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

I am a retired Home Economics teacher and high school counsellor from the Sooke School District. Looking for a fresh start after an early retirement from education, I returned to my passion of sewing and creating. Staying one step ahead of the designs and trends, I make all my designs growth-spurt friendly to accommodate growing bodies and long-lasting fit. The Home Ec teacher in me strives for high standards and quality in my handcrafted work.

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.

I keep my business locally based, preferring to meet face-to-face with my customers. , You can find me in Sugar Sandwich Design market tent each summer in several Vancouver Island farmers' markets, and indoors during the fall/winter/spring seasons for the local craft fairs and trade shows. This decision to stay Vancouver Island focused gives me so much pleasure to interact with my customers and their growing families. The biggest reward for me is to have shoppers come back to me each year, introducing their newest family members and passing on their compliments about the quality and sustainability of my products.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

I feel so honored to be included in the list of nominees. The very fact that somebody nominated me brings so much joy. I have been working hard for years and stay mostly behind the scenes. I know people love my products and for that I am grateful; it brings me not only joy, but also great motivation to keep on making cute clothes for babies and kids. Being nominated is exciting; winning would be surreal.

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.

I work most alone in my studio creating my products, with occasional studio help for some of the non-sewing tasks. My one and only helper now is long-term, and has been with me for more than two decades.

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

I think the owners of small home-based businesses like mine are the unsung heroes of our economy. We work hard to earn a living, create our products with love and passion, and bring our communities together at our markets and events. I am grateful to be part of this amazing community of makers, and strive to create useful and better products for the shoppers who support me.