A holiday pop-up from these women-owned brands is coming to Toronto this weekend

A collection of local, women-owned businesses have come together to launch a holiday-themed pop-up this weekend, combining all of their brands and businesses into one space on the west end of Toronto.

The idea was spearheaded by Paula Nguyen, the founder of an online clothing boutique called Pradegal. โ€œIโ€™ve been wanting to do a pop-up for some time now. I missed the social aspect of meeting our customers and being able to have customers experience Pradegal in person,โ€ she says. โ€œI thought the holidays would be the perfect time to plan one and wanted to create a very thoughtful and intimate experience with other like-minded women and brands. Anna, the founder of Index Series, loved the idea and from there we started thinking of other women-owned brands that we thought would all align. Each brand brings something unique to our community and we all have the same values, which is important to us.โ€


From Dec. 17 to 19, Pradegal and several other brands and businesses will take over the space at 55 Ossington St. โ€œThis three-day modern pop-up experience is the perfect opportunity to shop a curated selection of local women-owned brands,โ€ Nguyen says. โ€œCustomers can relax, peruse and pick out something special for themselves or loved ones. There will be music, snacks and drinks from Gldn Hour and Greenhouse.โ€

The pop-up includes a selection from clothing brand Index Series, made in Toronto jewelry brand Cadette Jewelry and candle company Verre Lune, along with items from Pradegal.

Nguyen, who was born and raised in Newmarket, came up with the idea for Pradegal as part of an entrepreneurship class in college, when an assignment asked her to design a company from start to finish. The result is her online clothing boutique which, in the last few years, has grown into a direct to consumer enterprise. She feels like the pop-up model can grow her business, alongside the businesses of like-minded women, propelling them all forward as entrepreneurs. โ€œI definitely think itโ€™s so important to support and collaborate with other women. Joining forces really creates a sense of community and being around that energy is so uplifting,โ€ she says. โ€œWe make more of an impact when we come together. I’ve been so fortunate to have met and been surrounded by such inspiring and supportive women.โ€

In addition to helping women-owned businesses, the pop-up also extends a helping hand to the community. โ€œWe will be donating 5 per cent of proceeds to Holiday Helpers Canada, a registered charity whose mission is to provide Christmas packages to low-income families,โ€ Nguyen says.

The holiday pop-up takes place from Dec. 17 to 19 at 55 Ossington St., and is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 18, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 19.

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