The climate is temperate, allowing for amazing gardening opportunities in all seasons. There are several farmers markets -- now one that operates year 'round.
The scenery is phenomenal, attracting artists, musicians, writers, and nature lovers; anyone who has an appreciation of coastal living. As there is a relatively small population of around 30K souls, one of the challenges for businesses here is to find a market for products.
There are no major industries. No big box stores. If you're a shopaholic, be prepared to allow in your budget for frequent ferry trips to the outside world and nearest metropolis of Vancouver!
Websites and Community
I love my website. I love the sheer autonomy of it, the knowledge that I'm in charge. That I can write about things that interest me. That I can find ways to enjoy an international market and promote the work of other bloggers and indie businesses. It gives me a real appreciation of the talent of others.
My fascination with the way successful businesses work here every day knows no bounds. My learning and admiration is a daily event! This area is a shining example of community cooperation and how it helps everyone not only survive, but thrive.
When you come off the ferry you enter a two lane highway that runs right along the coast, all the way to another ferry with service to Vancouver Island and Powell River. All along the highway, like jewels in a necklace, are little towns and villages. It's all beautiful, but how do these people sell their unique products and make a living from their indie businesses?
There's one huge advantage to living in a small community -- people know each other, or get to know each other in a relatively short time. So, they band together for the good of all. They're excellent examples of community living.
Consignment Stores - Are They For You?
Once you get here and move in though, you realize one day that a lot of your stuff is still in boxes, so you obviously don't really need it. Then you're happy to discover there are several places to offload the things. They'll go to someone who loves them, you'll get some quick cash for them. Best of all you'll be able to buy something you like more, at a really nice price.
Your get-rid-of-it place is called a consignment shop, and there must be at least seven different shops in this vicinity. Some of them have their own space where you can consign your unwanted stuff and others sometimes specialize in particular lines, such as antiques, clothing or furniture.
For the most part in this area, the shop consists of a large space divided into small booths, where entrepreneurs can display their wares and gain lots of market exposure. Everyone pays a small part of the rent, and usually a percentage of their sales and members of the cooperative group take turns to sell everyone's products.
It's A Win-Win Situation!
I could literally spend hours browsing around in these places. It's what shopping used to be, prior to the malls.
Most consignment stores don't have flashy signs, or brand names. They're outlets where hard working, passionate indie biz artists and artisans show you their wares. The sellers depend on you to enjoy a shopping experience with a highly unique flavor. No wonder summer brings hordes of tourists to these shores.
So next time, when you're searching for something special, for a special someone in your life, consider heading to a consignment store. You're helping indie business from all over and in return you'll be getting an incredible choice in products and quality!
A Quick Question . . .
Some other reading this week . . .
- Crucial Tea News! via Monday's edition of my Spin with some seriously important news for tea drinkers.
- Georgia On My Mind via Mar's Desk, featuring a depthy, emotional experience of Gestalt Therapy from both a personal and professional perspective.
- Indie Biz: Amber's Angelic Creations via the Pumpkin Run Pulse presents the artistic expressions in the quality products of Amber Jackson, a working-from-home mom and soldier's wife in Copperas Cove, Texas.
Thank you so much for your visit. Any thoughts or input in the comments section is also appreciated by me and other readers.
Wishing you a beautiful weekend,
Vicki