THUNDER BAY — When Chantell Hnatiw was diagnosed with a liver tumour three years ago, she had to leave her full-time job and needed to come up with extra income for her family.
Her daughter’s love of hair accessories spurred Hnatiw to create colourful bows, headbands and hair clips, which she sells from her home — resulting in Emmie’s Bow-tique.
“I started this business with my daughter’s name because she is bow-obsessed,” said Hnatiw. “She will not leave the house unless she has some hair accessory in her hair.”
Each Thursday, Hnatiw displays her creations on the front lawn for passersby to admire and purchase.
“The ladies that I bought hair products from when I got sick donated all the stuff for me to start my business. It was amazing,” she said.
“If it wasn’t for them supporting me while I was sick, we wouldn’t have this business.”
Beginning July 22, Hnatiw will host a market with other local businesses at her home on Chercover Drive each Thursday.
“We are trying to get our name out there while coming back from COVID and hopefully start being successful again,” she said.
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