Vans Community Series: Sunday Shop
Two and a half years ago Jesse Gleeson planted the seed for his exotic plant shop @sundayshopcalgary. Which has since grown into YYC’s go-to spot for unique tropical plants and locally made house wears. We recently got a chance to check out the shop and ask Jesse about his current favourite plants, his other amazing IG account @plantfilledapartment and his most memorable pair of Van’s.
Photos by: Jared Sych @waltereneuman
When did Sunday Shop start and how did the idea come together?
Sunday Shop started officially as a registered business in February of 2020 just before lockdowns. The idea was around for a few years before that, but it took some time for everything to shift into place. I had done a few Pop-Ups before February 2020 as well; the first one was over at Altar Tattoo, then at West Elm, and then at Tokyo Smoke as well. The first Pop Up Shop was prepared in collaboration with Rima from River Of Ceramics, and that was the wildest experience. We had planned to be there all weekend but both her and myself had nearly sold out of plants and ceramics in less than a hour.
What sets you apart from other plant shops?
We focus primarily on tropicals. The entire idea of the shop is built around that category instead of having a broader selection of plant species. As for the specific tropicals, we have staples we all know and love, as well as some stuff you may not have seen before, so we’re trying to make sure there’s always something for someone. Besides plants and pots, we’ve got a wide array of accessories and other items, from self-care products (soap, lotion, bath salts, face masks), candles, tote bags, cross-stitch kits, tattoo prints, and a few other things you may not think you’d find in a plant shop!
What is your current favorite plant?
At the moment Philodendron Elegans, but that changes weekly, as it seems these days. Anything that’s dark and velvety is what I’m very, very much into. Those types of plants are what really intrigued me in the beginning and sparked my interest in plants years ago, and they continue to be my favourites. Which is funny to say, because the Elegans is neither of those things. Lol.
Where do your plants come from?
Our plants all come from BC and Ontario, but that’s where the distributors are, for the most part. The plants themselves come from a lot of different places. A while ago, we found a little lizard in the shop that hatched in a pot of soil. Long story short, it escaped, as a replacement, we now have a shop Gecko named Toni Braxton.
Can you tell us about your alternate social account @plantfilledapartment? And approximately how many plants you’ve fit into 600 square feet?
Yeah, I started that account a while back, and it’s been a really fun experience! My partner told me I should start an Instagram for all my plants and it’s kind of just snowballed from there. I’ve been really fortunate to have that account; I’ve made a lot of great friends and connections through it, that I’m quite thankful for! I’ve been really quiet on there lately, but I’m coming back around on it again now that things have levelled out a little bit. As for the number, it’s not so bad in here now because of the care I give plants at the shop, I had to find a balance with my time and also taking care of myself (which includes my time). So, right now, there’s probably just over 100, and that used to be over 200 some time ago.
Are there any other plant shops or social media accounts you are inspired by?
Yeah, I do have a few favourite shops and I take inspiration from every single one. Some examples would be, Plant here in Calgary (they’ve been great homies for a long time), Arium in Portland, Pistils in Portland, Old Faithful in Vancouver, just to name a few!
How do you embrace being part of the Beltline in Calgary? Are there any other businesses in the neighborhood you have collaborated with or would like to shout out?
We’re quite active socially down here, 1st street especially is a pretty tight little community with a lot of familiar faces, and places. We do a good amount of neighbourhood giveaways to get people down here and show them what we have to offer as a community as well, rather than just as our shop. We actually just had our one-year anniversary, and we gave away gift cards to Radio Block Tattoo and Ten Foot Henry, which are both literally across the street from us.
Where do you see Sunday Shop expanding in the next 5 years?
I think physically, it’ll be right where it’s at, I don’t really have plans to move or open another shop or anything. Ideally, I’d like to be in the space I already have, for many years to come. We love the location, and the space, and because we love it, that’s where we want to stay!
Who are some of artist, musicians, designers or creative you are excited by lately (maybe specifically in YYC)?
We just had Joash Charles in here to DJ for our 1-year anniversary party, and I’ve been listening to his playlists since. Every time I listen to his music, it feels like the anniversary again; it was the most fun! Joash is the best dude and a wild man in his craft. Our friend, Stuart Teekasingh, just finished his first mural in Bridgeland last week, although you’d never know it was his first. He’s primarily known for his tattoo work but he works with many mediums, and is pretty incredible at them all. It was inspiring to see his first one be so big and well done, so now I’m pumped to see where else he goes with it!
What were your first (or most memorable) pair of Vans?
First pair was a pair of Cab 8’s from my cousin, they were dusted when I got them but I was way too hyped to care at all because they were Vans. I’ll forever be grateful to the Chukka Low as well for opening up the doorway to skinnier/less puffy looking shoes like the Slip and Authentics, I remember that being such a weird transition but it was appreciated.
What pair of Vans are you currently wearing and why did you pick this pair?
Currently wearing the Black/White Slip, I picked it because the Slip On is the most versatile shoe you can get. There’s something to be said about a simple design and this one really is timeless. Best silhouette, go ahead and try to change my mind.
Any shout outs?
Too many, but a massive shout out to Zach for holding it down with me since the start, he’s responsible for more than he gets credit for a lot of times, I think! Also, a huge thanks to everyone along the way past or future, y’all rule!!
