“It’s been a wild ride over the last 6 years, and I’ve loved every minute. I’ve been able to meet so many creative and inspiring people in this city, and have been very grateful to share and teach what I know about painted furniture and Chalk Paint.”
“Most people would describe me as an extreme extrovert. I will strike up a conversation with just about anyone who will listen. I think it’s my love for connecting with people and listening to their unique stories and getting a glimpse inside their world that intrigues me about people and businesses.”
“5 generations have worked at Louis’. It’s truly an amazing feeling and hopefully more generations to come.”
“First and foremost I am the proud maman of my beautiful boy Jude. I am a French teacher, new business owner of 123 Petits Pas, and am soon to be married to Jude’s Dada (this summer). I have lived in Ottawa for 8+ years and absolutely adore this city.”
“Takaki Automotive actually started in the late 70's. Kunio started the business with a modified ice cream truck in '76. He then purchased this garage in '81. The location wasn't the safest at the time, but has since flourished. We have seen the community around us grow and change, and being in this location for over 40 years has been great. "Mechanicsville" as it's called, housed many repair shops.”
“Actually, it's been a long time dream... then an opportunity came up and I seized it. I wanted to created a small café where my two daugthers could have their first little job. I had read a book (fiction) about the life of a family growing up in Italy in 1950 or so. One of the character's name was Biscotti... I thought it sounded nice for a café :) ”
“After many years working individually in the Social Services field in Ottawa, Karen and I met over our last job posting where we worked together to home the chronically homeless supporting the ‘housing first’ model.”
“Born in Montreal, I moved to Belgium at the age of seven and lived in Brussels for eleven years. My father worked in the hotel industry so I had the opportunity to travel all around Europe and visit some beautiful cities.”
“ We both have been working towards living zero waste. It's been a 6 year journey for me and 2 years for Valerie, of course, with its ups and downs! We opened the store with an idea of having a one-stop shop for zero waste shoppers like us to make this lifestyle more accessible and convenient.”
“I am a daughter to two dentists so growing up I always thought I was going to study dentistry. As a child I always excelled in Arts, as well as Science.”
“In 1976 I decided to start my own language school with small groups. I loved Carleton University but I had 25 students per group and would see them only 3 times a week for 55 minutes. Not enough to do a meaningful job as a language teacher.”
“I am a Communications and Marketing professional, so just like any industry, it’s expected to keep on top of trends and tools. I use my personal channels to test, explore and become an expert in the field. “
“I worked as a freelance radio journalist for several years, making short radio documentaries and stories, mostly for CBC Radio. Before that I worked in communications at the University of Toronto, creating web content and writing grant applications. I feel really lucky that podcasting had a resurgence when it did!”
“ I graduated from the Industrial Design program at Carleton University which is the reason for my relocation to Ottawa back in 2009. I fell in love with this city and stayed ever since!”
I do all sorts of random things; from playing volleyball, to training my dog, learning how to sew, going to craft shows and events with friends. I’ve got quite a large family to visit back home!
“We wanted to create a space that was a hybrid of several business models to bring people together and expose them to art and culture.”
“Major science nerd & total mom. Love dark chocolate, my husband’s hugs, music & working hard.”
“I’m originally from Winnipeg, first generation immigrant from Poland! My whole family was born there, I was the only one born in Canada.”
“Ottawa is my hometown, I was born here and my family and most of the people I love live here. I care about this city and I’m happy my three kids are growing up here. I started LUNCH a little over ten years ago and I think it’s my small contribution to helping Ottawa grow.”
“I host craft markets 4+ times a year, popup shops (this is our third, soon to potentially be a permanent spot), and workshops with local makers. I’d love to get into learning, doing business classes for makers and networking for creatives.”
