Dave Ogilvie
In these days of corporate collapses and bank failures, it is the small home-grown businesses that successfully are finding their niche in the local economy of many Canadian towns.
Such is the case for “Injunuity,” a family-run business that made a big impact during Emo’s annual “Holly Daze” festivities last week.
Owners Sam, Cheryl, and Carissa Copenace had operated their family-run business for several years from their home at Manitou Rapids. They took orders from people they met at pow-wows across the country, and from others who e-mailed them in during the winter months.
“We felt that it was time, however, to expand the business and move to town,” Cheryl Copenace enthused.
So on Friday (Dec. 3) in conjunction with “Holly Daze,” the family opened the doors to their new location in the northeast corner of the former Corner Closet building across the highway from Cloverleaf Grocery.
Specializing in native crafts and supplies, their present stock
includes quillwork, homemade moccasins, beadwork jewellery, lanyards, clan puppets, and much more.
“Most of our native crafts come directly from people in the Rainy River District, Northwestern Ontario, and Manitoba,” Copenace noted.
One glass case, however, held some jewellery the family gets directly from New Mexico and Arizona.
The beautiful turquoise pieces, which are sometimes difficult to find in our area, are authentic creations from the artisans in the U.S. southwest.
“Injunuity” only is accepting cash as payment at the moment.
“We are in the process of getting a machine to accept Visa, Mastercard, and debit cards but it won’t be here until sometime in January,” Copenace said.
As a result, no HST will be charged on any sales during December.
The business hours for the new store will be noon-6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, noon-8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and noon-4 p.m. on Saturdays (they will be closed Sundays and Mondays).
Business hours will change during the summer, however, when the family once again will be attending pow-wows across the country.
“Injunuity” indeed was a busy place during “Holly Daze,” with many people stopping by to purchase a gift or craft for that special someone in their life.
Shoppers are invited to stop by often to check out the new items which are arriving weekly.
If you missed their grand opening during “Holly Daze,” make sure you visit “Injunuity” in the coming weeks.
