When fitness guru Amber Stratton opened the first Pure Yoga studio in Ottawa in 2012, Westboro was her first choice. “The space we found was a really good starting point for us and felt just right,” explains Stratton, co-owner of Pure Yoga, Pure Fit, Pure Kitchen, and Framework.
“That studio still exists today – and our first customer is still a member.”
Having lived in Westboro for a decade, the serial entrepreneur says what she loves most about Westboro is how both residents and retailers are loyal and supportive of small businesses. It’s also a very walkable, self-sufficient community, where spaces like hers bring like-minded people together to enjoy each other’s company.
As a business owner, the opportunity to share her passion and have it so well received gave her the confidence to open branches of her other businesses – Pure Kitchen and Framework – in Westboro, as well.
Stratton is part of the nearly 250 businesses in the Westboro area, 40 per cent of which are women-led. That’s nearly double the national average: According to the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions (CSBC), of an average of one million private-sector businesses, 20.9 per cent are majority-owned by women.
Why Westboro leads in women-owned businesses
“Westboro Village BIA (WVBIA) is fortunate to have a strong base of women-owned and women-led businesses along our traditional main street,” notes Judy Lincoln, executive director of Westboro Village BIA. “They are engaged not only in our business community but also in the wider community. It is remarkable to see how they come together to support each other, learn from each other and help all the businesses grow.”
One of those women is Westboro resident Molly van der Schee, who has run The Village Quire gift shop for the past 15 years. “Westboro Village is unique – not just because we have a large percentage of women business owners, but because so many of us want to lift each other up and see one another succeed,” she says. “I know for me, if one small business wins, it is a win for all of us.”
Kate Laird, WVBIA board chair and owner of Love Your Body Fitness, agrees. “One of the most powerful things about Westboro Village is the concentration of women-led businesses and the culture of genuine support between us.
“That spirit of collaboration over competition is something I’m incredibly proud to be part of.”
Strong community bonds make all the difference
The Village Quire’s van der Schee says Westboro’s sense of community is the community’s secret weapon. “I have generations of customers who have frequented my store,” she explains.
“Neighbours and friends run into each other here in the shop. They might both live in Westboro, but haven’t connected in months or even years,” van der Schee continues.
“Beyond a business that sells cards and gifts and wrapping paper, this shop is a touch point for the community. It’s our Westboro community that made that happen.”
Katie Valente opened Fratelli Westboro with her late husband, Robert Valente, in 2005, taking over the business after he passed away in 2015. Since then, she has received nothing but immense support from Westboro residents and fellow Westboro women entrepreneurs.
Katie Valente from Fratelli Westboro with General Manager Morgan Gould & Executive Chef Tanya Jacques“The tightly-knit community of Westboro was a perfect fit for our neighborhood Italian restaurant,” she says. “A lot of our staff live in the vicinity. Plus, there is no competition here because we all happily co-exist, support each other and celebrate one another’s success.”
Repeat clientele who become customers for life
Valente and van der Schee note that Westboro being an affluent neighborhood helps immensely, with repeat clientele who soon become customers for life being a regular occurrence. Planned and current condo and LRT developments also mean more people moving to Westboro – and more opportunities for local businesses.
“The better the diversity of businesses means increased foot traffic to Westboro from all over Ottawa, as we strive to see Westboro become a destination of choice,” Valente says.
