The essentials according to Photographer Audrey-Eve Beauchamp
Audrey-Eve’s curated picks blend practicality and comfort, showcasing local businesses perfect for photographers, homebodies, and coffee enthusiasts alike.
Audrey-Eve Beauchamp's career began with documentary filmmaking, taking her to over forty countries in search of untold stories and singular individuals. Immersing herself in diverse cultures, she's cultivated an ability to forge genuine connections—an intimate approach that permeates her unique photography set in Montreal and abroad today.
Audrey-Eve brings a cinematic eye and humanistic sensitivity to her work, capturing fleeting moments with both artistry and curiosity—and that's one of the many reasons why we wanted to know what she can't live without, perfect for a gift guide for photographers and creatives on the go.
Photography equipment from Gosselin Photo
351 Saint-Catherine Street West
"For photography, I always go to Gosselin. That’s where I get my gear... And if we're talking about camera gear, I don't go anywhere without my Canon R5, but it's not for everyone's budget."
If you’ve dabbled in photography anywhere in Quebec, odds are you’ve crossed paths with Gosselin. This iconic name has been part of the province’s cultural fabric since 1936. What began as two brothers snapping weddings and graduations has evolved into a powerhouse of photo, video, and printing expertise. Gosselin’s reach now spans five locations, with its downtown Montreal store revitalizing the old MusiquePlus building into a pro-level hub for image-makers.
Candles from SOJA&CO.
501 Boulevard des Promenades, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC
"I’m really into creating a cozy home space. I buy candles from Soja & Co.; I actually brought some on a trip to France, and a friend there had them in his apartment. When I walked in, it smelled so nice, and I immediately recognized the scent. It’s about having those small, affordable pleasures. I don’t want expensive gifts—just things that make me and my space feel good."
Montreal’s SOJA&CO. has wellness products that are as good for the planet as they are for your senses. Founded by Laurence Gaudreau-Pépin, a self-made entrepreneur who swapped restaurant dreams for fragrance creations, this brand crafts soy wax candles, reed diffusers, and cleaning products—all free of toxic ingredients and animal testing.
The scents? Think layers of complexity, like Siberian Pine + Chai or Amber + Oak, each blending natural inspiration with perfumer-grade precision. Packaged in apothecary-style amber glass, their hand-poured candles burn clean with cotton wicks and non-GMO soy wax. Even better, every purchase supports reforestation through Tree Canada.
Essential oils from Les Mauvaises Herbes
"People always ask where I get them when they visit. The oils are all-natural and smell amazing. Designed and handmade in Montreal—the diffusion blends are made with 100% essential oils. A tailor-made atmosphere, naturally. Solstice d'hiver is my favourite."
What started in 2014 as a blog called Les Trappeuses—a casual space to chat about DIY cosmetics and eco-living—quickly snowballed into Les Mauvaises Herbes in 2018, offering everything needed to whip up homemade beauty and cleaning products, from raw ingredients to zero-waste accessories. Their online boutique became a lifeline for eco-curious makers, and their first book, À fleur de pots, sold over 30,000 copies.
They didn’t stop there. A wildly successful crowdfunding campaign brought their brick-and-mortar Montreal shop to life in 2019, right before the pandemic tested their resilience. Fast-forward to today: three founders, two new books, and a team of 20 keeping this grassroots company thriving.
Coffee from Zab Café
"I always get my coffee from them. They have great flavours, but I usually end up with Joyeux Roger. It’s just so good."
What started in 2013 as Edwin Chareton’s goel to elevate Quebec’s coffee scene has evolved into a reliable source of specialty roasting in the province. Armed with a roasting certification from Vermont’s Coffee Lab International, Edwin and his partner, Cynthia, launched the first batch in 2016.
By 2017, Zab gained momentum, adding team members and partnering with Paquebot Café. This collaboration turned into a full-fledged merger, growing to four locations across Montreal and Gaspé by 2021. Their facilities now include a state-of-the-art roasting workshop in Parc Extension. This specialty coffee roaster now has a Montreal store, and a subscription service with Canada-wide free delivery for all orders over $40.
Books from L’Euguélionne
"I love going to L’Euguélionne on Ontario Street. They have amazing sections on Indigenous and feminist literature, plus graphic novels. The staff’s recommendations are always spot on."
L’Euguélionne, a feminist bookstore and solidarity cooperative, is a cornerstone for Montreal’s literary and activist communities. This non-profit offers a vast collection of new and used books, zines, and print art, with a focus on works by women* and texts exploring feminist, queer, anti-racist, and anti-colonial perspectives. From novels and poetry to academic texts and non-stereotypical children’s books, the selection is inclusive and diverse.
Sweets from Bernice
"I love Bernice. Their cookies are incredible, and their cakes are served by the slice, so you can try multiple flavours. It’s dangerous having them nearby me, but so worth it."
Known for its signature cookies and nostalgic birthday cakes, this bakehouse also serves up a rotating selection of pastries that blend family traditions with inventive approaches. The cozy space hums with the scent of butter and sugar, inviting folks to linger over third-wave coffee and a treat or three. Since opening in 2020, Bernice Bakery has become a neighbourhood favourite.
