Parkside

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What inspired you to start your business?

In 2018 I started to toss around the idea of opening my own business. Up until then I had been working in the design industry (furniture, textiles and graphic design) while also maintaining an artistic practice in textiles. I felt ready for a change and decided that I wanted to create a business that would combine my experiences in design with something I’m passionate about. Puzzles have been a hobby of mine for as long as I can remember, so I started doing some research into what it would take to launch my own line of puzzles. Back then, there weren’t many smaller indie puzzle brands, it was mainly just large publishers so I really had to get creative and find my own way. It was a bit nerve racking, but after receiving a small business loan from Futurpreneur, I decided to go for it.

How do you describe your brand?

My business is based on some key values. We create design forward puzzles, of the highest quality and in the most environmentally sustainable way possible. My extensive background in design is really the cornerstone of the business as it is reflected in our puzzle designs, packaging and website. We then support good design by focusing on quality and sustainability. This year we are making the exciting move to production in the Netherlands which comes with even higher environmental standards than before (100% FSC materials, all glues and inks are environmentally friendly and from natural origins). I think focusing on these key values really sets us apart.

What’s your bestselling product & why do you think they’re so popular?

That is a tough question because the answer is always changing. It seems that our best selling puzzles are typically our newest puzzles. I can say that our best selling puzzle from last year was Sardines with Cherry Tomatoes by Belgian painter Kristof Santy. I am a big fan of Kristof’s work and this particular painting makes for a really fun puzzle to assemble!

I think people are drawn to this puzzle for a few reasons. First off, it’s very bright and eye-catching. I also think that anything sardine related is a bit popular at the moment. However the real success of Sardines with Cherry Tomatoes is how fun it is to assemble! With any puzzle design, there is a fine balance between too easy and too difficult and I think this puzzle strikes the perfect balance.

What’s your favourite product from your own shop?

One of my favourite puzzles that we have ever released is Evening Kingdom by Japanese illustrator Sanae Sugimoto. It is also one of the more challenging puzzles that we offer as it is comprised of just red and black ink on an off-white background. I personally love a challenging puzzle, but what really draws me in with Evening Kingdom is the overall mood / theme of the illustration. Sanae is a master of creating a real sense of mystery and wonder with a very limited palette.

What’s your favourite local Ontario business?

Dundas, ON based Barrel Heart Brewing is incredible!