Last month marked 11 years of Hunter & Hare — a number that feels both surreal and deeply earned.
What started as a small secondhand shop run by two friends with a shared love for slow fashion has grown into something much bigger: three storefronts, a thriving community, a team of passionate, creative people, and a business that still centers sustainability and connection at its core.
To celebrate, we asked our team to submit a few questions for us — a fun little Q&A to reflect on everything we’ve built. While we originally thought we’d answer them in a Reel, it quickly became clear that our responses had more depth than Instagram could hold. So instead, we’re sharing them here — a moment to pause, reflect, and say thank you.
If you could go back and give your 2013 self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Jo: Trust yourself more. You don’t have to follow someone else’s formula to build something meaningful. I spent a lot of energy trying to prove myself — and I now know that building something with integrity is the proof. I would tell her: your instincts are strong. Lean into them. Don’t shrink to make people comfortable.
Is there a piece you’d consider to be your “one that got away”?
Micki: I had this timeless trench coat that fit perfectly that I bought from our Pender Street shop, and sadly I forgot it in an airport while travelling. So it literally was the piece that got away, and I think about it from time to time. Still hoping one day someone consigns another one just like it.
What’s something you love about each of our three store locations?
Micki: Each store is so unique and I love them all equally, but they each have their special qualities.
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Union feels like coming home. I always run into one of our OG consignors or longtime customers — it’s like seeing an old friend. There’s a comfort to it.
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Main Street is beautifully designed, but what really makes it special is Little Hare. I always find something for my baby Harlan, and I usually end up chatting with other parents about sleepless nights and funny baby stories. The parent community there is amazing.
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North Van — our beast! When we took over that space, I was so nervous we wouldn’t fill it. It’s triple the size of our first store on Pender. But our North Van community proved me wrong. That shop reminds me that growth often requires courage.
What’s a business decision you’re especially proud of?
Jo: Choosing to scale intentionally. We never chased fast growth for the sake of it. Every new location, every new project has been rooted in purpose. We’ve created space for small makers and thoughtful design. I’m proud that we stayed close to our original ethos — even when easier paths were available.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in 11 years of running H&H?
Micki: Trust people and let go. When it was just Jo and me, we poured so much of ourselves into every detail. But as the business grew, we realized we couldn’t hold it all — and we didn’t need to. Our team has helped shape this company in ways we never could have imagined on our own. I’m so grateful I’ve been able to let go of certain responsibilities and trust others, which has given us the space to focus on new and exciting projects.
How do you stay creatively inspired — especially when running a business long-term?
Jo: I let inspiration come through observation. Sometimes it’s as simple as watching how someone moves through one of our stores. I try to leave room for curiosity, and when I feel disconnected, I return to the root of why we started — and to our four pillars. I read. I deep dive into Pinterest. I go to art galleries and museums.
Beauty, thoughtfulness, care — that’s what keeps me going.
To Our Community
Whether you’ve shopped with us once or a hundred times, joined our team, consigned with us, or simply supported us from afar — thank you.
These 11 years have been filled with evolution, challenge, beauty, and growth. We’ve learned to trust our vision, trust each other, and trust the people we’ve brought into this journey. And we’re still learning. Still growing. Still dreaming bigger.
Here’s to whatever comes next.
— Jo & Micki