05/07/2026
I like to come on here once and awhile and make a vulnerable post, because I am only human after all.
Lately business has been veryyy slow. This month for the first time since we opened almost 3 years ago, I had to pay the entire shop rent out of pocket, and it's been debilitating. No money coming in also means no new product being put out, and with most of our customers being regulars, I understand you can only come in and see the exact same products so many times before you just stop coming in.
I know how hard it is to support local businesses right now, because I am in a position where I can't afford to either but there are many other ways you can help my small business get back on it's feet.
First I accept donations of all sorts, toys, clothes, books, games, shoes, household items and more, all I ask is they be home a smoke free home. Anything that I don't end up using would be donated to someone else. I also do consignment if you or someone you know have some cool stuff you'd like to sell in the store, get it touch and we can both benefit from it!
Another way to help is word of mouth! If you like our shop, tell your friends and family! You can also review us on Google and Facebook!
Engagement on Facebook is essential in getting our name out there. The likes, comments and shares help so much! It doesn't make sense to have 1600 followers and only get 5 likes on a post. If you see a post, it only takes a second to hit like 👍
Finally, please please please teach your children not to shoplift. The amount of theft I and have had in the past year is crazy. I had to purchase 4 more cameras in addition to the 2 I always had. I'm only in the store twice a week but on those days 99% of the time I confront them before they leave and get the products back but the other 3 days my staff is not comfortable with confrontation so please talk to your kiddos about this! I have not put my prices up at all in 3 years and I hope I don't have to!
I am not ready to give up on this dream just yet, I just need a little boost. Doing business in Downtown Summerside is extremely difficult and I've watched so many wonderful businesses have to close their doors in the last 3 years since I've been open. I'm talking at least 20+ businesses that I can think of, maybe more. These small businesses are essential in bringing life back into the Downtown area.
Please keep this in mind for any small business that you love, check in and ask if there's anything you can do to make things a little lighter for them.
Lastly, I know I haven't been putting my best foot forward lately. The lack of customers really kills my motivation, add in postpartum depression, raising a baby and teenagers and my biggest support (my oldest daughter, Parker) moving to California this year, some days it's hard to even get out of bed, let alone run a business. To all of you who keep showing up and supporting me, and took the time to read this long winded post, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I'm going to keep pushing forward, even if it's only an inch at a time! I'm not giving up yet!
-Trina and family 🫶
