– Pat Deakin is the Economic Development Manager for the City of Port Alberni. He can be reached at 250.720.2527 or Patrick_deakin@portalberni.ca.
PORT ALBERNI – Desja Walker, like an increasing number of young people, moved to Port Alberni from the Lower Mainland a little more than two years ago. She brought her family and a business creating small batches of organic and natural skin care products. She moved for more affordable property and a small, friendly and safe community in which to raise her children.
We were excited to have her doing this kind of business here as it was another sign of our diversification. She settled in the Lower Johnston Road (Highway 4) area where several other women have thriving businesses.
About six months in she called me to say she was “having trouble finding the algorithm for doing business in Port Alberni” and was thinking of moving back to the mainland. The City and Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot sprang into action and a business mentor began working with her.
In April of 2016, Haven Living won the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce ‘Community Excellence Award’ in the ‘Green’ category. It’s now February 2017; Desja has increased her business by 40 per cent, is exporting her product and is getting ready to relocate into a bigger shop in another business area.
The new site is in a millennial enclave they have taken to calling SoPo (short for South Port Alberni). Her shop, Haven Living, will continue to create and sell her skin care products as well as source an eclectic blend of other Canadian skin care products for sale.
However she is especially excited to be opening a ‘new era neighbourhood mercantile’ with long-time employee Jamie Del Rio who will be specializing in her refurbishing of much-loved but dated furniture and salvaged wares, Rob Gentleman of Green Earth Woodworks (who makes beautiful custom furniture using old salvaged wood), Tashia Potter (whose photography, web design and social media skills have been key to the success of the ‘Heart of Vancouver Island’ Facebook page) and other Alberni Valley artisans. All artisans will also be offering workshops in their respective areas of expertise.
The store that Haven Living is going into is undergoing extensive renovations inspired by Port Alberni’s Facade Improvement Program which is delivered by Community Futures in a partnership with the City of Port Alberni. Her landlord is also stepping up financially for the building’s changes.
For more information, please Google or Facebook ‘Haven Living’, or contact Desja at 250.724.4442.