For local businesswomen who don’t have a storefront, an event Wednesday night was the perfect opportunity to show the community what they offer.
The Orillia Business Women’s Association (OBWA) held its third annual Business Showcase at the Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn and Conference Centre.
“One of the best things about the OBWA and this showcase is the support we provide to each other. We build each other up,” said Trisha Cuthbertson, creative director with More Than Just Cards.
Cuthbertson has been running the business out of her Horseshoe Valley home for two years. She designs and creates greeting cards and also provides kits and classes for those wanting to do it themselves.
“It’s a hobby that I’ve enjoyed for a lot of years, so I thought I’d turn it into a business,” she said.
Visitors to Wednesday’s showcase were “quite taken” by her cards, she said, and she expects to get some new orders for Valentine’s Day next month.
She isn’t the only one. February is a busy time for Nikki Hewines, owner of Pure Romance.
Hewines specializes in bath and body products, lingerie and “bedroom accessories.”
“We educate and empower women with their sexual wellness. That’s the core of what we do,” Hewines explained.
Part of her business has her holding product parties for women, but she also sells items on her website.
“It’s more popular now than it was 20 years ago because we’re more empowered now,” she said.
While some of the OBWA members with booths at the showcase were hoping to make some sales, Hewines was there for the networking, acknowledging people might not be comfortable purchasing some of her products in such a public space.
“It’s not so much about selling as it is about making connections,” she said.
Paula Martyn joined the OBWA shortly after moving to Orillia from Milton about two years ago, and Wednesday’s event was an opportunity to be among like-minded entrepreneurs.
“It’s all about community,” said Martyn, whose business, Paula’s Healing Journey, focuses mainly on reiki and essential oils. “Unless you’re out in the community, people don’t always know about you.”
Reiki is all about the transfer of energy as a healing treatment. It’s somewhat reciprocal, Martyn said.
“As I’m giving the treatment, I get the treatment,” she said. “I love it. It balances me out.”
There were about 16 vendors at the showcase.
“We’ve had a quite a few of the general public come through, which is nice,” said OBWA president Shelle Hossack. “They were very pleased with the variety of businesses and services, and they loved the swag bags.”
OBWA members do not have to be business owners. For more information about the organization, check out its website.