studio botté is a local eco-conscious light fixture store which sells an array of upscale lights made from recycled materials. We spoke with founder, upcycler, designer and artisan, Philippe Charlebois-Gomez, to learn about how this business works.
What is your business called and what does it do?
studio botté. We offer peace of mind for the local eco-conscious consumer looking to light up their space.
What made you want to do this work?
I wanted to use my creative muscle, design training and passion for lighting every day through the use of waste materials found on the streets of Montreal.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I couldn’t let such great objects and materials go to waste just because they were left on a curb and weren’t being looked at the right way.
Also, it felt right very fast to offer my community an option that didn’t force them to make a hard choice opposite their values when purchasing decorative/luxury lighting.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
It varies nicely between commercial and residential clients. Architects and interior designers placing our work in front of their clients and design lovers looking to buy local.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We sell light fixtures made from reclaimed materials. Some are one of a kind, some custom works or limited series. We make sure to update our portfolio of ideas on our Instagram account and our website tells our story and we leave our door open for curious clients and possible collaborators to come visit our studio where they can witness what it takes to handcraft quality upcycled designs.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We are located at the intersection of Parc-Ex, Little Italy and Villeray. It takes a lot of space to run an upcycling business! Visible and well-categorized storage is key. We have a beautiful workshop, and it is helpful that we are central in the city. Community members and followers can easily drop off discarded materials and objects.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Can I visit your studio? Absolutely! ( I’m always happy and proud to show my workspace! It’s a real playground)
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Impressing my mom and my girlfriend and hopefully one day my daughter 😉 haha and seeing how people who buy our creations are very often happy to do so and really go into the purchase with their heart. It’s like buying art with a function, so it’s great all around.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Friends and family telling me ”You gonna make a lamp outta that?” and pointing at random trash.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
It’s not a business but rather a non-profit: Mine Urbaine or Saint Marc Montreal, friendly shoemaker.
