• About
    • About
    • Raves
    • Press
    • Accessibility
    • FAQ
    • Privacy Policy
  • Retreats
  • Initiatives
    • Accountability Board
    • Maker in Residence
    • 2021 Community Initiatives
  • Online Workshops
  • squamlove
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Squam

Be the FIRST to know when our new retreats, shop updates & online workshops go live.

loading...

Episode 62 :: Alison Westlake

February 1, 2017

You probably know ALISON WESTLAKE best as Coriander Girl, her wildly successful Toronto based Flower shop. Of course, if you don’t yet know Alison, you are in for a treat!

Today on the dock, we are talking about the challenges of running a creative business when you are, in fact, a creative and not coming from a business background.

alison_1As you will hear, Alison created a business and a life– simply by following her heart. I say simply, but that does not mean it was easy. Eight years ago, Alison was working as an actor and landscape gardener. Somehow, she had gotten the idea that she would like to open a small flower shop– one that carried flowers sourced locally whenever possible with an emphasis on the wild and unusual. When she passed a small venue with a ‘for rent’ sign on it– she leaped. And, she has never looked back.

Today, Coriander Girl has two locations:  Toronto and Prince Edward County. And, during those same exhilarating eight years, Alison got married, had a baby and is expecting her second child this July. Whew. How does she do it all? With a great team and an extraordinary ability to flow with the challenges of life.

alison_4 alison_2

One of the most exciting stories that she shares with us in today’s call is how she found her current home that has a 200-year old chapel on the property! Yes. You can now book events at this exquisite location.

alison_5alison_3

I am so glad you are joining us for today’s call but you might want to fasten your seatbelt for this one as — boy howdy, this woman is living large– and, as you will hear, with a dedication to authenticity, community and bringing beauty to the world, one wild thistle at a time.

xo, Elizabeth

Photos courtesy of Alison Westlake

Feature image of Alison via Roots Canada

 

-

on the blog

a Sunday afternoon with Toni Lipsey, Mara Licole and Gaye Glasspie

Instagram

As The SQM HQ office shutters for the next little As The SQM HQ office shutters for the next little while (back online in the New Year) feeling like some sweet, silly drifting out on a paddleboard could feel pretty good right now. 2021<---!! 
Posted @withregram • @squamlove The soft air, the changing light... Squamtime is on the horizon. This dreamy video of @amygretchen by @emily_katz  #squamlove
May your weekend have moments of peace, ease and t May your weekend have moments of peace, ease and time for creative play 🌿💙

sketching from the dock by @dannaray 💙 #squamlove
Although Isa is currently on social media sabbatic Although Isa is currently on social media sabbatical, she WILL be with us in June! *happy dance* @poppyandgrayco #squam2021
It was such a disappointment to cancel last year ( It was such a disappointment to cancel last year (amid all the rest of 2020) so it is no small delight that we WILL be welcoming @maralicoleknits to the lake in June where she will be sharing an original shawl pattern and teaching brioche! I love her sock pattern here and the message from her launch last July about "just keep putting one foot in front of the other." Indeed. #squam2021
So thrilled TONI LIPSEY will be with us at the lak So thrilled TONI LIPSEY will be with us at the lake next Spring-- scroll through to watch her making this darling hat. Head over to @tlyarncrafts to see more of her fab videos and crochet inspiration! #squam2021
Looking forward to being together at a safe distan Looking forward to being together at a safe distance Posted @withregram • @curioushandmade Bye lake 💕💕 #squam2015 #squamartworkshops #squamlove
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

Log in as an administrator and view the Instagram Feed settings page for more details.

Visit our Fabulous Sponsors

Drea Renee Knits
Harrisville
Brooklyn Tweed
purl soho
KOIGU
Jilly & Kiddles
KnitWit

Copyright © 2021 Squam Art Workshops, Elizabeth Duvivier. Website by Evan.