I’m thrilled to share a recent milestone for Canapa Candle: an interview with CBC, where I had the pleasure of discussing the ups and downs of running a small business in Louisbourg. It’s been a journey fueled by local support, creativity, and a passion for hand-poured candles, inspired by beautiful Cape Breton Island.
Checkout the CBC Interview here!
From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Candle Shop 🕯️
Canapa Candle began during the pandemic, just like many small businesses that embraced change in challenging times. What started as a small candle-making operation (I made candles in my kitchen!) grew into a full-time business, allowing me to leave my full time career at Shopify and open our brick-and-mortar store in the heart of Louisbourg. We are located at 7529 Main St. (side entrance) in a historic post office building, our seasonal storefront showcases handmade candles, soy wax melts, soap and a curated selection of local artisan goods, all sourced from fellow Cape Breton small businesses and made in Canada. The response from locals and tourists alike has been incredible!
The Power of Community Collaboration
As I shared with Brittany Wentzell on CBC, our success isn’t just about quality candles; it’s about the Louisbourg community. From working with Cranberry Cove Inn for our Gilmore Girls event to crafting exclusive candles for local spots like the North Star Hotel by Colin & Justin, Spoondrift Cafe & Restaurant or Bistro Phare 756, these partnerships help create unique experiences for visitors and locals, all while fostering the spirit of community.
Creative Solutions for Seasonal Challenges
Running a seasonal business has its unique hurdles, but we tackle them with creativity. With winter closures necessary for sustainability, I’ve launched candle-making workshops and popup events like our Gilmore Girls Candle Making Workshop as well as some upcoming Candle Making Workshops and Movie Theatre Popups. These local events help keep customers engaged year-round and pull in traffic from out of town too.
Why Supporting Local Makes a Difference
Buying from small, locally-owned businesses like Canapa Candle means more than just purchasing a product. Every soy candle, each unique home decor piece, and every collaboration directly supports the community, contributing to Cape Breton’s vibrant economy. We’re passionate about giving our customers an experience they won’t find on Amazon—a quality, heart-made product that reflects the light of Louisbourg.
Lighting the Way for Future Entrepreneurs
Small Business Week is a perfect time to reflect on this journey and encourage aspiring entrepreneurs. Starting a business might seem daunting, but with community support, creativity, and persistence, there’s ample opportunity here in Cape Breton to grow something meaningful.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us, and a special thanks to CBC for sharing our story. Listen to the full interview here and experience the Canapa Candle difference—handcrafted with care, inspired by community, and made for you in the heart of Cape Breton Island.
A special thank you to @kalopsia_captures for the beautiful shots!