For the last several months, we’ve been working hard to support Slocan Valley businesses—especially those impacted by last summer’s wildfires.
We launched the Support Slocan Valley campaign in August of 2024, alongside our valued partners, Columbia Basin Trust and Community Futures Central Kootenay.
Here’s what we’ve been up to:
- Launched our Support Slocan Valley campaign at Market Night in Nelson on August 30, 2024 with $10 off shopping vouchers for Slocan Valley vendors
- Offered the same vouchers at the Slocan Saturday Market and the New Denver Friday Market in September
- Delivered free coffee & $5 off retail vouchers in the Valley Voice to mailboxes in the wildfire-impacted communities of Winlaw, Slocan, Silverton and New Denver for residents to use at participating businesses (and reimbursed the businesses for a win-win situation!)
- Released six powerful videos sharing community stories & wildfire impacts
- Provided free consulting, training & Business Recovery Loans to help businesses recover
- Featured ecommerce and online product-based businesses through our “Buy Canadian, Support Slocan Valley” spotlight on this webpage (scroll down!) and on our Slocan Valley social media channels.
The Wildfires of 2024
Business owners in the Slocan Valley are a resilient bunch. This summer, five massive wildfires swept through the Slocan Valley, forcing evacuations in the villages of Slocan and Silverton and surrounding areas, halting tourism, and closing Highway 6—the lifeline through the region.
Impacts were felt by both residents and businesses alike. From businesses grappling with closures to locals banding together to feed fire crews and helping evacuees, the Valley witnessed both profound challenges and inspiring resilience.
In the midst of the crisis, the community stepped up—opening homes, helping neighbors move animals and belongings and rallying behind local businesses.
As we move forward, help us support the Valley’s recovery by shopping local, dining local and supporting local. And let’s celebrate the resilience of this beautiful region and its amazing inhabitants.
- Wildfire footage courtesy of Petra Hekkenberg and Whitney Taylor
- Music by Aeon Sphere
Silverton
Welcome to Silverton! Located on the eastern shore of Slocan Lake, this is a place where natural beauty and community spirit intertwine.
With a population of about 200 people, it’s one of B.C.’s smallest municipalities. It features stunning lakefront views, fresh mountain air and a rich sense of history .
Aside from its quaint and historical charm, it’s the people who make Silverton truly special. In this video we met up with the fine folks at the Silverton General Store, Caravan Company Goods and Silverton Building Supplies to find out why they love to work and live in this special community.
Slocan
Welcome to the Village of Slocan! It may be small in size, but it’s big in history and heart.
Nestled at the southern tip of Slocan Lake, and framed by Valhalla Provincial Park, Slocan is surrounded by pure natural beauty.
It’s a gateway to outdoor adventure or a place to just get away from it all.
Back in the day, this booming mining town served as the terminus for the old railway, and sternwheelers plied the lake carrying minerals, goods and people.
Slocan is a place that chooses you. It’s where neighbors unite, and creativity and authenticity shine.
In this video, we met up with the wonderful people at Bliss Cafe, Ice Creek Lodge, The Col Guesthouse, Slocan City Hotel, Slocan Village Market and Mountain Valley Station to find out why they love to work and live here.
Winlaw
Welcome to Winlaw, the funkiest little town in the heart of the Slocan Valley, British Columbia!
Located midway between the Village of Slocan and the Highway 3 junction, Winlove as it’s often called, is an unincorporated town filled with a kaleidoscope of people, styles and lifestyles.
Winlaw is a place like no other—a community shaped by its connection to nature, its creative out-of-the-box thinkers, and their commitment to living in harmony with each other and the land.
Winlaw is truly and delightfully unconventional. In this video we met up with the incredible people at Emery Herbals, Mama Sita’s Cafe, Sleep is for Sissies Cafe, Emporio Supply Company, Pharatree Learning Centre and Gaia Tree Whole Foods to find out why they choose to work and live here.
New Denver
Welcome to New Denver! The Village of New Denver is a place where creativity and community shine.
Nestled against the eastern shores of Slocan Lake, it offers a tranquil pace of life, a deep sense of connection and stunning views.
With roots dating back to the silver rush of the late 1800s, this vibrant community blends history and culture with outdoor adventure and quaint shops. From scenic trails and rocky beaches to the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre and peaceful Kohan Gardens, New Denver leaves a lasting impression on all who work, live or visit here.
About 500 people live here, and many of them embody the “do-it-yourself” resilient spirit.
In this video, we met up with the amazing people at Fireweed Hub, Raven’s Nest, New Denver Domes, Big Dog Music, Laurel Tree Fabric and Fibre and Just One More to find out why they love to work and live in this special community.
Crescent Valley
Welcome to Crescent Valley! The southern gateway to the Slocan Valley.
This small community welcomes white water paddlers, sun bathers, hikers and cyclists, and everyone in between. And it may only have a few small businesses, but this place is big on connection.
With a beautiful beach and regional park wrapping around the shoreline of the Slocan River, people have access to whitewater rafting and kayaking, canoeing, swimming, picnicking and more. This park is also an historic site for the former sawmill.
In this video, we met up with the wonderful people at Frog Peak Cafe, Endless Adventure, Tonik Distillery and Evergreen Market to find out why they love to work and live here.
All videos directed, produced, shot and written by Karen Kornelsen of Peak to Moon Creative. All editing by TreeVor.
Gurvan Custom
Gurvan has offered his creative building services since 2008, and in the Slocan Valley since 2013. His business, Gurvan Custom, blends design studio expertise with hands-on craftsmanship, and offers a unique mix of services—from branding, logo and product design to fine woodworking, wood carving, heritage restoration, and custom carpentry.
“If it’s made of wood or it lights up… we’ll do it,” he says. They also offer solutions for decor, events, rentals and housing.
What sets Gurvan Custom apart is its artistic engineering, fast turnaround for design and laser engraving, and high levels of personalization. Gurvan especially loves offering solutions that are tailor made for entrepreneurs, artists, artisans and homeowners and he provides custom work at a competitive rate and high quality. “I’m all about keeping true craftsmanship alive.”
What Gurvan loves most is bringing new ideas to life for his clients, and creating custom pieces that make homes healthier and cozier. Running his business in the Slocan Valley has also been deeply rewarding. “The great pace of life and the beauty of the valley make it the perfect place to grow my future family.”
Exciting changes are on the horizon. Gurvan is launching a second business to separate and clarify his offerings. Gurvan Custom will focus on home decor and merchandise, specializing in laser engraving and CNC router work.
Meanwhile, Nimble Nest will take his engineering and building/renovation expertise to a new level by offering a modular housing solution that he hopes to manufacture right here in the valley. The prototype is currently in development in Slocan—stay tuned!
Learn more about Gurvan Custom here → https://www.gurvancustom.com/
Sonja Rue Artist
Eight years ago, Sonja Rue moved into her art studio in Lemon Creek in the Slocan Valley to dive into her art practice full-time. She does illustrations, mixed media art and original paintings. Her work extends beyond the canvas, appearing on prints, scarves, accessories and home décor items. “My art is pretty diverse in style and appeals to both adults and children, especially those who enjoy stories, animals, nature and spirituality.”
Sonja’s art is more than just visually captivating—it’s a call to take a deeper look into the human experience, while also being a beautiful addition to someone’s home. She describes it as a way to "encourage self-reflection and questioning of the status quo through inspiring images showing moments of connection and reflection."
"When I set out to learn painting I did not expect to make it a business, I just wanted to learn,” says Sonja. “It turned out better than I expected and I loved it so much that I just kept going." Encouraged by the positive response from her community, she has spent the past five years growing her art into a sustainable business, sharing her work with a broader audience.
What Sonja loves most about running a business in the Slocan Valley is she gets the peace and quiet she needs to dive into her creative practice. The beauty of the landscape and the inspiration she gets from her eclectic community really inspire her creations. "The people I encounter here through sharing my art have been so encouraging and supportive, they help me remember how important art is to society and culture and that it is a valuable addition to our community."
Sonja has been busy revamping her website and online shop, with many new prints and original paintings available to buy. She’s also excited to have an exhibition of original paintings at The Hidden Garden Gallery in New Denver from June 24-29, 2025 and an open studio event at her property in May (date to be announced soon on her website).
Witch Way Soaps
Nestled in the heart of the Slocan Valley, Witch Way Soaps brings a touch of magic to everyday self-care. Crafted by owner and maker Heather Tarr in Vallican along the Slocan River Road, these artisan cold process soap bars aren’t just a treat for the skin—they’re works of art.
From all-natural bars to vibrant designs swirled with mica colors, every one of Heather’s creations reflects the joy and creativity poured into it. Beyond soap, she also makes arnica pain relief balm, lotion bars, lip balms and candles, each made with high-quality ingredients and a passion for her craft.
One of her more unique bars is her “frog” soaps featuring our local Frog Peak. Heather, a lifelong entrepreneur, thrives on pushing artistic boundaries. “I am constantly trying to come up with more intricate and unique things to make with soap, the challenge is half the fun!”
Self-employed since age 14, she believes, "If you love what you do, you never have to work again." That passion shines through not only in the products but also in the connections made at local markets. Though an introvert at heart, she’s found unexpected joy in meeting customers, watching first-time visitors light up at her creations, and welcoming returning fans making a beeline for their favourite bars. “The community has been extremely supportive and validating towards me and I am so appreciative.”
While she says running a business here has its challenges, there’s no place Heather would rather be. As she prepares for a new season of local markets starting in April, she encourages the community to follow Witch Way Soaps on Facebook for updates.
Viva Cacao
You deserve chocolate that loves you back.💕 Viva Cacao isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth—they’re about reimagining indulgence. Since 2019, owner Beth Campbell has been handcrafting small-batch chocolate in Slocan. She makes chocolate Infused with adaptogens, superfoods and nutrient-rich botanicals (as well as sugar free options!).
Beth has always been a baker, cook and maker, but once she started working with chocolate, there was no turning back. She loves how chocolate is the perfect medium to transform food into medicine.
“Our chocolate turns the everyday into something extraordinary by harmonizing rich, artisanal flavours with the power of functional ingredients,” says Beth. “Each bar is a masterpiece, crafted with precision and care to blend indulgence with intention—because we believe every craving should nourish your body, mind and spirit.”
Beyond creating ridiculously good chocolate, Beth loves connecting with customers at markets, demos, shows and events, hearing firsthand how her creations bring people joy. Being part of the small business and food production world fuels her passion—along with the freedom of running a business from home, where nature is just steps away. 🌿
Right now, Viva Cacao is in full Easter production mode, and there’s something extra exciting on the horizon—a subscription box is in the works, bringing a curated selection of chocolate straight to your door! Stay tuned for all the delicious details. 🍫✨
Learn more and satisfy your chocolate cravings at https://vivacacao.ca/. You can also ask for Viva Cacao chocolate bars at your local grocery store!
Design Farm
Design Farm is where strategy, design and craftsmanship come together to help businesses stand out with exceptional branding and packaging solutions. For over 15 years from her Slocan-based studio and workshop, Creative Director Shauna has collaborated with farmers, food producers and occasionally nonprofits to help them connect with their audiences.🎨🔨
A former food entrepreneur herself, Shauna knows firsthand the challenges of running a food business—giving her a unique perspective.
In recent years, her husband Dylan joined the team, bringing his expertise in fabrication and carpentry. With a fully equipped fabrication studio, he takes Design Farm’s work from concept to creation, crafting custom signage, interactive displays, and retail fixtures that bring brands to life. Whether it’s a beautifully designed logo or a handcrafted retail stand, their combined skill sets help businesses make a lasting impression.
Shauna and Dylan are a dream team. Shauna brings a strong design sense and the ability to create compelling 2D concepts while considering materials, functionality and impact. Dylan takes those ideas and transforms them into 3D components, installations and multi-material solutions in our fabrication studio.
“While our roots are in food and farm branding, our combined expertise allows us to support a wide range of clients who need both design vision and hands-on execution,” says Shauna.
“Beyond the work itself, we’re grateful for the life we’ve built,” she says. “Living in our studio means our only commute is a 2 km ride to the post office. We have the freedom to take breaks by the river, paddle, bike, walk the dogs up the mountain, and truly enjoy the beauty around us.”
Exciting news! Their fabrication studio is expanding with exciting new services including 3D rendering for detailed visualizations, rapid prototyping to quickly bring concepts to life, and technical drawings for precise component design and production.
Whether you need branding, packaging, or custom-built displays, Design Farm is here to help bring your ideas to life. Check them out here → https://www.designfarm.ink/
Bead and Soul
Sarah Rousselle is the creative force behind Bead & Soul, an Indigenous artistry brand she launched in 2015. Based in Silverton, she creates unique beadwork and jewelry inspired by nature, connection and personal expression. Every piece is crafted with care, designed to be meaningful—whether it’s a simple, everyday favourite or a bold statement piece.
Recently, Sarah expanded her entrepreneurial endeavors with Slocan Shine, a new mobile auto detailing service offering hand washing and interior cleaning. Before Slocan Shine, locals would have to drive 120 km for professional service—now, quality detailing comes right to their doorstep.
“Bead & Soul is all about connection—whether that’s through the symbolism in my designs, the personal touch of a custom order, or the relationships I build with my customers, says Sarah. “Every piece is made with care, using high-quality materials, and designed to last.
Sarah started Bead & Soul to create something meaningful with her hands while raising her children, and today she’s inspired by the community that supports her work. With Slocan Shine, the motivation comes from the satisfaction of transforming a dusty, road-weary vehicle into something clean and refreshed.
For Sarah, living and working in the Slocan Valley means being surrounded by independent, creative and supportive people. It’s a place where small businesses are celebrated, and locals truly appreciate handmade, sustainable and community-focused work.
Sarah recently launched a new Bead & Soul collection, available on her website and at Silverton General Store, Camp Cafe, and Caravan—all local shops in Silverton. With the warmer weather returning, Slocan Shine is ramping up for the season and booking appointments for the spring. She’s also considering a loyalty discount program to make it even easier for locals to keep their vehicles looking great.
Want to support a local artisan or get your car looking fresh this spring? Check out Bead & Soul https://www.beadandsoul.com and https://slocanshine.com.
Slocan Valley Crate Co.
Mark Cochrane and Antonio Rabena launched Slocan Valley Crate Co. in January 2025 with a simple goal: to create handcrafted wooden crates made to last. Located in the heart of Winlaw on Cedar Creek Road, they use materials sourced right here in the Valley to build durable, beautifully stained crates for all kinds of storage needs.
What sets Slocan Valley Crate Co. apart is its strong connection to the community and the versatility of its products. Their signature “record” crates, for example, don’t just hold vinyl—they’re built to store whatever customers need, offering stylish and functional solutions beyond their original purpose.
The business was born out of a desire to reduce waste. “We saw way too many single-use containers and wanted to build something that would fulfill the need and was made to last.” And their favourite part about running the business? Building meaningful relationships in the community.
Running a business in the Slocan Valley allows them to focus on craftsmanship without the distractions of city life. “The peace and tranquility of the Valley lets us express our creativity in a way that wouldn’t be possible elsewhere.”
They recently released a special new product celebrating the rich Doukhobor culture of the region. The Doukhobor Set is inspired by traditional Russian nesting dolls, with crates that fit together like a family—featuring Baby Douk, Mama Douk, and Daddy Douk.
To learn more about Slocan Valley Crate Co. and place an order visit → https://www.instagram.com/slocanvalleycrateco
Kootenay Beds
Kootenay Beds began in the most unexpected way—born from a mix of spontaneity, adaptation, and a little quarantine restlessness. In March 2020, just months into an exciting adventure, Ramona and her family returned from Asia and found themselves isolating in a tiny 150-square-foot cabin on their parent’s property. With three people living, working, playing, and sleeping in such a small space, they had to get creative.
That’s when they built their first Murphy bed—a space-saving solution for their daughter Emma. When they shared it on social media, the response was overwhelming. Turns out, plenty of people were also navigating work-from-home life in tight spaces and looking for smart solutions.
“Fast forward four years, and we haven’t stopped making Murphy beds since,” says Ramona. “Today, we handcraft around 160 beds a year, shipping across Canada and the U.S. What started as a single bed has now expanded to include Murphy beds with desks, custom shelving, and other space-saving designs for multifunctional living.”
Based in Rosebery, their team of 10 takes pride in creating quality, handcrafted furniture built to last. They also love creating local jobs and supporting their local economy. Kootenay Beds is one of the only companies in North America making Murphy beds exclusively from solid wood—ensuring every piece is one-of-a-kind.
Ramona and her husband love running the business together, blending their greatest strengths—his background in engineering and passion for building smart, functional designs, and her passion for aesthetics and colour. They also love the team they’ve built, the energy of collaboration, and the reward of seeing a handcrafted product come to life. “One of the most rewarding parts of our work is seeing the big smiles on our clients' faces when they receive their beds, knowing we’ve brightened not just their day but also their homes. “
For Ramona, living and working in the Slocan Valley is a constant source of inspiration for their designs. When she needs a fresh perspective, she takes a walk in the woods and lets nature guide her creativity.
Learn more and purchase your very own murphy bed by visiting https://kootenaybeds.ca
Nomads Hempwear
Nomads Hempwear started 25 years ago in a VW van, with founders Anik and Louis selling handcrafted designs at festivals and markets. Now rooted in Winlaw, BC, they continue to lead the way in sustainable fashion, creating clothing that moves with you—without compromising the planet. 🌿✨
Nomads has grown from a passion for natural fibers into a thriving online store with a warehouse right on their property. While their fabrics come from a trusted factory overseas, every design is dreamed up and sampled in their home studio before making its way into the world. With a dedicated global customer base and wholesale partnerships, Nomads brings eco-fashion to conscious consumers everywhere.
“From day one, we've been committed to sustainable fibers like hemp, organic cotton and bamboo—and that hasn’t changed,” says Anik. “We create eco-friendly clothing for women and men who live, move and explore with purpose. Styles may evolve, but our love for sustainable threads is here to stay.”
Anik’s love for sewing sparked this journey, but what keeps her inspired is seeing people rock Nomads designs in everyday life.
“I just never really connected with mainstream clothing,” she says. “But when I discovered my love for sewing, it was an AHA moment. Suddenly, I could create beautiful clothes for myself using natural fibers—and that passion slowly evolved into what Nomads is today. Big thanks to Louis for pushing my craft to the next level with his business skills.”
What keeps Anik inspired now is the chance to educate people on the importance of wearing natural fibers. “It's all about making change, one pair of leggings at a time.”
Living and working in the Slocan Valley offers the ultimate creative fuel—surrounded by wild beauty, skipping the daily grind, and embracing a life that balances passion with play. Because at the end of the day, Anik says life is meant to be lived, not just worked.
Check them out today and shop online at https://nomadshempwear.com/
Mountain Seed Co.
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.”
“It brings me great joy to meet new people who say they have been growing the seeds for years and with excellent success.”
Learn more and get your own seeds at https://www.facebook.com/mountainseedco or at one of the many local stores who sell them throughout the Kootenay Boundary region.
Raven Roast
Raven Roast offers a unique coffee alternative meant to energize and replenish your body, and deliver the satisfaction of coffee—without the jitters or 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 https://ravenroast.com/
Soulumination Artworks
Soulumination Artworks 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 https://www.souluminationartworks.com/