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It’s time to show some LOVE to local businesses and shops — if you are able (a purchase, tweet or share). When I started working for the @DowntownWpgBIZ in 2011, I was only 24 — a big baby! Small biz owners helped me grow personally/professionally. Here are a few of my 204 favs.
They saw me at my best + my worst, and helped me thrive — whether that was through friendship or partnership. I can’t wait to see/support you when I come home for the holidays. In the meantime, some shoutouts in no particular order:
@GuppyDesign — always up for a creative collaboration. Guppy’s team (Nicole, Bill, Blair, and Mark) saw my success as theirs. They did incredible work for far less than we paid at times. They saw me shed many tears. If you need branding/design collateral — hit them up!
@winnipeg_famous (of Cake-ology) — not only did she pave the way for beautifully designed and delicious treats, she was always so generous and helped with so many of my community fundraisers. She even made a custom moustache cookie icecream sandwich for me with @LisaDyckpdq!
@parlourcoffee — Nils created the coffee wave in Winnipeg back in 2011. His contributions have helped to add investment and a socially-conscious neighbourliness to Main Street in downtown Winnipeg. I knocked on his door when he was renovating his space, he was/is so welcoming!
@ThomBargen — the guys from Thom Bargen helped me create a downtown tour, A Moveable Feast, a dining tour on bicycle. They adapted their biz to set up a unique experience in the public realm. They also love downtown — with two locations helping to breathe life into the city.
@OhDoughnuts — Amanda’s doughnuts are a must-try for any tourist. What I love about Oh Doughnuts is its unabashed point of a view for a vibrant + inclusive downtown. We talked about how doughnuts + cities are a perfect pairing here: https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/special/duets/streets-and-eats-416468084.html.
@kalbarteski — Kal is kind, a true compassionate leader. I met Kal in 2012, she helped translate the wisdom of those experiencing homelessness into artwork. Since then, we have worked on so many projects, like these @WinnipegNews community conversations: https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/special/duets/finding-the-right-note-458267883.html
@LennardTaylor — Lennard always brings a smile to me and others. His fashion are pieces of art and have elevated a design conversation — I’m lucky to have a few pieces! He bikes around the downtown with such a love for the city. He’s always been the most supportive.
https://www.taradavis.ca — Tara has an eye for beautiful things, whether that’s art or clothing or homeware. I always do my holiday shopping at her shop + buy lots of things for myself too. Her store is one of a few staples in the Exchange District. She’s lovely.
@theredember + @redembercommon — full caveat one of my bffs, Quin, owns this tasty shop with Steffen. Red Ember is by far my favourite pizza in the city. But what I appreciate more is their ability to animate a street. https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/special/duets/a-slice-of-urban-life-428915343.html
@themerchant204 — Bobby and Suzy are my favourite restaurateurs. They really know how to welcome their guests, and have invested so much in downtown Winnipeg. Merchant Kitch’s fried chicken is fire. I’m excited to check out their new grocery store downtown.
@ephApparel — Andrew and Alex made my first Youth Entrepreneurship Pop-up Shop a smashing success. It is so great to see their business blossom in the city’s core. They make folks look great in suits — which makes me happy and gives me something to look at.
@poppchocolates — Constance’s chocolates are so decadent. The spicy hot chocolate and Manitoba bars are my favourites from her offerings. Located just outside of the downtown, Constance’s shop is quite the destination. Loved collaborating on dining and winter tours with her.
@bronutswpg — I lived in the Exchange and every a.m., I’d grab a coffee just to chat with Brett. Brett is a young entrepreneur with a bold vision for the city. He was always open to collaborations, like this event where we asked folks to share their vision for the exchange.
@CndnFootwear — Brian was a big part of the CEO Sleepout I organized, which raised $1 million to support homelessness alleviation efforts. One year, Brian saw a need to support even further, donating shoes, runners, boots to the cause. I have a pair from his shop, they’ve lasted!
Now some love for #yeggers businesses that welcomed me with open arms when I moved here in 2018: @sugared_spiced, @RedStarPub, @SNAPgallery, Coffee Bureau, @dc3ArtProjects, @yourAGA, @hallwaycafe, etc.
