Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/985850
42 Pauline Boisselle has always loved beautiful things and being surrounded by them. Her love of fashion led her to a career with Eaton's as the buyer for junior sportswear, and eventually as the overseas knitwear buyer for the company. It was a job that led to many exciting trips, but when she became a mom with two small boys, she knew the extensive travel required did not suit her new lifestyle. Born in Winnipeg to a French-Canadian family, Boisselle later moved to Montreal, then to Vancouver. In 1989, she returned home and began a new career creating displays for show homes. That's when she noticed that closet systems were very popular in the U.S., but were almost non-existent in Canada. Always the entrepreneur, she decided to get into the closet business. That's how it all began. In 1989, Boisselle launched For Space Sake, first out of her home, then later in a retail space on Academy Road. When she was asked to join a buying group with members in the U.S., Costa Rica and the Philippines, Boisselle became deeply involved in the group's professional activities. She served as president, then changed her role to become the creative influence behind catalogues that were produced for its members. It was a wonderful experience, and she was soon travelling to many interesting places, and making lifelong friendships with fascinating people. Before long, it was time to expand and to relocate to a much larger retail space. Boisselle became a dealer for The Stowe Company, specializing in melamine closet systems, for Komandor sliding glass doors, and for Clei furniture from Italy. Inspired by a crystal chandelier that she saw during a trip to New York, the transformation began. PAULINE BOISSELLE Owner, For Space Sake With the help of a designer, she began creating the beautiful space that is at 1824 Grant Ave. today, a space where Boisselle and her clients are surrounded by lovely things, with a backdrop of carefully curated music to set a calming tone. For Space Sake strives to combine design with function. From the designer, Shauna Boychuk, to the installers who make Shauna's vision become a reality, the ultimate goal is to provide excellent customer service and to make sure that every client is thrilled with the end result. When we hear our clients exclaim: "I absolutely love my closet!" then we know that we have done our job! Customers and designers frequently visit the store for inspiration, and stay to visit, relax, and enjoy the music and serenity. Forspacesake.com a change of space CREATING DESIGN WITH FUNCTION IS A LABOUR OF LOVE "In the end, only three things matter: How much you loved what you were doing, how fairly you treated the people that you worked with, and how grateful you are for all that you've been able to accomplish." — Pauline Boisselle Photo by Darcy Finley