Muse no. 3: Cathy Frith, Founder of Mason Jar

Meet Cathy Frith, founder of Mason Jar Home Decor + Gift Shop, a shop based in White Rock, British Columbia that curates a collection of uniquely beautiful home décor, clothing, jewelry, and gifts. The shop has a focus on supporting local and is the heart of the community in White Rock.

With a keen eye for buying and merchandising, Cathy brings her chic yet approachable style to women of all ages while championing home-grown brands and products. She also confirms that “there is no age restriction on following your dreams,” and is keen to foster more encouragement between small businesses, especially women-owned. Keep reading to learn more about Cathy!

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your story? 

I am a wife, a mother and a grandmother (nana) to two amazing boys, Mason, 8 years old and Jaxson 11 months old.. My passions have always been interior design and fashion and it was always a dream of mine to have my own boutique, but life happened and the timing and opportunity to do so never seemed to align for me.

What inspired you to open Mason Jar Home Decor and Gift Shop?

My dad passed away on November 2, 2015 after a two year battle with cancer.. Over the course of those two years I had many in depth conversations with him and I truly felt that we were both able to say everything that we wanted to. I innately knew, without hesitation that after he passed I did not want to live my life with any regrets and that is when and how the Mason Jar was born.. I truly believe that my dad’s spirit led me to the location of the boutique  because I never found it, but rather it found me.. It was a year after my dad passed, November 2016 that I received an email from my now landlord, who came across my name from a mutual acquaintance, asking me if I was interested in taking a look at the space that is now the home of The Mason Jar.

What does your typical day look like?

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing? I am a morning person so I’m typically up at 6:00 a.m., that is when it is quiet and I get my thoughts together, plan my day and put pen to paper over a good cup of coffee.. I usually head into the shop for 9:00 and open the doors of the boutique for 10:00…I do have a couple of team members now so I am not in the store everyday anymore.. The days that I am not there are typically spent buying and/or doing paperwork, sourcing new local talent, meeting with makers, vendors, working on social media content etc. The business has grown significantly this past year and as much as my passion is to be in the store, I find myself needing to work behind the scenes a lot more in order to keep up with it. When am I not working??.. I try to find the balance however that shifts as the seasons shift but when I am not working I relish in spending time with my family and travel.

What is your favourite part about your job? What is the most challenging? 

Hands down my favourite part of the job is building relationships with and giving each and every customer an experience.. I love interacting and exchanging stories with my customers new and old. The most challenging is keeping up with the paperwork.. I am looking at delegating that part of the job and concentrating on my strengths.

In which ways is Mason Jar involved in the community?

We support and donate to a number of local charities such as Sources, The Peace Arch Hospital Foundation and The Food Bank. We also support a number of local organizations and schools with their fundraising efforts by donating gift baskets, gift cards and/or product.

Is there anything about Mason Jar you would like to share that others might not know?

A number of people don’t know that the store is named after my older grandson and that we support and showcase 70% local, quality talent.

Is there anything exciting happening at Mason Jar in the next little while?

This year has been a difficult one what with Covid and we have not been able to offer events like we have over the past couple of years, however this holiday season we will be offering small group private shopping nights with door prizes, gifts with purchase, discounts, beverages and snacks.

What advice would you give to others that would like to start their own business?

This is a simple one for me… NEVER give up on your dreams no matter what your age or your situation.

Hope you enjoyed this read about Cathy and the Mason Jar!

Visit the Mason Jar Home Decor + Gift Shop at 15254 Thrift Avenue, White Rock, BC or on their website. As well, don’t forget to show them some love on their Instagram - @themasonjarhomedecor!