It wasn’t long ago that eco-conscious and sustainable brands were tucked away as hidden gems in Toronto neighbourhoods. A handful of independently owned shops, but Canadian made wasn’t that easy to find. Today, we have more choices and convenience. We are also far more informed about the products and the ingredients in them. Now there’s a new destination to explore! The Kind Matter Company is a fresh, thoughtfully curated way to discover, shop, and support Canadian eco-conscious brands all under one roof.
Think of it as sustainable living, with style. The brands found here meet high industry standards while remaining genuinely beautiful and luxurious. They also prioritize low-waste or zero-waste practices, proving that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or design.
Laura Newton, Founder and Director of The Kind Matter Company, explains that years ago, stores carrying sustainable goods were smaller and more niche. While interest in “better for us and the environment” shopping grew in recent years, the pandemic forced many independently owned shops to close their doors.
It felt like the right time for something bigger
The idea of opening The Kind Matter Company in a much larger space with a carefully curated selection of sustainable brands made sense. Step into the new 5,000-square-foot location at the Heartland Centre in Mississauga, and you’ll discover an impressive range of offerings—from luxurious skincare and food to apparel and beautifully designed lifestyle goods.
The space also features refill stations for home and body products, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to low-waste and zero-waste living. Thoughtfully sourced, environmentally conscious, and effortlessly stylish, it’s a new way to shop with intention.
The Kind Matter Company focuses on Canadian brands
They specialize in Canadian-made brands, and many are women-led. Even more than that, they seek out smaller community grassroots brands. “There are people doing amazing things, and nobody really knows about them. We have lots of makers who are really micro businesses, but now are able to scale bigger because of how much exposure we can offer them. One of my favourite parts of running this business is bringing these new discoveries alongside some of the bigger-name brands and seeing them flourish,” said Newton.
At the recent opening, we had the chance to explore several of these brands firsthand. One to watch, according to Newton, is The Cure Skincare. Founded by Nitasha Goel, the line features formulations infused with sea moss and is still relatively new to the market. “She’s originally from Nova Scotia and is now based in Hamilton,” Newton shares. “Her formulations are amazing!”
Also in attendance was Jenn Harper, founder of Cheekbone Beauty, who offered personalized colour matching from her cosmetic line during the event. “She’s an example of someone who truly brings joy to what she does — building genuine relationships with consumers and leading with passion,” says Newton. “To create a line with that level of integrity and purpose is what we love.”
I also discovered a few incredible clothing brands that are Canadian-made with ethically sourced materials, like Pokoloko and Paper Label. “They are super small, independent designers, and it’s lovely to know these products are mass-produced in manufacturing centres. These are actual people that care about what they’re doing and what they are producing,” said Newton.
Sustainable and eco-friendly can feel luxurious too at The Kind Matter Company
Everything here feels elevated. Sustainable and eco-friendly don’t have to feel basic or clinical. The Kind Matter Company look and feels more luxurious. “That’s kind of the secret sauce of our business,” Newton shares. “People come in even when sustainability isn’t top of mind. I want them to discover that you can have both. We all want to feel like we’re buying something special, while also knowing it’s non-toxic, healthier for us, and better for the environment.”
So how do they decide which brands make the cut? The process is the same whether it’s a big name or a lesser-known maker. “We’re really strict about what we bring in,” she explains. “Ingredients matter to us. If their ingredient list doesn’t align with our mission, we simply won’t carry it. At the end of the day, it’s about trust and our customers knowing we’ve done the homework and that everything on our shelves has been carefully chosen.”
She tells us she eats, breathes, and sleeps in this category. With more than 20 years of experience, she’s built deep insight and knowledge, becoming a true champion of the eco-conscious marketplace. Having direct access to the makers themselves is a big part of what fuels ongoing education and growth, not just for the company, but for its customers as well.
The Kind Matter Company is beyond a simple lifestyle choice
Newton explains that for many, this goes beyond a simple lifestyle choice. When people start consciously seeking alternatives to everyday consumer goods, it often becomes a mindset shift. “Once you’re really ingrained in this way of living, it’s hard to turn back. And once you know what you know— you can’t unknow it, right?”
Beyond its thoughtfully curated product lines, The Kind Matter Company also hosts consumer activations and workshops. Shoppers might even be surprised to find founders and brand representatives popping into the store, eager to connect and chat. “That’s the beauty of carrying locally made products,” Newton explains. “They’re close by, so they can be here. It’s really special for them to meet not just our staff but also the customers and talk about their products—you truly get to know the heart of their businesses.”
You can check out many of the lines they carry in The Kind Matter Company stores.
THE KIND MATTER COMPANY’s newest flagship retail space is located at 5985 Rodeo Drive, Unit 4, Heartland Town Centre, Mississauga.
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