Lifestyle Brand Moving From Toronto To Halifax
HALIFAX-For years, it seemed like everyone moved from the East Coast to places like Toronto, or even further west, for better economic opportunities. But two years of Covid-19 has drastically changed the way we do business. Now, we see companies and entrepreneurs eying cities like Halifax for opportunities.
Lesley Robb, the owner and founder of lifestyle brand Swell Made, will be moving from Toronto (the former centre of the Canadian Universe) to the smaller city of Halifax, and taking her company with her.
Robb once lived in New Brunswick and always wanted to try living in Nova Scotia’s capital. But, until now, the economic opportunities didn’t seem to add up.
“In terms of our career opportunities, it just never panned out,” says Robb. ‘But now the world is more flexible in terms of things being remote and being able to operate a business from anywhere.”
“Moving is always a little nerve-wracking but we’re very excited about being part of the Halifax community.”
As a lifestyle brand, Swell Made designs items like unique blankets, candles, tote bags, journals, and more.
One of their key items are the “bold” stationary, with such statements as “This calls for chocolate,” and “kiss me.”
“The business started out with just stationary,” recalls Robb. “That was our bread and butter for a number of years. They’re ‘bold’ paper goods because they have minimal, simple designs but they have bold statements. So, people can express themselves with a bold statement but then personalize it on the inside.”
Robb worked in freelance design before starting Swell Made seven years ago. As a mother of two children, she started her own business so she could choose the balance between work and family life.
“I had worked freelance for a number of years as a graphic designer and art director, and I just wanted to start a small business for myself so I could challenge the status quo, in terms of what having a career looked like when you’re raising two small kids,” said Robb.
That balance is one of the reasons why she’s choosing this August to move her family, and her business, to Halifax. She feels the pace of life will be better suited her on the East Coast.
“My kids are getting older and I definitely want to have more time with them as they navigate some big changes themselves. Operating a business in a place that values community and family; the pace of life will be a nice change, professionally and personally,” she said
“I love Toronto, but it’s harder to find here.”
When she moves her business to Halifax, Robb will also be bringing a sustainable mindset with her. Cutting down on her businesses environmental impact is a core value Robb brings to Swell Made. She recently won an award for leadership in sustainability from Green Economy Canada.
She also received a $20,000 grant from Dejardins to continue with her sustainability efforts earlier this year.
In order to reduce Swell Made’s carbon footprint, Robb has focused on shipping her goods in bulk to her retailers across North America. The more she can move in bulk, the less fuel is being used for a bunch of smaller, more inefficient, shipments.
With that in mind, Robb has prioritized working with delivery couriers who are also trying to cut down on their emissions. She is also mindful of what kind of packaging is used, in order to create less waste.
Robb, who is also working towards a Master’s degree is sustainability studies also hopes to team up with other like-minded entrepreneurs when she arrives in Halifax.
“Moving is definitely going to be stressful. As a business, I’ve never had to make a move like this before. There’s going to be some challenges over the next year with many opportunities as well.”
Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].