Story: Mike Hector
Photos: Heidi Csernak and Suzy Lamont
Situated in a restored carriage house on Wolfe Island, is Fishtale Shop, a unique and inspiring little retail store offering a bounty of locally made treasures including jewelry, artwork and home decor; in addition to a variety of intriguing keepsakes, Canadiana and much more.
Here, you’ll find the shop’s owners: Caitlin Deachman and Annelise Lallemand who are also year-round members of the island’s close-knit community. Not so very long ago, they were working and living together in Toronto, dreaming of one day owning their own business.
After working together throughout several retail jobs in the past, it became clear to Caitlin and Annelise that they wanted to take charge and own a business together. They had moved around, and worked in Ottawa, and Toronto but hadn’t found the right spot.
An interesting opportunity arrived when Caitlin’s mother had a vacancy at one of the family’s properties on the island - and extended an invitation to move in.
At first, the idea of the move seemed crazy. They couldn’t possibly just pick up their lives and start over - but within the next six weeks Annelise and Caitlin had packed-up and made their exodus from the big city, to carve out a new path on Wolfe Island.
So, what was it that inspired these two entrepreneurial ladies to put the big city in their rear-view and pursue self-employment well away from the bustle of urban life?
“We’ve both always wanted to live somewhere quieter. We’re both really attracted to that lifestyle. Caitlin used to live here and I really loved it.” - Annelise
A chance to embrace a quieter lifestyle, reunite with family, and live out their dream of running a retail store together was the icing on the cake.
Before they could open for business, it was evident that the 19th-century carriage house would need some repairs, and quickly seized the opportunity to redesign their future establishment.
With the help of friends and family they spent the next year lovingly restoring and remodelling the old carriage house to serve as a newly re-envisioned version of the original Fishtale Shop.
In addition to the quaint retail space on the main floor, they also retrofitted the loft area of the carriage house which would be a prime spot to hold workshops, crafting sessions and special events.
“I think that we’re trying to be a little bit of everything for everybody - in the best possible way we can be. We want to have as many local items as we can possibly carry. We want to avail ourselves to the tourists, obviously. But, we want to be here for Islanders too. That last minute birthday card, or gift. Sort of an all-access shop that carries Canadian made goods.” - Caitlin
Having a connection with local artists and makers is a primary goal for Annelise and Caitlin. Not just from a shop local perspective, but rather as a means to integrate with and support their neighbours, and fellow business owners on Wolfe Island.
When I asked what their favourite thing about Wolfe Island was, they both replied in unison: “The community!”
“That’s a really big thing, for us. Being able to bring everyone together and knowing everybody. You feel like you’re part of something.” - Annelise
“The support is really lovely. Having local makers come in, and get excited that we’re doing this, and want to support and be a part of it! We’re becoming good friends with a lot of local makers and business owners. It’s really nice.” - Caitlin
Both Caitlin and Annelise described Wolfe Island’s strong sense of community. A collective of residents and business owners that work to support one another within a close-knit social atmosphere typically absent amid large urban centres.
During the rebuilding and renovation phase, things could get overwhelming and exhausting - but that endearing sense of community provided the fuel they needed to get the job done and realize their vision for a reimagined Fishtale Shop.
“We have this connection with the community and it’s really amazing. It’s fantastic to be a part of this collective of people who all want to have a nice community for people to visit.” - Caitlin
While the current location is only suited for seasonal availability, Annelise and Caitlin hope to one day open a year-round location. They have organized special openings in the past for holidays - and have also have been doing extensive work on their website and Facebook page.
For now, the shop will be open during the warmer months, which is understandable considering the island’s popularity with seasonal cottaging, and tourists who come across the ferry to spend a day on Wolfe Island.
Before we wrapped up our visit, we had to ask Annelise and Caitlin what they loved the most about summer on Wolfe Island, and what they would suggest to first-time visitors.
"If you’re a cyclist Wolfe Island is a great place to take your bike. Cycling on the Island is beautiful. There’s so much to do, especially if you make this the base for your vacation. You can easily go spend an afternoon in downtown Kingston, and come back to this beautiful place." - Annelise
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