From the left: Sarah, Jeff, holding Charlotte, and Janice Saunders are seen in Seaway Valley Crafters that showcases local creative talent.    Thompson Goddard Photo

MORRISBURG – There are many talented people who produce an amazing variety of crafted items throughout the local area. Many of the products are showcased in a variety of commercial spaces or at the many different events or shows throughout the year.

Seaway Crafters Guild (SCG) opened on May 19 and is located at 125 Main Street in Morrisburg. It offers space for artisans to showcase their creations and provides clients with jewelry repair, leather repair and sewing services. The business is operated by Janice and Jeff Saunders and their daughter Sarah. The Saunders family recently retired from their careers in the Canadian Armed Forces and live in Williamsburg. They decided to open their business in nearby Morrisburg as the location is “close to home and we wanted a place to put down roots in our community.”

“There was a need on both sides for more shopping diversity and a year-round place for artisans and makers to be seen and appreciated by the wider community,” commented Janice when asked why the business was started. She continued SCF offers “spaces for artisans, makers and crafters to see their wares in a clean, well lit and supportive environment.”

Janice mentioned the importance of having “a clean and climate-controlled year-round space without requiring the artisans to be present, like markets.” She continued the monthly rental rates are competitively priced, with the spaces providing “a sense of validity to their craft, encouraging even more creative work” from artisans as well as experience selling in a retail environment.

The business features glass jewelry crafted by the Saunders in addition to the currently 13 crafters renting retail space at SCG. However, they are always looking for more makers to spotlight. Products range from quilts to clothing to sculptured wooden objects and everything in between. The response from both clients and customers has been positive, mentioning the wider community has been very supportive of the business.

When asked about challenges faced and overcome with starting the business, Janice mentioned social media, “so we have reached out to the Digital Main Street grant program to help us figure out our digital footprint and help us with advertising and providing online services. An advantage to running your own business was the flexible working hours that can accommodate “our unique needs.”

For those thinking of starting a small business like SCG, the suggestion was to develop a clear vision for the business, how to utilize the space and investigate financial planning, grants, funding from the government as well as receiving information from Canada Revenue Agency on taxes and tax remittance.

“Small businesses can’t survive without community support, we are so grateful to the people of Morrisburg, and Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry for their continued support,” said Janice.

Like many other small businesses that are an integral part of community life, SCG works to ensure the artisans and crafters of our local community have a place to showcase their work. More information on the business can be located on their Facebook page or by calling them at 613-543-0333.

If you would like to have a light shined on your business, please contact us at: editor@etceterapublications.ca or call us at 613-448-2321.