Barefoot Venus & The Local Boom: Supporting Local, Supporting Canada
In a world where global e-commerce giants dominate our screens and purchasing decisions, it’s easy to overlook the powerful, positive impact of shopping local. But behind every Canadian-made product is a story—one of passion, community, resilience, and sustainability. One such story is that of Barefoot Venus, a wellness and beauty brand handcrafted in Kelowna, British Columbia, and proudly carried by The Local Boom Gift Shop in Vancouver. These two local champions exemplify what it means to invest in Canadian creativity, support local economies, and make intentional choices that nurture our communities.
Let’s dive into why shopping local matters now more than ever, and how businesses like Barefoot Venus and The Local Boom are leading the movement.
Barefoot Venus: A Kelowna-Born Beauty Brand Rooted in Wellness
Founded by three Canadian sisters, Barefoot Venus is far more than a skincare brand. It’s a ritual, a celebration of self-care inspired by nature, and a tribute to slow living. Handcrafted in Kelowna, BC, their products are made with pure, plant-based ingredients that nourish your skin and your soul. From rich body creams infused with shea and cocoa butter, to detoxifying mustard baths and heavenly-scented body oils, Barefoot Venus creates luxurious wellness experiences designed to bring comfort and joy.
Their signature product, the Mustard Bath, is a cult favorite for a reason. It’s a throwback to old-world healing traditions, combining mustard seed powder, eucalyptus, rosemary, and wintergreen to relieve sore muscles and uplift your spirit. Every product is cruelty-free, consciously formulated, and beautifully packaged—making them as aesthetically pleasing as they are effective.
But what truly sets Barefoot Venus apart is their commitment to remaining local. In a time where outsourcing and mass production are the norm, Barefoot Venus stays true to its Canadian roots, employing local talent, sourcing responsibly, and choosing quality over quantity every step of the way.
When you purchase from Barefoot Venus, you’re not just buying a lotion or bath soak—you’re investing in Canadian craftsmanship, supporting local jobs, and encouraging sustainable practices.
The Local Boom: A One-Stop Shop for All Things Canadian
In 2017, The Local Boom first emerged online with a radical yet simple idea: make it easy for Canadians to shop Canadian. It wasn’t just about selling products—it was about celebrating Canadian makers, artists, and entrepreneurs. By 2020, The Local Boom opened its first physical store in Vancouver’s vibrant Mount Pleasant neighborhood, creating a community hub where customers could discover and support Canadian brands in person.
What makes The Local Boom unique is its exclusively Canadian focus. Every product on their shelves—whether it’s skincare, gifts, home goods, or gourmet treats—is made by a Canadian company. Their platform is a trailblazer in the retail space, offering the first curated marketplace that exclusively features All Canadian Brands, online and in-store.
The Local Boom is more than just a store. It’s a mission-driven movement that gives small Canadian businesses a fighting chance in an increasingly competitive world. In carrying Barefoot Venus, The Local Boom connects a beautiful BC-made brand with more customers across the country, amplifying local voices and creating economic ripple effects that benefit entire communities.
Why Shopping Local in Canada Matters
At first glance, choosing whether to buy a product from a global brand or a local Canadian company might seem trivial. But every dollar spent is a vote for the kind of world—and economy—you want to live in.
Here’s why shopping local is such a powerful choice for Canadians:
1. Strengthens the Local Economy
When you buy local, more of your money stays within the community. Studies show that for every $100 spent at a local business, as much as $68 stays in the local economy (compared to only $43 for non-local purchases). That money supports other businesses, pays local wages, and contributes to tax revenues that fund public services like schools and parks.
You’re not just buying a product—you’re helping a neighbor pay their rent, hire staff, or expand their business.
2. Supports Canadian Jobs
Choosing Canadian brands like Barefoot Venus means supporting Canadian employment. From manufacturing to marketing, logistics to design, every step of the supply chain employs real people right here in Canada. And as more people support local businesses, those businesses can grow and hire even more talent.
In a time when automation and outsourcing threaten traditional employment, buying local is an act of job creation.
3. Encourages Sustainable Practices
Local businesses often have smaller carbon footprints than large-scale retailers, simply because their products travel shorter distances to reach you. Canadian companies are also more likely to follow our country’s strict environmental and labor regulations—which means greener operations and more
