can look forward to seeing in the station starting mid 2017!

Calling all beer lovers, King Street West will be home to a new tap house, King Taps!

It’s no secret that most of us enjoy a mid-week drink after a long day in the financial district, or on a regular Friday night, or perhaps the occasional pint here and there. Regardless, we know how important the beer scene is to Torontonians, which is why we are thrilled to be a part of the team bringing this tap house to Toronto.

Quite literally, King Taps will be the King of taps carrying over 50 craft and international beers and 20 wines on tap. If for some (insane) reason that doesn’t do it for you, the food definitely will. The King Taps menu has been carefully curated for this Toronto location with Canada’s top culinary talents and star chefs Rob Feenie and Matt Stowe behind the menu.

For far too long, we have had a vision of animating the space under the food terrace at First Canadian Place facing King Street. We knew that there was an amazing opportunity for a patio full of life and entertainment, but we had to marry the perfect tenant to the vision.

The Beauleigh team put our heads together to ask ourselves, “What is Toronto missing?”. We live in one of the world’s coolest cities booming with unique concepts, amazing operators and award winning designers. So what can we bring to the city that hasn’t already been done before? Hello King Taps!

King Taps is part of the Cactus Club family, so you know everything from the design, down to the service and vibe is going to be unmatched. We are impatiently awaiting the opening of this new tap house in 2017!

100 King Street West, Toronto – Opening 2017

 

The Beauleigh team is very excited to announce the arrival of Eataly to Canada. Not only is this the brand’s first location in the Canadian market, but it also marks the arrival of Canada’s very first food hall. It’s about time Canada caught up with the way the rest of the world eats.

As the exclusive retail consultants on the project we are proud to have collaborated with ‎the Manulife team and the team of retail designers at GH+A to be able to bring this vision to life. It has been years in the making, with the last 4 years spent reimagining this amazing iconic building. The vision was born well before Eataly’s announcement expressing their interest in our city. This is where preparation is met with success.

The goal quite simply was to create a food and entertainment destination, thereby putting a stamp on the city. Mission accomplished!

EATERTAINMENT HAS ARRIVED ON BLOOR ST!!

Walls. What are those damn things and why are they getting in the way of me getting to the store next door?

Beauleigh has an announcement to make, so grab the dry wall closest to you. The walls are coming down at First Canadian Place… We’re serious!

Let’s just say you want to have a kick ass Sparta lunch box from iQ Food Co., but you are also craving a Gold Rush pressed juice from Greenhouse Juice. You only have 15 minutes on your lunch and you are going to waste it battling the salmon run in the PATH to satisfy your craving. Well, you can thank us, because you no longer have to!

Welcome to the new world of retail and thinking outside the box! Combine two tenants in one space. Most people would think it’s crazy, but we’re all about crazy ideas. Why? Because they work!

iQ Food Co. and Greenhouse Juice are our first ever team to tear down the walls creating a unique synergistic partnership in the downtown core.

Now open on the Food Terrace at First Canadian Place. Check it out!