Black Woman Market exceeding expectations in Montreal retail
A small shop in Montreal that opened for Black History Month will be staying open longer after it exceeded expectations and is drawing customers interested in unique and locally owned businesses.
Amina Sall is the co-founder of the Black Woman Market, which gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to show their wares.
"It was a dream coming true and it was a little bit surprising for us," said Sall.
The idea for the story was to give Black-owned businesses more visibility for their products by opening in Place Versailles for February.
"Our products are amazing," said Sall. "These products cater primarily to black women, but they are suitable for any type of woman or man. We have spices that can be used by women or men. It's just that they remind us of where we come from. They're made out of ingredients that we know."
The concept gives business owners like Gagnissiry Mbow the opportunity to get personal with her clients without huge overhead costs like rent and utilities.
"It's amazing," said Mbow. "I heard I'm the number one seller of the store, so that's a beautiful thing, so I'm glad that people are loving my products."
Aisha Temfack said that despite the increase in online sales, customers enjoy coming in person to a brick-and-mortar store.
"I have a website, and I sell online, but people always ask me where can I see the bags, where can I feel the texture? Can I put my laptop inside? And now I have a place," she said.
In addition, the space creates a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
"We always say alone, you go fast, but together you go far," said Temfack.
The owners say opening hours may be extended further.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada suffering system-wide failure, flights operating at 'reduced rate'
Air Canada is experiencing a technical issue with its flight communications system, causing delays across the country for the second time in a week.
BREAKING
BREAKING | RBC facing technical issues with online, mobile banking
The Royal Bank of Canada is facing issues with online and mobile banking. According to a brief message posted on Twitter, there is an issue with the digital display of transactions.
Here's how an upcoming warming pattern will impact Canada's weather, storm track
Forecasters warn an upcoming weather pattern known for warm temperatures could bring droughts, floods and even tropical storms to Canada.
Air quality statements in place for Nova Scotia as wildfires burn
Air quality statements have been issued by Environment Canada for Nova Scotia as wildfires continue burning in the province.
Firefighters from U.S., South Africa to battle Canada's 'unprecedented' fires
More than 300 firefighters from the United States and South Africa are heading to Canada in the coming days as the country battles an unprecedented wildfire season that has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes so far this year.
Trudeau government proclaims annual day against gun violence
The federal government is proclaiming a National Day Against Gun Violence, to be held annually on the first Friday of June. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and representatives of the Toronto Raptors basketball team are set to discuss the plans today at an event in Toronto.
Dished up by 3D printers, a new kind of fish to fry
Forget your hook, line and sinker. An Israeli foodtech company says it has 3D printed the first ever ready-to-cook fish filet using animal cells cultivated and grown in a laboratory.
'I heard a cracking noise': 16 children, 1 adult injured in platform collapse at Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar
Seventeen people – most of whom are young students – were hospitalized after a falling from a height during a field trip at Winnipeg's Fort Gibraltar. However, many of the children are now being discharged and sent home, according to an update from the hospital.
Special rapporteur Johnston rejects call to 'step aside' after majority of MPs vote for him to resign
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's efforts to assure Canadians that his government is adequately addressing the threat of foreign interference took a hit on Wednesday, when the majority of MPs in the House of Commons voted for special rapporteur David Johnston to 'step aside,' a call Johnston quickly rejected.
Toronto
-
Penguins hire former Leafs GM Dubas as president of hockey operations
The Pittsburgh Penguins have named former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas its new president of hockey operations, the club announced Thursday.
-
Teenager critically injured after being hit by vehicle in Toronto
Toronto paramedics say a teenage girl has been rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries after she was reportedly struck by a vehicle.
-
Most of Ontario will see two straight days of extreme heat
Much of Ontario will be experiencing a multi-day heat event starting on Thursday.
Atlantic
-
Halifax-area wildfire 50 per cent contained as crews deal with record heat in forecast
A wildfire that began burning in the Upper Tantallon, N.S., area Sunday and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents is now 50 per cent contained.
-
Firefighters from U.S., South Africa to battle Canada's 'unprecedented' fires
More than 300 firefighters from the United States and South Africa are heading to Canada in the coming days as the country battles an unprecedented wildfire season that has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes so far this year.
-
New wildfire burns in Shelburne County as first remains out-of-control
Crews are battling a new wildfire in Shelburne County as another remains out of control several kilometres away.
London
-
Drugs, cell phones and crossbow seized in OPP drug bust
On May 26, OPP used a search warrant to enter a home on Huron Street west for an investigation where police seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, crack cocaine and Adderall.
-
One person transported to hospital after farm incident near Exeter, Ont.
One person was hurt following an incident on a farm north of Exeter on Wednesday afternoon.
-
Minivan careens through entrance of florist shop in west London, Ont.
No injuries were reported after a minivan careened through the front entrance of a florist shop in the west end of the city early Wednesday afternoon.
Northern Ontario
-
3 girls now charged in assault, kidnapping investigation in Huntsville
Huntsville OPP has charged a third girl in connection to an alleged assault captured on video at a local high school and shared on social media earlier this month.
-
Danny Masterson convicted of 2 counts of rape, 'That '70s Show' actor faces 30 years to life
'That '70s Show' star Danny Masterson was led out in handcuffs from a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday and could get 30 years to life in prison after a jury found him guilty on two of three counts of rape at his second trial, in which the Church of Scientology played a central role.
-
Firefighters from U.S., South Africa to battle Canada's 'unprecedented' fires
More than 300 firefighters from the United States and South Africa are heading to Canada in the coming days as the country battles an unprecedented wildfire season that has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes so far this year.
Calgary
-
Engine failure, fire force WestJet Encore flight back to Calgary
A WestJet Encore flight returned to Calgary on Wednesday after an engine failure and fire while heading north of the city.
-
Air Canada suffering system-wide failure, flights operating at 'reduced rate'
Air Canada is experiencing a technical issue with its flight communications system, causing delays across the country for the second time in a week.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING | RBC facing technical issues with online, mobile banking
The Royal Bank of Canada is facing issues with online and mobile banking. According to a brief message posted on Twitter, there is an issue with the digital display of transactions.
Kitchener
-
Four townhomes in Kitchener destroyed by fire, residents displaced
Four units in a townhouse complex are destroyed, displacing many residents, after a fire on Green Valley Drive in Kitchener on Wednesday afternoon.
-
'We had a bit of a baby boom': A dozen service dogs in training in need of temporary homes
An agency aimed at providing service dogs to those with disabilities and mental disorders is making a plea to the public to help foster 12 puppies for up to a year.
-
Local fairs and festivals struggling due to lack of volunteers
Several local fairs and festivals are calling off their upcoming events due to a lack of volunteers. Meanwhile one festival is thriving.
Vancouver
-
Emergency Operations Centre activated at Surrey Memorial Hospital
In response to a barrage of questions about Surrey’s beleaguered hospital, B.C.’s minister of health told reporters that an Emergency Operations Centre was activated at the site on Wednesday afternoon.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING | RBC facing technical issues with online, mobile banking
The Royal Bank of Canada is facing issues with online and mobile banking. According to a brief message posted on Twitter, there is an issue with the digital display of transactions.
-
Vancouver cupcake thief apologizes, offers to pay for damages from bizarre bakery break-in
The man who broke into a Dunbar bakery by kicking in a glass door Friday morning has apologized to the owner and offered to pay for damages.
Edmonton
-
Firefighters from U.S., South Africa to battle Canada's 'unprecedented' fires
More than 300 firefighters from the United States and South Africa are heading to Canada in the coming days as the country battles an unprecedented wildfire season that has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes so far this year.
-
Smith urged to work with elected Edmontonians after promising 'council' of defeated UCP candidates
Alberta's re-elected premier says she plans to form a "council" of UCP candidates who lost in Monday's election to advise her on Edmonton issues, something her opponent made fun of Wednesday.
-
Canadian researchers find brain inflammation in patients with long COVID
A team led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has found physiological evidence of brain inflammation in people with cognitive and depressive symptoms months after their COVID-19 infections.
Windsor
-
Stellantis 'does not confirm' new Windsor EV battery plant deal
Stellantis does not confirm that a deal has been reached to secure the $5-billion NextStar Energy EV battery plant in Windsor.
-
Ontario reveals details on Highway 3 widening and Highway 401 interchange projects
The Ontario government is announcing more details on the widening of Highway 3 and a new interchange connecting Highway 401 to Lauzon Parkway.
-
Man reported missing in Leamington
OPP in Leamington are hoping the public may have seen a man reported as missing. Guillermo, 42, was last seen around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the area of Talbot Street west and Fader Avenue.
Regina
-
As Sask.'s opioid crisis continues, some are calling for more education for overdose prevention
Saskatchewan’s opioid crisis is on the rise again this year after an expected plateau in 2022.
-
Firefighters from U.S., South Africa to battle Canada's 'unprecedented' fires
More than 300 firefighters from the United States and South Africa are heading to Canada in the coming days as the country battles an unprecedented wildfire season that has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes so far this year.
-
Canada falls to USA at Para Ice Hockey Championship
Team Canada lost 3-0 to Team USA in preliminary round action on Wednesday night in Moose Jaw at the Para Ice Hockey Championships.
Ottawa
-
Two city employees fired following tips to Ottawa's fraud and waste hotline in 2022
The city of Ottawa fired two employees with "medical related duties" for submitting falsified vaccination status documents last year following a tip to the city's fraud and waste hotline, according to a new report from the city's auditor general.
-
HEAT WARNING
HEAT WARNING | Hottest June 1 in Ottawa history
The temperature hit 29.8 C at 11 a.m. Thursday, setting a record for the warmest June 1 in Ottawa’s history. The old record was 29.6 C, set back in 2011, according to Environment Canada.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING | RBC facing technical issues with online, mobile banking
The Royal Bank of Canada is facing issues with online and mobile banking. According to a brief message posted on Twitter, there is an issue with the digital display of transactions.
Saskatoon
-
'It happened so rapidly' a victim of a daylight stabbing in Saskatoon speaks out
The victim of a random stabbing in downtown Saskatoon last Thursday is sharing her story about the horrifying attack in broad daylight.
-
As Sask.'s opioid crisis continues, some are calling for more education for overdose prevention
Saskatchewan’s opioid crisis is on the rise again this year after an expected plateau in 2022.
-
Firefighters from U.S., South Africa to battle Canada's 'unprecedented' fires
More than 300 firefighters from the United States and South Africa are heading to Canada in the coming days as the country battles an unprecedented wildfire season that has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes so far this year.