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 Nicola Macnaughton & Noella Arsenault of The Nic Nook in Moncton.

I HAVE BEEN AN ENTREPRENEUR SINCE 1999. I SPENT THE FIRST 20 YEARS OF MY ENTREPRENEURIAL ADVENTURE AS THE OWNER OF A REHABILITATION COMPANY. I SOLD MY COMPANY IN 2018 AND WANTED TO START A NEW VENTURE. THE NIC NOOK WAS CREATED OUT OF MY LOVE FOR SCRAPBOOKING, PHOTOGRAPHY AND JOURNALING.

Today I have the best job ever working with Noella, my store manager, assisting customers to discover their creativity. We are a fairly new organization, however, we have participated in several opportunities to create and gather homemade cards to lift the spirits of individuals struggling through these trying times.

We have created a forum with weekly challenges encouraging individuals to present their projects and stay connected in a positive environment. We look forward to many more opportunities to engage with schools and people who have experienced traumatic events that may benefit from art therapy and individuals looking for an opportunity to connect with others in a safe space.

The support from New Brunswickers allows us to continue to grow our business with not only the latest and greatest scrapbook and art journal supplies, but also to foster a positive environment where individuals can connect and share stories. We look forward to in-person gatherings where we can share those moments again, without screens!