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 Mélanie Chiasson of Audiologie Nord-Est in Caraquet.

SINCE UNIVERSITY, I HAD THE DESIRE TO HAVE MY OWN OFFICE. I HAD THE DESIRE FOR AUTONOMY, THE DESIRE TO CHALLENGE MYSELF AND TO SURPASS MYSELF. I WANTED TO BE ABLE TO DEVELOP MY OWN PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY WITH MY PATIENTS.

When you work for someone else, you have to adhere to their philosophy. I would much rather be on my own and be able to apply my beliefs and values to my work on a daily basis.

In addition, the desire to be able to actively participate in my child’s life was a significant benefit. For example, being able to attend a show or sporting event no matter what time of day because I can manage my schedule is a big advantage in my opinion.

And finally, being able to actively participate in the economy of my community by providing jobs to local people is also one of the reasons I went into business.

Being able to contribute to special projects by sponsoring community events or organizations gives me a lot of satisfaction.

Throughout the pandemic, people mobilized to help businesses in distress. The Greater Caraquet community has actively contributed to the growth of the local economy by supporting initiatives that encourage people to buy in the region. I am proud to be part of a community where the well-being of all is paramount.

Since my opening in 2012, the people of Caraquet and the entire Northeast region have supported me. Whether it is in the last year or since my opening, I thank you all for your support.

The next step will be the return to normal post-pandemic. That is, being able to offer the Audiology North East experience to our clients as it was before. To be able to offer a tea or a coffee, to let people talk to each other in our waiting room. Offering a friendlier service without a mask with a nice smile. All the little things we missed but had to put on pause.

Supporting local businesses has a real impact because the money spent locally is mostly reinvested locally.