Who would have thought we would be here 5 years later?

This year marks 5 years of Shop moi ça. Who would have thought we'd be here, 5 years later!?

When we launched the company, we had a vision of a small basement business that would occupy our free time and allow us to spend quality sister time doing what we love most: Shopping and discovering local products!

We remind ourselves, in Roxanne's house, in December, at the height of the pandemic, with boxes in every corner of every room, exhausted from wearing all the hats... but so proud of the growth Shop moi ça was experiencing. Roxanne was still at her full-time job, and Lissa was on maternity leave, with 3 children under 4 at home.

We think back to our many entrepreneurial dilemmas:

• Job security or making a living from our passion?
• Grow the team or keep our project “small and family-oriented”?
• Move to a larger, better-suited business premises?
• Welcome a new shareholder to our little family?

The smiles, the tears, the joys, the pride and finally, our new big Shop family!

Here we are 5 years later...

• With 9 to 15 employees depending on the season: pearls in the workshop, always faithful to the position
• With a commercial workshop that has doubled in size in less than 2 years
• With an adopted sister (3rd shareholder) who pushes us to go further (hello Fred)
• With service to small and large scale businesses

But above all, we're proud to make a difference in the lives of the people who receive our boxes, and to help support local businesses!

It's also 5 years of great achievements...

• Several appearances in Magazine Véro, Elle Québec, Coup de pouce, Salut Bonjour, ProtégezVous, TVA Nouvelles, etc.
• Start growing slowly, at our own pace, and adjust with COVID
• Surround ourselves with inspiring and motivated people - our employees, our tamalous who are mostly aunts, uncles and family friends.
• Surround ourselves with the entrepreneurial ecosystem - mentoring, coaching, key players in the business world like the Chamber of Commerce, businesswomen's groups, ID Gatineau, CQCD, etc.
• Give to the next generation by being present in universities and CEGEPs to inspire the youngest, as spokespersons for entrepreneurial competitions, etc.
• Focus on quality and customer service - this is what has led to our major collaborations (Loto Québec, Just for Laughs).

What we've learned in the last 5 years

• The importance of focusing on our values - buying local, family, work-life balance, health and social responsibility and community impact. To emanate these values as much in the management of our lives as in the management of the business.
• Surrounding yourself with pros and mentors pays off - trying to do everything yourself ends up costing you more.
  
• The importance of being cautious in your ambition and listening to your instincts. And not to be afraid to dare a little crazy.
  
• That there's nothing more precious than the loyalty of our customers, suppliers, collaborators and employees.
  
• The heart fills when we are told that 2023 is a little less difficult for certain Quebec suppliers because we continue to make them live from their passion.

So much memories

• Thinking back to our first orders: ultra mega giga personalized - gift for the uncle who loves fishing, so digging for products for 3-4 hours with each order.
• Our early days in Roxanne's basement: crinkle all over the house (she can still find it), when EVERY room in her house was full of boxes for our first big corporate mandate. When Roxanne's car was blocked for two days by multiple pallets of boxes in front of the driveway.
• It was common to have 2-3 children in the picture during the pandemic because the daycare center was closed. One in a baby carrier, another in a drawing box, another playing in the crinkle.
• Thinking that our first commercial space would be too big for the next 3-5 years... only to have to temporarily rent two spaces in the basement of the building to allow us to carry out our corporate mandates... and double our surface area 6 months later.
• For thinking of the active retirees around us to give us a hand. Our tamalous, a nickname that comes from “where does it hurt today”. Which means being surrounded by family friends... and our friends' parents!

Our wish for the next 5 years?

Always and even more actively participate in the local economy to allow local entrepreneurs to make a living from their passion. And continue to put magic in our boxes, by introducing you to the most fabulous creations of local artisans and simplifying your shopping.

What does the future hold for us?

Our growth potential comes from extending what we do best: adding magic to the lives of our corporate clients, according to their own colors, for a sensational employer brand and business development!

5 years is a big milestone! It’s mainly thanks to your trust!

Photo memories