More Presence, Less Presents

As an artist and online retailer, it is my job to engage in the highly commercialized holiday season. Attending local markets and selling my art is part of the day-to-day of an entrepreneur life. So it is nice to have a reminder that more than ever this time of year, we should value having more PRESENCE and focus less on presents. 

I hope that this list can also be a nice reminder for you, to focus on what really matters during this festive season.

However, if you still need to buy some last minute gifts for loved ones, don’t forget to support your local businesses while doing so. This way you can also skip the crowds at malls and shop small! I am at the @LoveToronto pop-up market this Sunday from 11am to 5pm located at 187 Augusta Avenue in Kensington. Make sure to drop by and say hi! My skyline design is on the @LoveToronto toques - a perfect, inexpensive gift for someone who loves to rep the city they love.

If you have finished your shopping for the year, drop by anyway! At the Love Toronto pop-up there will be five local businesses who will be happy to have a casual chat with you about their entrepreneurial journey. If you've ever been curious about starting your own business, these are the people to ask!

I believe shopping local gives you a sense you are supporting your immediate community - and Love Toronto does a great job bringing everyone together to do exactly that. A snap shot below of the other creatives who will be at the @LoveToronto pop-up market this Sunday.

If you are unable to drop by, we are also making our very last appearance this year at West Elm on boxing day. (December 26th at 2434 Yonge Street, 12pm to 5pm.)

Until then, hope you have a wonderful holidays and happy new year! Don't forget to be mindful of your presence - I hope you don't sweat the small stuff like gift-giving and the hyper consumerism of our generation, and simply unwind surrounded by those people you love the most!

From the founder of Ave Mariabell Designs,

Ave. xoxo