One of my favourite events each year is the Summer Company Launch where I get to meet young entrepreneurs who are turning their passions into businesses. Nine ambitious young entrepreneurs have turned their ideas into reality this summer thanks to the Summer Company program, offered through the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre. Funded by the Ontario government, the program provides students (ages 15 to 29) with $3,000 in start-up funding, along with valuable coaching and mentoring from local business leaders. After developing detailed business plans, these future entrepreneurs are spending the summer building their businesses while gaining real-world experience.
On Wednesday, July 8th, at the Benson Centre in Cornwall, I had the opportunity to meet these nine individuals and learn about the passion and creativity behind their new ventures.
Here are their stories.
The Sweet Batch Farmstand
Q: Tell me a little about yourself and your business.
My name is Brynleigh Meacoe and I own The Sweet Batch Farmstand, specializing in homemade cookies.
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
I was doing a co-op placement last semester, and I kept bringing in cookies that I had baked. Everyone kept telling me, “These are amazing! You should start your own business.” Hearing that encouragement gave me the confidence to do it, and it just grew from there.
Q: How are you selling your cookies?
I take orders through Google Forms that I share on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Before I graduated, I also sold cookies at school almost every week by walking around with a cart full of fresh baking. Now I also sell from home and at local farmers’ markets.
For more info, email: [email protected]
MULVI
Q: Tell me about yourself and your business.
My name is Liam Mulvihill, and I own a streetwear clothing brand called MULVI (spelled M-U-L-V-I). My clothing is geared toward young adults, and creating my own brand has always been a dream of mine.
Q: What inspired you to launch your own clothing line?
Ever since I was young, I’ve enjoyed printing designs on shirts. I’ve always wanted to own my own clothing brand, so I finally decided to make it happen.
Q: How do customers purchase your clothing?
Everything is sold through my website using Shopify, making it easy for customers to browse and order online.
Q: What if something doesn’t fit?
Customers can simply request a return through the website and send the item back.
Q: Do you create the clothing yourself?
I purchase quality garments and then print my own original designs on them before selling them.
Yves Production & Media
Q: Tell me about yourself and your business.
My name is Yves Yepseu and I own Yves Production & Media, a photography and videography business. We photograph and film events, sports, games and weddings. We also offer complete wedding photo and video packages that can be customized to each client’s needs.
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
During the pandemic, I found myself at home with lots of time. I started watching videos and experimenting with filming sunsets, skies and short videos around my home. When I showed them to my family, they encouraged me to turn it into a business.
Q: How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been running the business for about two years now. Every year I continue learning and improving my skills, and I absolutely love what I do.
Q: What makes your business unique?
We work closely with each client to customize their package, whether it’s photography, videography or both. We want to make sure every client gets exactly what they’re looking for.
For more info, email: [email protected]
Divine Shine
Q: Tell me about yourself and your business.
My name is Mary Iranyumva and my business is called Divine Shine. I’ve always loved lip gloss, but I found that many of the ones I bought would leak in my pocket or run when I wore them. I started wondering if I could make my own that wouldn’t have those problems.
Q: How did your business begin?
My first attempts weren’t perfect. The lip gloss turned out cloudy instead of clear, so I kept experimenting with different recipes. Eventually I found one that worked, and I started making clear lip gloss in different colours and scents. I wanted it to be high quality but still affordable.
Q: How did people react when you started selling it?
I started selling it at school, and it became really popular. Receiving a $1,500 grant helped me purchase more supplies so I could expand my product line. Now I offer a variety of colours and scents, including candy and cinnamon, and I hope to eventually create shades that work well for every skin tone.
Q: Where do you hope to sell your products?
I’m working on launching my own website, and I’d also like to sell at markets and other retail locations as I continue to grow my business.
Papa’s Boy’s Lawn Care
Q: Tell me about yourself and your business.
My name is Burke Thompson and my business is Papa’s Boy’s Lawn Care. I noticed there were a lot of seniors in Ingleside who weren’t able to cut their own grass anymore. I started helping them out simply as a good neighbour, and before long it grew into my summer business.
Q: Who are your customers?
My main customers are older residents. They’re the people who appreciate having someone reliable to help keep their lawns looking nice.
Q: How do you advertise your services?
Most of my advertising is through Facebook because that’s where my target audience is. I also post flyers on the Ingleside community page, and word of mouth has been a huge help in bringing in new customers.
For more info call: 613-799-2145 or email: [email protected]
Vadropho Photography & Videography
Q: Tell me about yourself and your business.
My name is Caedmon Van Putten and my business is Vadropho Photography & Videography. I’ve always wanted to become a pilot. My interest started with drones when I was younger. I bought my first small drone, and after a few years I upgraded to a more professional one.
Q: What led you into photography?
My mom teaches video production, so I’ve always been around cameras. About two years ago I really started learning photography, and I realized I love telling stories through photos.
Q: Do you also offer videography?
Yes. I do both drone videography and traditional video work. Most of my equipment is registered for commercial drone flights, and I’m continuing to expand what I offer.
Q: What types of photography are you interested in?
I enjoy landscape photography and have been asked about wildlife photography as well. One of my favourite photos was taken in Canmore, Alberta, while visiting family after an Air Cadet camp. The mountains were absolutely breathtaking.
For more info: www.vadropho.ca
Violet Visions
Q: Tell me about yourself and your business.
My name is Katsitsionni Thompson and my business is Violet Visions. I grew up in Akwesasne, and while I’m also a fashion designer, I create crochet plushies to help support that side of my business.
Q: How do the plushies help your fashion business?
Designing clothing is expensive, and garments don’t always sell as quickly. The crochet plushies sell much faster, so they help generate income that I can reinvest into my clothing designs.
Q: How long does it take to make this piece of clothing that you are standing beside?
It used to take me about eight hours to make an item of clothing, but I’ve become much faster with experience.
Q: Where can people buy your creations?
I’m fortunate that my mom owns a boutique where I sell my work, and my sister also has a business where she carries some of my plushies for families and children.
For more info, email: [email protected]
Polished by Scarlett
Q: Tell me about yourself and your business.
My name is Scarlett Bowling and my business is Polished by Scarlett. I’ve been doing nails for about two years. I specialize in gel extensions, builder gel and other nail enhancement services.
Q: What’s the difference between acrylic and gel nails?
Acrylic nails are created using a powder mixed with liquid that hardens on the nail. Gel extensions use clear nail tips that are attached with gel and cured under a UV light. They’re healthier for your natural nails and generally last longer.
Q: How long do your nail sets last?
Usually between one and two months, depending on the client.
Q: Where do you work?
I work from my home studio where clients come to have their nails done.
For more info, email: [email protected]
ZaiMuse
Q: Tell me about yourself and your business.
My name is Zaineb Haroon (on the left) and my business is ZaiMuse, a business that was inspired by a trip to Lahore, Pakistan. The cafés there regularly host creative workshops where people gather, create and connect. When I returned to Cornwall, I realized we could use more opportunities like that here.
Q: What kinds of events do you organize?
I host creative workshops such as charm making, flower pot painting, mug painting and our upcoming tote bag painting picnic. My goal isn’t to teach people artistic skills—it’s to create fun experiences where people can spend time together and meet new friends.
Q: What makes your workshops different?
Every ticket includes all of the supplies, participants get to take home what they create, and I also include food or a drink depending on the venue. I want people to feel like they’re getting a complete experience.
Q: How do people register?
I advertise each workshop on social media and encourage people to pre-register so I know how many supplies to prepare. I also keep extra supplies on hand because I’ve learned that many people decide to join at the last minute!
After speaking with these young entrepreneurs, one thing became abundantly clear—they are truly passionate about what they’re doing. You can hear it in their voices and see it in the excitement they have for their businesses and their futures.
I shared a piece of advice that has always resonated with me because this has applied to me throughout my Graphic Design career and also applies to the work I do with The Seeker: “When you love what you do, you’ll never feel like you’re actually working.” Judging by the enthusiasm these young business owners have already shown, I have no doubt many of them have bright futures ahead.
The Summer Company program gives high school and post-secondary students the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills while building their own businesses. Several past graduates of the program now operate successful full-time businesses in our community, including Swish School, Crystal’s Beautique Spa and Beauty Lounge, and Ol’Sugar Barn Ice Cream Stand.
To learn more about the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre and the Summer Company program, visit https://businessenterprisecentre.ca/ Mireille Lemire who runs the Centre (seen above) has lots of great advice to help entrepreneurs.
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