This is part of a year-long ‘Love for Local’ series called NB365: portraits of New Brunswick entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations. Huddle is a media partner with Love for Local. Today, we hear from Alicia Weeks of Element506 Boutique in St. Stephen

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A CREATOR AND, ALTHOUGH VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT IT, I NEVER REALLY SAW IT AS MORE THAN A HOBBY. ONE VERY ROUGH YEAR I LOST MY JOB AND STARTED POURING MYSELF INTO MY JEWELRY CREATIONS; IT’S ALWAYS BEEN AN OUTLET FOR ME.
At that time I started realizing that I could do this, and it didn’t matter how many people told me I couldn’t or shouldn’t. One day I just decided to jump in with both feet and I didn’t want it to be just me, I loved the whole local craft community so I wanted to bring them along with me and offer a place they could sell their creations as well. From that Element506 was born!

I guess until I was more submerged in local, I didn’t know how much supporting local created a ripple effect. The more local you support the more your local area is supported. It sounds obvious but as a boutique that offers a lot of locally made products, I get to see firsthand how that local support helps a local mom buy diapers, helps local sports teams, individual fundraisers, and more. The environmental impact of not driving an hour for that gift is also a big advantage. It really has given me a different perspective and appreciation.

This whole process has been an educational experience. It hasn’t always been easy or smooth but I plan to keep learning, growing, getting better and continuing to serve my clientele to the best of my abilities.