The Zest of Zimbabwe in Downtown Chilliwack, BC

Located in the heart of Downtown Chilliwack, Batiqua offers handmade, fairtrade, home, and lifestyle gifts sourced locally and around the world as well as their own line of beautiful handmade batik textiles made in Zimbabwe. While being surrounded by vibrant pops of colours, and mesmerizing textures, this store is a must while visiting the area. We love how each item is hand-picked, and special, as each item is handmade in Zimbabwe by a team of 18 artisans. While empowering marginalized artists through sustainable employment opportunities, Batiqua creates high-quality textiles that fit any space while still being eco-friendly and sustainable – a core value of Batiqua. 

We met up with Linda, owner, and founder of Batiqua to talk more about her business, artist empowerment, sustainability practices, Linda’s favourite place in Chilliwack, and everything else in between!

TC: Introduce yourself! Tell us a bit about you.

My name is Linda Adimora. I’m the founder of Batiqua, a home and lifestyle ethical gift store located in downtown Chilliwack. I’m also a wife and mom to two little girls who are my greatest joy! I moved to Canada in 2014 after living in France. I was born and bred in Zimbabwe and I still treasure my African heritage. Batiqua is an expression of that. 

TC: Where did the vision for Batiqua come from?

This vision found me. I was born into a family of makers in Zimbabwe. I grew up around the crafts, going to local markets. I believed I could elevate ethnic craft from curio to contemporary and that was how Batiqua started. I wanted to share the craftsmanship of marginalized artisans and create dignified opportunities through sustainable employment and my community was the starting point. We are pleased to partner with more artisans and makers as we grow.

TC: What are some of the key values Batiqua is built on?

Fairtrade, eco-friendly practices, socially impactful, ethical sourcing, and artisan empowerment. 

TC: Do you have any best practices that make Batiqua a sustainable business? And/or specific causes your business stands behind?

We are governed by fair trade principles. We reinvest in the marginalized producer communities we work with. Sustainability is around providing consistent economic empowerment through the sales we make.

TC: What can people expect when they walk into Batiqua?

An experience! 

We take you around the world, right in the heart of Downtown Chilliwack. The products and the stories behind the products are what make us unique! From textiles uniquely made in Zimbabwe using porridge paste, to contemporary baskets handwoven in Kenya, and artisan soap handmade locally on Fairfield Island. You can expect to find a wide range of home gifts and lifestyle items that are perfect for a conscious shopper. 

TC: What drew you to Downtown Chilliwack?

Having started out in the farmer’s markets, I always knew that a retail store would be the next season of growth for our business. When we saw the store’s location, everything aligned, from the strategic location on Mill and Wellington to the timing. Owning a store has been a lifelong dream! I’m so glad that dream has come true in Chilliwack!

TC: What’s your favourite item in the shop currently?

Right now I really love the placemats! With the holidays coming up soon, it’s so great to see how tabletop textiles are the center of decor!

TC: Is there any exciting news we can share about Batiqua in the coming year? 

We are looking to grow more by partnering with many more artisan makers! We want to extend the in-store experience online, so you can expect to find more products online! Of course, you can count on us to have a fresh new pillow collection on the way too!

THIS OR THAT:

Coffee or Tea in the morning?

English breakfast tea with milk!

Chevron Pattern or Plaid?

Plaid!

Bright Colours or Neutrals?

Neutrals with a pop of colour!

Throw Pillow or Blanket?

Throw pillow

Summer or Winter?

Neither… I like Fall the best!

What is one of your favourite spots in Downtown Chilliwack?

Love going over to Cultivate for brunch! 

Where do you find your retreat in Chilliwack?

My absolute retreat is simply being home! As for the outdoors, the mountains, the Vedder River, and Cultus Lake are awe-inspiring! 

If you were a destination, where would you be?

I would be Cape Town! One of the most gorgeous cities I’ve been to! 

Anything else you’d like to share?

Please come check us out in Downtown Chilliwack or follow us on Instagram @batiqua! Don’t forget to share with friends and family! The more people know about our work, the greater our impact will be! Thank you!

Make sure to stop by, and say hi to Linda, owner of Batiqua and admire this little oasis of Zimbabwe. Search for your perfect decor to brighten your home, or a beautiful, ethically sourced bag for your everyday excursions. Whatever you are looking for, Batiqua will blow you away with what their store has to offer.

Visit them in Downtown Chilliwack at 45903 Wellington Avenue, or online at batiqua.com