Local Entrepreneurs Discuss 2023 Business Hopes

If you take a moment to check out the economic outlook for 2023, you’ll easily spot some gloomy predictions.

High interest rates, inflation, unemployment, and the potential for a recession all hint that this year could be tough for the economy.

However, in spite of the bleak financial news, several entrepreneurs from the London area – many with backgrounds outside of Canada – have chosen to start their own businesses.

With this in mind, CBC London reached out to three business owners to hear their thoughts on what lies ahead this year.

This is what they shared.

New Hair Supply Store Brightens St. Thomas

Sheila Bradshaw and her partner Amos Ganda just opened Shay Beauty Supply in St. Thomas this week. The couple moved to southwestern Ontario from Brampton. (Andrew Lupton/ )

Sheila Bradshaw and her partner Amos Ganda originally hail from Zimbabwe but lived in Brantford before relocating to St. Thomas in 2020.

When they arrived, Bradshaw recognized there was a need for a beauty supply store that serves the Black community.

“We would have to drive to London to get anything that we needed for hair, so we thought: ‘You know what? Let’s open something in St. Thomas,'” said Bradshaw.

The couple launched Shay Beauty Supply this week in a storefront located within a shopping plaza on Churchill Crescent.

A new business opening this week in St. Thomas, Shay Beauty Supply offers high-quality wigs, hair extensions and other hair care products aimed at the town’s expanding Black community. (Andrew Lupton/CBC)

Their shop features shelves illuminated by sleek LED lights showcasing high-end wigs, hair extensions, braids and other unique haircare items not found at major drug stores.

“We wanted something that had a nice feel and a nice customer experience in the store,” stated Bradshaw.

“There are so many products that are needed for our hair but we also carry products for everyone, so we’re not just specific for the BIPOC community.”

Even with big uncertainties facing the economy this year, Bradshaw says her love for her work keeps her motivated.

“My very first job was at Estee Lauder, and I just love the beauty industry,” she mentioned. “I’m just hoping that we can grow and establish ourselves in St. Thomas.”

Baker from Brazil Offers Flavors of Home

Emerson Silva started Churis Bread last November after moving here with his family from Brazil in 2018. ‘Cooking is our family blood; that’s why we began making bread here in Canada.’ (Andrew Lupton/CBC)

Emerson Silva made his way to London from Brazil with his family back in 2018.

Their journey began fueled by a passion for artisanal foods stemming from Brazil’s rich culinary culture. Silva’s family enjoys crafting everything from bread to beer and sausages.

“Cooking is our family blood. That’s the reason we started to make bread here in Canada,” he explained.

The dream of turning their passion into a family venture became reality on November 8 when they opened Churis Bread – an artisanal bakery located at Adelaide Street North and Victoria Street in north London.

“We get something that we love to do and have our own business,” Silva expressed.

There are plenty of hurdles along the way. Silva acknowledges he can’t match prices set by large grocery chains but focuses on quality instead with all baked goods made fresh on-site using top-notch ingredients including long-fermentation sourdough bread created with a six-year-old starter.

Keeps costs reasonable requires sticking with premium ingredients; however supply chain disruptions have raised prices significantly over time.

The cost of butter alone has nearly doubled over three years! “Sometimes you can’t just transfer these costs to the customer; it can be tough on your margins,” he noted.

Once Churis becomes more established though he hopes about offering deliveries as well as birthday cakes while participating at local farmers’ markets!

African Grocery Faces Challenges in Argyle Area

Bo Umaroho acknowledges challenges faced by Boweu African Food Market which opened on Dundas Street back in 2021; he believes there should be more tax incentives available for new businesses.(Andrew Lupton/CBC)

Bowstock Umaroho came over from Nigeria landing into London’s Greater Toronto Area during late-2019 right before COVID-19 took hold globally.


Pursuing opportunities led him towards starting Boweu African Tropical Food Market back around November twenty-twenty-one specializing groceries sourced directly via Africa & Caribbean regions sold through storefront situated along Dundas Street East within Argyle neighborhood itself!


The offerings include red beans plus soup spices alongside grains like garri – flour derived straight outta root vegetables grown exclusively native across west Africa!

Word’s getting around! More customers are discovering traditional foods loved ones miss dearly! However despite recent growth claims regarding sales figures indicate ongoing struggles faced daily requiring additional side jobs such as driving Uber during nighttime hours just keeping up bills paid.

“In times like these prospects seem quite limited overall,” he admitted.”I don’t think we’ll sustain much longer under these conditions – things appear worsening steadily.”

Of course rising inflation impacts us too! Gas prices affect profit margins severely since weekly trips needed picking up inventory wholesale Toronto adds extra strain financially speaking.

Additionally crime has become problematic within Argyle area too. < br>< p>& lt;/> He said almost every week someone attempts entering store intending steal rather than purchase items instead! “Pleading helplessly calling police no longer seems worth effort anymore due response delays…” Bo expressed remorsefully trying addressing situations encountered regularly today. (Andy)

Awaiting approval still awaits regarding application submitted months ago requesting illuminated sign installed outside showing visibility betterment efforts ongoing since landlord lodged documents back late twenty-twenty-one!“There oughta exist more substantial tax relief options given small enterprise owners…” argued Bo firmly adding perspective toward encouraging fellow aspiring entrepreneurs entering marketplace!
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