About Us
What is ShenkinWest?
ShenkinWest is a boutique located in midtown Toronto that exclusively carries high-end Israeli designer clothes, shoes, accessories and jewelry.
In recent years, Tel-Aviv has created a name for itself within the fashion world. Shenkin Street, the foremost shopping area in the city, has become synonymous with out-of-the-box designers– hence our name, ShenkinWest. At ShenkinWest we give Canadian women the opportunity to shop designers that can only otherwise be found in boutiques in Israel.
The Women behind ShenkinWest :
Ellie Stern – Owner
Shalom! I’m Ellie and I’m the owner and co-founder of ShenkinWest. I’m a self-proclaimed trend-setter and a passionate supporter of Israeli art and culture. I am bubbly, magnetic, and excitable – my customers often walk into my store as strangers and leave as friends. When I was young, fashion drove me to achieve greatness in the business world. At my peak, I was a buyer for a major Canadian retailer. I sincerely loved every minute of it and when I left the fashion world to have my family, I knew fashion would return to my life in some form or another. It was when I began to make frequent visits to Israel to visit my daughter who was living there that I fell in love with Israeli fashion. The unique cuts, the funky fabric treatments and the Israeli ‘essence’ really spoke to me. I thought to myself- ‘Canadian women need to have access to this!’ Prior to opening ShenkinWest, many of the designers we carry weren’t available in North America. Now, with our online store and our shop in my humble abode, we are reaching women all over the place. I have my hand in all aspects of the business from buying to making sure our store is involved with charities and other events. It’s truly a dream to be able to merge two of my greatest passions- fashion and Israel. Kol Tuv!
More about Me!
Horroscope: Aries
Favourite colour to wear: Chartreuse
Favourite accessory: Noritamy necklaces
Most prized item of clothing: I don’t really get attached to my clothes- I give them all away!
Fashion Mantra: Wear what you love. It’s so important to be comfortable and feel like you.
Abby Feferman – Manager
I’m Abby and I’m what you would call the manager of ShenkinWest. Since we are such a little business, we seem to manage ourselves most of the time, but the title of ‘manager’ seemed to work. I met Ellie at a mutual friend’s engagement party. At the time she was looking to co-ordinate a photo shoot for ShenkinWest’s online store. I mentioned that I know a little bit about photo shoots and that I’d be happy to help her out. One photo shoot led to another, and the rest, as they say, is history. Aside from working at ShenkinWest, I have a couple other ‘day jobs’. I freelance as a wardrobe stylist for photo shoots, short films, music videos and commercials. At the moment, my most frequent client is Harlequin (yes, the romance novel publisher). It’s such a fun and creative job, and it teaches me so much about clothes, books, and collaborating with other creative people! I also work as a freelance writer. I write for a Jewish newspaper about local business people, food, fashion, really whatever I think will appeal to readers. As well, I have a blog (doesn’t everyone?) www.urbanfrum.com. I love working at ShenkinWest because it has introduced me to a whole different side of the fashion industry. I, like Ellie, am a huge supporter of all things Israeli and I love introducing people to the amazing designers we carry. I also love the Sterns- there is always a ripe nectarine with my name on it, and a laugh when I need it the most.
More about Me!
Horroscope: Pisces
Favourite colour to wear: Leopard. Is that a colour?
Favourite accessory: Chunky anything
Most prized item of clothing: A 1970′s Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress… and my custom-made wedding dress.
Fashion Mantra: Dress according to how you feel when you wake up in the morning.
Susan Hennick – ‘Shopgirl’
I’m Susan, and at ShenkinWest, I’m lovingly referred to as ‘shopgirl’. There is a lot of sarcasm attached to that title, as I have years of sales experience, selling everything from diamonds to computers. I find myself at ShenkinWest these days because I love helping my dear friend Ellie grow her business. I am beyond passionate about Israel and fashion, and I see this as a great way of combining my two passions! I LOVE connecting with customers. I always manage to find a ‘sixth degree of separation’, and sometimes I even end up with a long lost relative! I live out loud. I say it how it is, and I seal everything I do with love.More About Info about me!
Horroscope: Gemini
Favourite colour to wear: Besides Black, Red
Favourite accessory: My boots and scarves
Most prized item of clothing: My Vintage designed Ranch Mink swing coat
Fashion Mantra: Be the Change and if it is not comfortable do NOT wear it ever
Jesse Markowitz- Style Consultant
More about me!
