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Highlighting small businesses in the YACC community

By Marley Cameron

The financial burden of being ill can have serious implications on the lives of young adults dealing with cancer. Many of my peers were unable to return to work for long periods of time, and while our lives seemingly take a pause when cancer is introduced, our bills and cost of living, unfortunately, do not.

Over the last several years in the Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) community, I have seen some extremely talented artists and creators hone their crafts and become small business owners. While starting a side hustle or small business may seem like a stepping stone to some, to a young cancer patient it can mean taking back control over their finances and finally being able to live the life they deserve.

With the holiday season right around the corner, many of us are starting to rack our minds in search of the perfect gift for their loved ones. If you are wanting to find the perfect handcrafted gift while supporting the dreams and family of a YACC community member, take a peek at the list below!

Bottom-of-the-Barrel Fishing Tackle (Janelle Lamontagne)

We specialize in custom, hand painted fishing lures in a large variety of colour patterns, designs and even logos to fit your style. Send us your ideas and we will make it a reality!

Average Price: $4-$10

botbfishingtackle.com

 

Charlene’s Resilient Craftiness (Charlene Charles)

I sell acrylic pour paintings, one of a kind acrylic pour earrings and necklaces as well as handmade greeting cards!

Average Price: $30

facebook.com/crcraftiness/?ti=as

 

cRY me not Boutique (Rylie Mullen)

It has been proven that loneliness in cancer patients can lead to a worse outcome with their diagnosis. So at cRY me not Boutique we are looking to get people more comfortable with the topic by releasing extremely relatable cancer clothing that is aimed to spark a conversation about the subject.

Average Price: $25           (YACCers save 10% on their first purchase using the code YACC10!)

https://crymenotboutique.com

 

 Entwined Organics (Jacey Dawn)

Wire wrapped jewellery, lovingly created one of a kind pieces showcasing natural beauty!

Average Price: $75

https://www.instagram.com/entwined.organics/

 

H&H Natural Products (Lindsay Percy)

H&H Natural Products was created on the basis of creating natural, toxin free products and eliminating carcinogens. We specialize in luxurious, natural bath, shower and home products.

Average Price: $3-$35

www.etsy.com/shop/hhnaturalproducts

 

Hand.made.jems (Logan Lay)

Our goal is to spread kindness through our unique handmade bracelets. A portion of our profits are donated to @westcoastkidsfd to help other families and children going through cancer treatment.

Average Price: $10 per bracelet + shipping

https://instagram.com/hand.made.jems

 

Kathy  Stock, Musician  

Overcome is Kathy Stock’s debut album. Ten years in the making, this album is an uplifting collection of memorable melodies and inspiring lyrics. Available in digital, CD and vinyl.

Average Price: $12.99 (Price varies on format)

www.kathystock.com

 

Masks by Jayda (Jayda Kelsall)

Fashionable face masks to keep your whole family safe! A mask is donated for every three sold! Send Jayda a message to see the available fabric patterns.

Average Price: $10 or 3 for $25 (also available on “pay what you can” offer)

Email [email protected] to order or find Jayda on Facebook!

 

Mystic Crafts by Gitxsanmysticcrafts (Tamara Stoney)

I am a Cree and Gitxsan thyroid cancer survivor. I’ve always liked making things for people to enjoy. I started my Etsy business two years ago after I brought beaded lanyards to YACC’s Survivor Conference. The love and positive feedback I received from my fellow YACCers inspired me to put more time into my craft and grow my Etsy shop!

Average Price: $22-$45 (watch for a %15 off sale!)

https://etsy.com/ca/shop/Gitxsanmysticcrafts?coupon=YACC2020

 

Newfoundland Sea Glass Jewellery and Designs (Kelly Knee)

Sea glass, handpicked by Kelly along the shores of Newfoundland. Uniquely one of a kind pieces transformed into jewellery and artwork.

Average Price: $25-$35

www.newfoundlandseaglassjewelleryanddesigns.com

 

Rey Emporium (Elise Bonder)

Turn your favourite dog picture into a 6” vinyl sticker that can be applied to your car, water bottle or book!

Average Price: $25

www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ReyEmporium

 

Sammi Martin, Author

Diagnosed with cancer in 2012, Sammi Martin began to write her first novel. Writing became an outlet for Sammi and through the tumultuous first years of her illness came Dream Catcher. A fantastical and sometimes twisted tale, Dream Catcher delves in to the mind of Cleo Leonard and the nightmares she cannot escape. As Cleo’s visions deepen, she finds an alternate world and a creature unknown to humankind.

Average Price: $25

To order, email [email protected]

 

Simple Ritual (Kayla Tremblett)

Candles repurposed from forgotten vintage glass found locally in Toronto, ON. Handmade with sustainably-grown soy wax and toxin free fragrance oils, our clean burning candles are a purchase you can brag to your vegan friends about!

Average Price: $20-$45

www.simpleritualcandles.ca

 

TarinCreates (Tarin Arndt)

Tarin is a young illustrator from Calgary, AB who creates custom portraits and fun illustrations available for download. A custom portrait is a unique one-of-a-kind gift made for you or your loved one. Tarin also has a selection of illustrations for your home, classroom or office.

Average Price: $40

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TarinCreates?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

 

Van Island Ventura (Shawnna Matsen)

Hand stamped and cut recycled leather and copper “F*** Cancer” bracelets. $5 from every bracelet purchased is donated to Young Adult Cancer Canada. We also use a variety of media to make beautifully designed sea glass jewellery!

Average Price: $40

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/VanIslandVenturaBC

 

Did we miss you? If you are a young adult dealing with cancer who owns a small business focused on handcrafted work and/or art you would like added to this list, please email [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

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