Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/803844
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, SATURDAY MARCH 25, 2017 3 W I N K L E R glenberghomes.ca For All Your Building Needs (204) 325-0004 THE FRIENDLY SOUTHERN CITY CRYSTAL CITY JULY 15, 2017 Crystal City & District Chamber of Commerce Visit us on Facebook www.crystalcitymb.ca Healthy Snacks Authentic Mexican Food info@sunnydayproducts.com 349 MANITOBA RD. WINKLER, MB 100-561 MAIN ST. WINKLER, MB R6W 1E8 204.325.9672 winkler@rrc.ca rrc.ca/winkler LÀ, POUR APPUYER LA CROISSANCE ÉCONOMIQUE DURABLE DES MUNICIPALITÉS BILINGUES DU MANITOBA. SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN MANITOBA'S BILINGUAL COMMUNITIES. www.bordervalleycleanco.com FAX: (204) 822-9683 EMAIL: cddyck@mts.net Box 1021 • Morden, MB • R6M 1A9 Cornie Dyck (204) 362-8080 CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, AIR DUCT, FURNACE CLEANING & AUTO DETAILING NICHE MARKETING Tiny Haven showcases local artisans BY DAVID SQUARE PHOTOS BY DARCY FINLEY P embina Valley artisans and creators of unique Canadian products have a new home for their work in a recently opened store in Winkler. Known as Tiny Haven, the charming little specialty store was founded by Julia Blais, who feels there is a niche market in Winkler and further afield for "different products." For example, boutique employee Joline Klassen creates handmade pillows, key chains and jewelry, and she is widely recognized for her macramé wall art and plant hangings. The store's local and regional suppliers provide items such as luxury candles by Charleston & Harlow, hand-made skin and beard care products by Larkspur and Lane, modern plant prints by Taylor Dawn Art and organic cosmetics by Purely Gorgeous Cosmetics. There's also adult and baby clothing by The Ink Pad, as well as a selection of baby clothing and accessories by Sweet Finnagin, Lucy Lane & Co. and Born to be Rad. Tiny Haven, so named because it is located in a teeny building situated on Winkler's Main Street, is also filled with many unlikely trinkets and gifts accessed from Canadian sources like Etsy. "Customers have also asked me to stock lady's shoes," says Blais, who hoped to find some catchy Canadian-made footwear, clothing and giftware at a recent trade show in Edmonton. Tiny Haven opened on Dec. 1, and business boomed during the pre-Christmas gift buying frenzy. Tiny Haven opened on Dec. 1, and business boomed during the pre-Christmas gift buying frenzy. While there was a drop-off in traffic in January, Blais says an official grand opening held in February was extremely well attended. "(People) were lined up outside the store along the sidewalk!" Winkler's mayor, Martin Harder, was on hand for the occasion, giving a short speech lauding the business acumen of young people in the community. Her next move is to take her store online, and she also plans to launch a line of accessories. As Blais' business grows, she has plans to expand the present 500-square-foot store into an area behind the building that is available to be leased. It won't be as tiny, but it will still be a haven for area artisans.