Ladysmith is not your average small town. Founded in 1898 by coal baron James Dunsmuir as a harbour town for miners, a community forged from hard work and deep roots. That spirit of resilience and community pride never left. Today Ladysmith is one of Vancouver Island’s most cherished heritage towns, and we are proud to be part of its living, breathing downtown. The building we call home on First Avenue has its own history. Built in the early 1990s it has housed a bakery, a beloved café, and for nearly two decades, Black Door Decor – the go-to destination in Ladysmith for quality Canadian-made bedding, custom blinds, and beautifully chosen home goods. Black Door Decor became a genuine institution, the kind of store locals brought out-of-town guests to, the kind of place that made Ladysmith feel complete. When the owners announced they were moving away and the doors would close, it felt like the end of something irreplaceable. It didn’t have to be. Melanie – a longtime Ladysmith resident, artist, and someone who knew the store and its owners well – saw an opportunity to carry the torch. She partnered with her son Bailey, who grew up right here in Ladysmith, and together they purchased Black Door Decor, keeping its soul intact while giving it a fresh identity rooted in the natural world around them. Juniper and Sage Decor was born – named for the plants that define this coastal landscape. (and yes, we absolutely sell sage bundles for smudging.) We kept the store favourites people loved, including Lucia and our Canadian-made bedding lines, and we’ve grown from there. We’ve deepened our commitment to local artistry, added more quality brands worth believing in, and built relationships with makers whose work belongs in the homes of people who care about what they bring into their space. Our philosophy is simple: buy better, buy less. A quality set of sheets may cost more upfront, but if it lasts a decade and you love climbing into bed every night, it was the better investment every time. Melanie is an artist herself – you’ll often find her working on a piece while she’s at the store, and occasionally her work makes it onto the floor for sale, though it tends to disappear quickly. Bailey serves the community beyond the store walls too, sitting on the board of the Ladysmith & District Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of the Vancouver Island Symphony. When you come in, you’ll likely be greeted by Sage – our silver Labrador, store mascot, and the most enthusiastic member of the team. We’d love for you to pull up a chair, have a cup of tea, and stay a while. That’s what this store has always been about. If you’re a local artist and you’d like to feature your work at Juniper & Sage, we genuinely love those conversations. Start with an email or a phone call before bringing samples in – it’s the best way to make sure we can give you the attention you deserve.
