The Corner of Wholesome and Beautiful

Photos: top, Lisa Taylor and Alyson Charette are ready to assist you with a customized approach to skin health; left, from top: the shop accommodates beautiful displays and a testing wet bar; freshly handcrafted products Elevate, Glow and Nourish; label customization is popular for gifting; the shop in downtown Westport.

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33 Main Street, Westport, ON K0G 1X0

613-888-9761

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WESTPORT - Lake + Main Skin Health is a retail shopping destination for the senses. Beginning as an online shop, co-owner Alyson Charette admits the business was outgrowing the workspace provided by partner Lisa Taylor's kitchen. "Finding a suitable and dedicated retail shop with space for manufacturing and growth potential was the next logical step, scary but logical."

Officially opened last year, the stunning historic stone house now serves as home to this burgeoning skin health brand. Step into the shop and immerse yourself in modern and relaxed surroundings. The subtle fragrances are welcoming, and the clean, earth-tone organic décor warms the soul, exuding a minimalist spa vibe.

Lake + Main products are handmade, natural, clean, and toxin-free. Small batches are carefully crafted onsite and offered at competitive prices. Co-owner Alyson credits their right-hand person, Taleen, for being instrumental in the business's growth. “She assists with many aspects of the business and has been integral to its success. She’s an absolute gift to us,” Alyson said.

Long-time friends Alyson and Lisa grew up in Kingston and now live a short drive from Westport. Lisa’s background lies in teaching English, chemistry, and biology. She’s also a real estate agent with strengths in communication, design, and technology. Alyson brings extensive experience in food service equipment supply and is a personal trainer. She focuses on costs, inventory, and excels in building loyal customer relationships.

The duo’s journey began with Nourish, the first product they produced. It was one of ten formulations acquired from their favorite skin health retailer, who had retired. Nourish, along with five other recipes, evolved into their first skin care regimen dubbed 'THE SIX,' which has since been folded into the Lake + Main brand.

The goal of Lake + Main facial and body products is to promote balance. “Each person’s needs are unique, requiring different combinations. We suggest starting with one and building on another formulation once you see the results,” Lisa explained. This genuine, personalized approach to skincare fosters brand loyalty and resonates with their clients, as evidenced by their solid five-star rating on Google. The team is now focused on boosting online sales, that currently accounts for about half of their revenue.

In the shop, a tester table invites visitors to sample products, experience the difference high-quality ingredients make, and feel the wellness that essential oil-based products bring. The collection includes shower steamers, facial products, soaps, lip oils, scrubs, sprays, and more. With ingredients like sweet orange, lavender, and organic oils, and product named Serene, Rest, Soak, and Elevate, the brand inspires balanced living.

Clients will find carefully curated, Canadian-sourced items that complement the product lines, such as perfumes, brushes, applicators, and cloths. An added touch is the option for label customization, making their products thoughtful self-care gifts.

“From the start, this has been a head-down-and-work passion project. You just keep going when you know deep down this is something great. It’s become everything we hoped for and more,” Alyson reflected. Lisa agreed, “You do this because you believe in it,” and added with gratitude, “We’re amazed at how warmly Westport has welcomed us and are so thankful for the village’s positivity."

Counties Seeks Small Business Development Officer

We are seeking a Small Business expert to support new business start-ups and their growth. The individual is someone who loves small business and is skilled at business coaching and providing training that leads to solutions for our entrepreneurs.

You know what it takes for a business to be successful, and you want to help. You see yourself as an entrepreneur who is now looking to make an impact and is excited about the opportunity to work as part of the Counties dynamic Economic Development team that leads the Leeds Grenville business region. You value networking, relationships and you are always looking to raise the bar.

Some of the activities include:

• Providing exceptional small business coaching and customer service.
• Connecting small businesses and entrepreneurs with all the resources to help them start-up or grow.
• Deliver the Small Business Ministry funded program that includes training for Starter Company Plus and Summer Company supports and the micro-grants for approved participants.
• Develop, facilitate, and lead a community-based mentorship program.

For more details on qualifications and position responsibilities, review the Small Business Development Officer job description. Application deadline is January 15, 2025 at 4 p.m. EST.

KEMPTVILLE - The region's newest small-batch craft brewery is open in North Grenville. Visit Kemptville Brewing Company and savour local flavours. The newly constructed business boasts a taproom, kitchen, and retail space so you can bring home a memory of your experience. Stop by the barn brewery at 386 Townline Road.

BROCKVILLE - Swagat Indian Grocery Store has opened and is conveniently located at 4-491 Stewart Boulevard, in the same commercial plaza as The Brick. Touting itself as a Spice Paradise Market, the shop stocks authentic products from India, with new ones arriving weekly. Check their social posts for hours of operation.

Free Business Consults

Thinking of starting or growing a business? If you are self-driven, determined to succeed, are coachable and have a solid business idea, connect with the small business consultants. They will help you identify marketplace opportunities, write an effective business plan, clarify government regulations, source licensing information and find financial support. To book a free in-person or virtual 45 minute session, identify your business location, and select the appropriate button below:

Application deadline January 28, 2025

Survey closes January 24, 2025.

Leeds Grenville Small Business - The Growth Series: Upcoming Workshops

Small Business is be hosting a series of powerful workshops designed to give you actionable strategies and practical tools to elevate your business.

This isn’t just another workshop series, it’s a deep-dive experience that will equip you with many of the skills you need to grow, expand, and sustain a thriving business. Boost your leadership skills, optimize your cash flow and more.

By enrolling in the workshops, you’ll gain comprehensive learning on the key drivers of business success, giving you the knowledge to level up your operation. Invest in your business and take it to the next level!

Mastering Cash Flow   January 22   1-5 p.m.

Market Adaptation        February 5   9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Building Strong Teams February 19 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Retention/ Acquisition  March 5       1-5 p.m.

Operational Efficiency  March 19     1-5 p.m.

Succession Planning    March 26     9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Host:  Leeds Grenville Small Business

Presenter: Local Business Professionals & Mentors

Where: Online

Cost: $30 per workshop

Social Media Customer Service & Engagement

Transform how you interact with your audience on social media. Customer service and genuine engagement on social media can significantly differentiate your brand. This workshop is essential for any business or individual aiming to utilize social media platforms not just for marketing, but as powerful tools for building and sustaining customer relationships. Learn about strategies for effective communication, handling negative feedback, and using engagement to foster loyalty and trust. Turn every comment and inquiry into opportunities to showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Whether you're managing a corporate brand or your personal profile, this session will equip you with the skills to elevate your online customer service game.

Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9

Presenter: K. Parthenais, Mellow Brew Marketing

When: February 4, 2025, 10-11 a.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Launch a Successful Social Media Campaign

Designed specifically for small business owners who want to create impactful, results-driven social media campaigns.

Plan like a pro, set achievable goals, learn the audience’s needs and pain points, and pick the right platforms. Create simple content, develop visually engaging content that connects with your customers, and build hype and engagement. Use teasers, polls, and posts to create excitement and traffic. Track, adjust and monitor results; adapt your strategy to maximize impact.

Host: Digital Main Street

When: January 23, 2025

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Andrew Stacey, Tourism Marketing Support, Shelbi McFarlane, Business Development Officer; Carol Hardy, Small Business Program Assistant; Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager; Cyndy Bolton, Economic Development Officer; Joanne Poll, Administrator & Communications Support.

Leeds Grenville eNews deadlines for submitting information:

If you have an upcoming workshop, seminar, or business-related event, please email it to us in advance.

• Submissions for the January 21st, 2025 edition should be received by January 13th.
• Submissions for the February 4th, 2025 edition should be received by January 27th.

SPECIAL MESSAGE:

The Leeds Grenville Economic Development business directory is in the web public domain. The Economic Development Office does not share or sell the directory to any resellers. Please be aware any email messages suggesting acquisition of the directory is not from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office. 

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32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9

613-342-3840 | 1-800-770-2170 | econdev@uclg.on.ca