Downtown Williams Lake BIA
327 Oliver Street V2G 1M4 Williams Lake, BC, Canada

RETAILERS: Ever wondered how to foster and grow customer relationships remotely? How to close retail sales more effectively over the phone? Need some merchandising strategies for maintaining margins in difficult market conditions? John Zubak will answer all these questions and more in this (FREE!) learning session. Please join us! **Be sure to click the link to register on Zoom.**

Incredibly, Jessie Lens bought her first salon at 20 years old. Needless to say, we’re delighted to welcome her to the Downtown Williams Lake board of directors. Here’s our Q&A with Jessie: What does a typical day look like for you? We’re usually at the shop by between 8:00 & 8:30. We get the salon all sparkly and clean, coffee ready for the doors open at 9:00. It’s different faces and conversations right till 5:00pm. We’re always excited to see our clients, and catching up... on what’s gone on with them since the last time we saw them. What has been the most important factor driving your success? 100% community! Would never have made it through the shut down without the support from the people of Williams Lake. We want to do everything in our abilities to make each and every client feel safe in a clean and welcoming environment. What advice would you give a new entrepreneur? Trust your instinct. Listening to your gut feeling goes a long way. Also don’t be afraid to go for it. I bought my first salon at 20 years old. It was terrifying, but I’ve never regretted it. What makes your business special? The relationships we develop with our clients along the way. I love hearing all about what’s going on in their lives, as they’re usually excited to tell me. Also the fact I know my client is leaving my salon feeling significantly better then when they walked in is an unbeatable feeling. What is your favourite Cariboo place or activity & why? Camping!!! I love love our summers and the abundance of beautiful lakes. How you can go camping at a different lake every weekend of the season is amazing!! There’s sooo many little hidden gems in the Cariboo. Oh and you can’t forget about all the waterfalls!! Lush Beauty Boutique -- If you are a Downtown Williams Lake member interested in joining our board, we'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

Stay local, support local... and check out this lovely Destination BC feature on Williams Lake!

Ten styles to choose from! BFF Fashions has buy one get one art coats. (Yes, you deserve it!) @BFFFashions.williamslake

Let’s start 2021 with optimism, health, and self-care! Downtown Williams Lake has some inspiring ideas to help you have a great new year. Delainey's Lock & Key Fullfill Williams Lake Paradise Cinemas Smashin' Smoothies... Soul Syrup See more

We’re hiring! If you're passionate about community, collaboration, and shopping local - what a coincidence - so are we! We love to work together with our downtown businesses and other community partners to create a unique and vibrant experience in our downtown. From providing supports for businesses, to working with our economic development partners, to planning dynamic community events, we are a cornerstone of Williams Lake. We are excited to be hiring a 20 hours/week Execut...ive Director! $28-$30/hour Who you are: You are a strong, experienced leader with a passion for collaboration, efficiency, and effectiveness You have creative ideas and love to be involved in the community You can thrive working independently or as part of a collective You are organized and are a strong communicator You might have a small business, part-time job, or a family, so half-time is PERFECT for you! And you love small businesses and shopping local Who we are: We are a small non-profit organization that values creative thinking We provide flexibility so that your job can fit into your life We believe in providing fair and flexible time-off and value the well-being of our staff members and their families For a full job description, please email [email protected] Or apply with your cover letter and resume today! Open until filled, only successful candidates will be contacted for interview.

Wow, 1985 sure looks a lot like 2020 on this section of Oliver Street. So the question is, what businesses operate on either side of Walk-Rite Shoes today? Stay tuned for more Throwback Thursday posts in 2021. Happy New Year, everyone!

Welcome La Health Boutique to Downtown Williams Lake! Dani offers holistic nutrition consulting, personal training, and other wellness services to get your 2021 on the right track. Follow La Health Boutique here on Facebook or on Instagram @lahealthboutique.

What would a Christmas Eve Throwback Thursday post be without a little old fashioned Christmas "cheer"? Does anyone remember when the Liquor Store was here? For added throwback flair, we have the Canon Photocopy Shop. And the House of Beauty rounds out the photo. So the question is, where is this, and what's here now? Happy holidays, everyone!

Helpful Webinar TODAY: The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries is hosting a webinar on How to apply for the Small Business Recovery Grant - TODAY, February 4, 2021, 1 pm 2 pm. Please register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/regist/2143326807059784208

Check your messages! Downtown December Bingo winners have all been contacted. Thanks to all who came out and supported local businesses this Christmas. It is appreciated more than you know. Let's keep the shop local movement going in 2021!

Cool new business alert! Dariene Andros will open Peace be the Journey Holistic Health & Well Being at #211 369 Oliver Street early in the New Year. In this Q&A, Dariene explains her services, and tells us a little more about herself. What does a typical day look like for you? My opening day is January 4!! I’m so excited to open my doors and meet, as well as build relationships with, my future clients! I am a BodyTalk Practitioner which is unique to the Williams Lake area. ...BodyTalk System, a holistic therapy grounded in the belief that living organisms have the capability to heal themselves more effectively than any technology used today, combines elements of both Eastern and Western medicine to facilitate personal healing and growth. I also offer Indian Head Massage, Foot and Leg Massage with a flair of Reflexology, as well as Relaxation massage. By the end of March I am hoping to have completed Level 3 Craniosacral Therapy. What has been the most important factor driving your success? The support of the friends I have made in the Williams Lake area!! Friends who are liking and sharing my posts on Instagram and Facebook! Friends who have booked appointments with me for January has been a HUGE confidence boost! A positive attitude and being passionate about the work you do as well as giving 100% to each person coming through my door is what I hope keeps me going. What advice would you give a new entrepreneur? Do it!! Make sure your circle is wanting you to succeed and if not find people who do! Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to try new things! What makes your business special? The broad spectrum of services that I offer is what will set me apart. I’m hoping that whoever comes through my door feels comfortable and cared. I feel that if you can do that people will keep coming back. What is your favourite Cariboo place or activity & why? Where I live across the Rudy Johnson Bridge. I love my home and I’m able to have my horses where I live which is a huge privilege! My other passion is barrel racing and the Cariboo has the most races in all of BC. I enjoy traveling around with my mare Darby and hitting all the races that we can.

Reminder to local businesses and not-for-profit organizations: the Government of Canada has a number of support measures in place to help you manage your business during Covid-19. Please visit their website to find out more: https://www.canada.ca//busi/maintaining-your-business.html

It’ll be a loooong week if the kids are bored, so check out these 5 fun, family-friendly ideas for the Christmas break in Downtown Williams Lake! The Realm of Toys Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex The Open Book