If you want to support the local economy and two strong women in business, one shop in Kelowna is bringing together multiple products in one easy place.
Kathie Dionne and her business partner, Korinne Rimstad, own and co-own three businesses in South Pandosy.
Kakes by Kathie, The Flour Bean and Mission Park Flowers all sit at the corner of Pandosy St. and McKay Ave.
“We do have an in house coffee shop, we do have locally made gifts, which is great for every occasion. So, you can come in and get flowers or cake or cupcakes and a locally made card all in one stop,” said Dionne.
They are still currently operating with delivery and take-out services in place through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dionne said for the most part they’re staying strong through this crisis.
“For the flower department, and in that sector, things are good because when people can’t make it to see a loved one they are placing orders online and are able to have that delivered. With The Flour Bean people are able to order take-out directly with us or though our Door Dash. There is a limited menu but we also have a specialty grocery department.”
Unfortunately, Dionne's cake shop is suffering significantly from cancellations and this pandemic will likely affect her for the coming two to three years.
Dionne said the government hasn’t done enough to support small businesses like hers.
“Either I don’t qualify because I don’t have enough staff payroll or I have to have had ‘X’ amount of sales decreases. For one reason or another, everything currently offered I don’t qualify for,” said Dionne.
She said we’re not all in the same boat but we are in the same storm and at the end of the day we can still be kind to each other.