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Shopping trucks are the new food trucks

Take a peek inside the mobile boutique of two best-friends-turned-entrepreneurs.

By Ashley Sparrow /

Take a peek inside the mobile boutique of two best-friends-turned-entrepreneurs.

They call her Beastie. At 26 feet long and 130 square feet, this blue and pink behemoth on wheels contains a collection of lovingly curated fashion and homeware pieces. The curators? Karolina Jasinski and Kora Pridy, a pair of self-proclaimed “besties” with a mutual affection for travel, fashion, and home design. The two friends began their journey with Beastie less than a year ago after a CNN story on fashion trucks inspired them to take their online shop, Ardillas United, on the road.Ardillas United was imagined back in 2014 when Jasinski and Pridy, who work in design and furniture wholesale respectively, were sipping margaritas in Mexico (one of their favourite travel destinations). After falling in love with the local artisan goods, they conceived the idea for an online shop. Loading up their suitcases with colourful Mexican treasures, they travelled home to Port Coquitlam, where they immediately started planning what has now become Ardillas United.After experiencing success (and a lot of fun) with their newfound venture, the women decided to expand their business. “Having done a few pop-ups with the Ardillas United online store, we realized that people loved touching and seeing our product in person, so the mobile boutique seemed like the perfect fit for us and a great way for us to bring our product to the people,” Pridy says. “That’s when we bought an old Doritos truck and the rest is history.”After renovations, Beastie is a far cry from its roots in the tortilla chip business. Packed with hand-picked items, the boutique is an eclectic mix of products from global jaunts and local shops. Despite its square footage, the airy Scandinavian design provides ample room to move around, shop—even throw a party. Recently, the mobile boutique has made a foray into private parties, opening its doors to soirees throughout Metro Vancouver. “What appeals to us about private events is getting to chat with our customers in a casual environment where they sip wine and hang out with friends,” Pridy says. “What could be better?”And the public will get its chance to chat with the stylish women behind Ardillas United this weekend at the Vancouver Home + Design Show: Beastie will be rolling into the Vancouver Convention Centre, stocked with new products to swoon over.Vancouver Home + Design Show, October 22-25Tickets: free (children under 12) to $16Vancouver Convention Centre-West Building, 1055 Canada Place, 604-639-2288

Karolina Jasinski (left) and Kora Pridy (right) posing at the entrance of their beloved fashion truck, Beastie.

This former Doritos truck is a shadow of its former self after friends and family united to renovate it in five short weeks.

With white walls and wood accents, the boutique feels inviting and surprisingly spacious for only 130 square feet.

A changing room in the corner of the boutique offers privacy, while still allowing for streams of natural light.

Every corner is used to its full advantage in this small space. Here a sculptural element on the wall displays merchandise in an artful way.

Sourcing products globally and locally, Kora and Karolina have filled the boutique with the latest in jewelry, clothing, and home décor.

From top left: Bear Bottle Opener ($12), Brooklyn Leather Hat ($64), Sanur Throw ($87), Post Stud Earrings ($15)Ardillasunited.com

From top left: Wake Up Toss Cushion ($45), Paris Scarf ($46), Halo Earrings ($15), Eva End Table ($366)Ardillasunited.com

Ardillas United has its roots in friendship and having fun, which makes their mobile boutique the perfect venue for a party. Gather 10 or more of your besties for a night of wine and shopping.

Meet the ladies behind Ardillas United this weekend at the Vancouver Home + Design Show.