Start Up Revelstoke has been an essential service for me as I shifted from working as an employee in Revelstoke to becoming my own boss and opening a business here in this great mountain town. Carolyn has been such a supportive and encouraging business mentor, and I truly could not have taken the steps forward that I have taken, without her encouragement, guidance and support. Our connection started with a simple meet up in a cafe over coffee, where naturally, as a nervous ‘wannabe entrepreneur’ you spill your life story and ambitions to one day create and love what you do, but for yourself.
My story was always surrounded by working with food, and after securing my permanent residency status here in Canada, I was ready to take the leaps and bounds towards building my own business. I’ve received extensive support from Carolyn and Start Up Revelstoke for about 4 years, and during each part of this journey, Carolyn has shown up for me in a number of different ways, from discussions, guidance towards resources, human connections, remote human connections, time-management workshops, strategic planning workshops, mentorship, networking groups and the all-important entrepreneur meet-ups at the River City Pub!
All the above were and continue to be essential tools in my toolkit and I am still so grateful to have the support and connection with Start Up Revy as I continue to navigate this terrain.
I began as a humble market vendor at the LFI Summer Farmer’s Market (shout out to the LFI), followed by a few one-off events around the community. This market venture continued for a couple more seasons, until I was presented with the opportunity to rent brick and water and commit to full time self-employment – a daunting prospect made easier by the network around me.
Carolyn supported me through the self doubt, the curiosity, the excitement and the challenges, and in November 2024 I took on a 3400sq ft space and perhaps the biggest project of my life so far – renovating a building from the 50s into a fully blown bakery, cafe and coffee bar, which opened in May 2025. I learnt about drywall, HVAC systems, plumbing, painting, flooring, furniture and the endless equipment repairs overnight. We operate 7 days a week, and I have a team of 20-25 employees who are all exceptional human beings that I am proud to work with each and every day.
All I can say is… believe in yourself always, find the opportunities because they will not fall into your lap without some effort on your part, and absorb the encouragement, extensive knowledge and support that surrounds you in this truly wonderful entrepreneurial community nestled in Revelstoke BC. Yes there will be highs and there will most certainly be lows, but at the end of the day if you can say you truly love what you do when you wake up each day, then you already know you’re on the right path. And remember to pay it forward, and help those in front of you as they also navigate this exciting and daunting journey!!
Thank you Start Up Revelstoke!
Stephanie x
