growing up in the west end

my brother and I sleuthing in the parking lot of a neighbouring apartment block

I grew up in the West End of Winnipeg.

My 110-year-old, two-bedroom childhood home off Sargent Avenue sheltered not only my immediate family of five and countless adopted pets, but also at one point, my two Aunts, Tito (Uncle), and Inay (Grandma). This crowded arrangement is a familiar one for many second-generation folks (well, maybe the pets were unique to us). Despite living with so many grown-ups, they all worked a ton and weren’t home often. That along with adjusting to a new country and culture led to my siblings and I having to find guidance navigating through a western life in other ways. I found myself turning to books and pop culture to figure it out.

That’s where Lisa Simpson came into play, the inspiration for much of our branding at Shapes and Feelings. A headstrong girl who just wanted to do what’s best for others and the planet? That sounded cool to me! I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up, but whatever it was would have to help the greater good in some way.

my parents lookin’ super cute in our backyard

Our home was a twenty minute walk from the University of Winnipeg where I decided to get my degree. Here I grew into my own person, became critical off what “normal” is, and began actively seeking a more sustainable lifestyle. I also discovered consigning through the used bookstore on campus. I’d look forward to stopping by Lisbon Bakery for a treat on my walks home.

I’m excited to share that Shapes and Feelings will be growing up in the West End just like I did.

Our first IRL (In Real Life) Studio is located on the first floor of the ARTlington Studios (618 Arlington Street). This heritage building is planted across the street from my childhood doctor’s office, and right around the corner from my mom’s salon that I would tag along to. While the exterior is nondescript, the interior itself is a work of art. Housing our services to promote a circular economy in a space primarily constructed of reclaimed materials feels like kismet. The opportunity to draw inspiration not only from our space, but also the creative community of photographers, painters, and ceramists in the building, is one we won’t take for granted.

brb making plans to fill this space

We will begin accepting private in-person shopping appointments a few days a week in March 2021. We would not have been able to move out of our home studio into a larger space without you. Thank you for being here and supporting our growing Winnipeg-based consignment shop.

I look forward to finally being able to hang out with you IRL (with COVID-19 precautions, of course)!

— Ava