Our Story
ILUKA “BY THE SEA’”
Why Iluka? Iluka is an Australian Aboriginal name meaning "by the sea". Living on Australia’s coastal town of the Gold Coast for nearly 10 years, I immersed myself in Australian coffee and beach culture. That is where my love for coffee began. After managing cafe’s both in Australia and in Canada, iluka espresso is where my love for coffee and creativity come together. Offering handmade items that I have designed and crafted as well as curated items from artisans both locally and globally.
Australia is also a part of my family history. In the early 1900's my family moved from Western Australia to Canada. Boarding a ship from Sydney to New West Minister, they arrived in BC.
My love for Island culture and beach life is what drew me to Australia and later Victoria. My hope is to create a place where people can feel refreshed and uplifted even if it's just for a few moments in their day.
The Vision
My vision was to create a space that is almost entirely handmade, from the furniture, the design and the decor, while serving Australian inspired coffee. During those months of covid I was pouring all of my creativity into designing and building the tables, benches, stools and other furniture. I wanted each piece to be unique to the space, creating a space unlike any other.
My goal has been become an integral part of the community, elevating the local standards for coffee culture in the Esquimalt area. Providing a great working environment for other young women is such an honour. I am grateful to be able to provide such a welcoming environment where people can connect, experience great customer service, enjoy excellent food + drinks.
In the future I hope for iluka to be utilized as a creative space, as part of my vision to impact the community I would love to host fundraisers, workshops, parties, pop-up shops for local artists, as well as inviting at risk youth for complementary workshops to learn new skills.
Salina Salter,
iluka espresso
join us in supporting women + children locally and globally
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DAYS FOR GIRLS CANADA
Days for Girls Canada provides education, dignity, health, equality for girls around the globe, one menstrual kit at a time PERIOD!
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RESTAVEK FREEDOM
Our mission is to end child slavery in Haiti in our lifetime. Restavek is a form of modern day child slavery in Haiti that arises out of Haiti’s challenging history affected by slavery, poverty, natural disasters, and many other problems and challenges.
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INTERNATIONSL JUSTICE MISSION CANADA
The mission of IJM Canada is to protect, rescue and restore people oppressed by violent forces of injustice. Together, we can end slavery in our lifetime.
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SAVE THE CHILDREN CANADA
Our mission is to help the most marginalized & deprived children around the world. We'll do whatever it takes to reach every last child.
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ALLY GLOBAL FOUNDATION
Ally Global Foundation is a Canadian charity that prevents human trafficking and helps survivors build healthy, independent lives.