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Girls’ Night Out at the Holiday Wreath Workshop: Laughter, Creativity, and Local Treasures

December 4, 2024

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Written by Christina Pilarski

Last night, I did something I haven’t done in ages—I hit pause on work, gathered a few girlfriend...

Why's it Gotta Be So Cold?

October 29, 2024

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Written by Shawn Kearns

My eyes watered as we walked to our new favourite cocktail bar, Magpie, in the East Village to me...

The Stories Behind Our Products: A Holiday Edition

September 1, 2024

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Written by Shawn Kearns

Surprising someone has always been difficult for me.As a kid (and even now as an adult), I strugg...

Balancing Social Energy: A Tale of an Introverted Extrovert

August 21, 2024

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Written by Shawn Kearns

As someone who leans more toward being an introverted homebody, I often find myself at a crossroa...

Greenbriar Chronicles: A Refillery Adventure Awaits

August 20, 2024

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Written by Shawn Kearns

Hey there, Calgary! Step into the world of Greenbriar Market + Refillery, where each visit is lik...

Test Kitchen with Magic Pantry

September 25, 2023

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Written by Shawn Kearns

Every time I go into the kitchen to invent something new, or to tweak an already favourite recipe, I wonder, “will people like this?” This is an important question considering that I run a retail food and catering business.To get the answer to this question is very simple…TEST KITCHEN!

Small Business Pivot

September 25, 2023

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Written by Shawn Kearns

This week has been about the Small Business Pivot. It’s a thing. Trrrrrust me.

We are constantly looking at how we do things and evaluating what is and isn’t working. This week alone we’ve:

Razor Blade Realizations

September 25, 2023

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Written by Shawn Kearns

As I stopped to think about it, I realized my morning routine had almost been completely replaced with products we carry at Greenbriar Market 💚!

A New Chapter

September 25, 2023

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Written by Shawn Kearns

Today’s email starts with a bit more of a somber tone, but I think it’s important to share the struggles as you get to know the person behind the shop.

Building Community

September 25, 2023

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Written by Shawn Kearns

Last Saturday, Mat and I took the time to go and check out some local shops and were excited to be welcomed by Vic at the Hidden Gem in Kensington! Like us, Vic believes in supporting local and showcases 60 different local vendors and artisans in his shop.

She ain't the girl for you 🎶

September 25, 2023

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Written by Shawn Kearns

My struggle staying with a fitness plan got me thinking about the difficulty of committing to shopping local. Who wants to go to the store when you can tell Alexa to have it at your door by noon? Especially in this cold!

The notification I never want to see

September 25, 2023

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Written by Shawn Kearns

My head started to spin, trying to figure out what we possibly could have done to one of our valued customers to rank a 1 star rating.

Not-so-disposable chopsticks 🥢

September 25, 2023

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Written by Shawn Kearns

Staring up at piles of bagged chopsticks I could’t help but be in awe and terrified all at the same time.

Why do people do this?

September 14, 2023

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Written by Shawn Kearns

My body was fighting against me but my mind was determined to find some kind of peace in this position. “All is well,” I tell myself. “ALL. IS. WELL.” Nicole, if you’re reading this, thank you! This is my new mantra.
Back to the garage floor….

Why I Hate Marketing Emails

September 14, 2023

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Written by Shawn Kearns

I hate sending marketing emails almost as much as you hate receiving them! Probably more, in fact. At least you can just delete them and move on to your regularly scheduled Netflix and Chill.