leolam: Thoughtfully Curated Gifts

Giving in Grief

By Rebecca Dumais

During the illness and loss of both her parents, Yolanda Pop noticed a space and discomfort around the most difficult times that we will all endure universally. She observed how people struggle with what to say, what to do and what to give. Pop began researching and sourcing mindful gift options that could provide a more connective experience for both the giver and the recipient.

leolam is an Oakville-based company founded by Pop and her business partner Linda Montalbano. With Pop’s design background and Linda’s retail expertise leolam was launched in early 2022. The name itself was inspired by Pop’s parents Leo and Lammy.

With full-time careers to manage, they both knew it was a very worthwhile venture. “People want to support and acknowledge others in challenging times, but they don’t know how,” says Montalbano. Specializing in curated luxury gift boxes, leolam provides a unique and elevated service that goes beyond traditional gestures. Each leolam gift provides a selection of high-quality items that have been mindfully sourced to give the receiver a supportive and connective experience.

A jacquard-woven wool reversible throw blanket, worry-not beads, a hand-poured pure soy condolence or pet loss candle, and a soft cashmere shawl, are just a few of the curated gifts chosen with the receiver in mind.

The unboxing experience is also very important to us, so the highest quality packaging has been considered. “Receiving a gift like this provides a memorable experience: the pulling of a silk bow, lifting the lid, seeing the sentiment inside, which provides direction on the purpose of each item included,” Pop says.

Every gift box contains a small marble heart, which has been included for the recipient to hold and feel the care being sent their way. It can be kept or carried, whether it’s in their pocket, a drawer, or their purse. “We’re always trying to ensure that everything we do is purposeful and it resonates,” says Montalbano.

Pop knows that a gift cannot fix or remove someone’s pain. “But there is a connective experience that happens when receiving a meaningful gift that acknowledges and shows genuine concern from another,” she says.

“We wanted to provide a thoughtful alternative to flowers; although the beauty of flowers evokes all kinds of appreciation, there are times in our life these stunners may not be so welcome,” adds Montalbano. The act of choosing and giving a leolam gift has an impact on the receiver: compassion, care, and the warmth of being heard, remembered and acknowledged.

Whether you’re looking to provide solace to a friend, family member, or colleague, leolam’s mindful gift-giving approach is a touching and thoughtful gesture.

For more information, visit leolam.ca