Women-led businesses are making their mark at the incubator mall in Winkler, a hub that provides affordable space and valuable opportunities for entrepreneurs. The mall has become a launchpad for local ventures, especially for women business owners who are finding success in fields ranging from fitness to yarn. The stories of Raelyn Suderman and Kailey Thiessen show how the incubator mall empowers women to grow their businesses and reshape the local economy.
Raelyn Suderman's yarn venture: Building a creative hub
A new business is stitching it's way into the fabric of Winkler's small business community. The Little Yarn Barn, a new yarn shop owned by Raelyn Suderman, opened its doors in September at the incubator mall in Winkler. While yarn is the primary focus, the store also showcases a range of products from local vendors, including greeting cards, woodworking, crochet items, and handmade crafts. Suderman’s dream of opening a yarn store finally became a reality, motivated by a lifelong passion for crochet and a desire to fill a gap in the community.
"I’ve always wanted to run a yarn store," Suderman said. "When we moved to Winkler last year, I was surprised to find there wasn’t one already. I love yarn, and this felt like the perfect opportunity."
The Little Yarn Barn's new location within Winkler's incubator mall has provided an ideal space for the shop to grow. The incubator mall, known for supporting startups, offers lower rental rates that gradually increase over five years, giving new businesses the chance to establish themselves and prepare for long-term sustainability.
"The incubator mall makes it much easier for a startup because you don’t know what your expenses are going to be," Suderman explained. "It really lowers the risk and lets you focus on starting your business instead of worrying about finances."
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Four of five businesses in the incubator mall are owned by women
With four of the five businesses in the incubator mall owned by women, Suderman believes the space also fosters opportunities for female entrepreneurs. "I’m a mom first and foremost, and I wouldn’t have been able to start the Little Yarn Barn without the incubator mall. It made my dreams achievable," she said.
Inspired by entrepreneurial women in Winkler
Suderman is inspired by the number of women and family-owned businesses she sees around Winkler, which gave her confidence that her business could succeed. For others looking to start their own ventures, she advises conducting thorough research, having a solid business plan, and reaching out for local support. "My advice is to go for it—reach out to Community Futures for feedback and don't let fear hold you back," she encouraged.
As the Little Yarn Barn continues to settle into its new home, Suderman looks forward to serving the community with a unique blend of yarn and handmade goods, all while supporting local artisans. The shop is more than just a store; it's a place where dreams, creativity, and community come together, one stitch at a time.
Aura Studio: Kailey Thiessen's fitness venture finds room to grow
Another success story is Aura Studio, owned by Kailey Thiessen, who has utilized the unique advantages of the incubator mall to grow her business.
"If it wasn’t for having the space in the incubator mall, I wouldn’t be able to take my business to where it is today," Thiessen shared. The subsidized rent has been a significant factor in the studio's ability to flourish, making it possible for businesses to "be more successful" without the high cost of traditional commercial rent.
Thiessen's journey with Aura Studio began just before the onset of COVID-19, which brought unexpected challenges. “There’s a lot of glamour with the idea of running a business, but once you start diving into it, there’s a lot of work that goes into it,” she said. Learning to balance various roles, from accountant to manager, and handling unforeseen issues has been part of the experience, but she describes the work as rewarding.
Thiessen also showed pride that four out of the five businesses at the mall are female-owned or led, highlighting the diversity and growing presence of women entrepreneurs in Winkler. Among the other businesses are a CrossFit gym and a recently opened pottery studio.
The incubator mall has also been a launching pad for other local businesses. Thiessen’s husband, who previously ran a business called Auto Works there, was able to grow and eventually move to a larger location. "It’s the success story that you kind of want to hear," she said. "You need to move out because you just don’t have the capacity to keep us in here anymore."
Winkler: A place that supports local businesses
Beyond personal business success, Thiessen believes local entrepreneurs are essential to the community, noting their role in supporting local charities and events. “Winkler just is a place that accepts local businesses and tries their best to support them,” she added.
For those considering starting a business, Thiessen recommends having a solid plan and a strong support system. "Make sure that you’ve got that initial support system to help you through the challenges," she advised. For entrepreneurs testing the waters, she praised the incubator mall as “a great place to get started.”
Fostering a new wave of female entrepreneurs
The incubator mall in Winkler is doing more than just providing affordable commercial spaces—it’s fostering a new wave of female entrepreneurship. The success stories of Suderman and Thiessen highlight a shift in the local business landscape, where more women are stepping up as business leaders and transforming their passions into thriving companies.
“Having a place like this where you can start small and grow is incredibly empowering,” Thiessen said. The camaraderie among the women business owners further enhances the experience, with many sharing knowledge, resources, and even customers.
Community support is another critical factor that enables these businesses to succeed. As Thiessen aptly put it, “Whether you’re a man or a woman, what matters is supporting local businesses. But it’s amazing to see more women taking the lead.”
