With the U.S. national election looming, Canadian business owners are getting vocal about their concerns of the tattered state of their business relationships with the U.S. Lindsay Smith and Kaitlynn Strain have been at the forefront of this movement. They are the very proud co-founders of Lola Blooms, a colourful little florist shop in Mississauga, Ontario. The sisters-in-law are passionate about sharing the story behind each local product. They are making great progress in trying to make us less dependent on American suppliers.
An early workday for the team at Lola Blooms begins with the unpacking of an open order of freshly delivered flowers. This delivery almost always features a colorful medley of dahlias, hydrangeas, carnations, roses and other seasonal favorites. Smith and Strain are putting more emphasis on how they’re sourcing these flowers. In parallel, they are making major shifts in their business tactics due to changing global politics.
In the past, Lola Blooms had flowers shipped all over the U.S. to create their arrangements. Since then, Smith and Strain have been prowling for substitutes to American flowers. They are inspired by the new global context and their own need to protect Canadian industry. Even with the shift, many vases and hardware still originate in the U.S., which shows that the process continues.
We’re just trying to procure Canadian as much as we can,” Smith said, reiterating their focus on local sourcing. This effort to promote Canadian products doesn’t stop with the wonderful flowers – indeed, it’s their entire business philosophy!
That sense of outrage at the ugly state of affairs now pervading the Trump administration is evident, too, among the owners themselves. It’s immanency would be like losing your best friend, ” Strain lamented, comparing the change in U.S.-Canada relations to a death. They believe they are being disrespected and mistreated. Smith insists on the bullying tone she sees coming from U.S. leadership.
They are not alone in their feelings. Not just other business owners but Canadians from coast to coast have expressed similar sentiment. “The biggest thing in Canada is we have friends all over the world. How many friends does America have right now?” asked local resident Hamilton, highlighting a growing concern about international alliances.
Terry Strain and Matthew Smith argue that Canada should be one and whole in its vision for engaging with the world. “We just need a strong leader who won’t stand for bullying,” Smith asserted. Their resolve is more than the preservation of flowers, it’s a louder call for Canadians to show their unity and strength.
Despite these challenges, Lola Blooms is alive and growing! The shop has since turned into a hub for those who want to help support small businesses through these extremely weird times. Consumer expectations are changing, and the duo’s commitment to focusing on Canadian products is something other businesses should aspire to.
