Lara Saliba
Google
I love a lot of stores in the Riverdale and Leslieville neighbourhoods, but Brika is one of the crown jewels in my personal opinion. I find it hard to describe the place, as the first time I found it I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere. It felt like setting foot in a magical, whimsical, ethereal world filled with natural light and pastel colours. The space itself facilitates this through its thoughtful design, layout, and consistent aesthetic. Their products encompass a vast selection of hand-made high-quality crafted artisan goods by small independent local companies. To name a few categories, they boast a wide array of home decor, books, ceramics, bath and body products, furniture, paper items, jewellery, children's things, art, prints, accessories, and even an individually curated monthly subscription box! It would be impossible for me to list specific items as there is an endless list I saw that were lovely, stunningly beautiful and unique items. Everything you buy here will contribute to a peaceful, otherworldly, cozy home. In addition to this, they deliver all of this to you in a fresh, modern, somewhat minimalist, cleanly designed shop washed in natural light that draws you in, is easy to navigate, and somehow manages to be spacious despite the amount of incredible products available to you. Only a photo could describe the beauty of the space - few shops achieve such an effective, impactful aesthetic. It felt like stepping into a fantastical, sophisticated version of the My Little Pony or Polly Pocket world. What they've created here evokes a disarming combination of nostalgia and fantasy for me. I can't wait to return to shop here, there's so much I would love to buy!