If you’ve never visited the Wild Honey Goods space on West 1st Street, you’re missing out on a true (and slightly hidden) gem. Tucked off the main road, it’s home to a treasure trove of vintage clothing, poster art and local-made jewellery, all carefully and personally curated by two sisters with impeccable taste and a savvy sense for bringing creative community together. We got a chance to speak with one of the lovely ladies, Sarah Lewis, and learn a little more about this up-and-coming, North Vancouver business.
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Sarah and her sister Joannie officially opened Wild Honey Goods’ doors in November of 2021, but their experience in the world of vintage fashion began long before that. Joannie had worked as a buyer for vintage clothing for over ten years, and Sarah can attest that her sister has always had “an amazing eye.” Sarah also brought her own business management experience after years of working in restaurant hospitality, and when both sisters started families of their own, they decided it might also be the right time to take their passion for vintage clothing to the next level. They started selling select pieces online and on Instagram, but when the enterprise quickly outgrew the garage, they knew they were onto something good that finally needed a home of its own.
Born and bred in Vancouver, Sarah and Joannie knew they wanted Wild Honey Goods to have its office in Lonsdale where their families lived, and where they’d already seen a lot of neighbourhood potential for a business like theirs. At first, they were only looking at office spaces, but when they eventually discovered a large, back-alley space for rent that hadn’t seemed to find the right tenant yet, they were intrigued. With the help of Joannie’s husband’s expertise in custom home building, they turned two smaller rooms into one large one, and opened up some wall space for large windows to let more sunlight in. By October, their literal labour of love gave Wild Honey Goods its unique space, specifically curated for its own discerning taste and needs.
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Sarah and Joannie immediately set to work hosting their first community event last year. They’ve held two since the store’s grand opening, and hope to do many more in the future too. They love inviting other local businesses in The Shipyards District to set up tables in their shop for these events, not only because it always makes for a good time, but also because they feel inspired and proud to operate in a neighbourhood filled with so many independently-owned spots. “It’s a great hood because it’s growing!” Sarah says, as she speaks fondly about fried chicken and handmade donuts from Cream Pony, and their friends at Jackpot Tattoo who usually offer flash tattoos at their community events.
In addition to hosting a community event this Fall, and another around Christmas time too, you can keep in touch with all things Wild Honey on Instagram @wildhoneygoods. We also love their blog for a worthy follow, since they regularly share the love by touting some of their favourite local artisans and fellow businesses. You could certainly say that these ladies stay close to the heart with the work they do; their keen appreciation for finding and extending the life of high quality fashion may only be matched by the loyalty and support they show for the community they love.
Don’t Miss It! During the last week of this month, Wild Honey Goods will be kicking off a blowout sale. Be sure to get there early for the best picking, and happy hunting!
