Kensington Market Finds
Visiting Kensington Market in Toronto, Ontario
Photos by MJ Viray | Cover Photo: 6x8 Market / Instagram: @6x8market
Holidays might be over, but treating yourself is an endless season.
Fighting the weather was worth it after I came across a retail store in Kensington Market situated at 184 Baldwin St., Toronto, Ontario. The cold and rainy season didn’t stop me from exploring good finds around the area. My initial plan was to stroll around the market and hop by different local shops, but I ended up sticking to a specific retail store, which was the 6x8 Market.
6x8 Market / Instagram: @6x8market
6x8 is a retail store located in the heart of Kensington Market. They feature over 70 local artists, makers, and entrepreneurs, which sell a wide selection of goods, such as home supplies, beauty accessories, home decors, artworks, clothes, and delicacies. The shop’s main goal is to help promote small local brands, artists, and entrepreneurs where they can showcase their products, reach more customers, as well as grow their businesses.
As soon as I stepped inside the store, the first thing that caught my eyes was the accessory section. I was surprised by the amount of local jewelry they feature. Apart from that, the designs are chic and affordable, so it’s okay to feel tempted!
Shop: Milou / Instagram: @shop.milou
My first stop for the jewelry section was Milou. Milou showcases accessories that are best to pair with everyday outfits. The shop has chic and minimalist designs with a wide selection of vibrant and neutral colors. It’s not hard to choose your pick because they offer various kinds of jewelry. Aside from what they feature in their stores, Milou can also customize accessories according to the customer’s preference.
Shop: Laura Louise Crystals / Instagram: @lauralouisecrystals
If you want to incorporate a majestic feel in your final look, maybe the next one that we’ll feature is the perfect go-to jewelry store for you. Laura Louise Crystals specialize in luxury Bohemian-style jewelry, which also provides customized designs that are suitable as gifts. I personally like crystals, so these pieces caught my attention. Wearing them would make you feel like you have some sort of supernatural power! Isn’t that cool?
Shop: Thredded Again / Instagram: @threddedagain
Thredded Again surely reminds me of my high school days when I saw their featured designs. It has a similar vibe as Milou’s, but their concept is more on the youthful side. I admired how creative and playful the creators were as they combined the pieces in every accessory. It makes me want to learn how to make one myself. If ever they open a workshop for jewelry making, I will surely sign up!
Shop: Wilderkins / Instagram: @wilderkins.creations
If you’re both a lover of jewelry and plants, you should know that Wilderkins exists! Wilderkins is known for its locally wildcrafted jewelry. Every piece is carefully curated and well-thought-of, which is why it’s one of a kind. They feature various wildcraft, such as Fenugreek blossoms, Meadow Rue flowers, Elderberry branches, and the list goes on. I was so fascinated as I scanned through their featured pieces of jewelry!
Shop: Let There Be Clay / Instagram: @let.there.be.clay
Let There Be Clay marked their words when they stated that every piece of their jewelry is handmade with love. Just by looking at this photo, it’s evident that they took their time in ensuring that their pieces are fashionable, unique, and well-thought of. It’s hard to resist purchasing all of them ‘cause they are all so cute and chic! Their jewelry has the same vibe as Milou’s, but the difference is, their shop chose to focus on the details while Milou’s concept is more on the minimalistic side. It’s so fun seeing these jewelry makers playing with their artistic minds!
Shop: Skull Studio
Aside from the local jewelry makers, clothes are also featured in 6x8 Market, and Skull Studio is one of those local clothing brands. This shop focuses on selling artsy shirts, bandanas, tote bags, posters, and paintings featuring their trademark, which is the skull. I personally admire the concept of this shop as it’s very artsy, consistent, and straightforward. My favorite item from Skull Studio is their tote bags! Tote bags are pretty common nowadays, but I think the shop’s design will make it look unique in the eyes of people.
Shop: Arts Speak by Sarah Yeung / Instagram: @arts_speak
Shopping in retail stores won’t be as satisfying without the presence of beautiful artworks. From illustrations to art prints, to personalized frames, postcards, photographs, and paintings, 6x8 Market ensures that local artists will have the opportunity to flaunt their creative minds. I am personally drawn by Sarah Yeung’s “Garden Party” oil painting, so I didn’t hesitate to capture it!
Shop: The Plastery / Instagram: @theplastery
To all our plant lovers out there, it’s your time to shine! We are all aware that it’s never an easy job to ensure that our plants are getting the best treatment, or at the very least, being taken care of. That is why we try our best to spoil them as much as possible. Appearance is just one of the ways in recognizing the beauty of our plants. Thanks to The Plastery, we can make them look aesthetic! Their shop also features plant pots and holders that you might find useful. At first, I thought they were plates because they’re so pretty! If you’re a plant owner, I suggest checking them out because the items are fabulous and made out of high-quality material. NGL, I even considered purchasing them although I don’t own a plant (which is sad, I know).
Shop: Cool Straw / Instagram: @coolstraw2019
With the mission of getting zero-waste products into as many households as possible, Cool Straw is indeed a big supporter of the sustainability and green movement. Their shop specializes in producing items for a sustainable home, which include kitchen, laundry, dental care, face, and body essentials that are mainly made of bamboo. It’s never too late to start taking initiative, so it’s good to know that shops like Cool Straw do exist!
Shop: Asukal Desserts / Instagram: @asukal_to
Oh, you thought our adventure was over? Of course not! We cannot miss Asukal’s featured delicacies! Before leaving the store, we ended up bringing two boxes of Filipino desserts with us. The best part in this section? They have a free taste! My friend and I decided to get one of each mini-custard cake in Buko Pandan, Mocha, and Vanilla flavor! We were supposed to get the Ube one, but they were sold out, which means, this pop-up dessert is 100% recommended!
Overall, my shopping experience at 6x8 was worthwhile. It’s good to discover new local brands and talented artists promoting their crafts, skills, and movements. If ever you pass by the Kensington area or are looking for a local retail store around Toronto, I surely recommend visiting them. With 70+ local brands and entrepreneurs with their own unique tastes and aesthetics, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy your adventure inside their store!
She's a woman of full passion, especially when it comes to creating and making art. Whether it be about writing, photography, videography, music, or content creation, she's always on it. Her eagerness to express herself through art is limitless.
Instagram: @__kibbeumi
