More Than a Shop: Building a Creative Community in Kitchener

For Bernice Ma, the dream of opening a shop in Kitchener didn't begin with a lease or a business plan. It started with wax. Her online business, Made of Honour Co., had found its audience, but Bernice felt a pull to create something more tangible, a place where the magic of handmade goods could be experienced, not just viewed on a screen. "I wanted to create a more immersive, in-person experience for customers, somewhere they could see the products up close and learn the craft through workshops," she explains. This vision expanded into a mission: to build a platform that actively supports other small businesses. The result is Paper Marché, an artisan shop at 132 Ahrens St. W. Kitchener that champions local and Canadian makers with a unique, zero-commission promise. When she discovered the space, she knew instantly it was the perfect place to begin this new chapter.

Building a business is rarely a straight line, and for Bernice and her husband Ryan, it's been a path paved with late nights and big dreams. Balancing the launch of a physical storefront with full-time jobs, two kids, and two dogs has been their biggest challenge. "The early weeks were spent building Ikea furniture, figuring out the shop layout, and reaching out to vendors, all after the kids were in bed," she shares. Beyond the logistical puzzle, there’s the financial reality. "Opening a storefront requires a significant investment, and success is never guaranteed. It’s a little nerve-wracking, but we truly believe in what we’re building." That belief will be celebrated at their Grand Opening + Meet the Vendors event on Saturday, March 28, where they'll officially welcome the neighborhood.

Step inside Paper Marché, and you're immediately greeted not just by beautiful products, but

by Ryan and Bernice. "Since we’re new, we make a point of greeting everyone and sharing what makes our shop unique," she says. This personal connection extends online, where she uses social media to spotlight the vendors, sharing their stories and building a community that extends far beyond the shop's walls. She believes customers are increasingly drawn to this transparency. "I think what customers appreciate most is our focus on supporting local. People enjoy discovering products that have a story and knowing their purchase is helping a small business grow." It’s about transforming a simple transaction into a meaningful connection.

Bernice's creative energy is the engine of Paper Marché, and she's most excited about expanding the workshop offerings. "Wax seals are my specialty, but I also love ceramics, painting, embroidery…pretty much anything crafty!" In addition to hosting her own sessions, she’ll be inviting vendors and other local artists to teach, creating a hub for creative experiences. She’s also eager to collaborate with other local businesses and creatives on pop-ups and special events. "We’re always open to new ideas, so if someone has something they’d like to collaborate on, we’d love to hear from them."

Running an artisan shop is a labor of love, something Bernice knows intimately. "When you turn a hobby into a business, it often starts out feeling fun and exciting, but it also requires an incredible amount of hard work and perseverance," she shares. "There have definitely been moments where I wondered if everything would work out." She still thinks about whether her businesses will one day fully support her family, but building something of her own has always been a lifelong goal. "It’s not always easy, but the chance to create something meaningful makes the journey worth it." For anyone dreaming of starting their own venture, her advice is simple and powerful: "Just start. You’ll never know what’s possible if you don’t try. Even if things don’t go exactly as planned, you can always pivot. I knew that if I didn’t go for it, I would always be left wondering 'what if?'"

You can visit Paper Marché at 132 Ahrens St. W. in Kitchener from Tuesday to Saturday, 11 AM to 7 PM. Follow their journey on Instagram @papermarcheca and be sure to mark your calendar for their Grand Opening event on Saturday, March 28th, it’s the perfect opportunity to meet the talented makers behind the products and celebrate a beautiful new addition to the community.