A surprising diagnosis inspires a successful business in downtown Inverness.

10 years dedicated to working at a long-term care facility.

One unexpected cancer diagnosis.

One trip to a consignment shop that breathed new life into an old idea.

These are the moments that forever change a person’s path – at least, that’s the case for small business owner Rachel Beaton. A career in long-term care was rewarding, but there was always a little voice in the back of her head, telling her to run her own business that involved sewing.

“That didn’t feel like a realistic leave-your-full-time-job dream!” Rachel remembers.

Suddenly, in 2020, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. It came as a shock. Rachel had to take a leave of absence from work.

“During that time, I thought “Life is too short to not do something that makes you really happy.”

I need to chase my dream, just go for it,” she says.

While recovering from her treatments, Rachel went to Ottawa to visit her sister-in-law, who runs a small, successful consignment shop called Recollective. She describes walking through the doors as “an out-of-body experience” and knew right then and there that this was what she needed to build back in her hometown of Inverness, NS. The idea for Sew Thrifty was born.

Rachel’s shop opened on Main Street in Inverness on June 21, 2022. She has connected with more than 100 consigners from across Canada and had in-person and online customers from all over. She is constantly sorting and tagging clothing to adorn the shelves of her curated collection, and anything that isn’t a fit for Sew Thrifty is dropped off in a donation bin. Rachel also offers alteration services.

“I’m really proud of myself, my shop, my following,” Rachel beams. “I grew up in Inverness, so it feels great to be close to family, friends, the beach. I’m grateful to own a shop in my hometown.”

Rachel didn’t do it alone. As a first-time small business owner, she reached out to Moira MacDougall at InRich CBDC for support. After taking part in the Self Employment Program, she says she would recommend the courses – a mandatory part of the program – to anyone.

“CBDC was amazing,” Rachel explains. “I had a million questions all the time and there was always an open door. I still reach out to Moira sometimes. I thought to myself “I can do this” with their help.”

“When Rachel decided turning her hobby into a business was the best fit for her, we were happy to help her succeed,” says Moira MacDougall, a business advisor at InRich CBDC. “With a clear vision, a mentor, and a business model, she had the tools and motivation to turn her

passion for thrifting and sustainable fashion into her own business. She reached out to InRich CBDC for guidance and support to ensure she set herself up for success.” Moira adds “Rachel is a true asset to her community not only with the addition of her own business, but willingness to promote other local businesses. It’s clear Rachel has found her passion and it has been a pleasure to work with her and see her succeed in doing what she loves.”

While the original Sew Thrifty shop was cozy, the small size made it difficult for more than a couple of customers to shop at once and Rachel didn’t have adequate space to manage new arrivals or use her sewing machine. In early June 2024 Sew Thrifty open in a bigger location just down the street. In Rachel’s words it is a “big, beautiful, bright space”. Care was taken to carry the “Sew Thrifty aesthetic” to the new location. Shoppers will find the familiar full-length mirror, and store layout, but with much more room to shop, more room to display clothing and accessories, and a fun pink sofa. Most importantly, Rachel has the room she needs to continue to grow her business. And there’s still a window with great light where Rachel can continue to post to her popular Instagram account where she shares select items and conducts stories sales.

Rachel isn’t stopping there. She is looking to the future and has exciting plans for Sew Thrifty that include putting her own creations on her racks, carrying menswear, hiring staff, and continuing to participate in pop-up shops on the road.

Connect with Rachel on Instagram @sew.thrifty.inv.

Thank you to our Government of Canada partners at the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency(ACOA), who collaborate with us to support small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Together, we will continue to build a stronger Atlantic Canadian economy, fostering job growth and strengthening our rural communities.