In exactly one month, I’ll be back in Toronto for the One of a Kind Show.

But this time is different.

This will be my last big craft show.

Not because I don’t love them.
Not because they didn’t play an important role in my journey.

But because sometimes growth asks us to listen more closely to ourselves — and choose a path that truly supports who we are becoming.

Let me explain.

The Beginning: 2021 and the Return of the World

I first did the One of a Kind show in Toronto in 2021, when the world was slowly reopening after COVID.

The energy was unforgettable.

People were excited to be out again, excited to discover handmade work, excited to connect. The first five days were incredible. I met so many people who were genuinely interested in my craft, and the sales were… honestly mind-blowing.

In such a short amount of time, I sold more than I had ever imagined.

Until that point, my business model looked very different. Most of my sales came through boutiques and consignment, with only a small portion coming from my website.

So experiencing the power of craft shows felt like discovering a whole new world.

And I jumped in.

The Expansion Years

From that moment on, I started exploring more and more shows.

I did the Salon des métiers d’art in Québec, returned to Toronto, expanded into the United States, and tried many different markets and fairs. By 2023, I was doing around 15 shows a year, plus smaller markets and even a month-long pop-up.

My brand was growing. My exposure was growing. The opportunities kept appearing.

And I kept saying yes.

At the time, it felt like the right thing to do. After the uncertainty of COVID, I wanted to make sure my business would never feel financially stuck again.

Shows felt like security.

The Signals I Didn’t Want to See

But something else was happening at the same time.

My body was trying to tell me something.

And I wasn’t listening.

Every time I went to Toronto, something strange happened. The moment I arrived, my allergies would explode. By the time I finished setting up my booth, my nose was completely blocked and I could barely breathe.

Imagine trying to greet clients and talk about your work while your body feels like it’s rebelling against the air itself.

Then other things started happening.

At two shows out west in 2023, my stomach completely shut down. I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say… it was not glamorous.

In 2024, I started being more careful about what I ate and how I prepared for shows, but my body still struggled.

And then came last year.

The Year My Body Said “Enough”

2025 began with burnout. Because of that, I cut my show schedule in half.

But even with fewer events, it ended up being the hardest year physically.

At the spring One of a Kind show: allergies again.

In May, I traveled to Chicago for a show only two weeks after my father passed away. Looking back, I can see how much I was pushing myself just to keep going.

In September, during another show in Chicago, I got a lymphatic drainage massage to help my body prior to the show. Instead, my system went into complete overdrive. I was a zombie in my booth — exhausted, inflamed, barely present.

And then November happened.

I thought I had figured things out. I started preparing weeks in advance for my allergies so I could finally breathe during the Toronto show.

The first few days were okay. I even remember thinking, Wow, this is amazing. I can actually breathe.

Then Sunday night came....

By Monday morning I was extremely sick with an upset stomach. I had to open my booth less than an hour later. I didn’t eat much that day because I was afraid of getting sick again, but of course that meant I had no energy at all.

For two days I pushed through like that and even change city on wednesday to set up another booth in Chicago and start another show all over again.

When I finally returned home, it took me weeks to recover.

I couldn’t work. I couldn’t move forward with my collection. I felt completely frozen.

The Moment of Realization

That’s when it finally clicked.

These shows that were supposed to help my business… were actually hurting me.

If I’m constantly sick while I’m there, I’m not even able to show up as my full self.

And if the recovery afterwards stops me from creating for weeks, the cost becomes much bigger than the booth fee.

These shows are also incredibly demanding: long hours, physical work, travel, and increasing expenses. As a small independent designer without a big team, being present in my booth is almost essential.

But being present is exactly what my body can’t handle anymore.

So I asked myself a difficult question:

What if success isn’t about pushing through — but about listening?

Choosing Alignment

Last year was a turning point for me.

It forced me to rethink how I run my business and what kind of rhythm actually supports my body, my creativity, and my life.

Craft shows were an important chapter. They helped my brand grow, they introduced me to incredible clients, and they allowed me to connect with so many talented makers.

But chapters evolve.

And right now, I feel called to create space for something new — something that allows me to work in a way that feels sustainable, creative, and aligned with who I am.

One Last Show

So this April, I’ll be returning to the One of a Kind Show in Toronto one last time.

If you’ve ever wanted to see my work in person, try pieces on, or simply come say hello — I would love to see you there.

Not as a goodbye forever.

But as a celebration of everything these shows have brought into my life.

And also as the beginning of a new chapter for me.

If you’re in Toronto between April 9 and April 12, come visit me at my booth.

Let’s celebrate this moment together.

Here is all the information to visit !!!