The ever-evolving core of Hespeler Village has a new storefront that makes shopping local even easier.
The Artisans Bodega, located on Queen Street, leases space to local vendors to sell their products.
Mother-daughter duo Michelle Myers and McKenzie Steinhoff are the owners of the new shop and they’ve crafted a business model that ensure supporting local is accessible and affordable for both vendors and shoppers.
“We don’t deal on a consignment basis,” Myers said.
“We collectively disperse the rent throughout all the vendors in the store and that way they keep their prices steady. As many beautiful shops around as there are, by the time you put 30 per cent on top of the costs, it’s the customer or the vendor that pays for it.”
Operating a storefront is nothing new to Myers as she also owns a business in Neustadt just south of Hanover.
With Steinhoff’s youngest child ready to head off to school, it was the right time to join her mother on a new adventure. Watching her mother already succeeding in the world of business gave her inspiration.
“It was time for me to find something I enjoy doing,” Steinoff, who also sells handmade bath bombs, said.
“I loved watching my mom’s store and I have my own little small business, so I said let’s put it all together.”
With some experience under their belt, Myers and Steinhoff are trying to create a unique feel to their store that is welcoming and engaging.
“It’s all about community,” Myers said.
“Don’t worry about being dressed up fancy. We want people to come and browse comfortably, browse often. I think it needs to be that way with lots of laughter and fun.”
The search to find the physical space to run their business began just before Christmas when Steinoff and her boyfriend were driving around the area looking into different locations to set up shop.
When they peered into 7 Queen St. E in Hespeler, they knew it was a good fit. With Myers on speakerphone, the realtor met them outside and they signed the lease.
Serving the local community, whether it be a vendor or a shopper, is what excites them the most about their new venture.
And they have a clear message to the residents of Cambridge.
“Support your local artisans,” Myers said.
“There’s a lot of talented people here. They’re your neighbours and your friends. When you come in here and purchase an item you’re paying rent or groceries for someone. That’s what COVID has taught us, we need to look after our own first.”
