If you ask Kaylee Zruna about the origins of Aveyron Bookshop, she’ll tell you it started long before the online store was officially launched. In many ways, it was born the first time she watched You’ve Got Mail as a child. The image of Kathleen Kelly’s charming little bookstore, The Shop Around the Corner, stuck with her, sparking a dream that has followed her ever since.
“I have loved reading for as long as I can remember,” Kaylee shares. “The idea of owning a bookstore really came to me when I was about ten.” Today, Aveyron Bookshop is a reality—an online haven for book lovers, infused with her personal touch and deep love for literature.
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Nestled in the historic Caboose at the Jumbo Monument, Wish You Would Wear, founded by Mandy De Vos, is much more than just a vintage clothing store. As part of the SBEC GROW program in partnership with Fanshawe College, this one-of-a-kind shop offers customers a chance to step into a world of timeless fashion, sustainable shopping, and heartwarming community connection.
Looking for vinyl treasures in Elgin County? Look no further than Reed's Records, where Jason Reed has transformed a lifelong passion for music into a thriving business that brings the magic of vinyl to the heart of St. Thomas.
Some small business ideas are brought on by specific life events, changes, or opportunities, whereas some are year-long dreams that finally come to fruition. For Ben Schnekenburger and his brother Mick Schnekenburger, starting Churchville Outfitters, a family fishing business was a long-time goal. Born and raised in Churchville, ON, just blocks away from Port Glasgow, the brothers grew up in a prime location. "Nobody in my family really fished, [but] I was always drawn to the water," Ben said. "[I was always] going over to my neighbours and seeing the nets they had on the wall that always seemed so big. Living so close to the lake, we'd always see boats going out and you're just wanting to be on one as a young kid." Thanks to his close-knit neighbours, Ben got to go out on the water at Port Glasgow and fish for pickerel, which solidified his love for the water and fishing. Once he turned 19, Ben bought his first boat and has been fishing ever since.
In 2015, Matt and Meg McTaggart started their small family-owned business, Steelhead Food Co., beginning their journey as a humble box-in-box-out wholesaler specializing in selling smoked trout to various establishments such as restaurants, golf courses, and grocery stores. However, their story took a remarkable turn in the summer of 2018 when they seized an incredible opportunity to expand their business. Local rainbow trout producer Cole Munro moved into a larger facility, and Steelhead moved into a fully automated processing facility, setting the stage for their rapid growth. In 2019, Matt and Meg expanded their product line to include processing perch and pickerel, catering to a broader range of customer preferences. Their commitment to innovation and meeting consumer demands became even more evident in 2020 when they formed a fruitful partnership with Golem Fisheries, opening doors to a new realm of possibilities. Winter of 2022/2023 brought a turning point for Steelhead as they received an unexpected call from Golem Fisheries in Port Stanley. The call presented an enticing offer to expand their reach and establish a second location in the beautiful fishing village south of St. Thomas. Recognizing the potential for growth and eagerness to provide the community with quality seafood, Steelhead Food Co. jumped at the chance.
Matt and Meg achieved this remarkable growth and success relatively quickly. From a modest wholesaler specializing in smoked trout, they have evolved into a multifaceted business, encompassing retail, wholesale, distribution, processing, and packing. Their commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and adaptability has driven their flourishing enterprise. As Steelhead Food Co. continues to grow and innovate, one thing remains certain—their commitment to providing the community with fresh, high-quality fish and seafood will always be at the forefront of their operations. |