Tucked in the heart of Verdun, a neighborhood known for its tight-knit community and vibrant local businesses, Plantaisie’s Christmas Pop-Up wasn’t just another holiday market—it felt like stepping into a gathering of friends. Unlike the large-scale events downtown, this was something personal, familiar, and welcoming, the kind of market that made you want to linger a little longer, chat with the vendors, and soak in the festive atmosphere.
A Neighborhood Gathering at Plantaisie
Plantaisie, a small but charming plant shop in Verdun, set the perfect stage for this event. Warm lights reflected off its lush greenery, and festive touches—Christmas ornaments hanging from plant leaves, subtle holiday decor on the windows—added just enough seasonal cheer.
The event setup was simple yet clever. Five vendors, seated in a circle, formed the heart of the market, while customers moved around the outer ring, weaving between displays of handcrafted goods. It was an effortless flow that made sure every vendor had their moment, and every visitor got to experience each brand up close.
This wasn’t the kind of pop-up where people rushed in and out. Here, there was time to talk, time to browse, time to connect.
The lineup was small but diverse, a true reflection of Verdun’s independent, entrepreneurial spirit:
🌿 Walkley: A local artist selling customized skateboards, each one a unique piece of art.
🌿 TEMACA: Homemade sauces crafted with love and passed-down recipes.
🌿 Poombukar: Indian-inspired natural products.
🌿 Eva Vintage: Delicate knitted jewellery, made with patience and skill.
🌿 Live With Hu: inviting visitors to discover scent in an entirely new way.
Live With Hu’s table was set with its Fundamental Collection and a Christmas Edition scent, each one crafted with natural soy, coconut, and beeswax. The display was elegant yet inviting, offering visitors a chance to not just smell but feel the meaning behind each fragrance.
The warmth of family bonds and love was on a different level in this small popup. During the event, there was a young boy, no older than ten, carefully picked out Christmas presents for his mom. He stopped at every table, choosing a little something from each vendor, making sure no one was left out. From Live With Hu, he picked a tealight discovery set, a small but thoughtful gift that carried with it the warmth of the season.
Unlike larger markets where vendors barely have a chance to look up, let alone talk to each other, this event was different. When there were no customers, the vendors sat together, shared stories, and talked about the realities of running a small business. Conversations drifted from how they got started, to the challenge of balancing work and life, to the little victories and struggles that only fellow entrepreneurs truly understand.
There was something comforting about this exchange—like a reminder that even in the competitive world of business, there’s always room for support, collaboration, and real human connection.
Reflections
For Live With Hu, this event raised an interesting question: how does a brand with a premium, high-end aesthetic fit into the grassroots energy of a pop-up market?
At Plantaisie, the reception was overwhelmingly positive—people were drawn in by the design, the scents, and the story behind the brand. Yet, as with previous markets, there was a noticeable pattern: many visitors engaged deeply, expressed admiration for the concept, but left without purchasing. Was it the price point? The nature of pop-ups? The expectation of more casual, impulse-friendly purchases? Comment your thoughts!
Despite this, Live With Hu closed the day with sales that matched those of the much larger WOW Pop-Up, proving that a small, intimate setting can be just as impactful as a large-scale event.
By the time the day ended, the shop had quieted, and the last few visitors had made their way out into the December chill, there was a shared warm feeling among everyone - It wasn’t just about selling products; it was about creating moments, about sharing a space that felt like home, about being part of something bigger than just one business.
Verdun has always been a neighbourhood that champions local businesses, but this event was proof that it’s not just about supporting small brands—it’s about building a community. And for anyone who walked through the doors of Plantaisie that day, that feeling was impossible to miss.