Contributed A LABOR OF LOVE — The owners of Meraki Made, a new boutique at 218 N. Fourth St., Toronto, took the Greek word for “doing something with creativity or love” because they enjoy designing the variety of clothes, jewelry and other products they sell. On hand for a ribbon-cutting to mark the business’ opening were, from left, front, co-owner Shelly Rogers; George Komar, president of the Toronto Coalition for Revitalization; Councilman Bob Bertram; Mayor John Parker; Rogers’ daughter Emily; and Haley Clark, also Rogers’ daughter and co-owner of the store; and back, Councilman Brian Burris and Council President Frank McEwen.

TORONTO — In Greek, “meraki” means to do something with creativity or love or to put something of yourself into what you are doing.

And it’s how Shelly Rogers and Haley Clark feel about the variety of items they produce, so it’s fitting they have named their new business Meraki Made.

The mother and daughter celebrated the opening of their new business at 218 N. Fourth St. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by city officials, members of the Toronto Coalition for Revitalization and other supporters on Jan. 19.

While inside, they found an assortment of T-shirts and other clothing for women and children and jewelry and many items for decorating inside or outside.

The pair specialize in custom-made products, from clothing to tumblers, bearing photos of loved ones or colorful images and designs, including many they have created.

Rogers said among their more popular offerings are garden flags memorializing a loved one and bearing a design or image suggested by customers or created by Rogers or her daughter.

Rogers said the images have included flowers, a sunny sky or symbols of hunting and fishing, depending on the customers’ wishes.

The pair also sell tumblers bearing designs they have created to represent specific sports, and other items bearing the photos of young athletes.

The drinkware makes great gifts for graduations, among other occasions, she noted.

Rogers added Clark has created logos for local businesses for display on T-shirts and other products.

She noted her daughter created their own logo, which she described as “plain and simple but elegant.”

Another unique gift item sold by Meraki Made are pillows with poetry about grandparents and images of the recipient’s grandchildren.

“We love doing custom stuff,” said Rogers, who added they welcome each customer’s request as a creative challenge.

Meraki Made also sells locally produced scented candles.

Visitors to the Toronto Arts Festival might recognize Rogers from her booth, but the pair have other ties to the community.

A 1992 graduate of Toronto High School, Rogers said she moved from the city for a while but returned because she wanted her children to have the same experiences she had while growing up there.

She noted not everyone can look back on such experiences as walking or bicycling to the local swimming pool as a youth.

Rogers and Clark, a 2019 graduate of Toronto High School, share a love of art in its various forms.

“Haley has always been very artsy. Art was her favorite subject in school,” she said, adding, “I’ve done stuff (arts and crafts) since I can remember.”

She expressed thanks to Bill and Michelle Cox, who not only suggested the business’ name but helped to prepare the building for its new purpose.

Rogers said she’s excited about starting out at a time when another business, Tri B’s Coffee Shop, is opening in the same block.

She added it and other nearby businesses have offered to help promote her own.

“Everybody has been very welcoming,” said Rogers.

Meraki Made is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Information about the business can be found at its Facebook page.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronlline.com.)