When I first started Wanderlust Stuff, I thought I knew exactly what kind of store I wanted to build. 

My vision was to fill it with products from independent makers: people creating beautiful things while supporting artisans, giving back to charities or the environment, using more sustainable materials, or simply making products with care and intention.

Those businesses inspired me then, and still do today. The vision hasn't changed - only the way I've had to bring it to life.

As the business grew, I also learned something every small business owner eventually learns. Building a business means balancing your ideals with reality.

Many artisan brands create in very small quantities, have long lead times, or produce products that simply aren't accessible to every traveller. If Wanderlust Stuff was going to continue growing, I needed to broaden the collection without losing sight of why I started.

Today, Wanderlust Stuff is a thoughtful collection of products from independent makers, Canadian businesses, and thoughtfully selected suppliers from all over. And, every product must answer one question.

• Will this genuinely help women travel more comfortably, more confidently, or more beautifully?

If the answer is yes, then it's worth considering.

• Some products solve problems.
• Some make packing easier.
• Some add comfort to long travel days.
• Some bring a little beauty to the journey.
• And some simply make me smile because I can picture them becoming part of someone's adventure.

Those are the products I'm looking for. 

My approach has also evolved in another important way:

In the beginning, I purchased & stocked everything myself. Over time, I realized that wasn't always the best experience for my customers. Every product had to be shipped to me first, and then shipped again to its final destination. That added unnecessary additional shipping, additional costs and wasted time.

Today, almost all of the products we carry are shipped directly from the trusted brands and suppliers I work with. It reduces unnecessary shipping, helps keep costs down, and allows me to offer a much wider collection than I ever could if I stocked everything myself.

 

What hasn't changed is my role. Every product is still intentionally chosen. If it doesn't fit the vision for Wanderlust Stuff, or I don't believe it genuinely adds value to your travels, it doesn't become part of the collection.

I also believe supporting good businesses comes in many different forms. Whenever possible, I continue to seek out independent makers, Canadian businesses, women-owned businesses, and brands making a positive impact in their own way.

At the same time, I also believe thoughtfully chosen products - regardless of where they're made - can genuinely improve someone's travel experience.

I don't believe there's a perfect way to build a retail business, but I do believe in building one thoughtfully. 

As Wanderlust Stuff continues to grow, I'll keep learning. I'll keep discovering new brands. I'll keep supporting small businesses whenever I can. And I'll keep choosing products with the same question in mind that inspired this business from the very beginning:

• Will this help make someone's journey a little more comfortable, a little more beautiful, or simply a little more memorable?

Every product you see here has been chosen with intention,
because I believe it has a place in someone's journey.