Inspiration for the Welcome collection came from a recent visit to Juno Beach in northern France with my family. Walking along the shore where Canadians landed during WWII, we came across a spontaneous memorial: a small Canadian flag placed in the sand, encircled by seashells gathered from the beach. Others had clearly passed by before us, each adding their own shell, and over time it had grown in both beauty and meaning.
We placed a shell of our own and paused in a quiet moment of gratitude. Throughout the surrounding town, Canadian flags hung from homes—a simple but powerful gesture of remembrance and respect. – I was deeply moved.
As I began to look more closely into the symbolism of shells in French culture, I discovered something equally meaningful. Shells are a symbol of welcome—used to express hospitality, safety, and care. They appear in small but intentional ways: planters adorned with shells at a front door to signal openness, or markers along pilgrimage routes indicating that travellers are supported there. Even water taps along these paths bear a shell symbol, reassuring passersby that the water is safe to drink.
In Paris and other French cities, pathways of brass shells embedded in the ground quietly guide visitors along historic routes—offering direction, continuity, and a sense of connection to those who have walked before.
Together, these symbols speak to something deeply human: welcome, solidarity, friendship, and hospitality. They feel especially poignant now, in a time marked by division, broken trust, and uncertainty. The political landscape is increasingly polarized, and it can feel difficult to find common ground.
The shell offers a quiet counterpoint. It brings us back to our shared humanity—a small but powerful symbol of connection, care, and openness. A reminder that even within our own spheres, we can choose to extend welcome, to offer friendship, and to act with generosity toward one another.
The Welcome Collection is rooted in this spirit. It is a reflection on connection—on bridging divides, softening boundaries, and reaching toward one another with intention. Just as Canada once stood in support of France on Juno Beach, and as that spirit of friendship continues to be reflected back today, this collection honours the enduring strength of solidarity.
The shell stands as a resilient symbol of togetherness
—of what it means to be human, and of the strength
we find in choosing connection.
Amity Bag
Amity means friendship between two countries. Something I discovered at Juno Beach in France where I was touched by the loyalty shown to Canada. This bag shows two shells connecting symbolizing friendship and loyalty.
While not only beautiful, the Amity bag is very comfortable to carry and features a removable organizer pouch and leather adjusters. Walk your way into summer this year with a bit of extra flair.
Shell Bag
A shell bag with beautiful lines and eye-catching texture. Soft shoulder straps are comfortable to carry and the insert keeps things secure and organized. Don’t forget to include a pearl pouch!
Just as a shell is used as a trail marker for visitors, it is also displayed at front doors as a gesture of hospitality. May this bag serve as a symbol of the value of friendship and hospitality to one another.
Pearl Bag
A classic shape with seaside vibes from the Welcome collection. A soft-structured bag with a front zipper enclosure perfect for a cellphone. The interior features both a zippered pocket and an open pocket.
Twin Tides
Tidy and organized, the twin tides bag features an adjustable strap from shoulder length to crossbody. Complete with two top zippers and an interior zippered pocket, there’s a place for everything.
As the tides roll in and out and things change over time, loyalty and friendship holds strong. The folded details mimic ripples of the water and tie this design to the shell bags from the Collection. Attach a few shell charms to this adorable bag to complete the look.
Walk with us as we begin a new journey of meaning with the Welcome Collection. Keep an eye out for shells in your every day life, they are around more than you think! Even the handle at our very own studio downtown in St. Thomas bears a shell on the lever. The symbol was known and used more in times past and we are reconnecting the meaning for us all. Whether it’s in the mantle design over a vintage fireplace, or in the molding around a door – it’s a reminder to extend welcome to those around us.
The Welcome Collection is now available in the studio at 576 Talbot Street or online
http://www.suzannefaris.com | info@suzannefaris.com
Photograhy by @estherhollywood | Modelling by Abigail and Isabella Faris | Location: Port Stanley Beach
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