Business Profiles

Jesse and Louella are on a mission to do good. Whether it is through their farm and the wholesome food they provide, or the example they lead for their children, they make a conscious effort to find the positive in any situation. It is an important lesson in today’s uncertain times.

Though Louella and Jesse have been raising animals for the past six years, owning their own farm was a long-time dream that became a brand-new undertaking in 2020. Joining them on their adventure are their two little girls, who are learning first-hand the hard work, challenges, and joys that farm life can bring.

Farming requires resiliency, and the entire family has become proficient in a range of skills that include building, fencing, cleaning, collecting eggs, and caring for animals. Their love for their homestead is apparent, as they proudly proclaim the highlight of their day is evening chores as a family.

Louella and Jesse are passionate about small farms and want to do their part to help foster a healthy and sustainable local food culture, believing that healthy food starts from the soil up.

The way an animal is raised affects the quality of its meat and Azure Highlands Homestead tries to mimic natural cycles as much as possible. All their animals have access to lots of fresh air, plenty of room to roam, and a safe and comfortable place to stay warm (or cool). They do not use pesticides or antibiotics in their animals (unless absolutely necessary).

Azure Highlands Homestead offers pasture-raised beef, pork, and chicken, as well as farm fresh eggs. It’s great food that you can feel good about. 

Check out their website and social media (Facebook and Instagram) pages for a glimpse behind the scenes of the homestead life (and keep in the know about all their wonderful products). Call 519-722-8821 or email azurehighlandshomestead@gmail.com to chat with Louella and place your order.

A retired teacher, Erika recently wrote a book that blends her expertise in primary education with her experience creating educational games for young children. Read a Rainbow, Write a Rainbow features 10 phonics lessons, 12 reading lessons, and two reading games, all presented in a brightly illustrated and engaging format.

In 1993, Erika founded Educational Games of Excellence, a company that published three board games she created: Top Story, Funny Phonics (both featured in her book), and Math Mania. She had planned to relaunch the company in 2020 alongside her book release.

With limited investment capital and little experience in digital technology, Erika took a leap and built her own website, learning the software along the way — with a little help. Gillian Griffin from the Municipality of Grey Highlands’ Digital Main Street Digital Service Squad supported Erika in updating her website, launching a Shopify store, and navigating social media. Erika shared, “Gillian was so patient and so kind. She helped me improve my website and set up the links that I needed. She is incredibly talented, and her advice and coaching helped me become computer literate. I am 76 years young and I am still following my dreams.” She added, “My books and games are designed to make learning easy and fun for both parents and children. My free downloads give parents simple ideas and tools to teach at home.”

Erika continues to work with Digital Main Street to build her digital skills. Her advice to other entrepreneurs: don’t be afraid to learn something new. Take advantage of the free support Digital Main Street offers — it can truly elevate your business.

Visit Educational Games of Excellence online through their website, Facebook, and Twitter pages. Sign up for the newsletter to receive a free Phonics and Reading Activity Kit.

Proudly serving the community, Flesherton Home Hardware offers a wide range of products for your home improvement, renovation, and DIY needs. From hardware and tools to paint, plumbing, and seasonal supplies, their knowledgeable staff is ready to help you find exactly what you need. Conveniently located in the heart of Flesherton, this locally owned store is your go-to destination for quality products and friendly service.

Visit their website for more information.

Living quietly (well…maybe not entirely quietly) on her family’s farm near Rocklyn, Hiliary Breadner lives a double life. As a 7^th generation farmer on the same family land, Hiliary is equally comfortable tending to fields and cattle as she is creating state-of-the-art graphic design projects, which she has done professionally for over a decade. The last five years have been extra exciting, as she has taken on farming full time in addition to running her own business. It is probably a safe assumption that Hiliary is never bored!

Her creative gift, coupled with an impeccable technical ability (and a brand new 3D laser printer), allows Hiliary to create beautiful graphics and imagery, which she can turn into all manners of signage, decals, vehicle graphics, product labels, and pretty much anything else her clients can imagine. Of course, she does have a soft spot for agriculture-related designs and has helped many local farmers design (or redesign) their logo or signage to help promote their business.

Passion spurs her creativity, and according to Hiliary, the best part of her work is helping clients bring a (sometimes obscure) vision to fruition. Her designs speak for themselves – and they have a lot to say!

Hilary is also one of the steering members of the For the Love of Grey Barn Quilt Trail in the region – a natural fit considering her graphic design skills and love of agriculture. Designing the large wooden quilts, which can be found on farms throughout Grey County, is a labour of love, as she often works with property owners to create a pattern that reflects their own unique heritage.

When asked how she felt about operating her own business in Grey Highlands, Hiliary simply replied, “Grateful.” She has received tremendous support and encouragement from farmers, businesses, and residents, especially in this year’s focus on shopping local. In an age where purchasing mass-marketed items is only a mouse click away, there is a tangible appeal to working with someone in your own community to create a perfect, one-of-a-kind present. Imagine the surprise and delight when a loved one opens a gift to find their name on a family sign, personalized stocking tag, or customized garden ornament. Try personalized wooden hangers for the newlyweds that have everything (guaranteed to be better received than a toaster). Perhaps you have a design idea scribbled on a napkin somewhere that you’ve always wanted to explore but didn’t know where to start.

Hiliary’s graphic design skills and on-site production equipment usually allow her to bring projects from ideas to completion in around 1-2 weeks, depending on availability of materials. She loves a challenge and would love to work with you to create a perfect business tool, present, or statement piece.

Contact Hiliary via hiliarybgraphics@gmail.com, call 519-374-9215, or check out her incredible work online and via her Facebook and Instagram pages.

While the creative genius of Infinite Glassworks is housed inside the mind of Kate Civiero, the studio and shop are housed inside a 90-year-old rustic barn in beautiful Eugenia, which is owned by Kate and her husband Matthew. Their dream of owning a glassblowing facility became a reality in 2016 when they began renovations to transform their barn into a studio, taking care to maintain a simple rural vibe both inside and out.

Infinite Glassworks is so much more than a working studio or a showroom for retail sales (though it does both of those things quite well). Infinite Glassworks is a place where magic happens. It is a place where Kate transforms bits of raw glass into beautiful and functional pieces that speak to her labour of love.

When describing how she works raw materials into art, Kate’s voice changes and takes on an edge of excitement. “It’s an adrenaline rush. You have a  2,100 ℉ furnace and a ball of molten glass; you start to work the glass (which has the consistency of molasses) but have less than a minute before it hardens and needs to be reheated.” She continued, “It’s dangerous and exciting, and it really makes you think on your feet. It is only during a brief 45 second window that you can stretch, shape, and colour the glass.” You can hear the smile in her voice as she adds, “It is truly the adventure sport of the craft world.”

Infinite Glassworks is a recent recipient of a Starter Company Plus Recovery Program Grant, which was offered through Grey County’s Business Enterprise Centre. Kate will use this funding to help pivot her business to focus on online sales and marketing. Purchasing a piece of glassware from Infinite Glassworks is often a deeply rooted tactile experience that relies heavily on making a personal connection with a piece. Shifting this experience online has been challenging, but beautiful photography, videography, and descriptions create an (almost) comparable purchasing experience.

Visit Infinite Glassworks’ website and social media (Instagram and Facebook) or make an appointment to see the studio for yourself. You’ll be happy you did.

With a lighthearted warning that Sapsucker should only be consumed while enjoying life, the Lower Valley Beverage Company in Flesherton is upping the ante in the beverage world. As its name suggests, it is harvested from Canadian maple trees and also aims to support farmers and sustainable forest management.

Sapsucker is essentially organic maple tree water, but just one taste and you will realize that it is so much more. Boasting a subtle bubble and the slightest hint of natural sweetness, it is delicious, easy to drink, and refreshing. Available in 3 tantalizing flavours: The Original One, The Lemon One, and The Lime One, the hardest part will be choosing your favourite (so you should buy all three just to be on the safe side). Sapsucker is found in fine grocery retailers across Canada (including the Kimberley General Store), so click here to find a location nearest you!

Full of naturally occurring benefits, Sapsucker is just the thing to keep you hydrated. It is plant-based and nutrient rich, powered by 46 naturally occurring minerals, antioxidants, prebiotics, and vitamins including calcium, potassium, and zinc. For all the great things it has, it is equally sought out for the things it doesn’t - gluten, preservatives, sodium, nuts, soy, or GMOs.

Not only it is it a unique and delicious beverage, but Sapsucker’s branding has raised some eyebrows, as well as applause (and garnered an award or two). It’s branding received an Award of Excellence Packaging in the 2020 Communication Arts Design Competition and was shortlisted for Integrated Branding Program; it was the recipient of a 2020 Applied Arts Design Awards for Brand Identity/Logo Applications; and received a 2020 Pentawards Silver for Functional Beverages.

Check out their look on their eye-catching website and social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram), or see it for yourself – up close and personal – with a can of your own!

#SupportLocal #MapleWater #Sparkling #Yum #TogetherWeGetThroughThis

In one form or another, the Markdale Golf and Curling Club has been an institution in Markdale since 1922, when Thomas H. Reburn donated property on Toronto Sydenham Road (now Highway 10) for a curling rink.

In 1964, the club moved to its current location on Edith Street, and the Centre Grey Golf Course was constructed and became its neighbour that same year; in 1965, the two clubs amalgamated and became the Markdale Country Club, and then eventually became known as The Markdale Golf and Curling Club.

The Club truly shines in all seasons. Outside, you will find a great nine-hole golfing experience with mature greens, manicured fairways, and a relaxing atmosphere, while the building houses a beautiful curling rink with four sheets of ice (and rocks for up to 32 people). Services and amenities include a practice putting green, power golf carts, pro shop, coffee shop and patio, and a year-round banquet hall and full commercial kitchen (including a full-service bar). Their bi-weekly wing nights have been a great success, with the next one scheduled for Friday, July 24. Please call ahead to place your takeout order; limited patio seating is available by reservation (please call 519-986-2690).

The Markdale Golf and Curling Club recently participated in the Municipality of Grey Highlands’ Community Improvement Plan and availed of funding to help offset the cost of installing a new accessible ramp to the lower entrance of the building. For more information about the Community Improvement Plan and to learn how your business may benefit from this program, please click here.

Summer or winter, the Markdale Golf and Curling Club has you covered. Check out their website and Facebook page or email their friendly team for more information.

#SupportLocal #Golf #Curling #WingNight #GreyHighlands #TogetherWeGetThroughThis

A friendly smile, a home-cooked meal, and a whole lot of history await you at Mylar and Loreta’s Restaurant! Located on the site of Singhampton’s first tavern, built in the mid-1800s, Mylar and Loreta’s is celebrating 36 years in business. The building was one of the village’s first two hotels, once welcoming travellers and survey crews heading north. Though it has changed hands over the years, it has always remained a place of hospitality, comfort, and great food.

The restaurant’s name is inspired by the tragic tale of Mylar and Loreta, two ill-fated lovers. Mylar left Loreta behind when he set out for Singhampton, later sending for her once he was settled. Sadly, Loreta’s ship was lost at sea. Some say Mylar’s ghost still lingers on the property — a gentle presence that adds to the charm and mystique of this historic space.

Mylar and Loreta’s has expanded beyond traditional take-out by transforming the backyard into a drive-thru, conveniently located next to snowmobile trails for easy access. Their extensive menu features a variety of delicious comfort foods made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Stop by for take-out or drive-thru service and enjoy a taste of history — and maybe even a glimpse of Mylar himself. Place your order by calling 705-445-1247 or emailing mylarloretas@gmail.com. Your tastebuds will thank you!

"High above Georgian Bay, in the Grey Highlands…”, these melodically bee-autiful words greet visitors to Osprey Bluffs Honey Company’s website and help paint a vibrant picture of the well-traveled bees of Osprey Bluffs. These tiny travelers forage and collect sweet wildflower nectar from the fields and forests of Grey, Bruce, Dufferin, and Simcoe Counties and bring essential pollen grains back to their hive, often as much as 15 mg (or half their body weight) in one trip.


The honey is collected by hand at the Osprey Bluffs honey house, where it is refined for household consumption, as well as for use by commercial chefs in the Georgian Triangle and GTA who incorporate Osprey Bluffs honey in their culinary creations for its high quality taste and fragrance.

Osprey Bluffs Honey Company products can be purchased individually or combined into specialty gift baskets online via their website, Instagram, or Twitter; various options for delivery and shipping are available.

It’s fitting that we celebrate Osprey Bluffs Honey Company today, on what the United Nations has declared World Bee Day 2020! Learn more about bees and their essential role as pollinators here. 
 

Threads That Bind is a well-stocked quilt store in the village of Maxwell, nestled in the heart of Grey Highlands.

The sense of potential is palpable as you walk through the shop filled with over 2,000 bolts of fabric, as well as pre-cuts, thread, needles, batting, notions, books of patterns…and things that a novice quilter hasn’t even thought of yet! Threads That Bind is also a Janome Exclusive Dealer and offers onsite support and expertise.

Their friendly staff are helpful and patient - they are sewers too - and they know the value in having the right materials, tools, and support. Regardless if you are a seasoned sewer or new to the craft, Threads That Bind can provide everything you need to successfully complete your project; this also includes a range of formal classes and in-person learning opportunities.

Threads That Bind also sells a beautiful collection of handmade quilts and gifts if sewing is not your strong suit (yet).

Since being creative comes naturally to the folks at Threads That Bind, they have pivoted their way of engaging customers. They have a robust online presence, and in September teamed up with eight other small quilting stores in southwestern Ontario to offer a limited time “Fall Shop Hop” online event.

Threads That Bind has a beautifully descriptive website that offers online purchasing, and their Facebook page showcases many of the products that are featured in-store (as well as stunning completed projects from local quilters). You can also call 519-922-1010 or email info@threadsthatbind.ca to connect with a member of their team, or better yet, drop by 408016 Grey Road 4 (limit two customers at a time).

There are lots of landmarks in Eugenia – Lake Eugenia of course immediately comes to mind, but very close to the top of that list has to be Top O’ The Rock. The neat and tidy building on Grey Road 13 provides just a hint of all the good things found inside!

With a self-proclaimed mandate to serve the needs of the community by providing the highest quality products and service, Top O’ The Rock believes in supporting local suppliers as well as growers. Many grocery items are curated from local producers, and Top O’ The Rock is proud to support local enterprise to help customers fulfil their grocery needs; the store also has a partnership with the LCBO/Beer Store.

Their delicious pizzas are well-known in the community and are made with the highest quality ingredients. The bakery features classic favourites, artisanal breads, and savoury sweet treats – all baked fresh daily. Freshly prepared sandwiches (on freshly baked bread) are available in the deli, as are meats sliced to order, soups and chili made fresh daily, and a variety of meals to-go.

Community is the main reason that Deborah Clark, owner of Top O’ The Rock, and her son Brandon, who is the Director of Operations, do what they do. They recognize the tremendous value of their employee team and know that the team members are integral to the success of Top O’ The Rock. They are driven to support their customers with a one-stop-shop and a convenient and friendly shopping experience. 

For more information, please check out their website and Facebook page, or call 519-924-3244.