This week, we present our PEIBWA Member Faith LeClair, from Sew Blessed Quilters.
Name of Business: Sew Blessed Quilters
What kind of work did you do in the past and what inspired you to start your own business?
I have been in the fabric business for all of my career. I started out doing drapes at Nicholson Interiors when my son went to school and from there I opened a custom drapery business out of my home. In the early 2000 I started working at Bargain Fabrics as their manager and when they decided to close down in 2016 I took the plunge and opened up a quilt shop. I decided to renovate my garage and opened up in Jan. of 2017 with a small selection of fabrics. In 2019 it expanded to an additional room in my home and in Jan. 2022 we moved to a store front location at the Trailside Plaza in Kensington.
How long have you owned your business?
I opened up on January 9th, 2017 in the middle of a snow storm.
What have your challenges been? How did you overcome them?
I have had many challenges over the past 5 years from construction, heating, to working with fabric suppliers and trying to get supplies during covid times. I was lucky enough that I had worked with a few of my suppliers when I worked at Bargain Fabrics so I already had a working relationship with the ones I continue to use today. I have worked 24/7 to build up the business and my inventory and this Jan. on my 5th birthday we opened up in our new location at the Trailside Plaza in Kensington. It was a big leap to open up here but it has been a very positive experience. Even though I was only a mile away from here there are so many people who have come in that did not know that I had been at the other end of town. One of my biggest struggles so far is advertising and deciding where to put your advertising budget. I worked with your organization last year and I was able to develop a web page to advertise my quilts and hopefully one day I will be able to add onto it.
What have your successes been?
I have grown from my garage, to my garage plus half my house and now I have opened up in a new 1650 square foot location. This new location has made it possible for me to hire a couple of part time employees. Having people to run the store allows me to be able to offer more classes, which is what I love. We run classes in the store a couple days a week and Wed evening with most classes being filled.
Any unexpected surprises?
The hardest thing about opening my own business is learning how to develop a thick skin. It is a hard process from the mental, physical and emotional exhaustion, to the days when you feel you can't go on any longer. Each day has its share of highs and lows and it is hard to find a balance between each of them. The joy on peoples faces when they find the perfect piece of fabric to make their quilt with, to the disappointments that comes with having to make hard decisions so your business can grow, but all in all it is a great way to spend your day surrounded with pretty colors, fabrics and endless possibilities.
What services does your business provide?
I sell cottons, flannels, batiks and all the notions to create your quilts or other projects you are making. We do quilting classes to help you learn about different quilt techniques. I have started having quilt retreats at Our Lady of Hope retreat center, which have been a great success. I think one of the things I have found through this whole process is how much joy quilters find sewing with other quilters. The friendships that have formed that will last through the rest of their lives. Covid has left us all pretty beat up but you can always find a smile and a pick me up from your quilting friends. We have donated to some amazing organizations over the past five years, The Christmas Tree of Hope, The Kensington Fire Department, Life House and the Dementia unit in Summerside. We have also contributed to some local fundraisers for some people who could use a helping hand.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
I try to keep my prices as low as I can to make it as economical as possible for new quilters to try their hand at quilting. I am available most days for advice if someone is feeling stuck with their projects. I also have a strong following with our quilting classes and nothing makes me happier than seeing the smiles on their faces when they finish a project that they are especially proud of. With covid there has been a struggle finding spaces for our classes but we have made it through this far and I couldn't be happier with the progress everyone has made.
What areas do you serve?
I serve the entire Island and many tourists during the summer months.
How can people contact you?
This week, we present you New Member Angela Rogerson, from Keep Moving Physiotherapy Inc.
Member Since: February 2022
Business Name: Keep Moving Physiotherapy Inc.
I have worked as a physiotherapist for the past 27 years. In 2016, my employer passed away suddenly and I was left with a decision to make. How would I spend the second half of my career? That was when I decided to ‘ jump off the cliff’ and open my own physiotherapy clinic.
My father was a huge inspiration for me. He also was a health professional who had owned his own business and I felt I was ready to take on a challenge and change things up a bit. However, this wasn’t just going to affect me, this was a family decision and I needed their support. They believed in me and supported the decision empowering me even more. I opened my business in the fall of 2016.
Leading up to the 2016 opening, I was scared and had a lot of sleepless nights constantly wondering if I was doing the right thing. One day I was driving through town when I saw a sign that said “you are capable of more than you think”. That was a pivotal moment for me!
What have your challenges been? How did you overcome them? What have your successes been?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning how to operate a business. Educated as a health professional, I had no skill set to call upon for running a business. I knew nothing but quickly realized there are people and resources out there that can help you as long as you are willing to learn and embrace the challenge.
I was very blessed to have the community support me and within 5 months of opening, I was busy enough to hire a therapist to work two nights a week with me. Before I knew it, we were busy enough to have two full time therapists and currently, we have grown to have 2.5 physiotherapists.
The clinic provides physiotherapy services for acute injuries (including sport-related injuries), chronic pain, post surgical rehabilitation, sprains and strains. We are proud to offer the internationally based hip and knee arthritis program GLA:D as well as other specialized services such as acupuncture, dry needling, TMJ treatment and functional movement assessments.
Our goal is to provide a calm, relaxed environment with one on one care by a physiotherapist. We take a very active approach to therapy and believe in getting to the root of the problem. It is important to us that our clients understand what is happening and empower them to play a role in their recovery. We also provide a professional, collaborative approach to wellness with easy access to many services. We also want to play a key role in supporting the community and promoting health and wellness.
What sets you apart from your competition?
We offer before and after work appointments (7am-7pm) to be able to accommodate busy lives and will go the extra mile to assist you in getting back to the level of function you deserve. This spring, we will be relocating and opening Cornwall’s first multidisciplinary wellness centre. Joining us will be PEI PELVIC AND BREAST HEALTH INC owned by Paige Martin as well as Caley McDonald, Registered massage therapist. We will have space to include other health care disciplines such as councilors, speech pathologists etc.
The PEI Business Women’s Association is excited to announce a new Pitch Competition for women entrepreneurs in Prince Edward Island. The Sensational Summer PitchFest 2022 – the first of its kind in PEI – is a competitive pitch competition for women entrepreneurs in early growth-stage businesses seeking growth capital for an innovative business venture or to further develop or launch a new product or service.
Through a series of workshops, coaching with industry experts, and networking opportunities, participants will have a chance to compete for a $15,000 cash award!
Learn more about eligibility requirements, important dates and FAQs HERE.
This week, we present you Member Ellen Vellez, from ReWilde Store. Ellen is a graduate from our last cohort of Accelerate HER PEI Program! Name of Business: ReWilde Store: Body Confident Clothing for Men and Women What kind of work did you do in the past and what inspired you to start your own business? My previous careers were that of a Counselor and also a Professional Latin Dance Competitor and Instructor. I opened a Dance Studio here on Island for a few years, but that was shut down due to Covid. After 20+ years of being self employed, I had to go back to a regular 9-5. After a while, my entrepreneurial spirit started stirring and I wanted to do something completely different. I had always an interest in fashion, doing my own thing style-wise and was into anything that helped empower and increase a women's confidence. I also grew up in NYC, one of the fashion capitals of the world, so it was a bit of a natural next big business step to open a clothing store.
This week, we present you Member Ellen Vellez, from ReWilde Store. Ellen is a graduate from our last cohort of Accelerate HER PEI Program!
Name of Business: ReWilde Store: Body Confident Clothing for Men and Women
My previous careers were that of a Counselor and also a Professional Latin Dance Competitor and Instructor. I opened a Dance Studio here on Island for a few years, but that was shut down due to Covid. After 20+ years of being self employed, I had to go back to a regular 9-5. After a while, my entrepreneurial spirit started stirring and I wanted to do something completely different. I had always an interest in fashion, doing my own thing style-wise and was into anything that helped empower and increase a women's confidence. I also grew up in NYC, one of the fashion capitals of the world, so it was a bit of a natural next big business step to open a clothing store.
How long have you owned your business? ReWilde opened this past October, after spending a few months securing a location, renovating it, finding the best designers and working hard on making it a really beautiful spot to welcome clients into. What have your challenges been? How did you overcome them? The store is located at Spinnakers Landing in Summerside. Initially, I had intended for the store to be open year round so I did some winterizing + was using four space heaters. With the building not being insulated, and it's been super cold, the store was too cold to welcome customers, much less expect them to actually wanna try clothes on. I had to come up with something different for the meantime.
ReWilde opened this past October, after spending a few months securing a location, renovating it, finding the best designers and working hard on making it a really beautiful spot to welcome clients into.
The store is located at Spinnakers Landing in Summerside. Initially, I had intended for the store to be open year round so I did some winterizing + was using four space heaters. With the building not being insulated, and it's been super cold, the store was too cold to welcome customers, much less expect them to actually wanna try clothes on. I had to come up with something different for the meantime.
So I created an online store for ReWilde which offers shipping + delivery. Also in the works are personal development workshops, pop up events, fashion shows and private shopping parties. I'm also working on specially curated style boxes for my customers. Overall I think the challenge has been great because it really forced me to think even more out of the creative box and fine-tune my business model...and get ReWilde to be a clothing store that really gives her customers what they want and need.
What have your successes been? I would say just taking the initial risk and opening up a business at this time, in the middle of a pandemic, is one of my successes. Usually I'm pretty okay with going head to head with a new challenge, but even I thought this was a pretty risky move, especially with it being a retail store, and to some degree, in the tourism industry. But, even with opening the store "late" in October and it introducing an edgier side for clothing in the Summerside area, I've had a pretty great reception from customers and guests. Any unexpected surprises? Yes, most surprisingly was how well received men's fashion was --- meaning from the men! I knew that my men's line was amazing and unique and something that definitely all my female clients would love for the men in their lives. But the men...! Seemed they've been secretly hoping for some style to come their way. What services does your business provide? Essentially, ReWilde sells clothing and accessories for both men and women. But the store's philosophy is that you're gonna be your best self and do amazing things when you feel great, believe in yourself and you also look great, meaning the clothes and how you carry yourself. So ReWilde offers clothing that's going to help you with that. The clothing is for all shapes and sizes, from XS to 3XL...pants and jeans from 1-13 (women) and 28-42 (men). Throughout the year, but more so in the off-season, the store also hosts workshops for you to increase your confidence and presentation skills. Why are your services better than your competitors? What sets you apart? ReWilde sells completely new clothing; it is not a consignment or thrift store. So you're getting better than just "new to you"...and I think sometimes (especially us women and moms) we need to "top shelf" ourselves more often and know we are worthy of brand new, luxury and exclusive. Also, the designers + suppliers have been specially chosen and come from Canada, Europe and the States, so you're getting some unique brands to wear, not the common ones you see around. And since I purchase items in limited quantities, you really get to strut around wearing an exclusive look. But like I said earlier, the thing that sets ReWilde apart is that I carry a range of sizes, up to 3XL. I really feel it's important, for every BODY to look and feel amazing. What areas do you serve? ReWilde is located in Summerside at Spinnaker's Landing (the orange cottage). The store offers delivery for those clients who shop at our online store and live in the Prince County area. Or, if you are further out on the Island or worldwide, ReWilde offers shipping for online purchases. How can people contact you? Facebook and Instagram: @rewildestore Website: www.rewildestore.com. Email: rewildestore@gmail.com.
I would say just taking the initial risk and opening up a business at this time, in the middle of a pandemic, is one of my successes. Usually I'm pretty okay with going head to head with a new challenge, but even I thought this was a pretty risky move, especially with it being a retail store, and to some degree, in the tourism industry. But, even with opening the store "late" in October and it introducing an edgier side for clothing in the Summerside area, I've had a pretty great reception from customers and guests.
Yes, most surprisingly was how well received men's fashion was --- meaning from the men! I knew that my men's line was amazing and unique and something that definitely all my female clients would love for the men in their lives. But the men...! Seemed they've been secretly hoping for some style to come their way.
Essentially, ReWilde sells clothing and accessories for both men and women. But the store's philosophy is that you're gonna be your best self and do amazing things when you feel great, believe in yourself and you also look great, meaning the clothes and how you carry yourself. So ReWilde offers clothing that's going to help you with that. The clothing is for all shapes and sizes, from XS to 3XL...pants and jeans from 1-13 (women) and 28-42 (men). Throughout the year, but more so in the off-season, the store also hosts workshops for you to increase your confidence and presentation skills.
Why are your services better than your competitors? What sets you apart?
ReWilde sells completely new clothing; it is not a consignment or thrift store. So you're getting better than just "new to you"...and I think sometimes (especially us women and moms) we need to "top shelf" ourselves more often and know we are worthy of brand new, luxury and exclusive. Also, the designers + suppliers have been specially chosen and come from Canada, Europe and the States, so you're getting some unique brands to wear, not the common ones you see around. And since I purchase items in limited quantities, you really get to strut around wearing an exclusive look. But like I said earlier, the thing that sets ReWilde apart is that I carry a range of sizes, up to 3XL. I really feel it's important, for every BODY to look and feel amazing.
ReWilde is located in Summerside at Spinnaker's Landing (the orange cottage). The store offers delivery for those clients who shop at our online store and live in the Prince County area. Or, if you are further out on the Island or worldwide, ReWilde offers shipping for online purchases.
This week, we present you Member Krista MacLeod from Nit Ridders Mobile Lice Service.
Name of Business: Nit Ridders Mobile Lice Service
I have run my own hairstylist business in Hunter River for the last 22 years. While being a hairstylist, I have seen cases of headlice and helped a lot of clients dealing with this issue with their children. Most provinces in Canada have a business that helps people navigate this issue, however PEI does not, so I started this company at the end of 2018.
Nit Ridders provides services include treatment, equipment, and education to eliminate lice and nits, and tips to prevent their return.
The biggest challenges have been getting the word out that I’m available, getting in contact with people who need my service the most, and the restrictions due to The Covid 19 pandemic.
My successes have been pitching my idea to Public Health as they no longer have the means to dealing with this firsthand. They now recommend anyone reaching out to them to give me a call, however Public Health would never charge for this service and that’s where its difficult on my end. Another success I have received is the PEIBWA Micro Grant that went towards developing my website.
There is a need for this service even though it doesn’t pose a health threat but is a nuance to deal with.
I’m the only business in PEI that provides this kind of service.
My company provides a mobile service that comes to you in the comfort of your own home. I will detect, treat, assist and educate clients on headlice. I also take everything needed and I’m a second set of eyes.
This week, we present you Members Tina Mundy and Erin Montgomery, from The Mundy Method.
The Mundy Method is a holistic and comprehensive online fitness and wellness program designed to help women of all ages gain strength, confidence and become the best version of themselves.
"We're on a mission to make sure that every woman feels supported in her wellness journey".
What inspired you to start your own business?
Tina struggled for decades with disordered eating and with finding a fitness routine that felt sustainable and enjoyable. Her journey led her towards empowerment and now, she’s an IAWP Certified Holistic Wellness Coach, specializing in personal development and confidence coaching.
Her daughter and business partner, Erin Montgomery, saw this lifelong struggle and also grappled with her own unrealistic fitness goals as an elite athlete, especially while pregnant, when she noticed a lack of workout options for pregnant women. This frustrated her, as she wanted to stay strong during pregnancy and be prepared for birth and postpartum.
This inspired Erin to become certified as a Pre- and Post-Natal Fitness Specialist and Core Confidence Specialist. What started out as a personal quest has expanded from there, filling a void in the fitness and wellness industry.
“We reached the point where we realized we had to create a program not only for ourselves, but for all women out there."
The Mundy Method launched in July of 2021. We are very proud of the partnerships that we have created with other professionals in the wellness industry. These partners present to our community monthly, on topics including nutrition, mental health, women's pelvic health, cooking classes and other topics that are important to our community.
Our unique 360 approach is what sets us apart from other conventional “one size fits all” methods. This specialized approach meets you where you are and focuses on all aspects of your life from your career and relationships to your physical and spiritual well-being, nutrition, and everything in between. You may think it’s diet, fitness, or advice that you need, and maybe you’re right. Or maybe you will discover that the secret to a happy, healthy life is much more than that.
This week, we want to introduce our member Carol Rybinski. As well as being one of our valued members, Carol is a former member of the advisory group for our Rural Women’s Business Centre and now sits on our Board of Directors as an active advocate for PEIBWA.
Name of Business: Tyne Valley Teas Café and West Country Cottages
My mother owned a thriving B&B in Montreal, and I was always drawn to the idea of hospitality and making great food for visitors. We also always had a huge garden, and grew veggies, flowers and herbs. At University in Montreal, living on my own in a wonderful foodie city with farmers markets in the neighborhood, I learned to cook with a wide variety of fresh, local ingredients and ethnic flavors. When my husband and I made the decision to move to PEI, we were so excited about the availability of local seafood, beef, poultry and veggies. I loved the idea of opening a Café but didn't think I could do that. My plan was to open a B&B, but as time went by, and as much as we loved the dairy bars, burgers and fries all summer long, it just wasn't cutting it. So, I decided to take a huge leap of faith toward my need for a fun, relaxed place to eat fresh healthy foods. It took a few years to get to that point, and after many renovations, I opened the Café in 2016.
I opened July 1st, 2016.
The biggest challenge was my absolute lack of experience in business and the restaurant industry. The first two or three years were really all about me learning - online and in person, through seminars and courses offered by local associations. I learned through my own mistakes too - when you're off the beaten path, you must market, market, market. I also sought expert advice from bookkeepers and accountants. I went to every online and in person business training courses I could to learn human resources management, bookkeeping, accounting, social media marketing, inventory management, and pricing. The P.E.I Business Women's Association and the CBDC have been vital to me accessing information and learning these skills.
I've found a niche in healthy meals, and special events. I've had fun catering for many bands at the Rock the Boat Music Festival, a film company, and have recently gotten into Wedding Cakes and Wedding Cupcakes, where I can really play and be creative.
I've been happy to see that folks love the tea leaf and tarot card reading on the days they are offered. That's been fun. More and more people are coming to the café for vegan and gluten free options, and take-out picnics.
We offer breakfast and brunch, and light lunches in the restaurant. Take-out is available too. We also do Fancy Afternoon Teas by reservation and can turn that into a Fancy Afternoon Picnic. We cater lunches and suppers as well as weddings. This year we are partnering with other tourism operators to offer picnics-to-go with their experiences.
How we stand apart at the Teas Cafe is that we don't deep fry anything and our desserts are made from scratch. We serve wonderful eggs and bacon breakfasts - including a whopping breakfast poutine with roasted potatoes. We also have lots for fresh salads, healthy bowls and wraps. We have a good selection of both gluten free and vegan menu items, which have become very popular. In our small village of Tyne Valley there are four restaurants, but we all manage to offer great food and experiences in our specialty. We don't have to compete, as we all offer something different, and I think we turn Tyne Valley into a hub to come visit.
Our restaurant is open seasonally from May to October, though we can cater year-round. We have guests who visit from Stratford and Charlottetown to Summerside and Tignish. It's a beautiful place to visit - and well worth a scenic drive!
This week, we present you New Member Abbey Gopsill, from The Nest, presenting Bilingual Birdies PEI . Abbey is a graduate of our Fall 2021 Activate HER PEI Program!
Business Name: The Nest, presenting: Bilingual Birdies
I’ve worked in many different industries (finance, retail, food), always focusing on customer excellence. I enjoyed the people I was working with, but after having my daughter and playing / crafting for a year while on maternity leave, I knew that I needed a job that offered more flexibility and creativity. I became certified to teach Kindermusik (a music and movement program for young children) and Bilingual Birdies (a high-energy, musical language learning program for young children). I had begun teaching at Sweet Song Studio in Charlottetown until the pandemic forced it to shut its doors.
When Sweet Song Studio closed it left a huge gap for me and many others as a parent. There was no longer a space where I could go and take my toddler to get an early love of music. She was too young for formal lessons and there was nothing age appropriate. I’ve never been one to shy away from adventure so with lots of support and encouragement from my family, I started The Nest – Charlottetown’s musical language learning studio. Opening the studio! For as long as I can remember I have wanted to do something creative that incorporated my love of languages, music and makes a difference. It’s hard to believe that I was able to roll so many of my passions into one business.
My classes started in January 2022.
While planning, I tried to accommodate as much as possible for the restrictions due to the pandemic. I didn’t anticipate a full lockdown on my first day of class demos where I was expecting to introduce many new families to my program. Even with the restrictions and the immediate need to move classes to online rather than in person, I have been able to successfully run my first semester (now in person), because of the support of our amazing community. I have 25 students enrolled whose amazing parents believed in the program and lots that have re-enrolled for the next semester.
I am much more creatively wired than business wired, so that has been a big learning curve for me. Luckily, I was able to take advantage of the PEIBWA ActivateHER program in the fall which taught me many helpful skills and introduced me to several valuable mentors.
Opening the studio! For as long as I can remember I have wanted to do something creative that incorporated my love of languages, music and makes a difference. It’s hard to believe that I was able to roll so many of my passions into one business.
How much fun the online classes have been! Caregivers are so good at getting involved and making it a special time. I still finish every class with a huge smile and full heart. When classes are online, you get to connect to other parts of families’ lives. I know people’s pets, their favorite toys, and how they like to let loose in their own space. I have also been happily surprised at just how open the arms of the business community have been. Any time that I have reached out for guidance, I have received friendly and helpful advice.
The Nest offers the Bilingual Birdies program as a caregiver and child (ages 0-6) class in my Charlottetown studio. In addition, the program can be brought into early learning centres and as a birthday party. Bilingual Birdies is a super fun foreign language and music program where we teach basic vocabulary and short phrases in French through music, dance, and puppetry. This makes learning new words a joyful experience. The primary goal of a Bilingual Birdies class is to teach new vocabulary in a foreign language, celebrate diversity, and have fun while learning! We are the only studio offering musical language learning classes for children, and the only music class for babies and young toddlers.
I also offer my services as a bilingual children’s entertainer for community events – singing and making music in both French and English!
Bilingual Birdies is a child-caregiver music class, it includes puppetry, and is multilingual. It is incredible to watch a baby create music to a beat while mom or grandpa sits with them or hear a two-year-old sing about les bananes. Using puppets is a great way to engage children and encourage them to practice their new language skills! Each semester’s registration includes a mini puppet that the child gets to adopt and bring home to incorporate the lessons into their everyday lives. Because Bilingual Birdies was created for anyone to join, it’s also a great way to either brush up on your French or to immerse yourself in the language for 45 minutes every week!
Anyone who can make it to my Charlottetown studio, daycare partnerships, community events, and birthday parties – and ANYWHERE in the world for my online classes!
EMAIL: pei@bilingualbirdies.com
WEBSITE: https://bilingualbirdies.com/pei
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/bilingualbirdiespei
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bilingualbirdiespei
**PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE A COVER LETTER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
PEI Business Women’s Association
Business Development and Membership Officer
PEI Business Women’s Association is seeking a professional and qualified team player as its Business Development and Membership Officer. The Officer will design and coordinate a comprehensive business advisory program to better serve our PEIBWA members across the Island. The Officer will also build and strengthen PEIBWA membership in a variety of sectors including women in trades, technology, and STEM fields; students; newcomers; indigenous women, women with disabilities; and women in rural areas.
Reporting to the Director, these are the responsibilities of this position:
Formal Education and Experience:
This position will be based in the PEIBWA Kings County office at least two days per week with additional time spent at the Charlottetown and Central Bedeque offices. The Officer will be expected to travel throughout the province at times and extended hours of work may be required. Other duties may be assigned by the Director or Chief Executive Officer. .
Qualified applicants should forward an electronic resume and cover letter to Margaret Magner, Chief Executive Officer, PEI Business Women’s Association with “Business Development and Membership Officer” in the subject line. HERE.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2022.
Thank you to all that apply; however, only those that are selected for an interview will be contacted.
PEI Business Women’s Association is seeking a professional, energetic and qualified Communications and Events Officer to join our team.
See full job posting here: PEIBWA Communications and Events Officer .pdf
Qualified applicants should forward a cover letter and current resume to Margaret Magner, Executive Director, PEI Business Women’s Association. APPLY HERE.
The search is ongoing.
