“When I grew disenchanted with my career as a lawyer, going into show business just seemed like the right thing to do. I had to take that chance and see if I could turn something I loved into a career. It worked!”
All in Arts & Crafts
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. “
Katye Landry Designs - Katye
“I was born and raised in Toronto and went to school for Radio and TV broadcasting – this was a great path for me at the time, because it allowed me the opportunity to tap into my creative side. I’ve also always been a bit of a DIY’er, which is how I fell into jewellery. I saw a bracelet online that I wanted to get my mom for Mother’s Day and thought, ‘I can make that!’ After one trip to Lee Valley Tools and a local jewellery supply shop, I had made it.”
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!”
Shoebox Studio - Samuel
“I always say “the photograph chooses the paper” or the more holistic “let the image tell us what it wants to be on”. This is a way of saying that not every paper/medium is suited for a particular image. As a printer, I want to create a print that communicates an image’s message as effectively as possible. Things like texture, warmth, brightness all come into consideration.”
Gift Studio - Dasha
“As a kid, you’d always find me getting my hands dirty with glitter — crafts were my life. When the time came to choose a career path, I decided to go to uOttawa and study Marketing at the Telfer School of Management.”
Scrim's Florist - Susan
“Can you imagine a better location? The windows, the neighbourhood, we have a great landlord, and sooooo much space. Scrim's is a landmark used by folks when they are giving directions. I love sweeping the front stoop and chatting with folks as they walk by. “
The Urban Botanist - Emma
"Ask for help when you need it. Your friends and family will be the glue that holds you and your business together in the beginning. I also learnt that even if you don’t have a background in accounting, graphic design or marketing that you will eventually gain one through self teaching haha. That’s a real learning curve to owning your own business, it really requires you to be the Swiss Army knife of all trades."
Black Rabbit Studios - Ashley
“I have always loved to read and watch stories. I recently found a box of old sketchbooks full of stories and comics I made in my childhood. So the need to imagine and bring stories to life has always been an underlying drive of mine! Nature and the natural world is a big inspiration to my artwork, I find natural organic forms fascinating to draw.”
Functional Reclaimed - Phil
“Ottawa as a city has been incredibly supportive, from messages on social media just letting me know how much people love to see what I’m building to loyal clients and customers, the city has really come forward and made it clear that they want to support small businesses!”
The Village Quire
“Cheerful is my natural state - it just makes sense that my little store is the same! ”
Sunday On The Run - Alexandra
“I would LOVE to embroider an album cover for Portugal. the Man. They have been my favourite band since about Grade 11 so I think that would be really cool. I enjoy how each album has a different vibe/sound so you can always find something for whatever mood you are in and they were one of the best artists I've seen play live ever (and I've seen a loooot of concerts!).”
PushPULL Dance Inc. - Titania & Natalie
“ PushPULL welcomes adult dancers of any age, gender, culture or body type. Through the diversity of our members, we are able to create shows that embody a variety of dance styles.”
Ania Hejnar
“My point of disbelief never stops, because I am so lucky to get work, and with some incredible musicians out there. But I would say my biggest moment of disbelief happened when I performed with L'orchestre Metropolitain from Montreal.”
Malenka Originals - Katrina
“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.”
Re4m - Heather
“ 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!”
A Date by Kate - Kate
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!
The Art House Café - Gen & Joe
“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.”
Alicja Confections - Alicja
“I’m originally from Winnipeg, first generation immigrant from Poland! My whole family was born there, I was the only one born in Canada.”
Freewheeling Craft - Amanda
“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.”