I’ve made a point not to post much about my hometown, but when I walked into this shop my instant thought was “I need to blog about this because everyone must now about this place!”.
A couple weeks ago I was walking down the street and decided to pop into the store with the bright orange awning that always caught my eye as I drove by.
My gosh am I ever happy I did.
Leka means ‘To Play’ in Swedish, and this space certainly reflects that translation with it’s bright and cheery interior.
Leka, located in Victoria BC on Fort St between Vancouver and Quadra, holds a variety of items, from wooden childrens toys and art to upcycled clothing, jewelery and bath products. Yet they all have one key theme – the playfulness of their namesake.
I was lucky enough to have Laura and Aase, the owner of Leka, show me around the shop and tell me what it’s all about. First off I must express how incredibly helpful and SWEET these ladies are! Everyone who works here is just so lovely, bright, bubbly and a joy to be around. How can they not be. Look at where they work! I do believe “Cheerful personality” is a prerequisite for working here.
So because words cannot do the beauty of this shop justice, here is a closer look at the store, including its products and in store studio.
As soon as I walked into the bright orange entrance I was in love. As I kept walking into the tall, narrow white space with pops of colour I was hopelessly in love. With their blend of natural materials (such as wood and bamboo sticks in the red water jug) and fun bright colours, this space is both sophisticated and whimsical.
The inspirational quotes around the shop along with the brightly painted flowers and hanging flags left a smile on my face. Leka certainly made me feel at home, with tea available and their jigsaw puzzle and comfy white seats encouraging me to take a minute to enjoy the small things in life. In short, this is a space I would want to live in.
Do you love the ridiculously adorable Finnish line Marimekko? Me too. And if you live in Victoria you can now get it! How exciting is that?
In addition to the oh so adorable Marimekko are the equally sweet greeting cards by local artist Sarah Colwill from Boo to You Designs, artwork by the talented Tamara Bond, and Leka’s own clothing line. Made from upcycled materials right in the store, Leka creates comfortable and beautiful clothing that transition from your morning yoga class into every day life.
I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak at where the creativity happens in the Leka shop at their design studio ‘Wild Honey’. Doesn’t it make you want to grab a pair of scissors and create something?
If you ever need to be cheered up, or need to pick up some sweet wooden toys or Marimekko items, head down to Leka. Enjoy a cup of tea while trying out the jigsaw puzzle, try on some upcycled clothing or treat yourself to some jewellery, read an inspirational quote and leave the shop smiling.
Wow, what a fun store! Love little boutique shops like this that are so special and memorable! And always great to see independent businesses thriving. 🙂
What a great place! Will have to see if I can make it there on this trip.
@Stephanie: Aren’t they? And yes! I always try to support the great local businesses wherever I go!
@Mo: Definitely try to find the time. You won’t be disappointed