Last week I had the opportunity of going out to coffee with a group of mom's from a parenting group that I belong to. It was the first time I have been out in quite awhile and what a well needed break from my routine. It was really great getting to talk to other mom's about issues that I was dealing with and hearing their experiences as well as sharing my own. The evening flew by - I arrived shortly after 8pm and the next thing I new we were being kicked out at 11pm! I definitely have to make time more often to get out on my own - it was a great experience.
After feeling re-energized from my night out, I decided to venture out the next day with Ewan to some local shops. We began at Two Monkey's Coffee and Tea House on Strandherd and met up with a friend and her little guy for some play time and some time to simply talk and drink coffee. The minute you walk in, you are greeted by friendly staff and the scent of fresh baked desserts. The play space is great to keep little ones busy while you can enjoy your coffee.
Afterwards, Ewan and I went down the road to take a look at some clothes and toys at Upper Canada Kids. I very much like this shop as it is well organized and there are always a wide selection of toys and books for all ages. I especially love the many wooden toys that are often there - from children's furniture to pull toys. I am also always sure to find a book for Ewan as well as the school age children at A Gym Tale. Upper Canada Kids is also now offering and accepting items for teens, so it really is a great place for children of all ages.
Our next 'local' stop will be this Saturday at Chiquicuts for Ewan's first real haircut. I will be sure to post some pic's next week!
Showing posts with label shop local. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shop local. Show all posts
Monday, October 25, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Small Business's & Shopping Locally
Since becoming a small business owner, I have since become aware of the number of obstacles which exist in order to become a successful business - or for that matter even to simply be able to keep your business open. Especially in Barrhaven!
To begin with, rent is extortionate - some of the highest commercial rent fees in all of Ottawa can be found in Barrhaven. Another obstacle includes the many 'big box' stores in the area, which often times make being able to compete with prices difficult because of the large quantities they may be able to order. Furthermore, being a small business owner requires that quite often one person is responsible for all aspects of the business, including customer service, marketing, accounting and human resources - which can easily lead to working 7 days a week, all day long!
Now if you are thinking about owning your own business, the many perks can often out weigh the difficulties.
One of my favourite aspects of owning my own business are the many people in the community that you meet and create relationships with - whether as clients or in a business sense. It is wonderful going out in the community and seeing so many familiar faces! It is also wonderful being able to have flexibility in my work day, especially with a young child; I am able to minimize the amount of time that my son is cared for outside the home. Another benefit is if you are really passionate about what you are doing than it can also become somewhat of a 'hobby' and not necessarily seem like you are 'working' all the time. But achieving balance is still my ultimate goal.
I did not think about the challenges of local business's until I opened one. Even then, I was amazed at the number of clients that gave A Gym Tale a chance in order to support a local business. I have become aware of so many families who do make a conscious decision to support small local business's instead of simply going into the 'big box' stores. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet people who live in your community and very often the best customer service comes from those business owner's who value each and every guest that comes through their doors.
I am also trying to make a commitment into supporting other small business's - whether by shopping at these locations or trying to advertise for these business's through A Gym Tale's local business community board. Next time you are at A Gym Tale, please take a moment to look at some of the business's that we have featured on our board. Many of them offer fantastic services that I use myself or for my family. I will also try to blog about my personal experience with these business's over the next few weeks. And if you are a small business owner, please contact me and maybe we can work together in the future.
To begin with, rent is extortionate - some of the highest commercial rent fees in all of Ottawa can be found in Barrhaven. Another obstacle includes the many 'big box' stores in the area, which often times make being able to compete with prices difficult because of the large quantities they may be able to order. Furthermore, being a small business owner requires that quite often one person is responsible for all aspects of the business, including customer service, marketing, accounting and human resources - which can easily lead to working 7 days a week, all day long!
Now if you are thinking about owning your own business, the many perks can often out weigh the difficulties.
One of my favourite aspects of owning my own business are the many people in the community that you meet and create relationships with - whether as clients or in a business sense. It is wonderful going out in the community and seeing so many familiar faces! It is also wonderful being able to have flexibility in my work day, especially with a young child; I am able to minimize the amount of time that my son is cared for outside the home. Another benefit is if you are really passionate about what you are doing than it can also become somewhat of a 'hobby' and not necessarily seem like you are 'working' all the time. But achieving balance is still my ultimate goal.
I did not think about the challenges of local business's until I opened one. Even then, I was amazed at the number of clients that gave A Gym Tale a chance in order to support a local business. I have become aware of so many families who do make a conscious decision to support small local business's instead of simply going into the 'big box' stores. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet people who live in your community and very often the best customer service comes from those business owner's who value each and every guest that comes through their doors.
I am also trying to make a commitment into supporting other small business's - whether by shopping at these locations or trying to advertise for these business's through A Gym Tale's local business community board. Next time you are at A Gym Tale, please take a moment to look at some of the business's that we have featured on our board. Many of them offer fantastic services that I use myself or for my family. I will also try to blog about my personal experience with these business's over the next few weeks. And if you are a small business owner, please contact me and maybe we can work together in the future.
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