Happy 17th Anniversary, Phidon

I can still vividly remember that day we unlocked our doors to the public for the first time. The shelves were full of product and I wrung my hands as I sat behind the pen case, waiting for customers to come in. I said to Baldeep, “What have we done? No one is going to come!” But then you all came in full support of our passionate adventure and as I reflect back in time, my heart swells with joy and gratitude.

Baldeep and I have had the privilege of weaving Phidon’s story into the fabric of downtown Cambridge for 17 years. We’ve worked hard to make our space here at 63 Dickson one of warmth and community. Though on the surface it seems all we do is sell pens and ink, our efforts have really been about inspiring this creative community to shine.

This summer, a stroke of serendipity lead to some exciting changes. Our dear friends very generously parted with their absolutely stunning , 25 year old custom shelves. These shelves were designed and built by Omer Arbel during his student days at the Waterloo School of Architecture. We are fortunate they have now arrived at Phidon Pens. Watching all of you let your curiosity roam as you browse through them fills us with warmth and reinvigorate our efforts to keep delighting you. Thanks to Arman, Vicky, Janson, Ethan and Mark for helping us with putting them together. To Claudia and to Cate for their help in merchandising with a fresh twist. So much goes on in the back end to be ready to be open everyday and for that too I am grateful to our amazing team here at Phidon.

I am also endlessly grateful to each one of you who have joined us in our leap of faith. You all mean so much to me. Over the years we have had the pleasure of building so many connections, even made life long friends along the way. You have brought endless value to my life and truly, it is meeting you that makes me want to be here everyday. Thank you for sharing so many of your stories; your triumphs, your laughter, your tears… I am humbled by the amount of life we have shared in these 4 walls. It’s been an honour helping you commemorate all of life’s grand events.

We will take all this gratitude and continue to strive for a Phidon that slows the pace of life. A place you can enjoy, despite everything going on the world. Baldeep and I continue to dream all the time, so I humbly ask you continue along with us on this journey. With you as the wind our sails, who knows how far we can go?

Happy 17 years, Phidon Family. Here’s to many more!

-Mano