Gastown Glamour

Nicole Sjostedt

It’s only 11:45 a.m., and at One of a Few boutique in Vancouver’s Gastown, there are more than seven people in the store as we try to conduct our interview. Owner Michelle Rizzardo is in complete control and running the show all on her own. Quite literally, she is zipping back and forth, handing clothes to her adoring clients, making suggestions, styling an outfit, and finding out how someone’s day is going as she writes up a few purchases!

“It took six long months to come up with the name for this boutique. My fiancé had suggested it, and as soon as he said it, I was like, ‘Done!’”

Personable and honest is the kind of gal she is, and when you walk into her store, you are made to feel right at home.

“I handwrite everything. I feel it’s less intimidating. I don’t like the ‘I’m up here, your down there’ concept. This makes it more personal.”

A natural at what she does, you would never know that her journey to becoming a shop owner wasn’t always the plan. A sociology graduate from the University of Victoria, Rizzardo originally wanted to become a grief counselor. But after travels in Asia and several years of work experience in the fashion industry, she figured it out.

“I feel like this is finally me.”

Her store is filled with practical, stylish clothes for the shopper who wants something a bit different. With great pieces from Canadian designers like Merida Anderson for PaperBird, Ashley Watson handbags, and Lisbeth jewellery by Sophie Alden, she also has clothes that were sourced from around the world. The price range is $16 to $575, with a demographic just as large.

“It’s like 18 to 80. I’ve got clients who come in here to buy something for their granddaughter, and walk out with something for themselves.”

Offering phenomenal service and fabulous clothes at One of a Few, Rizzardo loves the fact that her store has two doors.

“You automatically get an energy of flow when you walk in here, and don’t feel blocked.”

Energy of flow, or flow of regular customers, One of a Few is definitely one of a few fabulous boutiques in Vancouver!

One of a Few: 354 Water Street, Vancouver (604.605.0685; www.oneofafew.com)