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The Stories Behind Our Products: A Holiday Edition

The Stories Behind Our Products: A Holiday Edition
Surprising someone has always been difficult for me.

As a kid (and even now as an adult), I struggled with keeping gifts a secret until a birthday or other special occasion. The excitement of giving something I knew would bring joy was overwhelming, and I often found myself giving the gift early—sometimes way too early—leaving nothing for the actual day.

For me, it’s not about failing to keep a secret; it’s about sharing my excitement with others. This same excitement fuels my passion for the brands and products we carry at Greenbriar Market + Refillery. Each item in our store has a unique story, whether it’s about how it’s made, where it’s made, who made it, or how it can enhance your life. These are the stories I love to share with our customers.

With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the stories behind our products. Last year, we introduced our Greenbriar Collection Bamboo Reed Diffusers, and they quickly became a customer favorite. Each diffuser features 100 mL of designer fragrance, five bamboo reeds, and comes in a stunning cobalt glass bottle with an engraved ChopValue YYC hang tag. The tag has our Greenbriar G logo on one side and the scent name on the other. These diffusers are crafted with the same phthalate-free premium fragrance oils you’ve come to know and love, all made right here in Calgary.

This year, as we head into the holiday season, I’m reminded of why I was so excited to launch these diffusers in the first place. They’re not just a product on our shelves—they’re a piece of what makes Greenbriar special. They’re a testament to the care, craftsmanship, and local talent that goes into everything we offer.

If you’re someone who prefers to browse quietly without engaging with our team, it makes me a little sad—not because I want you to buy everything (though I wouldn’t complain!), but because you might miss out on what makes our store truly special. Every product we carry is carefully selected, and the effort behind it is something worth sharing.

For instance, did you know that the earrings we stock are 3D printed from liquid resin in Kelowna and hand-painted? Or that our wood charcuterie boards are crafted from recycled chopsticks collected from Calgary restaurants by Joanne and her team of red-seal woodworkers, right here in the city?

And our beeswax food wraps? They’re made just a community away by Marie-Hélène, who uses beeswax from her own backyard bees. Or that the holiday cards we carry are designed by local artists like Anita in Calgary and Spencer in Banff?

Then there are the Turkish towels—so soft and absorbent despite being ultra-thin and lightweight—brought to us by Sumru from Calgary’s own Mint + Grey.

These stories are why I love what I do, and why I’m so excited to share these products with you, especially as the holiday season approaches. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or a little something special for yourself, I hope you’ll stop by and let us share the stories behind the products you’re taking home.

This blog isn’t just about products; it’s about sharing the joy and excitement that comes with discovering something special—something local, sustainable, and made with care. So, the next time you visit us at Greenbriar, don’t hesitate to ask about the stories behind the items on our shelves. We're more than happy to share!