Steven Howard's love affair with antique collectibles and architectural pieces of interest was a hobby he kept confined to weekends – until recently. After harbouring his passion for years, Howard finally gave up his job in the corporate world and opened his first store, Flik & Company, in Toronto's funky Leslieville area, just east of downtown. “This has always been my passion,” he enthuses.
Located in a cozy residential area full of great breakfast nooks and stores full of vintage finds, the 1,500-square-foot space has hit its stride by blending well-priced antiques with modern tastes. With regular clients ranging from neighbourhood families in older homes to loft-dwellers with an eye for design, Howard's showcase of eye-catching vignettes inspires customers to adopt the unfussy decor style he brands as modern country.
Howard's romance with antiques began at the age of 10, when he first discovered a knack for buying and selling hot commodities. Before he was out of his teens, his passion for antiques became more serious as he gleaned knowledge and sold at many of the bigger antique shows with his mother, and later with his partner and store co-owner, Robert Yandt. Never seriously entertaining the idea of making his appreciation for antiques his life's work, Howard kept his career very separate from his favourite pursuit. Just before hanging out his shingle at Flik & Company (the name is an homage to the family cat), Howard was working as a food product developer for one of the largest supermarket chains in the country.
Spying an empty shop on Toronto's Queen Street East lent Howard, 33, the impetus to give up his stint in the business world and live his dream. In the end, it's his own space that gives Howard, and his customers, the most joy. “The store feels like home – I don't ever want to leave it,” professes Howard. “I miss it when I'm away from it – the furniture and accessories, the interaction with people, the neighbourhood – I miss every element.”
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