The Crafted Hand in Kindersley is celebrating three years in business, and they’re celebrating by looking back on three years of growth, success, and changes.
A hairstylist from the start, owner Jen Ginther has been in the field for over 25 years, and wanted to start her own business for a long time. When the building at 100 Main Street in Kindersley went up for sale, she knew it would be the perfect fit.
“I didn’t know what the other side was going to be yet, until I started going to markets,” she shares. “And then I realized how much heart I had for markets. So I just started grabbing people’s business cards, and chatting with them, and that’s when it hit me!”
As for the name, she spent a lot of time contemplating ways of combining the hands-on style of both the services offered in-store like hairstyling and massage, as well as the hands-on energy that comes from handmade items.
Spaces in The Crafted Hand are rented out by hairstylists, nail techs, sugaring technicians, massage therapists, estheticians, and more.
“Fresh out of school, I chair rented- I loved the idea that you could make your own hours. I think that’s one of the reason we women get along so well.”
From beauty services to shopping, The Crafted Hand is covering all the bases. One look into her shop and it’s clear that supporting Canadian is nothing new for this business owner, who wouldn’t have it any other way.
“You can’t beat local makers. They make their stuff with so much love, and it’s just so cool to have interactions with actual makers, hear their stories, and discover why they do what they do.”
Locally made Canadian products in the store are many, including macrame, 3D printed items, plant pots, dishware, salt and pepper shakers, beauty and wellness products, candles, and even poker sticks and steak flippers. Brand names include Beauty From Bees, Rock It With Ann, The Fresh Wife Soap Company, Suntree Soaps, Mint, and Subzero freeze dried treats.
“Everybody that makes their items has so much pride in what they do,” she shares. “I just love to be able to see other people succeed and get their name out there, to help them in that way.”
Ginther has also added consignment to her business. She notes that her choice to offer consignment was a simple one, since she had plenty of space available, and understood that her demographic is often in the market for nontraditional items.
“Consignment is unique. I find that lots of people come in here because they’re looking for something different, unique.”
Art on the inside, and art on the outside. If ever you’re unsure where The Crafted Hand is located… just look for the art.
A Kindersley native, Ginther loves her shop’s central location on the Main Street corridor.
When purchasing the space, Ginther knew that she wanted to finish the wall with something beautiful, and chose to hire artist Jade Prior to make a mural.
“Jade Prior is an amazing artist. She hadn’t done much graffiti art before, but she nailed it.”
Shop, style, and support Canadian at The Crafted Hand! Stop by The Crafted Hand at 100 Main Street in Kindersley, or learn more on their website.