F or many Nova Scotians, a sense of place runs deep - and for Gillian Sampson, owner of Island Beach Hideaways, that connection to home has shaped both her life and her business. Raised in the small rural community of Havre Boucher and now living in nearby Pomquet, a French Acadian village just minutes from her property, Gillian’s roots are firmly planted along the province’s northeastern shore. Surrounded by ocean views, tight-knit communities, and a slower pace of life, she developed an early appreciation for both independence and the outdoors. But her original career path looked very different from where she is today. After graduating high school, Gillian pursued training in heavy equipment operation - a field that aligned perfectly with her interests. Growing up with two older brothers, she was always drawn to hands-on work and anything mechanical, from dirt bikes to construction equipment.
“I always say if it has an engine, I’m interested,” she laughs. She spent several years working in construction before her life took an unexpected turn. At 24, a serious car accident left her with long-term injuries, forcing her to step away from the physically demanding career she loved. Around the same time, she experienced a profound personal loss - marking a period defined by both emotional and physical hardship. “It completely shifted my life,” she says. “I had to figure out what came next.” During her recovery, Gillian faced not only the emotional toll of losing her career, but also the practical challenges that came with it. Determined to create stability, she designed and built her own home - an experience that would later prove invaluable. Around that same time, the parcel of land next to her home - a beautiful stretch of waterfront property - became available.
Recognizing its potential, she decided to purchase it, even though she didn’t yet have a concrete plan. “I just knew it was an opportunity,” she says. “I didn’t know what it would become, but I knew I wanted it.” For several years, the land remained untouched. But the idea that would eventually shape Island Beach Hideaways came from a single, memorable experience. After struggling to secure a booking at a popular dome accommodation - an emerging trend at the time - Gillian finally managed to snag a one-night stay. That night would prove to be a turning point. “They were fully booked everywhere, and I remember thinking how unique they were,” she says. “But when I actually stayed in one, that’s when it really clicked.” The experience was unlike anything she had encountered before - immersive, comfortable, and visually stunning. The panoramic views, the cozy yet modern interior, and the feeling of being both sheltered and connected to nature sparked
something immediate. “That was the lightbulb moment,” she says. “I thought, this is it. This is what I want to do.” Gillian began envisioning how she could bring something similar - but uniquely her own - to her property. True to her personality and outlook on life, she didn’t wait long to act. “I’ve learned not to wait for the perfect time,” she says. “Life is short, and sometimes you just have to go for it.” By 2021, construction was underway. But the journey from concept to completion came with its share of challenges. Navigating the complexities of permits, zoning, and municipal regulations proved to be one of the most difficult aspects of the process. Rezoning the property for commercial use alone took seven months - delaying progress and costing her an entire season before opening. “There’s a lot of red tape,” she explains. “And when you’re new to it, it can be overwhelming.”
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76 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 26 ISSUE 2
BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE 77
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