Lossless Toronto: Meet Camille Byrne of Cambie Design by Yuli Scheidt

Who are you?

My name is Camille and I own a company called Cambie Design. Cambie was born out of a love for interiors and spaces. I currently live in Toronto but grew up just outside of the city, while also spending much of my life travelling to South America. I have extensive experience in retail and have always appreciated thoughtful branding and its environment. Oh, and I'm a sucker for anything vintage or salvaged.

What do you do?

I provide design services from merchandising to consulting, interiors and prop styling. I also consider myself a curator of beautiful products and furniture. Most of my attention is currently focused on these luxurious alpaca wool blankets that I have brought to Toronto from Peru. They're graphic and available in a wide array of patterns and colours. They've done very well and I spend much of my time surrounded by them. You'll find me showing them off once a month at The Junction Flea ­ particularly unfolding and then re­folding :).

What gets you excited about what you do?

I love the reaction I see when someone truly falls in love with a concept, a space, or piece of furniture/product they see. I've been really lucky with the response I have received with these blankets and it makes me very proud. I am half Peruvian and much of my family lives there. I am so happy to be able to offer Toronto (my other half) a traditional, artisanal item that represents a crucial part of my life. I get a kick of out seeing the excitement in others who want to hear my story.

What do you love about Toronto?

I love Toronto for the support and encouragement it provides. It can be very intimidating to put yourself out there in such a large, diverse, and very talented city. I find myself surrounded by motivated and entrepreneurial­minded individuals across so many different fields. It is inspiring and reassuring. Not to mention the design community of Toronto rocks; there are many brilliant artists and designers who just support one another ­ it's fantastic!

Is there a well kept secret in Toronto that you think everyone should know about?

There are so many well kept secrets in Toronto, you have to start talking. Last year I introduced myself to a textile designer whose work I loved and after chatting for awhile, she asked me if I would like to join a small collaborative of designers in the city. It is now a group of peers that gather once a month to support one another in their career paths. Every month there is a specific topic in sight (anything from challenges in using social media to putting together a press kit) but there is definitely an enthusiasm to help one another, which is extremely motivating.

Sometimes you have to approach the unapproachable and start talking about your passions and ideas because you never know what will come of it!

The best part of the group is that every month, we meet in a new location. Some of my favourite spots so far have been at MADE, a retailer showcasing modern Canadian design, a crisp autumn evening in Trinity Bellwoods Parks and in the studio of interior design firm, Mason. All very different yet inspiring environments.

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Lossless Toronto is new to The Little Red Umbrella, a regular feature about design in Toronto by Yuli Scheidt.

Yuli is a photographer, designer & illustrator currently living and working in Toronto. Find her work on her site . Find daily captures of her world on Twitter and Instagram. Emails can be sent to hello@yulischeidt.com.