This week marks BC Buy Local Week (December 2-8, 2024) an annual celebration of the unique contributions B.C. businesses make to our economy. We are especially thrilled to highlight local women-owned businesses here in the province.

These enterprises not only create jobs and support local suppliers  ̶  keeping money circulating within the community   ̶  but they also strengthen our social fabric and contribute to local causes. Additionally, today’s featured businesses operate with a commitment to eco-friendliness and social good, so buying from them is just all-around win-win!

Follow WeBC on Instagram to discover other women-owned businesses you can support from all over BC and enter to win weekly prize packs.  

MEET THE FEATURED BUSINESSES

Better Basics

Location: North Vancouver

Better Basics makes personal care + home products that help you reduce toxins and plastic. Their products use the highest standards, with natural ingredients that are nourishing and healing, refillable, reusable and plastic-free packaging, and they look amazing and smell like a spa.

Additionally, Better Basics creates education around natural ingredients and the impact of plastic on our bodies and the environment. They donate 1% to the planet, organize events and donate products to local women’s shelters, and they’re certified cruelty-free and woman-owned.

“Supporting your local community helps to fuel creative, disruptive entrepreneurs who are committed to solving problems that you can relate to. You often get better quality, more sustainable and more community-oriented products and services when you shop local,” says Samantha Rayner, owner.

“We are having a challenging time competing with the marketing and distribution budgets/networks of the multi-national products in our category. The only way we can survive is by curious + conscious consumers discovering our business, shopping and spreading the word.”

Learn more and connect with Better Basics

Website: Better Basics

Instagram: @betterbasicsco

Facebook: @betterbasicsco

LinkedIn: @betterbasicsco 

Wildcrafted Wool

Location: Duncan

Local handmade eco-friendly wearable textiles and naturally dyed yarns from local sheep. Their philosophy is to make wearable art that is one-of-a-kind, earth-friendly and artisan-made on Vancouver Island. They support local small sheep farmers and merchants for a healthy local economy.

“My woman-owned handmade business seeks to redefine consumption and reconnect us with nature through a ‘small is beautiful’ aesthetic. Locally owned businesses build strong communities by sustaining vibrant town centers, linking neighbours in a web of economic and social relationships, and contributing to local causes. We keep our dollars in the community and promote a culture of healthy entrepreneurship,” says Dalia Levy, owner.

Learn more and connect with Wildcrafted Wool

Website: Wildcrafted Wool  

Facebook: @wildcraftedwool   

Robyn’s Nest Design

Location: Gibsons

Robyn’s Nest Design’s up-cycled upholstery fabric and leather creations transform reclaimed textiles into stunning, sustainable designs that bring new life to your space with a commitment to eco-friendly craftsmanship.

“Our handmade creations, crafted from reclaimed luxury textiles, are not just décor—they’re a celebration of sustainability and artistry. Each unique piece adds a touch of elegance and warmth to your home, making it a haven of comfort and style. But hurry—these exquisite pillows are limited in quantity, making them as rare as they are beautiful,” says Robyn Edmunds, owner.

The company is currently focusing on four products: Designer Toss Pillows; ‘The Canabis Nest’; Designer Leather Bracelets; and Lavender Eye Pillows. Check them out for one-of-a-kind, handmade, up-cycled upholstery and leather textile products that bring new sustainable life to your nest.

Learn more and connect with Robyn’s Nest Design

Website: Robyn’s Nest Design   

Instagram: @robynsnestdesign

Facebook: Facebook

Fifth of May Cause Shop

Location: Coquitlam

“Fifth of May” is otherwise known as a cause shop. It all started as a means for owner Shirley Low to donate 10% of all her proceeds to BC Cancer Research, and has also has allowed her to channel her passion for creativity and love for simple and minimalistic designs.

Natural elements, such as beech wood, and neutral colours can be found in all her designs for lanyards, keychains, essential oil diffusers and much more. Materials are sourced from trusted local and/or Canadian suppliers as a way to support fellow small businesses as well.

“I believe in supporting dreams and more importantly the artisans and shops in our local community. It’s all about supporting one another. On my social media platform, I do my best to promote other local and small businesses that I love as well to my followers. And within my community, I donate proceeds from my business to BC Cancer Foundation, which is near and dear to my heart,” explains Shirley.

“Cancer took away my beloved aunt and uncle and it made me aware of how important this foundation is for research and support they provided to those affected.”

As of 2024, this “little silicone and wood bead accessories shop” has donated over $1,800 to the BCCRC.

Learn more and connect with Fifth of May Cause Shop

Website: Fifth of May Cause Shop  

Instagram:  @fifthofmayshop      

Facebook: @fifthofmayshop   

Chickpeace Zero Waste Refillery

Location: Kelowna

Chickpeace is a BCorp-certified zero-waste refill store in Kelowna. Their mission is to provide refillable and eco-friendly options for personal care, cleaning and pantry products. They support over 200 local, Canadian brands whose values align with their own. Chickpeace make sure that the brands they support are kind to the planet and plastic free. They also have gift boxes perfect for corporate gifting, and customizable options available for every price point.

“Supporting local brands strengthens our local economy. For us, local brands are the heart of our business,” explains Allisha Heidt, owner. “Our vision is to make sustainable living more affordable and accessible to our community. Community support means we are on the right track when it comes to our reach.”

Learn more and connect with Chickpeace Zero Waste Refillery

Website: Chickpeace Zero Waste Refillery  

Instagram: @chickpeacezerowaste 

Facebook:  Facebook

Kaleco Clothing

Location: Vernon

The Fashion Revolution STARTS WITH YOU…

Shopping for natural fibres and ethically made products IS possible at KALECO, a little boutique in downtown Vernon BC bursting with inspiring and unique products. They specialize in sustainable, fair-trade and handmade clothing, jewelry and gifts from eco-friendly brands working for social good.

Kaleco’s focus is on eco-friendly fabrics and ethically-made products, and they source their collection from small vendors who make very unique items you won’t find at the mall. The shop is proud of how many BC- and Canadian-based women makers they feature in their collection.

“When you shop local your money stays in the community and helps it flourish,” says Amanda Homeniuk, owner. “I could not operate my brick-and-mortar store without local people supporting me. We don’t get enough tourists to support running this business year-round so my regular customers are critical!”

Learn more and connect with Kaleco Clothing  

Website: Kaleco Clothing  

Instagram: @shopkaleco 

Facebook: @shopkaleco 

Tough Titties by Emma Hands

Location: Vancouver

Tough Titties mission is to create fun, cheeky designs that raise funds for Breast Cancer research and create community through connection. Owner Emma Hands aims to bring joy and foster a sense of acceptance: “Hey! Look! These are my boobs! These are my scars!” The company celebrates the unique beauty of all bodies, making people feel seen and normalizing the diverse stories we all carry.

“Shopping local helps not only to create a diverse culture of locally run shops (creativity!), but to keep supporting the local community as a whole. Supporting local means our money stays in our community and boosts our economy, explains Emma. “Plus, helping people live and support their dreams of running their own business is a HUGE win. It helps me to live my dream of having a creative business, and giving back to the community.

We’re empowering women, with a laugh along the way.”

Learn more and connect with Tough Titties by Emma Hands

Website: Tough Titties by Emma Hands

Instagram:  @emmahandsdesign   

Facebook:  @emmahandsdesign 

LinkedIn:  @emma-hands