Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

My dream has always been to be a shop owner. I never thought I could actually do it though, I never had enough confidence. There was always this little corner shop right down the street from me that I loved. When my son was a baby I used to go there just to chat with another adult and the woman who owned it was always so kind. When she moved out I did think of what it would be like to own my own shop but of course I still lacked the confidence and had a small child at home that need me and so this beautiful little shop traded hands to another incredible woman whose vibe I loved, featuring a mix of vintage and locally made goods. I love visiting this shop too and was especially excited about the vintage aspect as an avid collector myself. At the time I was making sun catchers and was consigning them in the shop then one day everything changed. I was send an email with my consignment money and the owner mentioned she would be moving to a larger location, well that was it. If the pandemic taught me anything it was that nothing is certain, if you have a dream you have to at least try it and it was my ideal location. And so it began. Of course many friends and family members thought I was crazy opening a shop in the middle of a pandemic with no business experience but finally, I believed in myself, enough to take a risk on myself. I had 3 months to figure everything out and I have never experience so much personal growth as I did that first year of business! I am passionate about supporting other peoples dreams. We have so many talented artists and makers and I want to host and help them grow their businesses. I am passionate about vintage and selling items that are unique and well made and creating a sustainable shopping experience. But mostly I am passionate about people. I want everyone who walks into this shop to feel at home. I value the community we are creating so much and when folks come in we have had the opportunity to connect on a deeper level. We laugh, we cry, we hug or vent. I am here for all of it, and if you just need a nice, peaceful atmosphere we create that too.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

We carry over 20 local mostly women led businesses, We are involved in an annual clothing swap with Fashion Revolution that works on keeping clothing out of the landfill and donates the left over clothing to the Women in Need (W.I.N) store. For the months of February (our slowest months) we have created a co-working space where you can come and work with other friendly folks. We will also be collaborating with our local community centre to put on monthly markets to bring awareness to their Good Food Box program and we will be donating partial proceeds to them as well. We host artist led workshops to promote artists as well as bring folks together to create community. But mostly, we are here in this little shop with the tea on ready to chat and connect. at CREAM it's not just about selling stuff it's about creating a loving, up-lifting, inclusive and creative community.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

This award would mean so much to this little business as I would love the opportunity to continue to focus on building a stronger, more supportive community where arts, creativity and entrepreneurship are encouraged. The more we can create a thriving community the more we can start to stretch outwards and grow a community where everyone lifts each other up!

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At CREAM we believe in providing opportunities for both staff and customers to pursue their interests and passions. Staff is encouraged to take on projects that align with their own creative interests, for example one of our staff and one of our vendors collaborated on a mural in the shop. This project went on when the shop was open which allowed community members to interact with artists at work, and it also allowed the artists to showcase their skills in a way they normally wouldn't in a brick and mortar retail space. We truly appreciate and respect everyone we come in contact with and it shows in our glowing reviews and also through word of mouth. At CREAM everyone is welcome, always.

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

I think CREAM is creating something really beautiful, honest and unique. We are collaborative, supportive, inclusive and kind in all of our dealings. I want to reach more people who may need a safe place to land or a community to feel included in. I want the opportunity to continue to offer artist led workshops, spoken word nights and more community events. I am here because I believe in this dream, CREAM is much more than a shop, it is a place to be seen, heard and supported.