As a teenager, Lily Ellis watched her mom refinish other people's "trash," as she puts it, and restore items to their former glory to decorate the family home. While she didn't appreciate the repurposed garage sale treasures growing up, she embraced the notion when setting up her own home, realizing their value and ultimately her own passion.
Lily cringes at the thought of people walking into someone's house that looks exactly like their own. "When I first got married, everyone went to Ikea or Restoration Hardware, and while there's a time and place for big box items, I think a mix with antique pieces adds personality to a space. Quality made goods that stand the test of time never go out of style, and vintage pieces are not only affordable – they're also the ultimate way to recycle."
Lily started out by organizing vintage and handmade markets, and sold vintage goods in an Etsy online store. In her hometown of Abbotsford, she met vendors Elisa Robertson, Jessica MacDonald and Monica Klein, who later become her business partners. In 2015, the quartet opened The Market by Spruce Collective, across the street from their sister store, Spruce Collective.
"Our markets happened at a bit of a turning point in local business," says Lily. "People seemed tired of cookie-cutter decor from big box stores and were more eager than ever to add personality to their homes with vintage treasures and unique goods. This cultural shift was essential in the initial and continued success of both of our stores."
