Found right in the heart of Port Moody, Newport Village presents a unique shopping experience with a variety of independently owned shops and services in a tight-knit village setting.
Additionally, this retail destination is home to a vibrant collective of female-owned local businesses, led by women that bring unique offerings, products and perspectives into their work. From Metro Vancouver’s best selection of cooking oils to an art studio sparking creative inspiration among young artists, here’s how six of these businesses in Newport Village are enriching the community of Port Moody.
Wish On A Star
As one of Newport Village’s original tenants and the first women owned business in the shopping centre, Wish On A Star has been giving Port Moody shoppers a joyful place to shop for thoughtfully curated gifts and furnishings since 1998.
Since the beginning, owner Linda Berg has been driven by the desire to provide a destination where community members can come and shop for the people they love and also for themselves. With Canadian brands, local artists and international brands, to the shop’s own in-house products, Wish On A Star prides itself on having items for everyone, every home, every occasion and every budget.
Over the decades, the family-owned and operated shop has supported several local women by curating merchandise from female run and owned jewellers, skin care companies, candles, housewares and more. Additionally, Over the decades Berg has made a conscious effort to employ and mentor hundreds of female staff members, as well as raise donations for many charities for women in need.
As well, the retailer’s signature service – complimentary gift wrapping – is legendary and well known around the community, so much that recipients always know when a gift comes from Wish On A Star.
“We like to be unique and that takes a lot of time, but we see the smiles on peoples faces when they come in and see the unique world of Wish,” says Berg.
Wish On A Star is located at 268 Newport Drive. For more information, visit www.wishonastar.ca.
Newport Village Barber Shop
Founded in 1997, Newport Village Barber Shop was one of the first businesses to anchor itself in the heart of the village.
Specializing in the art of barbering, the crew offers precision haircuts, hot towel shaves, fades and lineups, business styles, beard grooming, colour services and more to everyone who steps aboard. True to their purpose as a local barber shop, the main goal of their team of barbers is to make people look awesome and feel their best.
Having taken the helm as captain of the barber shop in 2011 after being part of the crew since 2002, owner Veronica Staddon is steering the ship with an emphasis on providing excellent service, exuding a positive attitude, and of course, giving great haircuts.
“We have all been working hard to make the business what it is today,” says Staddon. “It’s a great place to work and a busy and prosperous shop.”
Newport Village Barber Shop is located at 269 Newport Drive. For more information, visit www.newportvillagebarbershop.com.
Olive the Best
After 15 years in the kitchen and bathroom build and design industry, Daniela Hammond was looking for a career change. Upon tasting the pure and delicious flavours of olive oils and balsamic vinegars, she was inspired to share her newfound passion with her local community by opening her own independent business.
Established in 2019, Olive the Best offers the freshest, highest quality independent lab tested extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) and traditional, aged balsamic vinegars, sourced from the best producers around the world. Currently, the store carries approximately 85 different oils and vinegars, plus a wide variety of gourmet foods and gifts.
The majority of their products come from Canadian businesses that are women owned and/or operated. A few of their most popular suppliers include Kanel Spices, Cookie it Up, Taste of the Okanagan, Goodness of Garlic, Saltspring Kitchen and Canadian Select.
Olive the Best is also a proud supporter of local organizations such as Soroptimist International of the Tri Cities, a non-profit society dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls and their families through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
“I am proud to be a business owner providing the joy of flavours and health to so many in our community,” says Hammond. “I am also proud to share a space in a community that cares so deeply.”
Olive the Best is located at 259A Newport Drive. For more information, visit www.olivethebest.ca.
The Little Butcher
Priding itself on being different from your typical butcher shop, The Little Butcher is led by a strong, skilled woman pushing the boundaries of a male dominated industry.
Owner Taryn Barker opened the business in Newport Village in 2012 with a business partner. Five years later in 2017, she assumed full ownership and renamed the business The Little Butcher. Since then, she and her team have remained committed to only sourcing from independent, B.C. based farmers and makers, because they believe in supporting the local business community, having a relationship with the companies they buy from and maintaining transparency with customers. At The Little Butcher, you’ll find products from over 50 B.C. based farmers and makers.
In house, they make an ever-expanding variety of sausages, marinades, seasonings, bone broths and pre-cooked meals. They use whole ingredients that you can pronounce and are allergy aware, including making many gluten-free products.
Barker’s team (the majority of whom identify as women) is passionate about quality and rooted in community, taking great pride and stride in their craft, their connections and the change they are creating, one cut at a time.
“I’m proud to be a female running a business in Port Moody and I am so thankful for the other strong women who have mentored me and become my close friends,” says Barker. “Having the support of other business owners, especially females, and my staff really empowers me.”
The Little Butcher is located at 245 Newport Drive. For more information, visit www.thelittlebutcher.ca.
Evelia Espinosa's Art Studio
As an immigrant, former teacher and passionate artist, Evelia Espinosa wanted to create a welcoming space where young people could explore their artistic potential in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Founded in 2004, Evelia Espinosa’s Art Studio aims to inspire creativity and self expression in young artists. The studio in Newport Village is a community where children, youth and families can come together to create, learn and grow together through a shared passion for art.
Through engaging programs, Espinosa is committed to making art accessible to all creative types in Port Moody and beyond. As such, the studio offers professional-level classes in practices such as drawing, painting and ceramics, integrating hands-on exploration with the study of important theoretical concepts and art movements. Espinosa’s personalized approach to teaching ensures that each student receives the guidance they need to thrive. In addition to regular long-term classes, the studio also offers seasonal workshops, summer and spring art camps and paint and sip events.
As a female owned and operated business (and primarily run by a female team), the art studio is passionately dedicated to uplifting and empowering women in the arts. They proudly showcase the work of local female artists and makers through their studio shop and through exhibitions at the annual Winter Craft and Arts Fair and Children’s Art Festival, thus offering these women a platform to share their talents with the community.
“Being a woman in business means leading with heart, vision and determination. It means showing young artists—especially girls—that their voices, ideas and creativity matter,” says Espinosa. “Art has the ability to transform lives, and through my studio, I hope to inspire confidence, self expression and a sense of belonging in every student who walks through our doors.”
Evelia Espinosa's Art Studio is located at 272 Newport Drive. For more information, visit www.evelia.ca.
Port Moody Flowers
For over a decade, Port Moody Flowers has been a much loved and trusted destination for florals and plants within the Tri-Cities and beyond
The independent business is led by Julia Bradshaw-Menges, who took over ownership of the shop in 2020. Having previously lived in the UK and Germany, she brings an English nostalgic essence mixed with a nature inspired European feel to her approach to the shop’s arrangements.
Port Moody Flowers curates mostly B.C. grown flowers and supports many other small businesses by selling their locally-made products, including items from local female entrepreneurs ranging from candles to clay work.
Julia Bradshaw-Menges and her team of amazing female staff have been working tirelessly in the community to bring as much love and share the joy of flowers with so many others, winning consecutive local awards within the community and also worldwide. Port Moody Flowers is actively involved in supporting local charities, nonprofits and schools within the community.
“Being a female business owner surrounded by many other women-owned businesses in Newport Village is a testament to our collective culture, work ethic and sense of pride,” says Julia Bradshaw-Menges. “I feel extremely grateful to be able to share my love of flowers with my community and I appreciate the love, support and encouragement from my customers.”
Port Moody Flowers is located at 259B Newport Drive. For more information, visit www.portmoodyflowers.ca.
