ARE YOU A MAKER? Do you make quality, unique, handcrafted products here in the Kootenay's?
If you are interested in submitting your product to sell in the store, please fill out our vendor application form.
Well, Hello there!
We are Kootenay Made
Leanne Ellis
Store Owner/Manager
Firstly, I am a Kootenay woman! I have been living in Trail since 2008, but I was born and raised in Fruitvale. I have lived all my life right here in the Kootenay's except for one year I lived in Guatemala back in 2004. Now, I am proudly raising my two daughters in the paradise that is the Kootenay's with zero plans of going anywhere!
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I had always dreamed of owning my own store. Initially, I envisioned a coffee shop or a bookstore (two of my passions), and then one day it came to me - what if I open a store that sells local products from only in the Kootenay's? What if I can help support and connect these amazing artisans with the consumers who are passionate about buying local?
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So, after years of owning my own online marketing business, I decided to jump all in and open my own brick & mortar store. And, Kootenay Made Co. was born.
Athena Hawkins
Sales Associate
Born in Vancouver, my parents, thankfully, moved to the Kootenay's in 2008. Trail became home and here I met my husband and we are raising our daughter to be a Kootenay girl!
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Leanne is my sister-in-law, as I married her brother, so we are family, best friends, and now, co-workers!
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My family loves this community, the Kootenay's, and we plan to stay in the wonderful place to raise our family.
Avery Rieberger
Sales Associate
I have lived in the Kootenay area my whole life. I enjoy the outdoors, for example archery, snowmobiling, and even quadding.
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I'm currently in grade 12, and looking forward to pursuing a career in nursing when I graduate.
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I love working at Kootenay Made Co. because I like meeting all the local vendors and community members and also knowing that it's a business that supports Kootenay businesses.
Gwen MacDonald
Summer Student
I was born in Edmonton, Alberta, but I grew up visiting the Kootenays every summer. In 2016, my family moved to Trail, and it's safe to say I prefer the Kootenay's over the city. I plan to move back to the Kootenay's permanently after I finish my schooling!
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I reached out to Leanne before Kootenay Made opened, and I began working here in October 2021. I was at Kootenay Made until July 2022, then I moved back to Edmonton for university. In May 2023 I came back as a summer student, and I plan to keep coming back until I finish my post-secondary education!
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I do the sidewalk chalkboard when I am here, and in May 2023, I began doing the social media for the store. Working at Kootenay Made Co. is an amazing way for me stay connecting to my Kootenay community, and I am forever grateful for my Kootenay Made family!