From Dollmaker to Shop Owner: The Story Behind Dream By Day

Tucked into the heart of downtown Kitchener, Dream By Day is more than just a shop, it’s a reflection of years spent immersed in creativity, community, and the quiet determination it takes to build something from the ground up. Founded by Rachel Lazaridis, the space feels like a natural extension of her journey as a dollmaker and long-time participant in the maker scene, where handmade goods and personal stories intertwine.

Rachel’s path to opening Dream By Day wasn’t a sudden leap, but rather a gradual unfolding. After years of attending markets and working with a maker event company, she became deeply rooted in the artisan world. It was in 2023, during a pop-up event at a studio in Port Perry, that the idea of opening her own shop began to take shape. That moment planted a seed, one that would eventually grow into a storefront designed to celebrate creativity in all its forms. By 2024, that vision had become reality, offering a dedicated space for both her own work and that of other artists.

Like many small business owners, Rachel quickly discovered that passion alone doesn’t come with a roadmap. One of her biggest challenges was navigating the lack of clear, accessible information about starting a business. While a course she took in Guelph provided some guidance, much of the journey required figuring things out independently. The reality, she found, is that the artisan retail world can sometimes feel insular, making it difficult for newcomers to find mentorship or support. Financial hurdles added another layer of complexity, leaving trial and error as her most reliable teacher. It’s a candid reminder that behind every thoughtfully curated shop is an ongoing process of learning, adapting, and persevering.

Rachel approaches customer interaction with a sensitivity that reflects her understanding of different personalities, some visitors are eager to chat and connect, while others prefer to quietly browse. That awareness shapes the atmosphere of the shop, making it feel welcoming without being overwhelming. It’s a place where anyone can feel comfortable, whether they’re on the hunt for something specific or simply passing through. The range of products mirrors that inclusivity, with items available at various price points so that everyone can find something meaningful, regardless of budget.

Curation at Dream By Day is both open and organic. While Rachel occasionally puts out formal calls for vendors, many artists discover the shop on their own and reach out through social media. There’s no rigid theme or aesthetic requirement, which allows for a diverse mix of makers and products. This approach not only broadens the scope of what customers can find but also creates opportunities for artists at different stages of their journey to share their work in a physical retail space.

Rachel has also noticed a shift happening beyond her own storefront. Since opening, she’s seen more artisan shops pop up in the area, a sign that people are increasingly drawn to shopping locally and supporting independent creators. It’s a movement that speaks to a larger desire for connection and authenticity, something big-box retail often struggles to provide. For Rachel, being part of that shift is meaningful. Her goal isn’t just to run a shop, but to create a space that feels a little different from the everyday, a place where visitors can step out of the ordinary, even if just for a few moments, while discovering local talent.

What many people don’t see, however, is the constant rhythm behind the scenes. Running an artisan shop doesn’t end when the doors close. It’s a 24/7 commitment, filled with planning, coordinating, problem-solving, and everything in between. That’s the reality of small business ownership, one that demands both resilience and a deep love for what you do.

Looking ahead, Dream By Day continues to grow not just within its walls, but out in the community as well. More workshops and events are key parts of that vision, offering people a chance to engage more directly with the creative process. Rachel also brings the shop to various markets and events throughout the year, extending its reach and strengthening its connection to the local scene. As new dates and offerings are confirmed, they’re shared through the shop’s social media, keeping the community in the loop and inviting them to take part.

At its core, Dream By Day is about more than handmade goods,

it’s about building something meaningful, one step at a time. Through persistence, openness, and a genuine love for the maker community, Rachel Lazaridis has created a space that not only showcases creativity, but also quietly inspires it. To keep up with the latest workshops, events, and new arrivals, follow Dream By Day on Instagram and Facebook at @dreambydayshop, and be sure to visit the shop in person at 20 Queen St S, Kitchener, ON to experience it for yourself.