Tell us about yourself and your business.

Back in 2015, my sister-in-law Annie and I noticed waves of Torontonians moving to Hamilton. They were looking for gifts and decor that suited their style, but they didn’t want to drive back to Toronto to get them. We saw a real need for a shop in Hamilton’s downtown core that catered to this demographic, so we decided to open Pretty Grit.

After a couple of years, Annie decided to pursue other interests and I’ve been running the store ever since. Over the past nine years, I’ve seen incredible changes in the city, including design styles and demographics. It hasn’t always been easy (ahem, Covid), but I love the business that I’ve built and serving this community that I’ve been a part of my entire life.

For those who haven’t visited yet, how would you describe the style of the products you sell?

Since I select every piece that comes into the shop, Pretty Grit is very much my personal style. I have never been able to choose just one type of design, so the shop is eclectic. I enjoy mixing prints with texture and bold colours. I like to bring in whimsical decor items and take a playful approach to merchandising. 

A few years ago we started to bring in vintage items with our Vintage Friday drops that we showcase on Instagram. Mixed in with new and locally made goods, I think the vintage pieces add a depth that mirrors how so many of us style our homes.

Everything you carry in-store is so beautifully designed, what drew you to design-forward objects initially and how did that translate into opening up a shop?

I have always been a visual person. I grew up in a very creative Hamilton household, with my mother being an artist, my father a musician and my older brother an actor and musician. There was no shortage of self expression and I was constantly encouraged to explore and create. 

I found it difficult to narrow my focus when selecting a direction after high school, but I landed in Toronto Metropolitan University’s Design program with a focus on Fashion Communications. I quickly realized that fashion wasn’t for me but I stuck with the program and applied my education to interiors. 

I spent several years building window displays for Holt Renfrew and really honed my skills in prop production and styling. From there, I dabbled in event decor, including a restaurant in Toronto. But Hamilton was calling. The city was changing and I wanted to be a part of it. So I decided to head back home and open Pretty Grit.

As a curator and entrepreneur, I have been able to use all my skills to build my dream of creating an inviting space where people can find beautiful (and affordable) pieces for their home. I strongly feel that our environment affects our state of mind. Our home is our sanctuary and the pieces we put in it are a reflection of our true selves. I love helping people facilate that self-expression.

You carry quite a lot of Canadian designed products, including some made locally, can you tell us what some of your favourites are?

That’s a very tough question because I obviously love them all. But one product that I am currently obsessed with is Hamilton’s own Lake and Oak Tea. I swear by their Gut Love Tea and drink it almost daily. It’s absolutely delicious! 

Nala deodorant is another product I brought in because I love and use it daily. This B.C.-based business has created a natural deodorant that actually does the job. 

The beautiful pieces I carry from Good Stuff Pots are created by an amazing Hamilton-based, Indigenous ceramacist whose mugs I adore. 

I am a cocktail lover and often use Jolly Cut’s Espresso Cocktail Syrup, which is made in Ontario’s Prince Edward County. Just add alcohol and ice and you’re all set. 

What are you most excited about in the shop as we get into fall and winter?

Fall is definitely my favourite season. The cooler weather and the cozy vibes are perfect for a homebody like myself. It is also the calm before the storm — the holiday season is half the reason I do what I do. 

I love styling the shop with greenery and holiday decor and turning the space into a magical wonderland. The holiday window is something that I put a lot of effort into. Last year, I built a ferris wheel and, with the help of my husband, it actually spun. I’ve already started dreaming up this year’s holiday window display. So stay tuned to see what I come up with!

You’re located on James St N, what do you love about the neighbourhood?

I feel so lucky to be here. When we were first looking to open a shop, we had our eyes set on James St. N. We felt that it was centrally located but still manages to have a small-town feel. I can finish my work day, meet friends, grab a drink or a meal, go to an art show or get my haircut. It’s all here.

James N. also has Art Crawl every month and SuperCrawl in September. These events bring so much life to the street. With all the amazing independent businesses, there is a strong sense of community here. 

Besides your own place, where else do you like to shop in the city?

There are so many great shops in Hamilton. I definitely do some damage shopping for vintage clothes on James N. Some of my favourite pieces are from Hawk and Sparrow and Daddy’s Plastic. I look across at Chocolat every day so that is another spot I can’t resist. I stop in at Dear Grain on my way to work to pick up a yummy pastry and beverage. I like to shop at Parkette on Barton and Citizen Kid on Locke for gifts for my niece and nephews.

Any advice to small business owners wanting to open up shop in Hamilton?

Plan, plan, plan!! Research locations, find out if you need special licenses, figure out who your customers are going to be, talk to people who have already done it. There are so many details, you wouldn’t believe. And be realistic. This is a tough game that doesn’t always financially support you. What resources can you fall back on in the tough times? Most importantly: be flexible.