Portobello West, April 2009

The Portobello West Market is a great place to meet designers, jewellers, artists and other small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Lower Mainland. If you have not been before, it makes for an intriguing afternoon out. I leave on a creative high every time I visit. It puts the principle of supporting local enterprise right where it should be … in your hands.

I am giving thought to having a Pencil Case Studios display at an upcoming market. It is an excellent way to make local connections and support local enterprise.

Here are a few operations that caught my attention:

1. Donkey Ink Design and Project Industries by Jamie Purches was one of two stalls that catered directly to men. We appreciate that Jamie!
2. The Raven Iron produces jewellery from reclaimed sheet metal that you have to simply see to believe.
3. Squareware designs intricate ornaments from glass.
4. Photography by Frida Saltiel has a penchant for striking imagery.
5. Ayala Moriel is the first olfactory business owner I have met. This was quite an experience for the senses.

Without question, this was the most impressive Portobello West Market I have attended.