July 4th, 2024, will forever hold a special place in my heart. It was the day we opened the doors to my new business at 665 Columbia Street, New Westminster, and what a day it was! The excitement was electric, and everything fell into place so perfectly, it felt like a dream.
The day kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and I was honored to have Mr. Peter Julian, the Member of Parliament, by my side. As we cut that ribbon together, I could feel the energy and support of everyone around us. Friends from the city, members of the Chamber of Commerce, and so many familiar faces came out to celebrate. It was overwhelming in the best way possible.
We had a big snack table set up, filled with all sorts of delicious finger foods, fresh fruit, and plenty of juices and beverages to keep everyone refreshed. People mingled, helped themselves, and just enjoyed the moment. It was wonderful to see everyone so relaxed and having a good time.
Then, the mayor of New Westminster arrived, and that was a moment I’ll never forget. We had a great chat about my business and the art activities we’re offering here. It felt incredible to share my vision with him, especially knowing how much he appreciated having this creative space in downtown New Westminster. We even cut the cake together, which felt like such a shared celebration of everything this business stands for.
One of the most exciting parts of the day was the pottery wheel activity. We set it up as a bit of a fun competition, drawing names to see who would get a chance to try their hand at wheel throwing. When the five winners were chosen, the energy was through the roof! They got their hands dirty with clay, and with a bit of help from our teacher, they actually managed to create some lovely pieces in just 20 minutes. Seeing their faces light up with pride was one of the highlights of the day.
We also had face painting for the kids, which turned out to be a huge hit. Watching them run around with their faces painted as butterflies, superheroes, and all sorts of colorful characters was pure joy. It added such a lively, playful vibe to the whole event.
As the day wound down, I took a moment to just soak it all in. The support, the smiles, the laughter—it was everything I’d hoped for and more. The grand opening wasn’t just about launching a business; it was about bringing people together, creating a community, and sharing in the excitement of what’s to come. It truly was an unforgettable day, and I’m so grateful to have shared it with everyone who came out to celebrate.
