A llison Langley’s journey with Ingonish Chalets began in 2016, but it wasn’t until recently that she and Alyssa Humphries truly took the reins of the family business. Their vision is clear: to create a welcoming, inclusive, and peaceful retreat where everyone can feel at home. As you approach the property, one of the first things you’ll notice is the rainbow flag - a symbol of their commitment to inclusivity and a safe environment for all guests. “Our primary focus is inclusivity and safety. When guests pull up, we want them to feel that this is a place where they are welcomed, no matter who they are. It’s about offering a space where people can relax, be themselves, and feel at ease,” explained Allison. This philosophy has become the foundation of their operations, reflected in the way the property is maintained and the inviting atmosphere they’ve worked hard to create. Allison Langley’s journey at Ingonish Chalets has been nothing short of transformative. What started as a housekeeping position has now evolved into a leadership role she never expected. Reflecting on her early days at the chalets, Allison shares, “I began working as a housekeeper, never imagining that I would one day be managing the business. But over time, I grew alongside it, learning everything from the ground up. It’s been an incredible journey.” Her path intersected with Alyssa’s in 2020, and the two quickly formed a bond. “We instantly clicked,” Allison recalls. Alyssa became a full-time member of the Ingonish
Chalets team in 2021 and assumed the role of Director just two years later, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the business. When the previous manager left in the fall of 2023, Allison stepped into the managerial role, drawing on her extensive frontline experience. “I had worked in every aspect of the business, from housekeeping to running my own cleaning business, so I was the one who knew the ins and outs. It wasn’t something I planned for, but it felt like a natural next step,” she explains. This shift allowed her to merge her hands-on knowledge of the chalets with her growing leadership skills. But what truly sets Allison and Alyssa apart is their unique partnership. “We are like Yin and Yang,” Allison says with a smile. “Our different backgrounds and perspectives allow us to balance each other out. We’ve both had diverse job experiences, and our neurodivergent ways of thinking bring something special to the table. We may see things differently, but that’s what makes us a strong team.” Their collaboration isn’t just about filling roles - it’s about creating a space that reflects who they are. “Neither of us had planned to become entrepreneurs, but here we are, two Queer neurodivergent women running a business in a rural area, and that’s pretty cool!” Allison adds. Their story is one of empowerment and inclusivity, and it’s one that continues to inspire. “We’re not just running a business; we’re creating a peaceful environment that reflects our values, something we can share with others,” says Allison.
We live here, we breathe this space, and we want our guests to feel as comfortable as we do when we’re here. ” “
72 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 25 ISSUE 2
BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE 73
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