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This is Eliane’s second year of operating Eli’s Berry Boutique on Hwy 511, just north of Hopetown. The response last year was so overwhelming, that she’s expanding her offerings, space, and equipment to meet the demand. Certainly not bad for a 14 year old. It’s especially inspiring considering her dyslexia and severe ADHD. She said her love of connecting to her community by meeting and speaking with people was her main inspiration in creating the Boutique. She tells us how things started.
Eli’s Berry Boutique is a roadside stand, selling a variety of locally produced products, ice cream, fresh fruit (in season) and home baking. She’s usually open Thursday afternoons, and full days on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for the summer. This season she’s added Eli’s Apple Crumble Pie, strawberry cheese cake pie, apple cinnamon rolls, and a Dad-approved strawberry pie! She carries Kawartha Dairy ice cream, and her stand even includes a chocolate melting appliance to provide chocolate-covered fresh local strawberries. Eliane said she’s learned a lot in just one year of business.
Eliane said her business experience has been a real confidence booster. She also offers gluten-free celiac-safe products and urges customers to bring along their dogs to enjoy her maple paw cups. This year she’s also supporting two dog related causes; Daphne’s Legacy of Love and It Takes a Village Dog Rescue. To say Eliane is outgoing would be a gross understatement. A visit to her Boutique will both satisfy your sweet-tooth and fill your heart. Hear our complete conversation with Eliane below and find a short video we shot on our Hustle and Heart Facebook page.
Story by Brian Turner
