Small business profile: Dove and Arrow
/Dove and Arrow founder and owner, Iva Ouzonova, a Mississauga native & resident, has opened a new 'Etsy' inspired boutique in close to home and only a short drive away downtown Oakville that offers unique, handmade goods.
With the soft opening in January 2017, Iva is in the middle of a booming industry that sees a growing shift toward the desire for quality, artisanal, and one-of-a-kind rather than mass produced goods.
Gone are the days where the handmade industry was ultra-niche. Since 2005, the market for unique, handcrafted goods has exploded with the world's largest online retailer, Etsy, reaching over 1.6 million active shops, 27.1 million active buyers, and $2.39 billion in gross sales in 2016 is a strong indicator of this market change.
Iva had a vision to create a magical sense of finding handcrafted treasures in a warm, inviting space. With a store flowing with quirky, thoughtful designs, she truly has.
“It’s one of the most natural things I’ve ever done,” says Ouzounova, who was one of the first Canadians to set up her own Etsy shop, Dream Willow Studio, in 2006. “I saw a market that was really lacking and saw an opportunity to bring a handcrafted experience to the local community.”
Avoiding big box trends, Dove + Arrow supports makers (most of them local) who construct their wares in small batches. The store is comprised of work by more than 40 artisans, some work in the shop, and all who fill it with their creations.
The Mississauga connection is strong with several local vendors partnering with Iva. She’s a jewelry designer herself and previously worked from her home studio in Mississauga and although her postal code is in Oakville, she’s happy to support her hometown artists.
One of them include New Country Spirit, who we profiled recently.
Here are a few Mississauga artists who’s work you’ll find at Dove & Arrow:
Dream Willow Studio -- personalized, hand-stamped jewelry for everyone in the family at affordable prices! Great for gifts or your own personal collection.
Bellabagu Braclets & Things -- A beautiful collection of jewelry handmade with sterling silver, semi precious stones and swarovski crystals.
Sweet Sofia Bows - fun and modern hair accessories.
Our Prints Charming -- fun and quirky prints for your walls, customizable artwork available too.
Kristina Heredia Fine Art -- a self taught artist, who makes beautiful fashion illustrations, as well as paintings. She's been featured in a number of magazines and events in Mississauga.
The shop is anchored by Iva Ouzonova's collection of personalized jewellery: Dream Willow Studios. Joined by talented jewellers, knitters, paper goods artists, soapers and wood makers, is a diverse collection of accessories, lingerie, ceramics, stationery, organic body products, soy wax candles and hand carved wooden objects.
Together, more than 40 artisans offer an exciting collection of work united by a common love of unique design made with integrity, in small batches, by hand.
For an added handmade feel, there is a small atelier to allow designers to work on-site at 131 Lakeshore Road East from Tuesdays through Sundays, and interact with customers shopping at Dove + Arrow.
For more information, visit them online at https://www.facebook.com/DoveandArrowShop/