one of a kind show

8 entrepreneurs to shop at One Of A Kind Show's New In Business Section from Vista

The One Of A Kind Spring Show is back in Toronto at the end of this month, and the 2023 edition brings some exciting additions, including a new section dedicated to spotlighting and supporting new small businesses.

Many consider the annual event as the best convention the city has to offer, with hundreds of artisans and craft enthusiasts offering their wares, materials, and expertise to the craft community, whether you're a seasoned aficionado, newbie, or just curious and looking for unique gifts and items.

one of a kind show

Explore hundreds of booths with unique handmade crafts and products. Photo courtesy One of a Kind Show. 

If you can think of it, it's available at One Of A Kind (OOAK), made with love and careful attention by a small local entrepreneur — and this year, some makers who are just starting out are, for the first time, getting a showcase via One Of A Kind's New In Business section.

The section offers free exhibit space along with a $1,000 design credit courtesy of Vista, helping small makers overcome some of the many barriers facing the evolving business world. 

These diverse, budding businesses have fought the odds to emerge and create in a post-pandemic world, and thanks to this this OOAK New in Business section in partnership with Vista, they're getting the chance to elevate their brand platform and reach new audiences:

BARE no tools

If you're seeking the perfect distinctive piece to complete an outfit, the polymer accessories from this Winnipeg-based creator might be the perfect thing.

With fun necklaces, bracelets and more shape, size and colour varieties, these creative pieces will add pop and pizzazz to your outfits, and are sure to serve as conversation starters.

Dragée Candle Company

The luxury dessert-scented candles from this Charlottetown brand not only make your space smell heavenly, but are good for your home and the planet, too.

All Dragée's products are eco-friendly, slow-burning and handcrafted from an all-natural vegan coconut wax blend with wood wicks, and come in options like Cafe Cookie, Cinnamon Roll, Chocolate Mousse, Peppermint Bark, and Berry Beignets.

Evil Llama and Friends

Unsure of what to get for that special someone with a birthday coming up? The tote bags, cards, stickers, apparel and more from this small soft goods and stationary brand are adorable, fun and perfect for gifting on any occasion.

The quirky hand-drawn characters featured are inspired by artwork this creator encountered on their travels around the world.

Lulabelle's

Any kitchen would look stunning outfitted with these one-of-a-kind and limited-run aprons, chef hats, cloth napkins, oven mitts and more, which you can buy to match in a ton of different fabrics and patterns that are hand-picked from local stores by this Richmond Hill maker.

Make Nice Company

This POC woman-owned business creates a range of kitchen wares that you can feel good about using, because they're made with the environment top of mind.

Their solid dish soaps and trays, sponge towels, scrubber and dish brushes, loofas and more are 100 per cent natural, cruelty-free, paraben-free, palm oil-free and vegan, and can help you create your own zero-waste kitchen.

Sophia's Really Good Cookie Mix

This brand takes the hassle, thought and risk out of baking with their portioned, pre-packaged mixes that you can turn into gourmet cookies at home in a snap.

Choose from interesting flavours like chocolate eggs, cereal crunch, funfetti, earl grey and others from this woman of colour-run shop (they make mixes for dog treats, too!).

Tenzin.Quilling

This Tibetan maker, based in Etobicoke, makes incredible and novel paper miniatures and dolls to capture the best memories between you and loved ones.

These highly intricate figures can be used as cake toppers, home decor, ornaments, and more, and make for the perfect, extremely personalized gifts.

Vicky The Real Artist

This artisan uses woodburning to imprint beautiful works of art on giftable coasters, hairbrushes, keychains, paddles, cutting boards, tree ornaments, kitchen utensils, decorative pieces and more.

The designs, inspired by traditional Indigenous imagery and heritage, are also available in wearable form on tote bags and t-shirts, all evoking the natural world around us.

Be sure to check out these special creators and tons of others at the One Of A Kind Spring Show, taking place at Toronto's Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place, from March 29 to April 2. Tickets are available online now!

Lead photo by

@ooak_toronto


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