In a strange way, every moment in Regina Sheung’s life prepared her to launch her own boutique design shop. Originally hailing from Hong Kong, she started helping out around her family’s restaurant at the age of six. After moving to Toronto as an adult, her first job was working in wholesale as an on-the-road sales rep, selling wrist watches to retail shops. Eventually, the entrepreneurial spirit hit and Regina opened Propaganda, a fashion and accessories store. But into the early aughts, Regina noticed a new trend in Toronto. “In 2002, a lot of chain and box stores opened on Bloor, which was not too far from me,” she recalls. “So I realized that I couldn’t just sell clothing.” Regina’s aha moment came when she brought in uber-cute greeting cards and they did very well. She realized that unlike clothing, gift-shopping was a retail stream that had occasions year-round. In 2008, she decided to drop clothing and focus on gifts.
After 14 years on Yonge Street, Regina grew tired of the location. So, in 2010, she saw a vacancy open at 242 Carlton Street in Cabbagetown, and there, boutique gift shop Labour of Love was born. In 2015, she opened her new and current Labour of Love across the street (223 Carlton Street) with a much more spacious interior.
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Gifts that’ll have people say, “OMG, where did you get this?” – that’s what you’ll find at Labour of Love. From mini donut soaps (complete with pink glaze, of course), mason jar shot glasses, and Toronto city coasters. The selection of handmade Canadian jewellery is as beautiful as it is unique – The Book of Life necklace, for instance, is a symbolic piece that represents strength and courage. Shopping for a youngling? The Original Miracle Melting Snowman is a fun pastime-themed gift (the snowman slowly melts after it’s made, to then be rebuilt again).
View this Smart ListFrom hand-made soaps, to intricate pendants and standout prints, the Labour of Love shop truly evokes its name. The well-curated selection of trinkets – all made by local Canadian designers – will make for a shopping session that both you and your sibs can get in on. Here’s an idea: put together a gift basket that your mom will love and top it off with one of the shop’s fab cards.
View this Smart ListLabour of Love is a gift shop located in the heart of Cabbagetown. The lineup at the sweet spot features all things miscellaneous and cute, including an assortment of handmade jewellery. The pieces here can best be described as contemporary with a low-profile elegance. You’ll find all the favorites here like stackable rings, delicate pendants and cluster-style necklaces.
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