Looking Back on Our 12 Days of Women-Owned Christmas
As the year comes to a close and we step into January, we’ve been reflecting on what this past season really meant to us. Our 12 Days of Women-Owned Christmas wasn’t just about gift ideas; it became a way to slow down, pay attention, and intentionally support the women shaping life on Vancouver Island in quiet, powerful ways.
Each stop, each shop, each story reminded us why shopping local feels different here. It’s personal. It’s community-driven. And it carries far beyond December.
Here’s a look back at the women-owned businesses that helped shape our holiday season, and that we’ll continue to support well into the new year.
Cascadia Collective & Co - Cobble Hill
We kicked things off with Cascadia Collective & Co., a mobile pop-up boutique that perfectly captures the spirit of Island community. Bringing together the work of 50+ local artisans, this cozy space makes it easy to support many makers at once. Art, jewellery, home goods, and thoughtful handmade pieces; every item feels intentional, creative, and rooted in local artisans.
Our visit set the tone for the entire series: meaningful gifts with real stories behind them.
Triple Moon Mercantile - Nanaimo
Triple Moon reminds us that supporting local can also nourish the soul. From crystals and candles to tarot decks and plants, this women-owned shop feels grounding the moment you walk in. Upstairs, their studio space continues to hold room for workshops, healing, and community connection, something we’re carrying with us into the new year as a reminder to slow down and stay connected.
Chocolate Pearl - Duncan
Some holiday traditions are simple, and chocolate is one of them. Chocolate Pearl’s handcrafted, small-batch chocolates bring beauty and indulgence into the season, whether gifted to others or enjoyed ourselves. Thoughtful, artful, and always a hit, this Duncan favourite is one we’ll keep coming back to long after the decorations are packed away.
Spruce Clothing + Lifestyle - Brentwood Bay
Spruce Clothing embodies everything we love about mindful living on the Island. Sustainable fashion, community-donated and thrifted pieces, island-made goods, and the coziest shop atmosphere (coffee included). Their journey, from a converted garage to a beloved boutique, serves as a reminder that slow growth, intention, and staying true to one's values truly matter.
Wanderlust Bath & Body Co - Vancouver Island
Midway through the season, Wanderlust Bath & Body Co. gave us permission to truly rest. Alyssa’s handmade bath bombs, scrubs, and soaps turned our winter evenings into rituals of care. Clean ingredients, eco-conscious packaging, and scents that feel comforting on rainy Island nights, this was self-care we didn’t rush through, and won’t be leaving behind in January.
Old Town Bakery - Ladysmith
Old Town Bakery brought nostalgia and warmth into our holidays. The smell of fresh bread, flaky pastries, and those legendary cinnamon buns reminded us how food connects people. Whether it was a Christmas morning treat or a simple stop downtown, this Island staple felt like home and still does every time we visit.
The Lakehouse at Shawnigan
The Lakehouse was our reminder that experiences matter just as much as things. Tucked along Shawnigan Lake, it offers calm views, seasonal local food, and the kind of atmosphere that encourages lingering conversations. Sharing meals here felt like pressing pause, something we hope to make space for more often this year.
Bella Vista Bread Shed - Saanich
Fresh bread has a way of slowing everything down. Bella Vista Bread Shed, run by Samantha, delivers exactly that: small-batch loaves and baked goods made with care and intention. These were the kinds of gifts that didn’t need wrapping, just a shared table and a quiet morning.
Strength Counselling - Canada-wide (Online)
As the holidays can be heavy for many, highlighting Strength Counselling felt especially meaningful. A women-founded, Canada-wide online therapy service rooted on Vancouver Island, their work reminds us that investing in mental health is one of the most powerful acts of care during the holidays and beyond.
Maison Cookware + Bakeware - Nanaimo
Maison brought us back into the kitchen, the heart of so many holiday moments. Thoughtfully curated cookware and bakeware designed to last, these are pieces meant to be used, loved, and woven into everyday life. As we move into the new year, it feels fitting to celebrate tools that support slowing down and gathering around food.
Olive This & More - Nanaimo, Langford & Qualicum Beach
Olive This & More encourages curiosity and play in the kitchen. Sampling oils and balsamics, chatting with staff who genuinely love what they do, it reminded us that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be joyful. A perfect example of how small experiences can spark everyday inspiration.
Origin Bakery - Victoria
We closed out the series with Origin Bakery, a space rooted in inclusivity and comfort. Their 100% gluten-free baked goods brought people together without anyone feeling left out. It felt like the perfect ending, a reminder that good food, community, and care belong to everyone.
As we step into January, we’re grateful for every woman who shared her work, her space, and her story with us this season. Supporting women-owned businesses on Vancouver Island isn’t something we’re leaving behind with the holidays; it’s something we’re choosing to carry forward.
Here’s to a new year rooted in community, intention, and continuing to show up for the places and people that make Island life what it is.
- Van Isle Sisters