Shop and buy with purpose.
When you shop women-owned businesses, you support female entrepreneurs and the entire community. You’ll also receive top-notch customer service!
Women tent to be good at picking up social cues and reading emotional situations. Running a business with a greater consideration for the people we interact with—including employees, customers, suppliers, etc.—makes for better leaders. Women seem to naturally understand this. They want to take care of the people and the community, and they sincerely treat people with respect.
Also we should talk about multitasking… Women seem have this ability to maintain multiple priorities and balance many different roles at the same time. They’re used to having a lot on their plate, and don’t turn away from the multifaceted day-to-day lifestyle of entrepreneurship.
"Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on."
— Serena Williams
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of some incredible women along the way. My entrepreneurial journey has been inspired by women near and far who have shared their journeys, stories, and insights. And with that, I'll continue to work hard and dream big.
So, in celebration of International Women’s Day, let’s shine the spotlight on a handful of women-owned businesses right here in the Chateauguay Valley.
Summer Eastwood
Photos from Ely Lemieux
The time you decided to go for it:
Like so many entrepreneurs, I spent a good amount of time saying “someone really ought to…” and that someone ultimately turned out to be me!
My heart & passion are for the Chateauguay Valley, showcasing the beauty of the land but especially, it’s people.
It’s my hope that the projects I’m involved in always make our home shine a little brighter.
Location:
24 Rue Bridge Ormstown
One piece of advice:
Follow your intuition, only you can see your vision and to achieve it you have to believe it.
Quote that inspires you:
“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”
- Margaret Thatcher
Happy International Women’s Day to all the women getting it done!
Marie Shewchuk
The time you decided to go for it:
Growing up in Herdman and working here as my first summer job; I knew the potential that this store had. Having a background in cooking and catering, I knew this could be the perfect spot for all of these dreams to come true.
Struggling always with jobs I wasn't fully happy doing, this has truly been what I was looking for all my life.
When my brother asked if it was something I would be really interested in, he made it possible by purchasing the building and help make this dream possible.
Location:
1939 Rte 202, Hinchinbrooke
One piece of advice:
Its never too late to find something that truly makes you happy!
Quote that inspires you:
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” —Walt Disney
Rebecca Amrein
The time you decided to go for it:
While I lived in Europe, my passion for chocolate and high quality pastries began. I saw so many of the beautiful pastry shops and cafes there, but could never find a place similar in our area. That’s when I realized I needed to create it myself.
With a background in farming and love of great food, it inspired me to to take the leap and turn my passion into reality, sharing it with our community and creating a space where everyone can gather.
Location:
45 Rue Lambton, Ormstown
One piece of advice:
Focus on quality, consistency, and customer experience. Building a loyal customer base starts with being passionate about what you do, delivering exceptional products and service every single day.
Quote that inspires you:
“Life is short, eat dessert first”
Sylvie Dumas
The time you decided to go for it:
I have almost always been self-employed…Event organizer, wedding decorator etc.
In 2006, my employer of the previous 3 years, decided to sell his sign shop. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to buy him out and continue in this field I had just discovered and loved! Making signs, graphic design and lettering vehicles.
Location:
3189 Rte 138, Ormstown
One piece of advice:
There is room for everyone in every type of business, don’t worry about your competitors, just do a good job and offer great customer service.
Quote that inspires you:
“People don’t succeed unless they have fun at what they are doing.’’ - Dale Carnegie
Sarah Beaupré
The time you decided to go for it:
I always told myself that I would NEVER be a farmer. In 2019, my parents told me about a cut flower project and it immediately spoke to me. I have been completely invested in the family business since and I still do not regret this choice. Although growing flowers brings its share of stress, the reward is sweet and beautiful. Even after more than 10 years of seeing dahlias every year, I still find them just as beautiful.
Location:
504 Concession Quesnel, Saint-Anicet
One piece of advice:
Grow slowly, but continuously.
The pandemic caused us to grow very quickly. It was good because we had a lot of popularity at once, but we grew a little bit suddenly. We neglected some tasks that we now have to start again. By growing more slowly, it is easier to do things right from the start.
Quote that inspires you:
I don't really have a quote, but I often repeat this mantras to myself: be true, honest and kind to others through your words and actions and you will be rewarded in some way.
Adele Brunet
The time you decided to go for it:
I started working with my dad when he started needing a bit of help, (I was working full time in Montreal at the time as a paralegal) so I started working with him 1 day a week. What gave me the push was the fact that I realized that I loved the work! Keeping up the family business was important to me also but there was never any pressure put on from my dad to continue.
Location: 82 Rue Roy, Ormstown
One piece of advice:
Have confidence in yourself to run your business the way you want, no need to follow what other people say you should do. You are the one who will have to deal with the consequences of your decisions. When I started in the business there were not very many women in the industry, it was very male dominated. It was daunting but I liked the challenge.
Quote that inspires you:
"Be confident, not certain." —Eleanor Roosevelt
Hanna Rankin
The time you decided to go for it:
I started making pottery in 2016. It was always a "side gig" until I grew my business to the point where if I wanted to continue growing, the only constraint was my available time. I was burning out in my corporate position, so with some sacrifice, support from my family and a whole lot of hope I jumped! No regrets!
Location:
Franklin, shop coming soon!
One piece of advice:
Just start. Whatever your dream is, the moment where everything lines up rarely comes to you, you need to make it happen. You are capable. Create measurable goals for yourself within realistic timeframes and get going!
Quote that inspires you:
“Be happy with what you have while working for what you want” — Helen Keller
Key takeaways
Women make great business owners. Follow your passion, add value, focus on serving, run with your creativity and don’t be afraid to take risks.
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