It Takes A Village
Progressive and creative, our BIA has served as a commercial hub in downtown Hamilton since 1976, holding the title of Hamilton’s first Business Improvement Area. Our diverse membership offers a vibrant mix of businesses.
Many of our businesses are locally-owned by resilient, creative, and inspiring businesses owners. Over the next month, the International Village BIA will highlight local business owners that make our community the vibrant place it is!
It Takes a Village to Curate Local Whimsy.
Making people happy is Clay’s thing. If you’ve taken a stroll through #TheVillage, you’ve seen the seasonal murals at Studio 205. That’s the kind of creativity that Clay brings to our BIA. His store is a treasure trove of locally sourced gifts and goodies. Over 130 artists and vendors are represented on Studio 205’s shelves.
Shops like Studio 205 wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the support of their loyal shoppers. And we want it to stay that way. That’s why we’re reminding you to support shops like Clay’s. Not just during gift-giving seasons. All year long.
It takes a village to help #TheVillage thrive. Shop here and keep the stories of our business community alive.
It Takes a Village to Transform People Inside and Out.
Amorphous Hair Studio doesn’t just transform hair. They take care of what’s on the inside too. Camille has been giving her clients that post-salon glow since 1999. Take a seat in her chair and you’ll pick up on why she’s been such a positive pillar of our business community.
With support, we can ensure that essential places like Amorphous continue to succeed, serving as a beacon for our community.
It takes a village to help #TheVillage thrive. Shop here and keep the stories of our business community alive.
It Takes a Village to Build a Community of Book Lovers.
It’s hard to put the impact of J.H. Gordon Books into words. Since 2012, Julie has provided space for local authors to reach our neighbourhood bookworms. Her store sells vintage, used, and books. Come for the old book smell. Leave with a book bag overflowing with literary treasures.
And what goes better with bookstore browsing than a cozy coffee date? Grab something at Café Oranje next door and head to the back to sit at the shared patio.
You made places like Julie’s Village landmarks. Don’t delay your next trip. The time to support your favourite Village shops, businesses, and restaurants is now.
It takes a village to help #TheVillage thrive. Shop here and keep the stories of our business community alive.
It Takes a Village to Handpick Lovely Little Things.
You’re never too old to play dress up with the denim-slinging, retro-styling shop owner of Girl On The Wing. For Whitney, days gone by provide endless inspiration. From vintage-inspired clothing to unique gifts, the shop’s swoon worthy collection makes it a real Hamilton treasure.
Your next “Where did you find that?” outfit? It’s at Girl on the Wing. So why wait? It’s time to show up for your favourite village boutique.
It takes a village to help #TheVillage thrive. Shop here and keep the stories of our business community alive.
It Takes a Village to Brew Chill Vibes for All.
One For All Coffee invites customers to slow down, grab a seat, and get lost in the craftsmanship of one of Sabin’s curated beverages. You can taste the meticulous attention to detail in every sip of imported coffee and bite of a baked fresh in-house cookie.
If you’ve been wanting to check out One For All or any of our other restaurants, don’t put it off until “someday.” Drop in. Bring a friend. Support your Village in downtown when it needs it most. Today.
It takes a village to help #TheVillage thrive. Shop here and keep the stories of our business community alive.
It Takes a Village to be the Best of the Best.
If you’ve had the Hunter’s Wild Game Pie at Brothers Grimm Bistro, then you know why they were named the #1 restaurant in Hamilton on Trip Advisor. True members of our community, Alvaro and Maria have been creating unforgettable dining experiences since 2019.
You made restaurants like Brothers Grimm iconic. If you’ve been wanting to check out this cellar bistro or some of the Village’s other unique dining spots, don’t make your reservation for “someday.” Make it today.
It takes a village to help #TheVillage thrive. Shop here and keep the stories of our business community alive.
It Takes a Village to Dress Hollywood.
The Shape of Water, Mrs. America, The Umbrella Academy, Nightmare Alley. What do they have in common? They’ve shopped Connie’s closet. At VintageSoulGeek, you’ll find a carefully curated vintage collection. If you’re a vintage treasure hunter, the shop is worth the road trip.
Connie is a staple of the Hamilton community and we can’t imagine our neighbourhood without her. But at a time when small business owners are facing more challenges, even our local legends need support.
It takes a village to help #TheVillage thrive. Shop here and keep the stories of our business community alive.
It Takes a Village to Wake Up Hamilton.
Mornings made cozy and snug. That’s how Café Oranje has helped Hamiltonians start their day for the last 10 years. The Café’s original owner, Chris, passed the espresso grinder to Mina. She’s been running this neighbourhood gathering place ever since.
Whether you’re a black coffee drinker or prefer a light breakfast like the Wake Up Sandwich, you’ll get the fuel to take on whatever the day throws at you. It’s the perfect quiet spot to get down to work or savour an oatmeal cookie in peace.
Café Oranje sources its products from other local businesses. It may be a cup of coffee to you, but it means the world to so many independent roasters and makers.
It takes a village to help #TheVillage thrive. Shop here and keep the stories of our business community alive.
It Takes a Village to Bring Ideas to Life Stitch by Stitch.
The leather-goods makers at Tundra Leather have the kind of craftsmanship that stands the test of time. It all started when Kristi’s dad, Peter Grove, opened Tundra Leather in 1991. Today, Kristi keeps her father’s vision alive with every custom leatherwork project they take on. They’ll fix that worn-out handle on your guitar case, create a custom collar for your dog, and help bring just about any idea you have to life. They even have classes for hobbyist leatherworkers or people looking for a creative outlet in the evenings.
Customers get a hands-on experience, actually seeing and feeling the leather used in your project. That human touch and quality craftsmanship make businesses like Tundra Leather a staple of our neighbourhood. It’s so important that we don’t let these traditions disappear.
It takes a village to help #TheVillage thrive. Shop here and keep the stories of our business community alive.
It Takes a Village to Take Websites from Mediocre to Massive.
Building a company from the ground up isn’t easy. But partnering with Vaughn at Massive Web Design is one of the best investments a business owner can make! It can be hard to know what to ask for. Luckily for his clients, Vaughn just gets it. He’s known for keeping a cool head and supporting clients throughout the entire process, from concept to launch day. Plus, he can make it work when his clients are working those crazy entrepreneur hours too.
Vaughn takes care of businesses. By supporting businesses like Massive Web Design, you help take care of Vaughn’s business too.
It takes a village to help #TheVillage thrive. Shop here and keep the stories of our business community alive.
It Takes a Village to House Decades of Experience Under One Roof.
Founded in 2008, Groom For Men offers premier barber services with a “look good, feel good” philosophy. Nygel and Kris know their craft. So it’s no surprise that the shop’s fresh, clean cuts and line ups never miss. The same goes for braiding and beard trimming. Nygel and Kris are also big community supporters. You may have even bumped into them at one of our events! They’re the kinds of people we love having in our neighbourhood. With support, local spots like Groom For Men can continue to create a buzz downtown.
It takes a village to help #TheVillage thrive. Shop here and keep the stories of our business community alive.
It Takes a Village to Curate Sweet-As-Maple-Syrup Canadiana.
Customers have been *spreading* the word about Cherry Birch General’s Canadian-made preserves, jams, spreads, and other goods since it opened. Of course, Lisa’s baked-in-store treats are worth the trip alone. Not to mention the store makes a PSL that gives a certain siren-branded coffee chain a run for its money.
When you shop at Cherry Birch General, you support Lisa and other Canadian makers and suppliers. In a moment when small business owners are facing more challenges, showing up for local business has never been timelier or sweeter.
It takes a village to help #TheVillage thrive. Shop here and keep the stories of our business community alive.
