giggle n' bloom

last sunday, i was lucky enough to join a majority of my family on a day trip to the sunshine coast. the purpose of the trip - supporting my extraordinary cousin, chelsea, and attending the grand opening of her maternity & children's boutique, giggle n' bloom.  pictures do not do the store justice.  it is beautifully set up, and the array of products is incredible.  chelsea is a great advocate of promoting environmentally-friendly toys and childcare products, and she also supports other local businesses from the sunshine coast and elsewhere in british columbia.  


a little background as to why this store opening was extra special...


chelsea minatsis, my uncle's daughter, has always been one of my many role models.  growing up, she was someone i admired for her maturity, kindness, and infectious laugh.  so when chelsea began dating the tall, dark, and handsome elias minatsis, and eventually married him, i, of course, was a big fan from day one.  he was shy, but embraced our family with open arms, and if you were ever lucky enough to be in the same room with the two of them, you would bear witness to what love truly looks like.  there was a point sometime after the wedding when i was determined to become a chef.  elias had been working as a chef for several years and i used him as my go-to guy for advice & inspiration.  he recognized my frustration with the culinary industry, and worked hard to keep my spirits up as i took on a co-op at a restaurant he worked at.  


elias passed away last year of brain cancer.  a man that was a fixture in the town of gibsons, father to two beautiful girls, and husband to one incredible woman, was gone.  his death shook me to the core.  it was confusing to lose someone so wonderful at such a young age.  it was easy not to see it at some sort of cruel joke.  but enough about me.  i write this to honour my cousin chelsea, for the strength she has summoned to survive her first year without the love of her life, quit her job in the insurance sector, and single-handedly open up a store filled with love and happiness, dedicated to children, education, and eco-friendly fun.  there are no words to describe how proud elias would be.  chelsea is someone i continue to look up to, and recently, she has given me newfound strength to continue living my life to the fullest, while appreciating the beauty in my surroundings. 

photo courtesy of elias' caring bridge page 

please take some time to check out the website for giggle n' bloom, and keep the store in mind when you need that special gift for a baby shower, children's birthday, or for a special someone who is expecting. 

proud moment - ribbon cutting with the grandmas

love these dresses - made from vintage pillowcases!