LUMSDEN, Sask. – To earn shelf space in the Acorn Eco-Boutique, a product has to meet owner Amy Wilker’s specific standards.
It should be made of recycled, organic or renewable sources, or be recyclable.
It could be locally made, or should at least employ local people in the region where it’s made. It should have a small environmental footprint.
It could be fun, or practical, or both.
Wilker grew up in the valley near Lumsden, Sask., and obtained a degree in conservation biology last year from the University of Alberta. She works part-time as an environmental assessment co-ordinator reviewing project proposals.
Read Also
Agriculture ministers agree to AgriStability changes
federal government proposed several months ago to increase the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and double the maximum payment from $3 million to $6 million
She lives in a former commercial building renovated into condos and runs her business from an historical building in Lumsden.
Wilker, who has always had an interest in business, is taking classes online.
“I wanted a business background as well so I could still promote initiatives and products that are ecofriendly,” she said.
Originally, her plan didn’t call for retail space.
“I wanted to launch an online business,” she said.
But then she saw space available in the old building, with its south facing windows and view of the Qu’Appelle Valley. It once was a place to buy bulk flour.
Now renovated to meet current building codes, there are four stores on the main floor, all operated by women.
Wilker opened Acorn in July.
It features practical products like Abeego, a natural hemp and cotton material infused with beeswax and plant extracts. Hand-made in Victoria, Abeego is a reusable, washable food wrap that replaces plastic wrap and bags.
Giftware like Poopoopaper appeals to those who want something useful that helps animals at the same time.
The paper products are recycled from elephant dung, with portions of the profits directed to elephant conservation and welfare programs.
A Manitoba company supplies paper products such as gift tags infused with flower seeds.
Baby products from Egypt are made from organic cotton grown by local farmers.
Wilker deals with all her suppliers directly.
“If there is hesitance to provide me with information, then I just won’t go there,” she said. “I want customers to be able to call them.”
She also supports companies that do more than sell goods. For example, one company supplies a journal to a child in need for every journal sold. Others donate to forestry projects.
Wilker said there are many green options for people but they have to be aware of them.
Her clientele ranges from teenagers to older people but 90 percent of her online customers are female.
“Most of them are seeking environmentally friendly options or they’re looking for a specific product,.”
Her business was conceived as a result of her own inability to find the types of products she wanted.
She hopes in time to have a larger space and incorporate environmentally friendly building products and cleaning supplies into her stock.
Learning how to write a business plan and financing a venture can be difficult. She and her partner, Charlie Sanderson, had some money saved to buy a house and were able to put some of that toward the business.
“Being your own boss can help you impact change,” Wilker said. “I hope to make a big difference.”
For more information, visit www.acornecoboutique.ca.
