Congratulations: Fat Sisters Vintage and Consignment from Victoria BC! In just 10 months, Fat Sisters has become a community hub - a place where people are seen and valued (and can find super fun fits!). As owner Brenna Strohschein says: “All bodies are welcome in our space, our name is about me and my sister - it’s not only for people who are fat and sisters!”

A spotlight on Fat Sisters Plus Size Vintage and Consignment

In early 2024, Brenna and Erika decided to test the market with a pop-up location after launching their online presence in the fall of 2023. Located in a charming brick building on Government Street in Victoria, Fat Sisters is hard to miss. Its bold name, chosen by sisters Brenna and Erika, reclaims a term that historically was tied to shame. Their goal is to provide access to clothing for people who have a hard time shopping in “regular” stores - offering sizes XL - 6X.

How it all began

Bodies change. “I wasn’t always fat” shared Brenna - and the change was a challenge for her. As many will experience, bodies will evolve over time and often in unanticipated ways. After having her two children, Brenna’s body changed, and she was not ready for the limited access to clothing that came with being plus size. Anxiety hit when she was invited to an in-person work event and quickly needed professional clothes that fit. She realized that if a body is bigger than a standard size 12, you would find yourself limited to mostly online shopping.

Recognizing she was now a part of an underserved market, she wondered what she could do to change it. At first, it felt impossible, and the reasons why were valid. “I’m too busy, too stressed, I have young kids, I can’t do it alone and I don’t have the money to start” said Brenna – a sentiment many can relate to. But after her business coach encouraged her to “just go for it” (and some stars aligned like her sister Erika moving to Victoria) she knew this was an idea she wouldn’t be able to forget.

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Congratulations, Gold Rush Bookstore on winning $5,000 to boost their small business! What makes Gold Rush Bookstore unique is that it is a wonderful place to stop if you're looking for a little local history or the latest best-seller. Gold Rush Bookstore provides the community with a much-needed cultural gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

We were overwhelmed with all the amazing BC-based businesses who entered the contest. Our province is such a small business powerhouse and we are proud to support BC’s amazing entrepreneurs and their communities!

Small Business Big Wins - Gold Rush Bookstore

When Michelle LD Fairbanks first opened Gold Rush Bookstore in downtown Rossland, BC, the city had been without a book vendor for over two years. A Rossland resident for 25 years, Michelle decided that the city needed a new spot for residents to relax, socialize and follow local authors. So, she turned to the community for an extra push to make her dream happen. What began with her putting out a call to locals for used books has since become a community hub in the eastern BC town.

Home to just over 4,000 people, Rossland was once a mining destination during the gold boom of the early 1900s, which is how it got the nickname "The Golden City". From those boisterous beginnings, the city has since settled into a quaint and peaceful atmosphere for its residents. Rossland still has plenty of visitors though and for anyone looking for a taste of local history, Gold Rush Bookstore is often a frequent stop.

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