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Bright Side General was founded in March 2022 to be a home for all the various goods made by founder, Laura. Entirely handmade in Hamilton, ON at the Bright Side Studio, the shop offers a curated selection of products from ceramics, fibre art, screen printed apparel and stationary. We hope to spark a little extra brightness in your day!
Meet the Maker
Founder Laura Smith began her entrepreneurial journey with Corktown Soap, a bodycare company which she began in Toronto, ON in 2016. After 6 years of focusing solely on soap and personal care products, she wanted to develop a new vision which incorporated a wider variety of handmade goods and include her passion for ceramic and fiber work. Together with her BFF Daisy the cat (who sometimes helps but mostly tries to eat yarn and step on ceramic plates) she spends her days working to make the cutest goodies for you!
History of Brightside Neighborhood
The once thriving neighborhood of Brightside in the North End of Hamilton was a self-sufficient community populated by many of the workers in the neighboring steel mills and their families. Complete with bakeries, restaurants and the popular Brightside Hotel, the area offered its residents plenty of amenities within walking distance. By the mid 20th century, many of the homes and businesses began to be bought up by the ever expanding Stelco Steel Mill and today there is barely a trace of the well planned community and naturalized waterfront which attracted so many people to the area in its day.
Brightside on the Rise
However - Brightside is back on the rise! With the construction of the new Brightside Park already underway, we are excited for the fresh energy being channeled into the neighborhood. We seek to add our handcrafted goods and passion for supporting local business to the new wave of redevelopment in Brightside.
For more information on the history of the Brightside Neighborhood (and a cool interactive map!) check out the Hamilton Civic Museums page here.
Future’s Looking Bright
With over 6 years working as an entrepreneur and maker, Laura hopes to eventually expand the offerings at Bright Side General to include a directory of small businesses in Southern Ontario. Supporting local makers improves the economy in your community, reduces carbon emissions and supports the dreams of creative workers everywhere!
