The Crafted Hand opens its doors

By Joan Janzen

“When one door closes, another door opens” is a well-known quote that has played out in real-time on the corner of Main and Railway in Kindersley. On Monday, January 24th, The Crafted Hand opened its doors at 100 Main Street in the building which previously housed Veronica’s Sewing Supplies. For new business owner Jen Ginther, it has been a dream come true.

“Early on in my 16-year hairdressing career, I had always dreamt of starting a salon/clothing store,” Jen said. “I would always scout out buildings, but nothing ever seemed fitting until Veronica’s came up for sale. I knew right then that this was it!”

After a few walk-throughs and chats with Don Longmuir, the owner, the deal was made and “my dream hit full force!” Jen explained.

A walk through the newly renovated building is concrete evidence of Jen’s dream materializing. The spacious building has been completely transformed into a beautiful, bright work environment.

“We have an amazing and talented group that has joined The Crafted Hand team: 3 massage therapists (Justine McLean, Celine Hoffman and Cat Arnason), a stylist (Jen) and a barber (Tyler Holland) so far, and we have room for a few more stylists to join our team,” Jen said. Spenser Jackson is the receptionist.

“It took many months and a lot of great hands to transform one business into two, but we’re so excited to finally open the doors to the Salon & Massage side and see the vision unfold.”

The Canadian Handmade side of the building will open sometime in March. Jen has visions of filling it with locally made Canadian goods, consisting of everything from clothing to candles, jewelry, soaps, signs, slippers, bath and body, cards and candies, and much more. It will be a small business supporting other home-based businesses.

After purchasing the building, Jen began pondering her options. “I attended a little modern market in Calgary last summer. I grabbed a bunch of their business cards and briefly chatted with the local vendors,” she explained. “After hearing their stories of how they came about, I left with a full heart and literally tears of joy. I knew right then that this was what I wanted to do - support home-based businesses in the other side of my store!” Since Jen loves crafting, the concept is a really good fit.

The name of the new business venture is equally fitting. “it was hard to come up with a name that was fitting for both sides. But I knew right away that The Crafted Hand was perfect when I thought of it!” Jen said.

Kindersley and area residents are excited to see the doors to The Crafted Hand open and wish the team a bright and successful future.

The Crafted Hand team