Owning Copper Alley, Lefa Bowerman
While the Westboro VIllage gift boutique has been open for over three and a half years, Lefa had managed a similar shop in Alberta for many years.
She took her enthusiasm for gifting, curating lifestyle, kitchen and home items, and customer service and translated it to Copper Alley. “I’ve always loved thoughtfully curating products and supporting small businesses, and I wanted to create a shop where people could find unique gifts without feeling overwhelmed. Copper Alley came from the idea of creating a space that feels intentional and approachable.”
Lefa also does admit that the journey hasn’t been without challenges, however “…building something from the ground up and watching it find its place in the neighbourhood has been incredibly meaningful.”
Shop Canadian and Local Gift and Home Items
The shop features a variety of gift and home items, including local Ottawa and Canadian owned and made products, which have always been a part of Copper Alley. The demand has noticeably increased over the years. This Canadian-wide sourcing from across the country is emphasized by Lefa who champions a ‘Canada is local’ approach. Customers are embracing this too.
“I’m always thinking about what’s next for the shop, whether that’s bringing in new products, discovering more small local and Canadian businesses, or refreshing the space so it feels new and interesting. I want Copper Alley to keep evolving while still feeling familiar, somewhere people enjoy coming back to.” Lefa said.
The open space is easy to navigate, making browsing a welcoming, well-paced experience. Every shelf and nook offers items for gift giving, your own home, fashion or beauty products to try while supporting small. Online and in-store, you’ll discover beautiful pieces of jewellery, baby items, food and drink and more. Items are well-made, thoughtfully crafted and are at an accessible price point; this was important to Lefa.
There are many pieces and items Lefa loves, but a highlight in the shop are the rope creations artfully made by Sandra Naufal. These rope bowls, coasters, and more are local to Ottawa too and represent just one of the ways relationships with artists and Copper Alley are built.
Shopping Small in Westboro
Many customers are in the Westboro area, while others are from all across the City, and with the online presence, people can shop from anywhere. Westboro Village remains a significant part of Copper Alley.
“What I love about Westboro is the sense of community it has within a large city. There’s a real neighbourhood feel here, and over time you start to recognize familiar faces and feel part of the area. It’s a place where people like to explore at their own pace, and when they do come in, they’re often excited by what they discover. That connection to the neighbourhood is what makes having the shop here so meaningful.”
The future of the shop focuses on continuing to build brand awareness while growing staff and community presence. Supporting small and finding high quality gift and home items will be integral for the in-store experience.
Lefa’s passion for the retail industry, customer service and curating a shop with a little bit of everything makes it a welcoming place for shoppers. The care and thoughtfulness is on full display on every shelf. This was by design. “What’s surprised me most is how quickly the retail landscape keeps evolving. With a shifting economy, things rarely stay the same for long, and as a small business owner you’re constantly learning, adjusting, and finding new ways to move forward. It’s made me more thoughtful about how I run the shop and more open to change than I ever expected.”
Want to be surprised by the variety of items in Copper Alley or looking for a perfect gift for a loved one or yourself? Make this your next shopping destination.
Connect with Copper Alley
Shop Copper Alley Gift Boutique online, or in store at 117 Richmond Road, Westboro.
