Helene
Vassos
Jill Turgeon , an award winning professional home stager and founder of Simply Irresistible Interiors , credits her success in part to having previous experience as a real estate agent . This gives her unique insight because she is able to understand the agent ’ s mindset and their challenges and goals as well as understanding how buyers and sellers think . As the first person to offer professional staging services in the Edmonton area , Jill recalls the early days back in 2003 where she used her own décor to stage homes ! Today , her company offers flat rate packages based on the rooms being staged and brings in stunning , on-trend pieces from her warehouse to stage each project . This allows her to offer professional services with complete transparency and no surprise costs . Jill recently undertook a very challenging but rewarding venture , adding a retail division with her first store in Stony Plain , Alberta !
CANADIAN HOME TRENDS What is your favorite room in your house ?
JILL TURGEON My bedroom . It is the most welcoming and comfortable space .
CHT Name one thing on your bucket list .
JT A hot air balloon ride on a beautiful vacation somewhere warm .
CHT If you could go back 20 years , what advice would you give your younger self ?
JT I would first make sure I was in the same spot as my husband so we could meet 20 years sooner . I would also give myself advice on how to hire better , and to save profits first , as that was the best advice I have ever received in business .
- Simply Irresistible Interiors , www . stageandsell . ca
80 CANADIANHOMETRENDS . COM
Having worked 30 years in the non-profit healthcare sector , Helene Vassos was preparing to retire when the opportunity to open a cannabis store arose . Helene was excited at the opportunity to be involved in an evolving industry , as both , a woman and business owner and hit the ground running .
There is no precedent : no pre-established history of what works and what doesn ’ t in the world of legal retail cannabis . As a retail operator , it seems that Helene is facing a new challenge literally every day – and the only path through is the one that she carves for her business . Facing everything head on is the way forward in this industry – especially now , amidst periods of immense uncertainty . It is an incredible challenge ; but to help to establish the framework for legal cannabis across the province is also an incredibly rewarding ( and humbling ) experience according to Helene .
Canvas Cannabis opened its doors in Danforth in December of 2019 and Helene became the owner of Toronto ’ s first female-led pot shop , a rarity in the male-dominated cannabis industry . The Mount Dennis location opened in May 2020 and a new location in Liberty Village opened in February 2021 . In a highly regulated industry , what sets stores apart is the work that the owners put into the shopping experience . Helene wanted to capture a casual elegance and refined simplicity that embraces anyone of all legal ages , bringing a personal touch to the cannabis retail experience . Customers
can relax , take their time and acquaint themselves with products and services with the help of budtenders . They are knowledgeable and able to provide personal advice and assistance to each customer , even greeting regulars by name !
CANADIAN HOME TRENDS Name one thing on your bucket list .
HELENE VASSOS I ’ d love to make time and pursue my interest in sketching and painting . Watercolors in particular . I would like to create a piece of art for each of my children . Painting was a passion of mine since I was young , but somehow I never took time from my busy work life to develop it further . I think it ’ s time .
CHT What is your favorite room in your house ?
HV The kitchen ! I Love to cook , entertain and experiment with new recipes and herbs . Share a meal , share stories , exchange ideas , have a good laugh , or have a good cry - and not necessarily because I am peeling onions . - Canvas Cannabis , www . canvascannabis . ca