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“My work life got a whole lot easier and more productive when I realized I’m not naturally a morning person, accepted that I’m probably never going to be a morning person, and stopped trying to be a morning person. Sometimes we need to give ourselves a bit of grace when we don’t fit into the business norm, and it works out in our favour!”
Q: A jeweller, dancer, makeup artist, and more—so many unique outlets of creativity. What’s led you to such a wide variety of businesses and pastimes? A: I was raised by very artistic parents, so growing up in the music, theatre, and handcrafts communities, I was always exposed to different types of art and encouraged to try new things. It was too hard to choose a favourite, so I decided to do them all, ha ha! Q: As the owner and designer of Swoon Creations jewellery, what brought you to jewellery making? A: I’ve always loved working with my hands, and tiny, meticulous things like miniature furniture and doll clothes. I started making jewellery shortly after being the main repair person at an accessories store I worked at in Toronto.
small business owner, and why?
in Green Eye Designs for seven years. Hazelbrook Homestead is a wedding venue and vacation home. The house was built in 1875, and my husband and I restored and updated the building to be in keeping with its original heritage charm but with all of the modern comforts. Last year, we were thrilled that the Homestead received the honour of becoming a designated Heritage Place of Canada, and [we] proudly hang a plaque on the front of the house. I’m co-owner of Essence Model Management along with PEI Living’s Kimberly Rashed. We primarily focus on lifestyle and commercial castings, and have done work for provincial and national advertisement campaigns for clients such as Parks Canada, Tourism PEI, and Metro Credit Union. Q: You’ve recently taken over ownership of Green Eye Designs, a locally sourced consignment shop, on Victoria Row in Charlottetown. Where do you plan to go from here? A: I’m so excited to continue to build Green Eye Designs, based on the foundation of supporting exclusively PEI artisans. I’m planning to keep helping this beautiful community of makers to grow, and expand the boutique’s offerings and services in the next few years. Q: What’s your favourite part of being a
A: Every day is different, and I love that I get to be creative and problem-solve with each challenge.
Q: How do you balance the many hats you wear?
A: There is no perfect 50/50 balance when it comes to owning a business, let alone multiple small businesses. Because each workday is different, I try to keep my morning routine consistent and relaxed.
Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Aside from still living on the Island, I honestly have no idea. And even if I did have an idea of my ten-year projection, it would likely be completely changed now after this global health crisis. Life is unpredictable! I do my best to go with the flow.
Q: Tell me about the businesses you are involved with?
Q: Do you have any advice for others?
I took over Green Eye Designs at the start of the year after admiring the shop since it was opened in 2013. It’s a beautiful boutique that sells exclusively items made by Islanders at the ideal location on Victoria Row in Charlottetown. I’m also the maker and curator behind Swoon Creations and vintage, and have been selling my work
“Don’t cry over the past, it’s gone. Don’t stress about the future, it hasn’t arrived. Live in the present and make it beautiful.” - Unknown
SPRING 2020 www.pei-living.ca
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