More Than a Boutique: How Cathy Frith Built White Rock’s Favourite Hidden Gem
Cathy Frith doesn’t just own a boutique—she’s built something that feels like the soul of White Rock. The Mason Jar isn’t about chasing trends or packing people in. It’s about connection. It’s about care. And yes, it’s about really good taste.
If you’re wondering how it all started, it wasn’t with a flashy business plan or market research. It started with a loss. When Cathy’s dad passed away in 2015, it pushed her to rethink everything. She realized she didn’t want to live with regret. So she told her husband—half-scared, fully serious—that she was finally going to do what she’d always dreamed of: open a boutique.
The response? Let’s just say he was... surprised. But Cathy did it anyway.
And she named it after her grandson, Mason, who at the time was four years old and now, at 13, is already making plans to run the store with her one day. (He’s got style, too.)
What started as a leap of faith has evolved into a lifestyle boutique that’s curated, calming, and completely grounded in community. Cathy’s quick to say, “I’m not expecting people to buy something every time they walk in.” That’s not the point. The Mason Jar is about offering a space where people feel welcome, calm, and like they belong—even if they’re just browsing candles and catching their breath between errands.
That feeling? It’s no accident. Cathy puts intention into everything—from the music and earthy tones to the scent of the candles and the quality of every product on the shelves. “I wouldn’t sell anything I wouldn’t want to receive myself,” she told me. And it shows.
Three-quarters of the store is fashion, with the rest being a mix of jewelry, home décor, self-care, and giftable items. Cathy’s big on supporting Canadian brands—especially local makers from White Rock, Surrey, Vancouver, and the Valley. If she can touch it, smell it, and feel the quality herself before buying? Even better. She’s not interested in fast fashion. She’s here for timeless, quality pieces that last.
“I always say—this is clothing that you’ll outgrow before it wears out,” she said. “And if you do outgrow it, we have local shops you can upcycle it through, so it’s not going in the landfill.”
That kind of thoughtfulness extends far beyond the products. Every year, The Mason Jar partners with different charities—whether it’s toy drives for BC Children’s Hospital, food bank donations, or supporting local families over the holidays. Customers get involved, too, often bringing in gifts and essentials to help others, and in return they get a small discount and the chance to be part of something bigger.
Cathy’s also one of the few boutique owners who resisted going fully online—even during COVID. “If I can’t be part of the community and build relationships face-to-face, then what’s the point?” she said. And yet, that year ended up being her biggest one ever.
It’s not always easy. Cathy’s seen friends in small business close their doors. She’s seen the ups and downs of local retail, the new development, the growing density in the area, and the unpredictable economy. But through it all, she’s stayed anchored in her purpose: community first.
“I’m not someone’s daughter, wife, or mom when I’m in the store,” she said. “I’m just Cathy. And that’s really freeing.”
If you’ve never been to The Mason Jar, go. Even if you’re not shopping for anything in particular, you’ll walk out with something more valuable than a bag—you’ll leave with that sense of calm Cathy’s talking about. That feeling like you were meant to stop by. That maybe, just maybe, White Rock still has spaces that make you feel like you belong.
🏡 The Mason Jar
📞 (778) 294-3566
📍 15254 Thrift Avenue, White Rock, BC
🕙 Mon–Sat: 10am–5pm | Closed Sundays & holidays
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Let’s keep showcasing the people and places that make our community one of a kind.
