Features
We head to Tea With Gladys in Oakville, Canada and learn how-to make a pretty in pom pom headband.
How did you get started?
Tea With Gladys actually began as an online vintage clothing store in 2006. At the time I was a student with no spending money, but lots of clothes so I found an outlet to start sharing my finds with the world. When my grandmother Gladys passed away, I began TWG under her namesake as I had always rifled through her wardrobe growing up. I thought it was the perfect way to keep her spirit alive! While maintaining an online presence and watching the business grow, I knew I always wanted to do MORE with Tea With Gladys. One day, in between jobs, I sat staring out of the window wondering what to do with my life. The thought of working under someone else or even handing out resumes made me want to crawl under a rock and only come out twice a year ( Halloween + Christmas obviously). I finally decided to mash everything I loved into one big pot, and thus Tea With Gladys was renewed and revamped into what is it today.
Where are you located?
Oakville in Ontario, Canada.
Which products do you specialise in?
It is a children's art studio, a place where I host birthday tea parties + an artisan's boutique. I still always have a rack of specially curated vintage on hand as well:)
Do you have a particular favorite product that you sell?
My shop has over 25 local artisans on consignment that I all love. It would be so difficult to choose just one! However, whenever the crocheters and felters bring in adorable little handmade animals, it DOES tug at my heart strings!
What's on the stereo?
As all my students would say "OLD FUNNY SOUNDING MUSIC." This translates to a few of my favorites: The Andrew Sisters, Glenn Miller, Rosemary Clooney, Josephine Baker, Blossom Dearie + Gillian Hills just to name a few.
Where else should we visit in your area?
Oakville is a really beautiful city with gorgeous trails, a beautiful waterfront ( I'm steps away from Lake Ontario) and a bustling downtown area. Some of my favorite shops I frequent are Elm Hill Cookies ( LITERALLY the best cookie bakery in the world!!), The Painted Bench, + Stoney's Bread Company ( an amazing restaurant)!
Do you host any workshops, classes or special events?
Yes! All the time. We hold monthly workshops for children, typically on the weekends and seasonally themed ( Tea with Turkey, our 2nd annual Happy BOOthday Tea party + Oh Christmas Tea to name a few!) I also teach a fashion design + illustration class throughout the year as well. I also run march break + summer camps too. We're always bringing in new ideas while getting children interested in a lot of the lost skills such as sewing, embroidery, knitting + crocheting. We have a new adult fiber arts club beginning in October called "Knits of the Round Table." ( can you tell I am the punniest person?)
Is there anything else you'd like us to know?
Tea With Gladys is a waltz through your grandmother's closet. That was my vision when I first created this special place. Sometimes when I get to work, I close my eyes and pretend I'm at my nanny's house, rummaging through her stash of odds and ends. I get such a warm feeling when I know that my shop could be that place for another little girl or boy. That when their older, they may close their eyes and remember their time spent here:)
Do you have a favorite craft, art or supply shop in your town that we should feature? Send us a message!
Share
Follow
