In the world of cooking, spices are the key to transforming a dish from ordinary to extraordinary. When it comes to finding the best quality organic, gluten-free, and vegan spices in Southwestern Ontario, there's one name that stands out: Pepper Tree Spice Co. This local spice company has been revolutionizing the culinary experience since its inception in 2010, and its founder, Deb Kussmann, has made it her mission to make good food accessible for everyone to enjoy. The Pepper Tree Spice Co. journey began when Deb finished her business degree and noticed a significant gap in the market for high-quality organic, gluten-free, and vegan spices. With her passion for cooking and a strong belief in the power of good food, she set out to fill this void. Deb started small, selling her handcrafted spice blends at the Western Fair Farmers Market, where she quickly gained a loyal following of food enthusiasts. Word of mouth spread, and Pepper Tree Spice Co.'s growth was swift. With a dedicated customer base, Deb knew it was time to establish a permanent presence. She built a beautiful storefront in the charming village of Port Stanley, Ontario, where locals and visitors could immerse themselves in the world of spices. Pepper Tree Spice Co. continues beyond offering an extensive range of spices. They understand that cooking is not just about the ingredients but the experience. To further enhance their customers' culinary journey, Pepper Tree Spice Co. has introduced an array of new BBQ accessories and sets designed to elevate outdoor cooking to new heights, just in time for Father's Day! Pepper Tree Spice Co. recently hired Olivia Healey as the Resident Chef and Culinary Coordinator to ensure that their customers get the most out of their spices and cooking endeavours. Olivia's expertise and creativity perfectly complement Deb's vision of accessible cooking. Together, they are organizing Supper Club Cooking Classes hosted in Pepper Tree Spice's Co.'s kitchen, which exudes the warmth and charm of a beautiful home kitchen. This intimate and inclusive environment welcomes food enthusiasts of all skill levels to learn, share, and connect with others who share their passion for food. Pepper Tree Spice is committed to supporting people with diverse cooking needs, making their culinary experiences genuinely memorable. In addition to the Supper Club Cooking Classes, they also host Supper Club Kids cooking events for kids, nurturing a love for cooking from an early age. This summer, they are set to launch their cooking day camps, where children can explore different culinary themes like "Lil' Italy," "Ahoy Matey," "Mexican Fiesta," and more. For more information or to register, click here. Pepper Tree Spice Co. recently started hosting a Cook Book Exchange for those who love food beyond the kitchen. This unique gathering allows participants to bring their favourite recipe books, exchange recipes and books, savour delicious appetizers prepared by resident chef Olivia, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow food lovers. It's a perfect opportunity to forge new friendships and expand your culinary horizons. Pepper Tree Spice Co.'s commitment to inclusivity, passion for good food, and dedication to enhancing culinary experiences sets them apart in the Southwestern Ontario culinary scene. With their ever-growing range of spices, innovative events, and warm, welcoming environment, they have created a space where everyone can find something to support their cooking needs, create lasting memories, and form connections far beyond the kitchen. Pepper Tree Spice is not just a spice company; it's a culinary community that brings people together through the love of food.
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This week we welcome Katherine Englander of HRP4B to facilitate "No Fear Hiring" for entrepreneurs and small business owners considering adding to their teams. This session is for those looking to hire within the next year or so.
Because bringing another person into the small business bubble can be intimidating - the paperwork and shift from being a solopreneur or using contracted help to being an employer is a significant change with best practices for success, both from a regulatory point of view and for simply finding the best fit for what you are looking for. In this week's session, participants will learn more about the following concepts and steps to success and approaching the hiring process without feeling intimidated!
In next week's No Fear Hiring session, our guest Katherine Englander of HRP4B will speak about the technical elements of being ready to hire - the necessary paperwork, forms, payroll, and various government departments you must navigate. You must learn #allthethings when you find yourself prepared for your first employee. It can be overwhelming, and we want you to feel prepared well before you need to post that figurative "Help Wanted" sign.
Let's touch on a few best practices to consider when hiring.
While downtown construction holds the promise of great things ahead, Mugford’s has taken the opportunity to revisit its past with a temporary pop-up location at Elgin Centre. Mugford’s Shoes has called Talbot street home since opening in 1965. The store first gained popularity in the 1960s for their high-quality products, professionalism regarding their merchandise, as well as a clean, friendly and comfortable atmosphere, with high standards of customer service to each client and their needs. In 1975, just in time for the Holiday Season, the original owners Don and Merle Mugford expanded their horizons, unveiling two new locations in London, with a fourth added to the Elgin Mall (now Elgin Centre) in 1975. For nearly 55 years, the family business has thrived, with a second location in London’s Westmount Mall continuing to operate today. St Thomas remains the headquarters of the company, offering a wide selection of men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, carrying household brands from Saxx to Tommy Bahama. To make access for their clientele easier during Talbot Street’s reconstruction the boutique has opted to temporarily move their main location to the Elgin Centre, inviting their valuable customers to continue their support during the move. They continue to attract attention with giveaways, promotional events and new merchandise. Those interested in updating their wardrobe for the coming summer months are recommended to check out their great seasonal selections. All the reasons folks shopped Mugford’s in the ‘60’s are reasons to revisit the boutique today. While we look forward to welcoming the store back to Talbot St. soon, this temporary change is indeed a fun look back over the store’s history as well. While trends and fashion fads have changed through the years, the store continues to remain within the original founder’s family.
If you’re looking to upgrade your summer wardrobe with the latest styles, trends and brands, Mugford’s is a hot spot for some new threads! Enjoy a large selection of merchandise from sandals to scarves, purses to pullovers, all with great customer service. Stop by this new ray of sunshine for the summer season located in the Elgin Centre for essentials, accessories and more. For window-shopping during after-hours, check out their Facebook page showcasing their newest arrivals and events. Mugford’s has it all to stay cool and chic in the Railway City! I am sure you, like most people, have had an idea, interest, or passion that you thought would be a good business but have been baffled about what to do next.
First, know that the team at the Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre is here to help you in your early exploration of entrepreneurship or at any point along the journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out. While no two businesses are the same, here are a few general steps to help you get started.
Be willing to put in the work to get there. Many local businesses, including Purely Wicked and Abby Mae's Gluten Free Bakery, have launched their business first as a vendor at the Horton Farmers' Market before hiring staff and opening storefront locations. Ask yourself the following questions; how can you start this business with $5? What is the minimum viable business you can create? Can you start selling to family and friends from your home? Can you try selling through Instagram or Facebook? Reducing the risk, and investment, by starting from where you (and with what you already have) is vital. It will allow you to test out the market, see if you enjoy doing it, and learn about your customers and the local market in which you operate.
There are better long-term strategies than being the cheapest. Set a price based on one or more of the following factors: (1) what it is worth, (2) what it costs to make, or (3) what your competition charges. Ask someone to buy it. Make a sale. Repeat. So many people are passionate about what they do, and they get all choked up about charging money for it. Money is not bad, and money is what makes the thing you create sustainable. Plus, making money feels good!
Guess what? You are not special. Everyone has these thoughts. To be an entrepreneur means taking a (social) risk and putting yourself out there before you have everything figured out. Talking to people about what you do is the only way to learn more, build a group of people invested in supporting your business, and connect to the resources you don't currently have. Saying out loud what you want to create is the first step to bringing it to life. You must talk to people about it and get their ideas, knowledge, connections, and excitement. And it's something you can do today.
Post it on Facebook. Send your Superfans an email update of what you have in the works. Reach out to someone with whom you'd like to collaborate. Build a prototype. Telling people about what you are doing in any way is marketing because people can only buy from you if they know your business exists. Be wary of time wasters such as perfecting a logo or a website or feeling like you need more tools to start. You will only learn what you need by working with engaged or potential customers. Final thoughts There are many right ways to run a business, don't cling to what you or others think you should do. Build the company that works for you and is possible from where you are. This journey is not for the faint of heart. You must be willing to put in the work and be consistent. Money doesn't grow on trees; it takes time to build a business. Professional Business advisors are available for free through the Elgin/ St. Thomas Small Business Centre. Contact us at smallbiz@stthomas.ca to set up a call about your business. This article was originally published in Hometown St. Thomas, March 2023 - Click here for the full issue |