The Space You’re In - Episode 4
A conversation with Rokhsana Sarvian
Finding New Energy in a New Space: Purdy Natural's Move to Wortley Village
When Rokhsana Sarvian opened Purdy Natural's doors in Wortley Village earlier this year, it wasn't just a change of address. It was the beginning of a new chapter—one that has reignited her creativity, strengthened her connection to community, and reminded her why she started the business in the first place.
For many Londoners, Purdy Natural has become a staple for natural skincare, wellness products, and thoughtfully curated Canadian-made gifts. While the business has been around for more than 15 years, its Mount Pleasant location was home for the last 11.
Leaving that space wasn't a decision Rokhsana took lightly.
"It was the hardest part of the move," she says. "Our landlord at Mount Pleasant has been like family to us. That space was such a huge part of our growth."
But sometimes the right opportunity arrives at exactly the right moment.
A Space That Felt Like an Immediate Yes
For years, Rokhsana had been quietly hoping for a space in Wortley Village. She loved the sense of community and wanted a location where both staff and customers would feel safe and connected.
When a friend mentioned that the former Weston Gallery building was available, she wasn't even sure it was a realistic possibility. Still, she booked a viewing.
Standing at the front windows and looking out onto the village, she knew.
"There was no hesitation," she says. "I just felt like we had to try."
What followed felt almost effortless. Financing came together, support appeared at every turn, and every obstacle seemed to have someone ready to help solve it.
"The girls were ready for it. Everyone was on board. It was like the whole thing was just a giant YES."
A Community-Powered Move
Moving an entire retail store is no small feat, but Rokhsana is quick to point out that this wasn't something she did alone.
Friends took time off work to help. Family members pitched in. Staff members worked tirelessly. Her cousin Pam transformed the space with a stunning hand-painted floral mural that has quickly become one of the most talked-about features in the shop.
Even the window displays came together through community. A florist friend helped create an installation using found branches and existing materials, giving the space a fresh look while staying true to Purdy Natural's commitment to thoughtful, sustainable choices.
"It felt like everyone wanted to be part of it," Rokhsana says. "I haven't felt that kind of community support in a really long time."
Despite the scale of the move, everything fell into place including the furniture and shelving from the previous store.
"We basically puzzle-pieced the old shop into this one, and it worked."
Rediscovering Creativity
Perhaps the biggest surprise wasn't the success of the move itself, but what it did for Rokhsana personally.
After more than a decade in the same location, she had started to feel stuck.
"I was kind of asking myself if I still wanted to do this," she admits. "Maybe someone else with more passion should take over."
Instead, the move gave her exactly what she needed.
"It's made me feel creative again."
The energy of the new space, the constant stream of visitors, and the enthusiasm from the Wortley community have all contributed to a renewed sense of excitement.
"When I'm exhausted and wondering how I'm going to keep going, people come in with so much positivity and support. It lifts me right back up."
Building Something More Than a Store
The new location has also opened doors to possibilities that weren't available before.
Upstairs, Purdy Natural now has space for wellness practitioners, creating opportunities for complementary services that align with the store's values. Current offerings include lymphatic drainage, holistic facial massage, energy work, and crystal bed therapy.
For Rokhsana, it's the beginning of a larger vision.
Years ago, while visiting Sedona, Arizona, she was inspired by a wellness space that combined retail with healing practitioners under one roof. Looking around the upstairs rooms now, she realizes that vision is slowly becoming reality.
"I'd love to see more practitioners here. Energy workers, card readers, healers—people whose work complements what we're already doing downstairs."
The goal isn't just to create a store. It's to create a space where people can gather and connect.
Looking Ahead
For now, Rokhsana is letting the space evolve naturally.
There are plans to expand refill offerings, continue supporting local makers through pop-ups, and perhaps even introduce small community events and live music performances.
"We had a musician play during our opening weekend, and it made me think how nice it would be to have little acoustic brunch concerts here."
She's also considering giving the exterior of the building a fresh coat of paint someday (though she's careful not to shock the neighbourhood too quickly).
"It's going to happen," she laughs. "I just don't want to scare Wortley yet."
The Power of the Right Space
Throughout the conversation, one theme surfaced again and again: community.
From the customers who followed Purdy Natural across the city, to the friends and family who helped with the move, to the neighbours who welcomed the business into Wortley Village, the success of this new chapter has been built on relationships.
"Our customers are really the reason so many things happen here," Rokhsana says. "They're always sharing ideas, asking for products, helping us grow."
And perhaps that's why the move feels so meaningful.
The new location may have brought fresh energy and inspiration, but at its heart, Purdy Natural remains what it has always been: a business built on community.
Sometimes all it takes is the right space to remind us what's possible.