The Women of Thornbury

Words – Cara Williams      Photos – Clay Dolan

When my mother purchased a modest black-and-white, 16-page real estate newsletter in 1998 she had a vision to create a lifestyle magazine that celebrates life on the Escarpment. As Deena (Dolan) grew this business, and got to know her fellow entrepreneurs, she discovered that there was an inordinate number of businesses in the relatively small village of Thornbury that were being established by women. “Many of my early advertisers were females, who had the vision and foresight to put down roots in this growing town.” The trend has continued, and today, over 80% of businesses in Thornbury are owned and operated by women—clothing stores, restaurants, art galleries, day-spas, home décor stores, hair salons, bakeries, fitness centres, cafes, caterers, gift shops and cosmetic/skin/laser clinics. These establishments are enhancing the character and prosperity within our community, which got me thinking: why are Thornbury businesses predominantly owned by women? And what is fuelling the success of female driven entrepreneurship?

In 1990 Marion Erskine opened a hair salon in the newly built Kings Court Mall on Highway 26. “I chose Thornbury because I saw it as ‘the new frontier’ at that time,” explains Marion. “Not many businesses were here yet, and people were starting to move here for the skiing—so staying open Sundays to accommodate our weekend crowds seemed the way to go.” In 2007 Marion bought a building on Thornbury’s main street at 33 Bruce St. Being a single mom, she moved her family into the apartment upstairs. “It made sense to be living above the salon, as I was able to be open seven days a week and the extra income with the attached rentals gave me a solid source of extra income.”

By all accounts, getting a foot in the Thornbury real estate door is a game-changer for many business owners. In fact, one of my favourite restaurants, housed in the quirkiest of settings (which amazingly, works), was founded out of the necessity to fill the space: “We happened to own a building in Thornbury and the back space wasn’t desirable to renters,” explains Jennifer Vipond. “We had trouble filling it, so Bruce Wine Bar was born.” Jennifer now employs nearly 20 staff, and has recently opened a sister restaurant in Collingwood; Crow Bar & Variety. “Word travels—good and bad—and if you play your cards right, things will work out. Work hard, be honest and this little town will cradle you while you do it.”

For some, timing is everything: Jane Grahek opened Furbelows in 1985, two years before Sherry Kadwell established Tigs. “I was lucky that I chose Thornbury, in terms of pace, opportunity, and less competition—at the time I was the only store selling women’s clothing. Having been the first, I’ve mentored and helped many up-and-coming business owners. People come to me because I’ve been here for four recessions and managed to stay alive.” Not to imply that it’s been a smooth ride—small-town business owners often have to supplement their income to stay afloat. “I waitressed for four years when I first opened Furbelows,” says Jane. “I would go to the restaurant right after work and wear the clothes from my store. People would ask me where I got my outfit and I’d tell them about my store – I found a lot of new customers that way.”

Perhaps the main reason why so many Thornbury businesses are owned by women is the culture of collaboration and we’re- all-in-this-together approach. “The Women in Thornbury have always been welcoming and genuine,” recounts Jennifer Vipond. “Over 15 years ago when I was introduced to the ladies of Bruce Street, I was rapidly brought in to a circle of love. There was no judgement, just friendship and a branch to hang on to. They were there to give a shoulder to cry on or help me roll cutlery for the opening day—I won’t forget that Marion Erskine! All of the women in this town—they will help you and love you and encourage you.”

Truly, the “Women of Thornbury” are fueling our little town, while driving the local economic stimulus. But they need our support–when we purchase from locally owned businesses, the entire community benefits. “Thornbury is facing stiff competition from surrounding towns and online shopping,” says Casey Thompson of The Cheese Gallery. “The risk of less visitors, less foot traffic is always prevalent. It’s essential that our community supports business to ensure a vibrant cycle for everyone—if businesses close due to retirement, selling or moving that’s normal and healthy, but when businesses close due to lack of customers, lack of foot traffic and lack of local support, we are at risk.” When we buy local there is a domino effect that directly touches every level of our community.

“The weather can be a big challenge,” says Josie Poole of Sincerely Yours Boutique. “It can make for a lonely winter or spring. Our most difficult time is January to April when visitors are scarce. If it wasn’t for our dedicated local shoppers, we would be struggling even more.” Anne Wildeman of Birch & Benjamin adds, “There is a perception that we are not competitive with corporate and box stores but I price check constantly to be sure that we are on par.”

Non-profit organizations rely heavily on our local business owners to support their cause, as do clubs, school fundraisers, and a host of charitable campaigns that come knocking. Cassidy Holt, owner of the Daisy Market & Refillery works with Beaver Valley Community School on their litter-less lunch program, an initiative which greatly reduces waste production in Grey County. Sarah Bright of Two The Core supports and donates to the Rotary Run, Georgian Triangle Humane Society, Events For Life, and more. “Each year we participate in the Jack Ride for youth mental health,” explains Sarah. “We have raised almost $60,000.00 in the past three years.” In fact, the next time you attend a local fundraiser, have a peek at the list of supporters—our local businesses donate thousands of dollars annually to countless worthy causes that benefit the community as a whole. “One of the best parts of my week occurs every Thursday afternoon, when I volunteer to co-run the Apple Valley Youth Chorus,” says Karen James, owner of Ashton’s Blinds. “This community choir, sponsored by the Thornbury Clarksburg Rotary Club, is for youth from Junior Kindergarten to grade 12. We teach cooperation, perseverance, dedication and self-sufficiency under the guise of teaching choral music in two-part harmony. These kids make my heart sing!”

Family run businesses may be the exception, but unfortunately conventional small business owners often grapple with a widening gap between staffing desires and the qualifications of the available workforce. In fact, staffing issues are the number one problem facing many of our Women of Thornbury. “Our two biggest challenges are attracting and retaining great staff and managing rising costs,” says Trish Smith of the Thornbury Bakery. “We are so lucky to have a solid core team that have been with us for years, but finding people who are loyal, passionate and fun is an ongoing challenge. Rising costs is also a huge issue. Labour costs, food costs, business taxes, it doesn’t ever seem to be good news.”

Statistically small businesses are the largest employers nationally—our Women of Thornbury business owners alone employ over 175 full and part-time staff. Talk about exerting influence with our purchasing choices—when we choose to spend our dollars in Thornbury we are directly supporting over 175 individuals that live among us. “I am so fortunate and grateful for each and every staff member,” says Season Leone of Cured, Culinary Designs Catering who employs seven full-time staff and 25 on-call catering staff. “I truly could not do this without my amazing and solid team.” Cassidy Holt of Daisy Market & Refillery has a favourite quote by Anna Lapp; “’Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.’ I love to share this with people because I think it’s the absolute truth!”