B'Y YOKEL

04/15/2026

How this Nova Scotia-based company became a contender in the competitive protein bar industry.

A post-pandemic warehouse purchase changed everything for protein bar company Made with Local, catapulting its expansion from a local delicacy to a national contender in the highly competitive snack food industry.

“Coming into this building …felt like fate or serendipity,” says Made with Local founder and chief executive officer Sheena Russell, who got an offer to buy the space from its previous owner in 2022.

“Immediately I was like, ‘yes’ because I had had these passing thoughts so many times over the years that if we could ever get that building that they were in, that could be a good home for us.”

The move to a larger space came a decade after Ms. Russell founded the Windsor, N.S.-based company as a side hustle to her job with the City of Halifax, teaching businesses how to recycle.

She says the previous work experience provided her with a “deep learning period about product-market fit, how to make the product as delicious as it could be, at the right price point and build out the brand. It never, ever crossed my mind that I was going to become an entrepreneur.”

Story credit: DAINA LAWRENCE Special to The GlobeandMail.

02/19/2026

New fibre eco systems will always be place-based and context driven and every instance will likely be different depending on the history, land, culture and personalities of the residents.

04/17/2025

The Tea Brewery has changed its name to Spill The Tea in Mahone Bay!

Let’s Spill the Tea… literally.

Yes, we’ve changed our name—but we’re still serving up the same exceptional teas, cozy café vibes, and sweet seaside charm you’ve come to love.

Why Spill The Tea?
Because tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a ritual, a conversation, a moment shared. Whether you’re here to catch up with a friend, spill a little gossip, or just enjoy a quiet cuppa, we’re here for it.

Come sip, savour, and spill the tea with us in Mahone Bay.
Same heart, fresh name, and always a little magic in your mug. For now we have a temporary sign up, but can’t wait for our beautiful new sign from eyecandy SIGNS INC.

03/10/2024

Let’s raise our glass to Nova Scotia farm wineries-those that are farmers first. Join us in celebrating the dedication, passion, and craftsmanship that is in every bottle.

The Nova Scotia Government has introduced a program that will be devastating to the local wine industry, the 1100+ people it employs and the $250million dollars it contributes to our local economy. With this new program, the Nova Scotia taxpayer dollars would support agriculture outside of Nova Scotia.
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There are a few ways you can show your support to the local farm wine industry.
1. Open your favorite bottle of Nova Scotian wine and toast to Nova Scotia farm wineries in the Raise Your Glass campaign. Take a photo and share via social media channels. Please tag NSLC , Nova Scotia Government , Tim Houston , Greg Morrow MLA Guysborough-Tracadie , Wines of Nova Scotia
2. Write your local elected official voicing your concerns with this new policy.

02/16/2024

This breakfast smoothie uses Saltwinds Banana Flavoured Coffee, oats, peanut butter and banana to make a perfect morning pick-me-up.

12/23/2023

With 2023 coming to a close Jon and I realize we are heading into our 15th year of running Sissiboo Coffee Roaster. By now, it is kind of family folklore how we were warned no one would cross the street from “downtown Bear River” to our spot on the strip, how the only source of heat for years was the teeny tiny roaster we started out on, how we "decided" to have twins a year into starting a business, how we didn't take a wage for 7 years and all the other things we did to scrape together a living....

But standing at this milestone of 15 years, to us the real accomplishment is not actually that we've been in business for this long. The real accomplishment is much bigger than us, it existed before us and is entirely the reason for our success. This accomplishment being that despite so many pressures and temptations to do otherwise, there is a deep and abiding commitment from all of you to build and appreciate small rural economies. Within the simple framework of a space and a product, our business is more than we ever could have imagined, and constantly evolving, thanks to the contributions of all of our customers.

We may have set up a loom and blocked the legs and made sure the sun and the rain are kept in check but it is you, all of you, who are weaving community tapestry: conversations that reflect who we are and what we are doing--from humour to civil disagreement, a chat about the to-do list, a secret shared, an update on the neighbours, a moment of silence, the necessary weather report. Children who play with the blocks and put the books away, he who encourages sunflowers in the window, those who top-up the pay-it-forward cards, the appreciated workers of all kinds, the political and the personal in constant refinement, those who are behind the posters of every imaginable event that decorate the walls and the windows, the singular and entirely unique expressions of art that warm our walls....

And beyond our corner of NS, there are so many other small businesses that collaborate with us who in their own unique ways are spinning community fabrics just as beautiful and necessary as ours.

There is not much that feels simple about these days, including at times the effort and process of building community. But it is a skill we know humans have and should continually work to strengthen. It is an honour to be a part of this region and truly, gratitude is given. Thank you for enabling us to be in business these past 14 years.

Whatever this time of year means to you and yours, we wish you peace and good winter rest.

with love, Jon and Erin

10/16/2023

Threads of Community ~ Community Threads

In a quaint town a profound sense of community pride thrives, thanks in a small part to a local resident since 2016. Her journey, inspired by a simple plaque adorned with the words "Pictou Proud," has woven a narrative of unity and shared identity in Pictou that extends far beyond its geographical confines.

"It all started with a visit to our local diner," Louise recalls, her eyes lighting up at the memory. "I saw a plaque on the wall that said 'Pictou Proud.' That plaque confirmed what I already believed was true from the first moments after I moved to town. Pictou is a town full of community pride."

What began as "Pictou Proud," a project encapsulating the town's essence through a community video and song, blossomed into "Pictou Life," a Facebook initiative chronicling the vibrant tapestry of life in Pictou. From uplifting tales to snapshots steeped in nostalgia, "Pictou Life" has become a communal nexus, celebrating the town's spirit.

"The goal was to create a community video and song to spark people into remembering why we love the place where we live," Louise explains, reflecting on her project's humble beginnings. "After the video and song were released in 2017, I decided that we would continue the page but change the focus to sharing more community stories."

The most touching moment for Louise came in the form of an anonymous note card she received in the mail a few years ago, a heartfelt testament to the impact of her work. "The sender shared how much they admired me and was inspired by what I do," she shares, visibly moved by the memory. "It was sent anonymously, so to this day, I still do not know who wrote and sent those kind words."

Today, Louise's passion has manifested into a novel enterprise, allowing Pictou's residents to express their town pride with branded hats and tees. Yet, these are not mere articles of clothing. They symbolize a communal narrative, as Louise captures the stories of those who wear them with pride.

"My current project still involves community spirit and pride but in a new way," Louise reveals, her entrepreneurial spirit shining through. "I've recently launched a business where you can now purchase hats and tees with your community name on it to show your love of home to the world." Her business is Maritime Swag in Stellarton.

Louise's vision extends beyond Pictou, aspiring to embrace Pictou County and potentially, the entire Maritime region. "I'm currently working on this for Pictou County, Nova Scotia, and the Maritimes, and maybe even beyond - who knows," she smiled, her eyes alight with determination.

Her journey, while remarkable, hasn't been without its challenges. "It can be a daunting task, a lot of work, and a bit scary to put yourself out there, but in the end, it is worth it," Louise confides, offering wisdom gleaned from her experiences. "There is nothing like seeing a person light up when they pick up their new hat or tee and proudly wear it right away. That is priceless."

Louise's story transcends the bounds of Pictou, speaking to the universal power of community and the unyielding spirit that resides within every town, city, or village. Her endeavors serve as a beacon, encouraging each of us to unearth and celebrate the unique "Pictou Proud" that resides within our own communities.

09/12/2023

10/31/2022

At the turn of the twentieth century in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, what started as a small family business grew into what would become the world’s largest producer of rug-hooking patterns.

The Garrett family's patterns were known for their bold, artistic designs — florals and scrolls, geometrics, pictorials, animals, and whimsical patterns — that stood out from the rigid, Victorian style of the past. By 1926, their patterns came to be known as “Bluenose,” and Garrett’s went on to produce hundreds of designs over the next 80 years.

Now available in stores and online, we have 'The Garrett Bluenose Patterns: Celebrating Nova Scotia's Rug Hooking Heritage.' Produced by The Teachers Branch of The Rug Hooking Guild of Nova Scotia, this book is a colourful, photo-filled history of Nova Scotia’s iconic Bluenose hooked-rug patterns, featuring step-by-step instructions for all aspiring rug-hookers.

Learn more about 'The Garrett Bluenose Patterns' on our website! https://nimbus.ca/store/the-garrett-bluenose-patterns.html