Welcome to Behind the Brand—a series that brings you closer to the brands we’re proud to showcase at the edit by Style Canada, right here in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake. We’re sharing real stories from the people behind the products—the makers, the dreamers, and the doers. This is your inside scoop on what drives them, what inspires them, and how their journeys brought them to the edit. One brand at a time, we’re pulling back the curtain and celebrating the creativity, resilience, and homegrown passion that make our space so special. Today, we talk to Elaine, the founder of Lover’s Tempo.
Meet Elaine Kim Smith
Founder of Lover’s Tempo
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m Elaine, the founder of Lover’s Tempo. I live in Vancouver with my husband and our two young daughters. I love great coffee, talking shop, and being inspired by good design. These days, I’m juggling the ever-changing rhythm of running a business while raising a young family—I’m sure a lot of people can relate to tripping over toys between video meetings!
Share the story behind your brand.
I started Lover’s Tempo as a creative outlet.
I’ve always loved making beautiful things—whether it was art or accessories. I began by designing pieces for myself and selling them to coworkers. Some days, it’s wild to think that this business began in my tiny basement apartment, making jewelry while watching movies. I’m especially proud that we’ve grown while staying true to our values. Prioritizing people and sustainability continues to be a core part of what we do.
Photo provided by Elaine
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by great design across all disciplines—from stationery to architecture. I have a degree in Art History, so I’ve studied everything from prehistoric cave paintings to contemporary artists. I used to love thrifting to discover hidden treasures and design stories from the past. My personal style blends femininity and minimalism, with a touch of the unexpected.
Where’s your favourite summer vacation spot?
In my past life, I was a flight attendant and travelled all over the world. Nowadays, my favourite summer vacation spot is exploring BC with my family in tow! This year, we’re going camping in Tofino and I’m really looking forward to that!
What can we expect from your brand in 2025?
Honestly, with the state of the world, we’re focused on doing our best to support and collaborate with our industry partners to keep small businesses alive. The past few years have been full of challenges—especially for small brands like ours. But we believe small businesses are the heart of the retail world, and we’re more committed than ever to staying resilient and encouraging everyone to shop small whenever they can.
