5 minutes 5 questions: Woodlot

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I first learned of Woodlot from Melissa at Old Joy Gift Boxes ages ago. And after months of Instagram conversations, I finally met Sonia at a pop up shop at West Elm. Because we are both pretty busy people, I feel like the only time I get to see Sonia is at an pop up event – so I was happy that Woodlot was able to participate in the Summer St. Soiree.

Although I have yet to purchase a signature candle, the body spray and the bath salts definitely have my endorsement! Can’t wait for my friends to try them.

Here is 5 minutes 5 questions with the lovely, talented busy bee, Sonia from Woodlot:

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?

My entire life! 🙂

2) How did you start Woodlot?

My partner and I wanted to share toxin free products for home and body with friends and family. We both had recipes that were passed down to us and started to make + share them. We worked with a good friend on design, and started to get some interest from shops locally and internationally.

3) If you could advise a new business owner of something, what would it be?

Launch before you think something is perfect. We’ve learned a lot about packaging, design and our customers by launching earlier. Things can get $$$ with printing minimums, packaging minimums, so I think it’s best to get your product out there and into peoples hands. Get people loving your product, and then focus on other details when you have a better understanding of who your customer really is. Also, focus on sales, sales, sales.

4) Describe your favourite scent in a sentence.

Petrichor is the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil.

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or current mate)?

Communication, Affection & Trust

Don’t forget to follow Woodlot on IG and Twitter: @shopwoodlot and ‘like’ on FB!

ELENA:)

 

Old Joy Gift Box Review

I travel a fair bit and when I meet someone new they always ask me, “What’s Vancouver like anyway?” I never struggle in saying it’s calm and clean. I mention the trees, the mountains, the ocean and the rain. All things environmental.  Now, thanks to Old Joy Gift Boxes – I have an answer that captures both the atmosphere and the flavor of Vancouver.

Melissa Mills has taken the best of the best of Vancouver artisans (Woodlot, Vancouver Olive Oil Company, Lissu Linen and Minimocs to name just a few!) and thoughtfully curated her gift boxes with an accent of an old joy – a vintage item that ties whole box together. She painstakingly handpicks her products to align with the interest of the recipient (like a cool vintage camera for my friends at Flytographer).

Melissa has a keen eye for aesthetic and design and don’t even get me started on the ribbon she uses! I lust after this classic black and white grosgrain ribbon that I feel Coco Chanel would use in the early days making her hats (Note to Melissa: Find more of that ribbon!).

The boxes themselves are made out of reclaimed wood and lined with an OLFCO flower arrangement (dried flowers in shipped boxes) which make the boxes very west coast.

After ordering a number of boxes, I began to realize that the real secret behind the boxes – is actually Melissa herself.  Mother of a beautiful girl, she is always with a smile and a sunny disposition. Melissa is the true definition of joy and the passion she has for her craft radiates like the sun in every box she delivers – much like a glorious day in city of Vancouver.

ELENA:)