Owner Leanne Ryan Business Name Must Have Pockets Background story Leanne opened her boutique clothing store for women over 40 as an antithesis to the mall. After years as a buyer for major retailers, she finally realized her dream with help from a WeMB Loan.“ I wish I could go back and tell myself to take two more steps— I could’ ve done this long ago.” Why it matters Leanne dreamed of opening a store for years before finally taking the leap thanks to extensive research and planning.
Owner Anna Hunter Business Name Long Way Homestead Background story First-generation sheep farmer Anna Hunter added a wool processing mill to her farm with help from a WeMB Loan, creating Long Way Homestead, a fibre farm and wool mill.“ I don’ t think our business would be here without WeMB’ s support because we were turned away from so many other places.” Why it matters As a wool traceability advocate, Anna connects people to the source of their materials and contributes to a sustainable, circular economy.
Owner Shauna Fontaine Business Name Anishinaabe Girl Designs Background story Shauna Fontaine learned to bead from her aunties and grandmother. Growing up, crafting became her therapy. WeMB advisory helped inform her journey; she now transforms tradition into“ urban boujee chic” jewelry through Anishinaabe Girl Designs and celebrates her culture by showcasing products from other Indigenous makers in her boutique. Why it matters Shauna heals through handicrafts, strengthens cultural connections, and empowers communities through art and storytelling.
Owner Suzanne Druwe & Brian Szklarczuk Business Name Prairie Velo Background story From e-bikes to movement aids, Suzanne Druwe and her husband Brian Szklarczuk opened their boutique bicycle store to make cycling more accessible in Winnipeg. When they received a WeMB Loan, they didn’ t expect adaptive gear to become such a big part of the business.“ I love knowing we’ ve given someone a tool to help them in life.” Why it matters Since leaning into adaptive gear, Prairie Velo has helped countless Canadians with mobility restrictions get moving.
ciao! / oct / nov / two thousand twenty-five 21