About Us
About Us (Well, about Jeff and Cayla).
Having worked in the footwear industry for the past 10 years, in retail, design and product development I figured it was time to start something for myself. We both graduated from OCAD in industrial design and spent some time out west working.
I was particularly impressed with a small boutique factory from Mexico I met a few years ago. I decided they would be a great fit for starting my women’s collection. The factory, Altura Siete makes their shoes by hand in small batches. Their design sense is intricate and delicate and their access to leather allows for an uncommonly multi-coloured palette.
My men’s (and now some women's) shoes are made in Portugal. My Portuguese factory provides a very high quality product, goodyear welted construction using proper leather lining and leather soles. I arrived at a small and interesting collection for gentlemen to enjoy, both to dress up in or to wear casually and I will continue to expand in new directions.
After a few years developing shoes I decided diversifying and Cayla came on board to introduce new products and a focus on jewelry and giftware and general super awesome buying.
We now team up with lots of local Toronto and Canadian designers to keep it fresh as well as carrying some amazing accessories from around the world. A very generous and unique assortment of greeting cards. Socks and small accessories from Danica and Blue Q, handmade beautiful jewelry made locally in Toronto by Cayla herself as well as Pika & Bear, Ink & Alloy and Lover's Tempo. Handmade bow ties from Cursor & Thread in Vancouver. Soaps and candles from Formulary 55 and Anecdote Candle. Plenty of gift ware like mugs, planter kits, vegan accessories plus loads more coming in all the time.
Our door is always open (during regular hours) and we welcome everyone to drop by and have a look.
Cheers,
Jeff Brodawka and Cayla Hache
This was back in the beginning, 10 years ago... a lot has changed.
This is us now, a few more greys, two kids, we've moved the store, opened a new store, ran 2 stores, closed a location and here we are today, we've settled on one great space on Roncesvalles.
We're working from home trying to keep up with the move to an online business - not what we planned but we're learning as we go.
It's not the easiest running a business with 2 little humans but we wouldn't have it any other way, they make our lives and hearts full. If you're lucky, once our doors are open you may even meet one of them - the oldest is turning into quite the salesperson ;)