LOVE IT - Dreaming of beaches and the tropics with Swell Made Co.

In the midst of February blahs we all need a little warm up. This LOVE IT list takes us to the beach. Whether you're dreaming of warmer days, or are escaping for a winter getaway - These beach inspired items will surely brighten your home (or yourself). You can find a bunch of these items in our stockists' shops (online or in-store).

1. Palms art print by Swell Made Co. 
2. Round towel with leather carrier by the Beach People. This isn't just any towel. It's a statement. An art piece. A towel you'll treasure season after season. Available in patterns that pay tribute to beach destinations across the globe. 
3. Amongst the Waves spray by Love + Salt. Get beach hair at home with this delightful spray. Available at great.ly.
4. Pineapple tumbler by W&P Design. Mix your favourite beach cocktail and sit back with this adorable and classic gold pineapple tumbler. You can even add a gold straw! In Toronto? You'll find these at Collected Joy and Spruce on Parliament.
5. Grab a classic glass vase and some tropical leaves from your local florist. Voila! I bet you're feeling the warmth at home already.
6. Acapulco chair by Innit. This chair is another classic that will make any room (or patio) feel like you're in, well, Acapulco! It comes in a variety of colours from bright to neutral.
7. Coco Rose lip tint by Herbivore. This lip tint comes in coral to give you a sun kissed look. Grab it at Bibleot and Token. 
8. Sun, Sun, Sun art print by Swell Made Co.

Wishing you sunny days ahead! Enjoy.

It's always a frightening thing to take a leap and follow your heart. Almost always. Change is hard. You know it's the right thing to do, but you have reservations. My advice? Don't. Follow those dreams, smile and hustle (and drink coffee or whatever fuels you). Good things are bound to happen.

Swell Made Co. is one year old! It's been a wild, but very rewarding year. I started Swell Made Co. in November last year (2014). I stumbled a bit late into the holiday season. It was a strange time of year to get into the business, but it was one of those "now or never" moments, so I jumped. No regrets.

After ringing in the New Year (2015), I was reading a horoscope that claimed my business venture would takeoff off in the fall. It also claimed I would meet a woman and we would see much success together. While, I'm not huge on horoscopes there might be some truth to that. Things have been taking off this fall; but, I haven't met one single women in business. I've met so many, many more. It's humbling, actually. Throughout this year, one of my greatest pleasures has been meeting SO MANY women (and men) out there killing it whether through a creative business like Swell Made Co., running a brick and mortar shop, or anything else you can imagine. Women all around me are living their self-made dreams. It's not easy, but they're doing it well. Working smart, making connections and having passion.

So, as Swell Made Co. comes up to one year and hopefully many, many more; I just want to thank ALL of you for believing in me and supporting me in my first year. Sharon at Collected Joy who was one of my first stockists and gave me a crash course in retail. Queenie of Queenie's Cards for keeping motherhood and business real, and sharing a passion for cookies and stationery with me. Stacey at Lovefresh for giving me an opportunity to work with and learn about small, creative businesses. My friend Brandy from Heart + Habit who is so incredibly wise and thoughtful. My friend Christine who is always boundlessly sharing ideas for "fun". Those are just a few! Thank you so much. 

Each and everyone one of my stockists and collaborators is an inspiration and has provided me with so much wisdom in such a short time. I love hearing all of your stories, visiting your shops when I can (and believe me, I try) and just waking up everyday and working with you. It's a dream come true, but not without tons of smiles, coffee and hustle. They go a long way.

That was a bit schmoopy, but what can I say? This is my business baby, and a lot of my heart goes into it so I can support my real babies and their dreams! Coincidentally, we're heading out on a family vacation today. That's not a planned part of celebrating one year, but I'll take it. 

Have some sage advice or well wishes as I enter my second year? I'd love to hear it. 

Lovely display at Pretty Little Threads

It's time to meet another fab Swell Made Co. stockist. This time we're heading to Lindsay, Ontario to Pretty Little Threads. A newly opened (this past June) and very sweet shop that offers up fashion, accessories, home decor and stationery. It's a fun mix of pretty little things and great brands.

Pretty Little Threads is solely owned and operated by girl boss, Jill Trider. Jill grew up in Lindsay, Ontario and always knew she would settle there. After years of living and working in Toronto for a large global brand, she headed home to make her dream of owning a boutique come true.

With her past experience in retail, management and marketing; plus her creative talents, Jill created a destination shop that is uniquely her own. Modern, but with a vintage feel. Just look at those displays! Simply put, it's a happy place you MUST visit. She has plans to go online soon, too.

Jill lives by this rule every single day. 

Jill is doing what she loves every single day and it shows at Pretty Little Threads. We love her story and her shop. It's an inspiration for all you girl bosses out there. Find what you love and get out there and crush it, like Jill. She's loving it all and has created a creative and style hub, right at home in Lindsay. 

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“I have to pinch myself everyday. I get to wake up and do what I love - You know exactly what I mean!”

— Jill Trider

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Pretty Little Threads is located in the heart of the Kawarthas. The next time you're heading to the cottage, definitely make a side trip to visit this friendly little town and Jill's lovely shop. The fall/winter collections are in and they're gorgeous. 

Simple beauty in the shop. She's got you covered.

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Pretty Little Threads
Women's fashion and accessories in the heart of Downtown Lindsay.

113 Kent Street, Lindsay, ON
1-705-320-7566
www.prettylittlethreads.ca