Trio of women teamed up for the collective good

Cathy Dobson Coming up with a name was probably the toughest challenge for the three co-owners of “Made Collective.” It had to reflect the fact that every item sold by their new retail venture is handmade.

Cathy Dobson

Coming up with a name was probably the toughest challenge for the three co-owners of “Made Collective.”

It had to reflect the fact that every item sold by their new retail venture is handmade. It had to incorporate the 20-plus artisans who supply products and are collectively represented.

And it had to give a nod to the three local entrepreneurs who are pooling their resources and talents to bring Sarnia’s artist community and the public together, says Stephanie Ouellette.

She has teamed up with Naomi Colquhoun and Alison McKinnon to launch Made Collective’s online store, selling everything from bath and body products, jewelry and greeting cards to cutting boards, baby wear, soft toys and home accessories. Delivery within Sarnia is free.

“These are the kinds of things I want to buy,” says Colquhoun.  “I appreciate the craftsmanship and knowing the story behind who made each item we sell.”

The women spent months on their business strategy. They didn’t want to go into debt with a storefront right away, said McKinnon.

So instead, they launched an online shop at www.madecollective.ca and intend to have a tangible presence by hosting pop-up shops and workshops in downtown Sarnia.

The goal is to open a storefront in about a year.

But first, the women intend to slowly build their business in a way that won’t require too much capital and will keep the overhead manageable.

Each has contributed financially and brought a different skillset.

Ouellette, 31, is a professional photographer who created the website and does photography and marketing for Made Collective.

Colquhoun, 30, is the company researcher and does a ton of networking to determine what products Made Collective carries and to get public input.

“I started by making a list of 200 potential makers and whittled it down to 17, plus each of us,” she said.

“Each maker has to fit our branding. The more local, the better.”

“We are a curated shop, meaning the products have to fit our criteria. Sometimes we ask for specific colours and designs,” said Colquhoun.

Some of Made Collective’s stock is purchased outright for sale by the company. Some is by consignment.

McKinnon, 49, is a freelance writer with retail experience.  She is responsible for filling each order and shipping it. Made Collective launched with about 100 products available for purchase.

Stacking rings, for instance are made by a silversmith in Glencoe. A set of two costs $32. Board and Spoon out of Camlachie supplies cutting boards ($64), snack boards ($52) and hand carved wooden spoons ($32).

Eco-friendly birthday candles made of beeswax cost $10 for 12, while antibacterial hemp washcloths sell for $14. A set of three dryer balls is $25 and Drift and Twine macramé plant hangers retail for $22 – $68.

Workshops have started and the first one about felting sold out. See the website to register for upcoming workshops featuring macramé, tea making and more.

Made Collective’s first pop-up shop is First Friday weekend May 5-7 at 181 Christina St. North.

There will be lots of Mother’s Day gifts and free gift wrapping, as well as a free craft corner.

As many as four to six pop-up shops are planned this year.

For those who want to shop or attend a workshop and aren’t comfortable with the Internet, call Made Collective at 519-312-1686 and ask for Alison.

Got an interesting business story?  Contact [email protected] or call 226-932-0985.