Christmas is about to begin knocking down your door so it’s the perfect chance to knock on the doors of some our many local businesses. Bella Coola may be small but it hosts a large number of unique storefronts, many operating out of people’s homes and residences, a testament to the entrepreneurial business spirit of the Valley.
There are also several new businesses on the block this year. Beginning in Hagensborg you’ll find Licensed Esthetician Laura Kloss’ new salon, Bella Coola Beauty Essentials.
Offering a full range of spa procedures at competitive prices, Laura’s new space sparkles with a genuine salon feeling, and is as bright and welcoming as the hostess herself. Her recently renovated space includes a cozy fireplace for those chilly days, and ample room to relax and feel pampered.
She provides expert skin advice and carries an exclusive product line from Europe. Her business offers monthly specials and services for men, women, and children; something new to the Valley that hasn’t been offered before.
“I really wanted to do something for children because it is so much fun for both them and their parents,” she explained. “It’s an experience everyone can enjoy.”
Bella Coola Beauty Essentials is located on 2480 Douglas Drive South in Hagensborg and open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Gift certificates are available. For an appointment call 250 982 2738.
Traveling into central Hagensborg it’s the first Christmas season for Abra Silver’s organic grocery store, Mountain Valley Organics. This month Abra will be doing a draw for a fresh, organic turkey just in time for your Christmas dinner. Her store is a smorgasbord of pleasant aromas, textures and visual treats.
Abra’s a natural designer so shopping at Mountain Valley Organics feels like you’re entering your favourite neighbour’s kitchen, and it kind of is! “I want to provide a venue for local sell their goods,” said Abra. “There is so much wonderful food and locally made gifts here, we don’t need to go elsewhere.”
Mountain Valley Organics stocks all organic produce and dried goods, as well as items such as reusable stainless steel lunch containers, Buff’s, local art, baskets, cards, jewelry, gift certificates and handmade chocolates. This month will also feature Sie Padgett’s famous bake sale.
If you are in need of some pampering there is one great option you can’t miss. Walleah Moody of Coastal Spirit Massage is trained in reiki, acupressure, reflexology and Shiatsu massage and operates out of her beautifully renovated new massage room at her home in Hagensborg.
This month Coastal Spirit Massage is joined by fellow practitioner Joel Fox, who is also accepting clients. They are available by appointment - call 250 982 2580 to book.
Located in the Hagensborg Shop Easy you will find Bea Silver and Peter Tallio’s “Swan Goose.” Featuring an eclectic array of local and worldly crafts, Swan Goose carries clothing, bath and body care products, jewelry, Nuxalk art, local books and cards, and much much more.
“We’ve got several unique items such as beautiful Fenton Vintage Glass. Our high end jewelry will be on a limited time special for Christmas next week and sales will change weekly, so come in and see us today,” said owner Bea Silver. “We can open on request for special occasions and e offering gift wrapping free of charge.”
Stopping in at the airport you will be lucky to find yourself tucked away at The Little Nook Cafe. Owned by Gwyneth Anderson, Little Nook also prides itself on homegrown treats and talents. A trained culinary artist, Gwyneth spends her time creating delicious homemade sandwiches and scrumptious desserts.
Her sweet little shop is the perfect place to grab a coffee and soak up some of that famous airport sunshine, whether you’re on the way out of town or not! You will also find first-class knitting and crocheted goods from Sherry Mack and Denise Hall, as well as original jewelry made by her sister Taisa Anderson. She’s open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 2pm.
Dragonfly Studios, located along Snootli Stretch, is both home and business to well-known artist Tahirah Goffic, who is as celebrated for her art as her wonderful cooking. She has created a cozy and welcoming space to hang out, browse her original paintings, leather jewelry, local pottery, and gifts of all kinds.
Tahirah offers specialty coffees, home baked goodies (including a lot of gluten-baking) and also creates amazing cakes upon request. She’s open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30am - 4:30 and her famous soup is served on Saturdays!
Kelsey Levelton is celebrating a little more than Christmas these days at her fun and funky gift shop, Tse Tse Fly. She’s also celebrating five years in business!
Located adjacent to her home in lower Bella Coola, Tse Tse Fly is a delight to enter on any occasion, but especially holidays. With a flair for decorating, Kelsey’s store is filled with Christmas Cheer and fun gifts for all ages.
“Shopping local keeps money in the Valley,” says Kelsey. “It’s one of many ways we can keep supporting each other.” If you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift, Tse Tse Fly really does have something for everyone. Carrying a large selection of fancy sweaters, leggings and dresses, as well as kid’s items and jewelry, some really interesting wooden watches, and tasty treats (fudge!), it’s a fun place to shop.
One of the pillars of downtown, Kopas Store has stocked up on some amazing children’s toys for the holiday season. Kopas has been in business for over 75 years and carries a wide selection of locally-made silver jewelry from the Valley’s top carvers, as well as local book titles, winter clothing, outdoor gear and accessories, and footwear.
Ace Hardware is having fun this year sponsoring its first-ever Christmas Decorating Contest. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place. The rules are as follows: exterior decorating only, must live between the bottom of the hill and the wharf and your house must be accessible via road.
The tentative judging date is December 21st. Registration available in the store and the contest closes on December 18th. Ace Hardware is carrying all your favourite decor for Christmas as well as a variety of awesome Christmas gifts, so stop in to see them today.
And don’t forget about our local grocers - both the Hagensborg Shop Easy and the Co-op offer gift cards and certificates for that hard-to-buy for someone on your list.
“To date the Co-op has given back over 600 member rewards cards and there are many more to come,” said manager Pete Rauch. “This is just one of the many benefits of shopping locally.”