Guelph Kids Guide is happy to introduce you to four inspiring, local mums shops: Bertinas Sweet Treats, Cameron Cards, GiGi Creation, and Night Flower – Natural Hair & Beauty Collection. Bertinas Sweet Treats specializes in hand-painted, unique cookies; I ordered some beautiful cookies in the shape of stockings with our family names on the tops and they were amazing. Cameron Cards is a handmade, gorgeous greetings cards shop. GiGi Creation makes custom tutus, fabric flowers, cross stitch, and personalized gifts. Night Flower handcrafts natural, luxurious hair and beauty products.
Berta Martins owns Bertinas Sweet Treats
Where can we find you online? (website, social media, etc):
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bertinhassweettreats/
Instagram: @martinsberta
Why did you start your small shop? What inspired you?
My son inspires me. He is an adult with special needs. I’ve had problems finding reliable, consistent care for my son, so I decided to start my small shop for the flexibility of caring for my son. A lot of services for adults with special needs have been cancelled due to no government support so I wanted to start something at home.
My long-term goal is to open a bakery and hire individuals with special needs.
How would you describe your products in 5 words or less?
Handmade, inspiring, quality, happy, custom.
What is your favourite product that you’ve created?
I don’t have a favourite because everything is a favourite. Every single time I get an order I get excited. I like making people’s dreams and thoughts for their creations come true. I can do anything that people enjoy. I like the variety.
I’m a workaholic so seeing all of the happy faces when they come to pick up their orders makes it all worth it.
Why do you love living in Guelph?
I’m originally from Hamilton. I love living in Guelph because it’s quaint, friendly, has a lot of green space and parks, and it is a good place to raise a family.
Jennifer Davy Cameron owns Cameron Cards
Where can we find you online?
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Cameron-Cards-336779916413715/
Why did you start your small shop? What inspired you?
I love creating things and card making gave me a creative outlet and that I could pursue while homeschooling our sons and later assisting them as they have launched their own business; Andosh Accessible Gaming.
I have always had some sort of craft project on the go, but over the past few years I have come to appreciate creating handmade cards for many reasons. First of all, there are limitless possibilities for suiting the craft to my mood. If I’m having a reflective day I can put that energy into Sympathy, or Thinking of You Cards. Conversely if I am feeling happy, I can funnel that into quirky birthday cards. Card-making also feeds the lifelong learner in me – there are countless techniques to master, and so many ways to use them! By far my favourite element of hand crafting cards however, has very little to do with the creative process.
Here’s the thing – I love people, and I love the stories they have to share.
Through my past volunteer and work experience I have learned that everyone has a story, and most people have many. I have seen first-hand what a joy it is when someone finds something that resonates exactly with the story that they need to speak to. How great is it to stumble upon the perfect card that relays the perfect message to the person who will receive it. Witnessing those moments, and helping create them for people is what Cameron Cards is all about.
Each retirement home, every craft show, and all of my “Stop n’ Shops” give me the chance to help other people send just the right message, and to do it in a way that is personal and relevant to the receiver. It gives me such joy to see a customer find “the exact right card” for whoever they are shopping for.
What story are you looking to share with your next handmade card purchase? I would be happy to hear it, and even happier if you let me be a part of it!
Recently, I have started offering card making classes for both kids and adults. I provide all the supplies and instruction. Participants get the chance to try different techniques and add their own unique flair.
Take the time to send a little love in an envelope!
How would you describe your products in 5 words or less?
Cards with compassion and whimsy.
What is your favourite product that you’ve created?
It would be difficult to pick a favourite cards because they are all so different. Unless I am making invitations or custom cards for a local business every card is different.
Gia owns GiGi Creation
Where can we find you online?
www.Facebook.com/creationsbygigi
Why did you start your small shop? What inspired you?
I started making gifts for friends and family. Once people started requesting items to make for them. I realize i can start a business doing something I already love!
How would you describe your products in 5 words or less?
Unique, elegant, different and classy
What is your favourite product that you’ve created?
I love everything I make because each individual is different and personalize it for each person! There’s really no favourites.
My favourite thing for all client is to save them lots of money for weddings and very budget friendly for everything I make!
Why do you love living in Guelph?
Its quiet and beautiful!
Laila Zahra Harris owns NIGHT FLOWER – Natural Hair & Beauty Collection
Where can we find you online? (website, social media, etc):
Online Shop:
https://www.nightflower.ca
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/lovenightflower
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/lovenightflower
Why did you start your small shop? What inspired you?
After handcrafting natural beauty products for the past 10 years, I finally wanted to turn my hobby into something more. I make handmade formulations as a creative outlet, and to offer luxurious products that condition, replenish and illuminate using ingredients sourced from nature.
With a Master’s degree and background in women’s environmental health, creating a line of hair & beauty products that are 100% natural, organic and free of synthetic chemicals is something I am very committed to. Having 2 small sons at home has also been a motivating factor for starting my own business and being able to work from home.
I am inspired by nature and all of the many healing plants that we can use to nourish ourselves and celebrate our natural beauty. I am excited about getting NIGHT FLOWER products out there for people to try and hopefully fall in love with!
NIGHT FLOWER – Natural Hair & Beauty Collection is a line of 100% natural & organic, handcrafted beauty products for body, face and thick, curly hair.
How would you describe your products in 5 words or less?
Handmade, natural hair & beauty products.
What is your favourite product that you’ve created?
My favourite product is our Magic Honey Butter – Curl Conditioner & Styling Cream. This product is used in the shower and is designed to define curls, remove frizz, add shine, and create a soft, touchable hold (not crispy!). It is completely natural and the only product you need to use after washing. It can also be used as a body butter!
Why do you love living in Guelph?
Guelph has been my home for the past 14 years. I love the old architecture and sense of community here. This city also has a comforting small-town feel, while being close to some bigger urban centres.
We hope that you’ve discovered the next small business that you would like to support. All four of these ladies are passionate and it shows in their amazing products.