High Country McKean Basin - photo by Leonard Block | Slocan Valley, British Columbia

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High Country McKean Basin – photo by Leonard Block

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High Country McKean Basin – photo by Leonard Block

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@souluminationartworks isn’t just about jewelry—it’s about storytelling, empowerment and honouring the beauty of nature through wearable art. Since 2007, Erin McAuley has been forging, casting and handcrafting imaginative mixed-metal jewelry from her studio in the Slocan Valley, inspired by the textures and patterns of the natural world that surrounds her.

Their products include handcrafted pendants, earrings, bracelets, rings, pins and vessels. “Our clients are lovers of an organic and unconventional style of adornment with bold textures, creative gem-setting and objects created with the intention to empower the wearer.”

“More than simply adorning our clients, our creations are designed using specific gemstones to create wearable talismans, amulets and guardians that can empower and strengthen us in these turbulent times,” says Erin.

“My inspiration to develop new skills and keep learning is what continues to inspire me. Where other makers settle into a style and refine a specific product line, I am compelled to expand and explore new design aspects that preserve my artistic enthusiasm.” Recently, she took a lapidary course to start sourcing and cutting her own gemstones, bringing a deeper level of craftsmanship to her work.

Erin is perpetually surprised by the impact of creating small precious objects for clients. The joy of working with her hands, the flow of creativity, and the connection with those who treasure her pieces make this work a privilege.

“Nature is my greatest muse, so to work and live in one of the most majestic places on earth is truly a gift. The community here is unwaveringly supportive, as well as inspiring with a vast network of other active artists to work with.”

This spring, Soulumination Artworks will be at the Prestige Lakeside Resort market in Nelson on May 4, the Garden Starter Market in Nelson on May 10, Kaslo May Days from May 17–19, and the Witches Market at Taghum Hall on May 25.

You can also buy her pieces online at www.souluminationartworks.com.

Check out www.slocanvalley.com/supportslocanvalley for more business profiles, our video series and more.

#SupportSlocanValley #ShopSlocanValley #SlocanValley #BuyLocal

@ravenroaster offers a unique coffee alternative m

@ravenroaster offers a unique coffee alternative meant to energize and replenish your body, and deliver the satisfaction of coffee—without the crash. What started as a personal quest to find a better alternative in 2013 turned into a full-fledged business by 2019. Based in Slocan, BC, Raven Roast is a small but mighty team with owners Brendan and Rachelle, their employee Aurya, plus a few other Valley locals that pitch in from time to time.

Brendan and Rachelle have built their business from the ground up—no big loans, just passion and persistence. They do their best to import organic ingredients directly from ethically-mindful sources worldwide and take pride in creating a product that helps people make healthier choices. Now their handcrafted blends are featured in over 60 stores across Canada.

For Brendan, making something by hand and sharing it directly with customers is deeply rewarding. The rave reviews and enthusiastic community response keep the team motivated, and they love that their business is rooted in the creative, resourceful spirit of the Slocan Valley. “Contributing to the world in a unique and direct way is very important to me,” says Brendan.

Beyond the cup, Raven Roast is part of a bigger conversation about sustainability. With climate change affecting coffee-growing regions and bean prices skyrocketing, coffee alternatives like Raven Roast could play a crucial role in the years ahead. The team is also passionate about fostering local collaboration—everything from their packaging art to their website was created by fellow Slocan Valley creators.

“It's a very creatively inspiring place. The challenges of being in a remote community pulls people together and we often collaborate with other small business owners to find solutions.”

This fall, they hope to bring back their beloved “Cuppa” event with local tea/coffee makers, food vendors and musicians. But whether or not that takes place, you can find them at more festivals and markets this summer.

Learn more and buy Raven Roast online at www.ravenroast.com.

Check out www.slocanvalley.com/supportslocanvalley for more business profiles, our video series and more.

#SupportSlocanValley

Mountain Seed Co. has been growing heirloom, north

Mountain Seed Co. has been growing heirloom, northern-acclimated, short-season seed varieties in the Slocan Valley since 2008.

Owner Kylie Lichty specializes in heirloom tomatoes of every shape, size and colour, along with easy-to-grow cottage garden flowers, herbs and salad greens. She offers a diverse selection for home gardeners who value variety and flavour.

Each spring, her seed packets can be found at local and regional stores across the Kootenays, including Gaia Tree, Silverton Building Supplies, Slocan Park Coop, Mountain Valley Station and Slocan Village Market in the Slocan Valley as well as stores in Nakusp, Edgewood, Balfour, Crawford Bay, Grand Forks, Cherryville and Lumby!

Kylie started the business out of a deep passion for gardening as a way of life, self-sufficiency and seed preservation. With large-scale industrial farming absent from the Slocan Valley, the region offers a unique environment to grow and protect diverse heirloom seeds without the risk of cross-pollination from commercial GMO varieties.

“I am happy to offer people unique varieties to be excited about as well as healthy, easy to grow foods and flowers,” says Kylie. “There was a trend that seed diversity was being lost but through home gardeners we have a chance to save many unique tasty varieties that are not grown by commercial farms.”

Kylie is proud to be part of a community that values growing its own food. “What inspired me to start a seed business was the importance of returning to the land for our sustenance and to save regionally-adapted seeds for future generations to slow the loss of biodiversity in our seed landraces.”

This season, she’s especially excited about her collection of black tomatoes—Black Beauty, Al’s Black, Black Seaman, Purple Prince and Black Cherry—perfect for gardeners looking for “that real flavourful tomato.”

Learn more and get your own seeds at www.facebook.com/mountainseedco or at one of the many local stores who sell them throughout the Kootenay Boundary region.

Check out www.slocanvalley.com/supportslocanvalley for more business profiles, our video series and more.

#SupportSlocanValley #ShopSlocanValley #SlocanValley

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