Joelle Cooling has fostered a collective spirit from the day she opened the doors to her successful downtown Burlington fashion boutique, Joelle’s. A deep-rooted connection to giving back, whether through volunteering, fundraising, charity work, or mentorship, was ingrained in her early. At age nine, Cooling got her first taste of hard work at her best friend’s family greenhouse, as helping out was the only way to hang out. That experience would help define her career as an entrepreneur.

A New Chapter

Cooling recently retired from ownership of Joelle’s after 28 years. Her legacy will continue through three local businesses, each playing a role in reimagining the retail scene. This unique transition, happening at a challenging time for independent retailers, is a refreshing evolution for Burlington’s downtown core. It includes the launch of Joelle’s By Ally on John Street; the expansion into Joelle’s former Brant Street location of Jeff’s Guyshop, run by her husband Jeff with their son Jackson joining the team; and the arrival of ROAM, owned by Alex Brooker and Erica Gower, both former Joelle’s employees, in the previous Jeff’s Guyshop space.

“You’ll still see me working at Joelle’s by Ally on occasion or over at the men’s store,” Cooling says. “The relationship with my customers is so valued and never forgotten.” 

The evolution of retail

Cooling is transparent about her reason for retiring: burnout. After navigating the pandemic, keeping pace with the constantly changing digital world, and feeling physically exhausted, she wants others to know they’re not alone if they’re feeling overwhelmed. “I’m giving myself a break so I can be the best me again,” says Cooling. “My focus is wellness, and wellness for me includes the business.”

A series of serendipitous events led to ensuring the right person would carry on her business. This person turned out to be Ally Reed. “Her dad shopped at our store and always spoke so highly of his daughter,” she explains. “Ally had always dreamed of opening her own business, and I agreed to mentor her for a year and then continue the discussion about ownership.”

Soon after the doors closed at the original Joelle’s location, Joelle’s By Ally opened on February 10, 2025. “Moving to a new space gave us the opportunity to reimagine the already successful brand,” shares Reed, new owner of the boutique. “It was important to me to design a space that still felt authentic to the old store but with my twist on it.”

After a complete renovation, Jeff’s Guyshop reopened on March 1, offering a revitalized shopping experience in a bigger space. “We have created a hub downtown with the three businesses,” says Jackson Cooling. “All of the stores are on the same block and have the same familiar faces our customers have grown to love over the years.” 

As the new shop on the block, ROAM also opened on March 1. “We get to build our following and continue to help customers we’ve known for the many years we worked at Joelle’s,” adds Gower. “We’re excited to put our spin on a new boutique experience and style sense.” 

Tailoring the future

Beyond business planning and logistics, the transition underscores something even more important – having someone who believes in you. “Joelle has mentored me about the importance of our customers and providing exceptional service,” says Reed. “Her dedication to the community and her passion for business gave me the confidence to continue Joelle’s business forward.”

“Joelle’s unwavering support helped get us here. We grew our friendship as her employees, and she remained our mentor and role model,” explains Brooker. “She encouraged us along the way and offered us the space to expand our permanent footprint in downtown Burlington.”

Jackson Cooling echoes the sentiment. “I’m looking forward to continuing the legacy of the business my parents started,” he says, “but also adding my personal touch on things to welcome the next generation of shoppers.” 

Part of the joy of the holiday season is finding a gift for your loved one that reflects their personality and style. In a time of cookie cutter goods, it is heartening to know that there are local jewellery artisans who work with clients to custom design jewellery that will be cherished for a lifetime. Let’s explore gift ideas from three local businesses. 

Laura Tedesco Jewellery

Jewellery design is truly a family affair at Laura Tedesco Jewellery in Hamilton. Tedesco grew up observing her father, Dino Tedesco, busy at his craft in the family jewellery business, Venetian Jewellers. Carrying on the tradition of designing jewellery for the past 19 years, she is joined by her husband, John Eleftheriou, a CAD designer, and Dino, who consults and helps out. 

Using gold, platinum and precious and semi-precious gemstones, Tedesco designs and produces one-of-a-kind fine jewellery – including engagement rings – and enjoys restyling heirloom pieces to give them a second life. 

One of her designs, a 14k two-tone ring featuring a 5.55 ct. cushion cut blue-green natural sapphire, won the Canadian Jeweller of Excellence Award in the Coloured Gemstone Category in 2018. The ring features natural untreated pink, orange, red and yellow coloured sapphire and 64 pavé set round brilliant diamonds. 

For the holidays Tedesco is excited to help clients design a personalized piece for a loved one. “Tell us your gift ideas or let us help guide you in order to make a memorable gift for under the tree!” she says. “Within our Locke Street Studio is a beautifully and meticulously curated retail section, which we maintain and stock with the latest trends and ready-to-wear items.”

Holiday season hits: Tedesco recommends bold gold, mixing metals (both yellow and white gold), diamond tennis necklaces, and mixed matched shaped diamonds.

The Diamond Boutique

Also keeping creativity in the family are sisters Julia and Sandra Karan, who operate The Diamond Boutique in Stoney Creek. Specializing in custom engagement rings and jewellery design, the boutique works with gold, sterling silver, stainless steel, bridal and special occasion jewellery, gemstones, and of course, diamonds!

Working with clients to create pieces that capture their unique vision brings the sisters happiness and pride. “Every piece of jewellery starts with an idea, a thought or a creative vision,” Julia says. “We love everything from the big projects, like engagement rings, to seeing someone light up because they just found that perfect ring or bracelet! That’s what jewellery is all about – telling a story, adding to your personal style, and giving added beauty that gives you confidence.”

Holiday season hits: Karan recommends gold stacking rings, diamond earrings (huggies and studs), sterling silver, and sterling silver and gold bracelets.   

Avalon Fine Jewellery 

Blending vintage and modern, Avalon Fine Jewellery has been in business in downtown Oakville for the past 36 years. The shop specializes in custom jewellery design, as well as repair and refurbishment of vintage and newer pieces. 

According to Avalon Owner Lucy Paunkoff, the full-service fine jewellery store offers estate jewellery (both vintage and more modern designs), as well as artisan jewellery created by Canadian and    American artists. One of the unique services at Avalon is to take clients’ heirloom jewellery pieces and remake them into a new creation they will want to wear for years to come, and not just on rare occasions.

“We made four beautiful pendants for our clients’ granddaughters from an art deco watch bracelet that was set with diamonds in platinum,” Paunkoff says. “The watch being overly formal provided the foundation for the pendants that can now be worn daily.”

Holiday season hits: Paunkoff reports that pearls, necklaces, bracelets and earrings are in, and so are gold hoops of every shape and size, particularly the full-bodied ones. Also popular are vintage treasures from Avalon’s estate collection.

With amazing jewellery artisans in our midst and stores that sell such lovely items, it’s now up to you to shop around for that perfect gift!  

Local Links

BURLINGTON

Art Gallery Burlington
agb.life/shop/category/jewellery

Classic Jewellery
classicjewellery.ca

Modern Love Jewellery
modernlovejewellery.com

DUNDAS

HV Creative Jewellery
hvcreativejewellery.com

WATERDOWN

Lebe Jewellers
lebejewellers.ca

HAMILTON

Laura Tedesco Jewellery Design
lauratedesco.com

The Diamond Boutique
thediamondboutique.ca

OAKVILLE

Bluboho
bluboho.com

Avalon Fine Jewellery
avalonfinejewellery.com

Oakville Jewellery
oakvillejewellery.ca

We’ve all heard the twin man-tras “Shop Local” and  “Support Local.” Many of us support these goals, but are they realistic when it comes to our fashion buying decisions?

When I was attending U of T in the 80’s sourcing Canadian made fashion was easy, although I didn’t have the budget to buy as much as I would have liked! I enjoyed window shopping in Yorkville and strolling into Holt Renfrew to see designs by Leo Chevalier, Pat McDonagh, Simon Chang and Alfred Sung.

Much has changed in the realm of Canadian manufacturing, due to events such as the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994, and the introduction of “fast fashion” in early 2005 when import quotas on fashion were lifted. All the more reason to support entrepreneurs who remain committed to offering home-grown fashions.

Linea Intima
196 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | lineaintima.ca

Canadian-made products at Linea Intima include elegant sleepwear of 100% silk and French lace, designed by Christine Morton and manufactured in Vancouver, and haute couture SHAN swimwear made in Montreal.

According to Linea Intima’s President, Karen Capocci, customers are pleasantly surprised to know that such beautiful apparel is made in Canada. Supporting local independent retailers often comes with a higher price tag, but quality sells.

“Customers today are more and more conscious about what they buy due to the economics of current times,” Capocci says, “so they are looking for items that they know will last the test of time.”

Jus B’ Gauze
4019 New St, Burlington | jusbgauze.com

This women’s clothing store in Burlington proudly carries Canadian labels such as Frank Lyman, Compli K, and Sympli — because customers are willing to pay for superior quality and style.

Sales associate Carol McKellar tells of a recent fall display of Frank Lyman clothing in the store’s window that virtually flew off the rack. “We’re already down to just one piece,” she says. “Ladies who know their fashions love that brand… and we all feel better when we can buy anything Canadian-made, whether it’s groceries, clothing, anything else.”

RevolutionHER Inc.
900 Maple Ave, Unit A11A, Burlington
125 Lakeshore Rd. E, Oakville
revolutionher.com

A passion for women, which includes supporting women owned brands, is central to the work of RevolutionHER. One of their initiatives is a 3,000 square foot retail space, the RevolutionHER store, whose flagship location is in Burlington’s Mapleview Mall. The store features 100 women-owned brands, including Smash & Tess and Dotty, which are also available in their new downtown Oakville Location.

Founder and CEO Maria Locker reports seeing a rising trend in women-led clothing design and manufacturing businesses in Canada, and says customers regularly seek home-grown fashions.

“From my experience,” she says, “women-led clothing brands place a more prominent focus on how their products look and feel for their customers, while also being mindful of their impact on the environment and avoiding fast-fashion pitfalls.”

On your next fashion spree, be sure to ask for clothes that are made in Canada. You’ll up your style game and learn what quality feels like, all while supporting the artistic innovators who are the backbone of Canada’s fashion industry.

By Cyndi Ingle