White Elephant is run by Hollie Pocsai and Jane LaBatte. We opened our online shop on October 29th, 2007 because our apartments were overflowing from all of our various collections. After one year in the online world, we decided it was time to open our own bricks and mortar shop. On October 10th, 2008 the White Elephant store opened up in Hamilton, Ontario, and we don’t plan to look back any time soon.

Jane and Hollie met 11 years ago when they sat beside each other in Grade 9 math class. Instead of learning about fractions, Jane asked questions about the hearts Hollie doodled all over her notebook and a bond was formed.

Our partnership works well, and we almost always agree on everything that goes into the shop. Shopping for vintage pieces with us is a little freaky: let us loose in a warehouse and we will come back holding exactly the same thing. We look for quality vintage pieces that are unique and stylish. Our shop is a reflection of our own tastes and personal styles.

Hollie likes big eye paintings, old cameras, mid-century Canadiana souvenirs and Queen Elizabeth II Coronation tins. She wants to get her hands on an old lunar globe. Jane collects milk glass, Kathie Winkle dishes, Audubon bird prints, and vintage military photos. She would kill for an aluminum Christmas tree.

Together, we enjoy CAPS LOCK, the ocean floor, David Suzuki, and Phyllis Dillar.