“Ever since I've started learning how to cut hair, I’ve wanted a barbershop of my own.”
All in Retail
Hey Sugar - Debra
“ For me though, I tend to like the ones that take a bit of ingenuity to create or rely less on commercial flavours. My very favourite has to be the Margarita. I put just a tiny bit of flaky salt in the mold before I pour the candy in so the first few licks you get the sense of the salt rim on a margarita glass.”
Blade Barber - Tim
“I don't consider myself a risk taker and it’s hard to bring a new product to market without taking risks. I’ve learned that it’s okay to venture outside your comfort zone. It might even be healthy. “
Tallow Boutique - Jasmine
“Born and raised in Ottawa, I have always been drawn to the unique small businesses that make our city so vibrant and make shopping and dining a more personal and rich experience.”
Ottawa Tool Library - Bettina
“We set out to build a library for people to come, meet, get advice, and borrow tools. Often, those with the knowledge have built themselves a full workshop. We want to appeal to a broader demographic, especially those without the money and space for a massive collection of tools. And not just tools, but also the necessary ideas and expertise to use them safely. We wanted to make a community hub that empowered people, promoted sustainability, and collaborates with other community groups in the city. “
Desk Nibbles - Cassy & Emil
“We enjoy solving problems. This one just happens to be a pretty big one for most companies. Not only for snacks, but for ordering any high volume consumable. There is so much inefficiency. Companies are overspending millions of dollars and there is a lot of waste as a result.”
The Dailey Method - Sarah & Jamie
“We both have a strong athletic background (both of us were college tennis players in the US) and a passion for health and fitness. What really drew us to it was that we saw an opportunity to create a community, a happy place for our clients, where everyBODY can achieve their health and fitness goals. We also loved the idea that we’d get to be active on the job.”
Cellar 82 - Kasey
“Fast forward many years and many jobs in the industry (wineries, liquor reps, bartender) My husband and I took a trip to Chicago and fell in love with a tiny champagne bar and wanted to bring that concept back to Ottawa. When we started looking for locations we realized we would have to basically open a restaurant and that isn’t something that we wanted. We really just wanted to open a tiny tasting bar. Not seeing a location that would suit our needs, we decided to take it mobile! “
Chalkboard Chique - Rachelle
“Every part of making the chalkboards, I have learned from my dad. He’d be the last person to take any credit, but Chalkboard Chique only exists because of what he has taught me and his continued support. When I had first told my dad about the DIY chalkboard plans for my wedding, it was the perfect opportunity for us to have a project to work on together. Every weekend, I’d drive out to his home in Rockland and take over his garage/workshop.”
Club Piscine Ottawa - Tania & Gina
“Club Piscine has a partnership with CHEO where we donate money for every swimming pool sold. We also had a CHEO day at our Ottawa locations last summer which was sooo much fun. Our parents taught us how important it is to give back. It's essential for us to be an active corporate citizen in the community. “
Eyemaxx Optical Studio - Parsa & Dawn
“Since starting at Eyemaxx, it’s been a constant process of learning and evolving. I have learned that I am determined and always have room to grow. Dawn has been a great mentor in this regard and continuously guides me to learn more about myself as we grow our business.“
EMERALD tile + marble - Dave
“My dad and my uncle worked as tile-setters since immigrating from Italy. During the summers, me, my brother and my cousin would work for them. As I got older and finished my schooling, I decided to take this on as a career choice and became a tile setter myself. When my dad and uncle retired, I decided to open up my own shop on St. Laurent.”
Farm 2 Fork - Jonnel
“I have always gravitated towards and admired products from companies that go above beyond the norm in craftsmanship. Be it clothing, cars or food. The food we eat in our own house, meat, veggies, grains and even supplements are certified organic. This is very important to me and my family.”
App8 - Hani & Elias
“The moment came from a personal experience that most people can relate to. Elias was at a restaurant with a group of people, they finished their meal and had to head out for an event. It was a busy night and the waiter was doing their best yet the bill hadn't yet arrived. At the same time a long lineup was at the door waiting for the table to be released. It was a the frustrating thought of "the experience was amazing up until this point; why can't I just pay and leave". That was the moment.”
Hybrid Pharm - Dr. Rahim Dhalla
“Dispensaries typically dispense cannabis only. This is where we differ. We are a pharmacy. We know medicine. All medicine. We know drug interactions, dosing and safety. At Hybrid Pharm, there is professional medical oversight. Cannabis is a medication and should be treated as such. Dispensaries offer cannabis and cannabis related products. Hybrid Pharm offers a 360 degree approach to a healthier lifestyle. Our cannabis certified healthcare team is always available to help patients from strain selection to dosing to route of administration.”
Figaro Coffee House - Chuck
“I love all things coffee, wine, sweets, and new experiences! I’m a huge family guy, and my father-in-law introduced me to artisan roasting which elevated that interest in coffee even more. I fell in love with the art and the business of coffee. “
YOW Popcorn Co. - Michael & Fiona
“Yes, we use a Mushroom kernel which has a larger round circumference than regular popcorn. This allows our cheese and special seasonings to adhere to the kernel which is part of reason it tastes so good!”
The Wax Studio - Anna
“I met Chris Hadfield at a book signing a few years ago, and actually have wanted to be an astronaut myself since I was really little. So maybe I could gift Chris Hadfield a few candles, and he could sneak one into space for me. “
Muckleston & Brockwell - Andrew & Lindsey
“The support that we’ve seen has been tremendous. The welcoming we received from the area has really been the best part. We have so many regular customers and friendly faces who pop in to say hi, grab a steak or two, or even drop off samples of their delicious creations they've made using our meat. “
The Leading Note - Gary & Tina
“The foundation of the creation of The Leading Note and OrKidstra actually began when we bought and renovated our first – and only – home. We did everything together – completely gutted it down to the studs, re-wired, re-plumbed, built an extension +++ We did 95% of the work ourselves and realized we worked well together!”