Creative Economy « Build A New Life in Prince Edward County

Starting from Scratch is Easy in the County

Contributed by Sandy Abbott, Enterprise Facilitator

As Enterprise Facilitator each month I write about how entrepreneurs can assess their business strengths and limitations based on the Trinity of Management. Product, Market and Finance. What are you good at? What do you know about? Where in the business, do you like to spend your time? Faced with the challenge of starting a hospitality venture with no experience or knowledge of the industry I decided to get help from the vast array of resources in the County. In other words, I facilitated the Facilitator.

B&B or Vacation Property? Never knew there was a difference till I spent an hour with Rick Caruso of the Chamber. Rick is a wealth of information about the different types of accomodations available, strategies on marketing, payment options and more. The Product was a two story house, so Vacation Property it would be! With the goal of inexpensive but tasteful decor, I relied on County Traders and Dead People’s Stuff for ideas and furnishings. John, from Traders even let me bring back chairs when I found ones I liked better on the next visit. The walls are decorated with beautiful County scenes thanks to an amazing sale at Paper Images and my specialized guest soaps are hand crafted at Big Tub Botanicals. Gano Excel Coffee from Legendz in Rossmore will give guests the healthy boost they need.

How in demand would a property in town actually be? Richard Barrett from Sandbanks Vacations and Wayne Carruthers of 57 Mary Street gave me tips about using the shoulder seasons to creat a niche market, as well as ideas about amenities wanted by in town visitors. A last minute opening in a BIA publication allowed me to place my first ad! Beyond Parallel Design created a professional ad to fit the space – timely help, thanks.

As for finance, I talked with several local hosts who generously shared advice about fees, downpayment, cancellation and damage policies. I have settled on a payment system that looks easiest for a working host. After much free creative advice and patience on the part of Anne VanVlack of InfoLink, my site is up and we are ready for business!

If you would like free, confidential help with a business idea, why not give me a call? Let’s see what we can do together! 613-476-4240

Tags: Creative Economy, Culinary Tourism, hospitality, Prince Edward County, vacation properties
Comments (0) | Posted over a year ago by Sandy Abbott

New Eco Store Opens in Bloomfield

Contributed by Diana Cooper, Green Cluster, Economic Development Office

I was in for a treat this week when I got a sneak peek of Valery Philip’s latest project. Tucked beneath her Living Naturally yoga studio in Bloomfield is the most eclectically appointed shop, brimming with eco-friendly products for house, home and soul.

Committed to a small eco-footprint, Valery was pleasantly surprised by how much she could find re-used, right down to the paper cutter and vintage wrapping paper. Social media and Face Book helped: “Put it out there and ask for what you need. People save things because they realize they have value but have yet to come up with the idea of how to re-purpose it”.

The store was built using reclaimed and low impact materials: antique tables, shelves made from window valances from her grandfather’s house. Finding things, cleaning them up and giving them new life is second nature to Valery like the old cat creamer she now uses as a string holder.

Valery has collected an inspiring line up of funky, joyful items, many re-purposed and seen again through fresh eyes: picnic blankets made from up cycled fabrics, vintage teacups made into garden accessories.

Local creations are predominantly featured like Katherine Orok’s gorgeous clothing made from re-purposed fabrics, art by Brandy Gale and Sarah Renauld and soaps and balms crafted by Big Tub Botanicals and Honey Pie Hive and Herbals.

An aromatherapist, Valery will have quality oils as well as Canadian made yoga clothing, mats and books.

Valery recounted a visit to the Rose House museum where she saw a wooden butter mold. When she turned it over she discovered a carved rose inside that would leave an imprint on the finished brick.

“It struck me that no matter how busy this woman was, she took the time to make beautiful something as everyday as butter. We have lost ownership of creating beauty for ourselves.”

Living Naturally Gift Shop opens it’s doors on Saturday May 21 from 11 am to 5 pm and will be open every day but Tuesday.

Tags: Bloomfield, Creative Economy, Green Business, Prince Edward County, Quality of Place, Small Business, wellness
Comments (0) | Posted over two years ago by Diana Cooper

Designer Green in Prince Edward County

Contributed by Diana Cooper, Green Cluster, Economic Development Office

I am amazed as I sit in a cozy studio, surrounded by cutting tables, sewing machines and dressmaker mannequins. Although it is dull and rainy outside, inside there are flashes of pinks and reds, rich browns and greens, and blues of many hues. These gorgeous swathes of fabric and intricate embroidered details have all been collected by fashion designer, Koren Bellman, for her new spring line – collected from recycled clothing.

Koren moved to Prince Edward County in 2006 for the lifestyle and the developing art scene. A performance artist and painter, she explained: “I have always collected recycled clothing and like making things for myself. Traditionally women always made and designed their own clothing.”

Koren draws inspiration from such designers as Jean Paul Gauthier, Christian Lacroix, Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen. They all weave art concepts into their designs, going to the streets to get a pulse on people.

Koren sees her work equally as eco-conscious and as fashion. “I love fashion and designing high end couture and costume. I love colours and combining them. I can’t believe how many beautiful textiles are being put into landfills. I appreciate the work and detail that other’s have done and I love to give it new life.”

The great thing about recycling fabric is finding finished details. Koren pulled out examples of intricate embroidery, funky pockets, and quirky stitching. The clothing she recycles is out of style but the fabric is gorgeous. “I see the potential in the fabric but the fabric really dictates the final piece. I look for fabric that falls really nicely or has a nice weight: suede and leather, wool. This season it is suede, bright colours, pastels.”

Koren uses three different sewing machines depending on the fabric, sometimes using all three on one piece. Everyone one of her pieces is a work of art, each one-of-a-kind and fits like a dream.

To see Koren’s new spring line up, visit her on March 26 and 27 above Books & Company as part of Maple in the County.

To see more of her designs you can go to her on-line store or check out the article in the September 2010 Squared 2 Magazine.

“I have a hard time using new fabric now. I love that I save something from the landfill”.

If you are interested in the opportunities for green business in Prince Edward County or if you would like to know more about greening your business, please contact me at (613)476-7901 ext 215 or e-mail dcooper@pecounty.on.ca.

Tags: Creative Economy, entrepreneur, fashion, Green Business, Prince Edward County, Quality of Place, Small Business
Comments (0) | Posted over two years ago by Diana Cooper