Orillia Owned Businesses
Many wonderful small businesses run out of Orillia and the surrounding area. We have restaurants, jewellery stores, a chocolate shop, a dance-wear store, and many more unique and interesting businesses flourishing across the city, with many of them being woman-owned and/or woman-run.
These businesses contribute to the town’s economy, allow for jobs and overall make it easier for women to find work and support local artists.
Sarahannedipity
Sarahannedipity is a jewellery shop run by Sarah (Anne) Moleme, who started making jewellery as a hobby, then moved on to selling it at church, before finally moving to a storefront- first on Peter street before moving to her current location at 161 Mississaga St E near the waterfront. Her jewelry is truly breathtaking, with beautiful designs using silver, crystals, and pearls. Sarah and her team not only operate a jewelry store with handmade pieces that you can buy right away, but offer custom services for yourself, bridal parties, engagement and wedding rings, as well as workshops so you can learn how to make some of your own pieces. During the pandemic, they are pre-screening clients before allowing them entrance to the store, and can assist in people trying on the pieces and sanitizing them afterwards to create and keep a safe environment during this time.
Georgian Chocolate Co.
Jenna Green is the proud owner of the Georgian Chocolate Co.- which is a locally owned and operated chocolate company that partners with many local artists to create beautiful and unique packaging. The local artist scene in Orillia is vast, so choosing the artist to be featured is no small task! Each bar is sustainably made, allowing for minimal environmental impact for a treat you can feel good about. The chocolate bars are sold in a few places around town (including local shops like Sarahannedipity) and at the Georgian Chocolate Co. store at 3835 Campbell Rd. The Georgian Chocolate Co. can even make custom-made chocolates and packaging for parties, weddings or whatever type of event you have! Jenna Green sells her chocolate at wholesale prices to other local businesses.
Rustica
Rustica is a crowd favourite in Orillia, with owner Jenna Clarke leading the charge. She opened Rustica, located on 132 Mississaga St East, in 2016 and since then the restaurant has been incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike. The Italian restaurant sells pizza in a variety of flavours and includes vegan and gluten-free options on the menu. Rustica even holds an award for favourite pizza. In the summer the team created a beautiful patio to sit and enjoy their wonderful meals, although the grand opening was delayed when the stay-at-home order was introduced. During the pandemic, Jenna and her team are able to provide excellent takeout and keep the business running smoothly. They offer take-out from 4 pm-8 pm on Tuesday through Saturday. They are an Orillia staple and many students at the Lakehead Orillia campus already love to eat there!
Tans By Tash
Tans By Tash, located in Barrie, is a spray tan business by Natasha Swisher, who was nominated for Barrie's Best Tan in 2020. She uses products by NUDA, all of which are vegan and cruelty-free. Her tans are fantastic, ranging from very natural to a dark cocoa colour for the girls who want a little something extra for summer. Spray tans are a great alternative for sunbathing or tanning beds for those concerned about harmful radiation and skin cancer. She can be found on Instagram @_tansbytash.
Together, these women have kept their businesses thriving and operating during a pandemic and beyond through good business planning and good craftsmanship.