Meet she. boutique
Oakville’s Chrissie Iacobelli was working in the corporate world for 23 years before the diagnosis of a rare liver disease forced her to leave her job and prompted her to engage in some self-reflection and discovery.
“It [the diagnosis] was my saving grace really and it’s when my wellness journey began more than seven years ago,” said Iacobelli. “I realized early on in my journey that I needed to prescribe my own wellness plan. I needed to start focusing on me, what my body was saying and how it was responding when I started listening.”
Deciding to step away from the corporate world and prioritize her quality of life, Iacobelli’s pivotal moment occurred while she was traveling with her sister, exploring small boutiques and discovering new products to incorporate in her lifestyle.
“Two summers ago was when I started to feel the nudge,” said Iacobelli. “A little voice in my head kept saying you should open a boutique or even just a pop-up market. I was discovering that many of these boutiques had products I was already using at home and that’s when the creative juices started flowing.”
Not long afterwards, she. boutique came to be.
The online boutique is specially curated with Canadian-made products that nurture and promote self-care, each one tried and tested by Iacobelli.
What inspired the name ‘she. boutique’?
she. is about unleashing, connecting, and rising to the divine feminine energy and the innate wisdom within; to tell the truth with a voice that is truthful and strong. she’s me and she’s YOU.
How do you source your products?
Every single one of the products at she. are tried, tested and true by me. It’s a collection that I’ve curated and is a personal referral from me. The brands I’ve chosen to partner with are from small Canadian businesses and have a story I can relate to. It’s all about the journey and finding moments, the time throughout the day where these products individually and collectively create self care rituals. Living a harmonious lifestyle is my mission and I believe my products help achieve that even in the smallest of ways.
What are five of your go-to products (from she. boutique) that you regularly incorporate in your own lifestyle?
I am a huge fan of Province Apothecary skincare whose ingredients come from the different provinces across Canada. I use the Moisturizing Oil, the Rejuvenation Serum, the Radiant Bath and Body Oil and the Cupping every day. My morning ritual also includes Lovefresh Eucalyptus Body Wash and the Só Luxury scrubs. I am always wearing an intention setting bracelet and will light one of the many candles that you can find in the boutique. It’s hard to narrow it down to just five products because I literally use them all and am in love with everything! I crave the rituals they bring.
What is your favourite thing about being a small business owner/entrepreneur?
Well this is all new territory for me. I love being able to make my own decisions and to sit on them with no pressure. I love that I am able to tap into my creative flow and watch my own personality shine through. It’s an amazing place to be and it brings me so much joy. But equally, the biggest reward has been discovering these female founded businesses. I became even more proud to be a female Canadian amongst this group of women and am honoured that I am able to be on this journey with them.
What made you decide to open your shop in Oakville?
I have been an Oakville resident for 23 years having raised two children who are now young adults. Oakville is my home. When I launched she. I didn’t anticipate the connections I’d make within the community. Community is everything and it became more resourceful and impactful during the pandemic. I discovered an amazing collaboration and supportive community that brings a whole other level of connection to my products and business.