Collected Joy in Kingston Road Village marks 10 years of community and Canadian designs

By ERIN HORROCKS-POPE

Collected Joy, a cherished shop in Kingston Road Village, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year.

Founded and operated by Sharon Smyl, a long-time member of the community, the boutique has become a go-to destination for unique, locally made products. Over the last decade, Collected Joy has offered customers an inviting space to discover beautifully crafted goods while also building meaningful connections within the neighbourhood.

Smyl opened Collected Joy with the intention of creating more than just a store. As a mother, she wanted a place where her children could come after school and where she could be part of the daily rhythms of her neighbourhood. In the 10 years since, Smyl has accomplished this and more.

Her shop is known for showcasing some of the best Canadian designers and makers, offering everything from handmade jewellery and wellness products to candles, home décor, stationery, journals, and much more.

Collected Joy is also where you can find neighbourhood merchandise such as branded tote bags and t-shirts. These items, along with the shop’s carefully curated selection of gifts, make it the perfect place to find something special for yourself or someone you love. Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of jewellery, a cozy blanket, or a thoughtful card for a milestone event, Collected Joy has something for everyone.

Reflecting on the last decade, Smyl shared how much she has enjoyed growing her business in the community she calls home.

“The last 10 years have been so fun; it feels like it went by in the blink of an eye,” she said. “I’ve always loved the neighbourhood, but Collected Joy somehow made me fall in love with it even more by getting to know my community in a new way.”

Not long after opening her shop, Smyl took on a leadership role within the Kingston Road Village business community. She was instrumental in organizing an unofficial Business Improvement Area (BIA) for neighbouring businesses, many of which are also run by women.

This collective effort helped shape Kingston Road Village into a thriving hub over the last 10 years. The businesses work together to create a unique shopping experience for residents and visitors, often hosting events and community fundraisers that further strengthen the ties within the area.

In 2019, after several years of success at her Kingston Road location, Smyl expanded her business by opening a second Collected Joy shop in Mount Pleasant Village. She brought the same sense of community and celebration of Canadian artisans to this new neighbourhood, offering a similar range of locally crafted products. A few years later, Smyl opened her third location in Bloor West Village, continuing to grow her brand while staying true to her original vision.

Despite the success of these new ventures, Smyl holds a special place in her heart for the Kingston Road Village location.

“My original shop will always be my baby,” she said, explaining that it’s where she learned how to be an entrepreneur, found her love for building relationships with customers, and truly became a part of this amazing community.

As Collected Joy celebrates 10 years, Smyl remains deeply connected to her neighbourhood. Her passion for supporting local makers and fostering community shines through in everything she does. She has helped create a space where customers can not only find unique, thoughtful gifts but also feel a sense of belonging.

The anniversary of Collected Joy is more than just a milestone for the shop. It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the joy that comes from supporting local businesses. As Smyl looks forward to the future, she said she will continue to stay committed to her mission of sharing Canadian-made treasures and bringing joy to her customers, one beautifully crafted item at a time.

Collected Joy is located at 1035 Kingston Rd. Shoppers can also browse Collected Joy’s collection online at https://collected-joy.com/