At All Things Jill, we know what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Our own business is built up from the strong entrepreneurial spirit of our founder, Jill, who started All Things Jill in her home in Ontario before moving to Alberta in 2004. Since then, she has worked many, many long days formulating and hand-crafting products; connecting with customers at trade shows; working with regulators to craft natural products regulations within Canada; hiring and managing staff; and all of those other things that come with running a business on your own!

Our staff is also comprised of entrepreneurs: our account specialist, Lindsay, is a published writer and former baby boutique owner; Anita in packaging and shipping manages a number of properties; and Carine and Randi-Lee in manufacturing and labelling are both artists who sell their own works.

Because of this, we really relate to the amazing business owners across Canada and in other countries who have helped to build our brand with their enthusiasm, grit and support. Many of our retailers are boutiques — we are, after all, a “boutique brand” — owned by a single entrepreneur or a family. Others are local or regional chains or franchises that focus on solid ethics benefitting the earth as well as the health of their patrons. Still others are plucky online store proprietors with a vision and a passion to share with the world.

Predictably, many of our retailers enjoy a vocal and loyal client base. Customers within the community who recognize the value of customer service, passion, commitment and attention to detail tend to find local or small retailers that they love and then support them fervently — and this is the case with many of the stores that carry All Things Jill! We agree: these store-owners are incredible. They work all hours (we know it, and we’ve got the late-night emails to prove it); they use creative solutions to find balance in their family life; they champion causes that they’re passion about through their involvement in the community and the ways they choose to conduct business.

Small business owners give us something we can’t find at a discount store online, at a big chain or from a faceless corporation whose steering forces are far removed from our daily lives. They give us human connection; they give us vitality in our communities; and they give us the product knowledge we need to buy and use products confidently and safely. Stop for a moment today to appreciate your local shops — and let them know what they mean to you the next time you’re in!