MBiz

29 MBiz | november 2015 says Fehr-Sinclair, who has created custom jewelry to help clients commemorate a host of life experiences. "It's been a progressive journey for me. My most special times are when I can sit down and just play away, creating something and allowing that process to happen. For me, it's a form of expression and certainly it's driven by passion." When business began to boom, she found a studio space and opened a shop on Morden's main drag. Soon afterward, she embraced the opportunity to expand, buying a building that allowed her to triple her space. Now with 2,000 square feet of storefront, Marni LuHu Designs is fully stocked with Fehr-Sinclair's unique jewelry, along with women's accessories, body-care products, artwork and much more. "We carry Coal and Canary candles from Winnipeg, and we source our stuff from all over the world, as well. I try to keep ahead of my competitors in looking for the next big thing. I believe that we have become the place to buy gifts," she says. "We now have a full home décor and gift store as well as our handmade jewelry, which is still the main thing that I do. I've sent my jewelry all over the world with orders." She bases her designs on simple lines inspired by nature or geometric shapes, using different hammered textures for added shine and sheen. "It's everyday jewelry that any woman would love to wear," she says. "I started using copper very early on because I grew up in the mining community of Flin Flon where they smelt copper. For me, it's a part of home and a way to work with products that keep you grounded." Now she is gearing up for the Christmas rush, including the hustle- and-bustle of private shopping parties that arrive by the van-load from Winnipeg. In addition, she recently started hosting chalk-painting classes, ideal for anyone looking to tackle a hands-on winter project. As her business continues to grow, she's grateful to have more flexible time with her daughter. And she appreciates the ongoing support from the local community, and from customers who travel from Winnipeg, rural Manitoba and the U.S. to shop at the store. "Slowly the word is getting out there. It's like a little hidden gem in Morden." With a glass-half-full philosophy, Fehr-Sinclair views her cancer as an opportunity for transformation. "It was just a re-evaluation of life and seeing what was important and also being able to spend time doing something that I love every single day. I really had no expectations of opening a store or anything along that line. It was just an opportunity that came along and I took advantage of it," she says. "We all know somebody that's touched by cancer. It seems rampant, but for me, there was a bigger story to it. I just didn't know at the time what that was. I would never wish it upon anybody, but in many ways, it was one of the best things that's ever happened to me." ■ Photos by Darcy Finley

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