BoostBC Local Spotlight: Funktional Gifts
Celebrating nearly 25 years in Kelowna, Funktional Gifts has become more than just a shop—it’s a creative hub, a safe space, and a home for local artistry. Owner Chantal Couture started the store out of a desire to escape corporate, cookie-cutter retail and create a place where she could curate products she truly believed in.
“I wanted to choose the items I was selling. The rest of the good stuff followed, very organically,” she says.
Over two decades later, Funktional has built a loyal community of customers, vendors, and staff. Chantal reflects on what makes this milestone so rewarding:
“The humbling feedback that we have created such a safe and beautiful space for people to explore their own creativity, their own queerness, their own feminism. For people to understand that their work culture matters—that is an incredibly rewarding and unexpected outcome of having Funktional for nearly 25 years.”
When it comes to discovering Canadian makers, Chantal and her manager Maiya Meekiy prioritize originality and quality.
“We ask two simple questions: Is it something new that I haven’t seen before? Is it different than what I currently have in store?” While the process has evolved over the years—from trade shows and catalogues to exploring online platforms—the goal remains the same: to highlight exciting, unique talent.
Funktional’s impact extends beyond the shelves. The store has been a mentor and supporter for emerging local artists, helping many turn their side hustles into full-time creative careers. And the customer experiences? Chantal has too many to count—but a few stand out.
“I married a customer, together nearly 20 years! And over time, I’ve had customers who brought their kids into the store, and now those kids are coming in with their own little ones. The intergenerational adoration for the store is another reason why it has stood the test of time.”
If Chantal could magically bring any Canadian-made product to Funktional, she imagines “sexy cement decanters” reminiscent of a line that wowed customers in the past—a reminder that Funktional is always on the lookout for something beautiful, functional, and unforgettable.
With nearly 25 years of community connection, mentorship, and creativity, Funktional Gifts is a Kelowna staple—and a testament to the power of passion and thoughtful curation.
Check out their google page here! They have over 100+ Google Reviews, and they are located 447 Bernard Ave, in Kelowna, BC. Follow them on instagram here!
