A lot has happened for Christy Atkins Jure since her return to Newfoundland four months ago.
Not only has she relocated with her family from Yellowknife to the Corner Brook area, she’s also opened a new business in the city.
Birch & Berries, a boutique specializing in items for moms, babies and children, opened in the Broadway Mini Mall on Monday.
Atkins Jure was born in Corner Brook and grew up in Port au Choix.
She moved to Yellowknife in her teens and lived there for over 23 years. Before returning home, she had been working in the corrections field.
“I loved the North, learned a lot in the North, but felt the ocean calling,” she said.
“I wanted to come home.”
Coming home came with the plan to open the business. She chose Corner Brook because of its closeness to her Northern Peninsula family and the accessibility of things she wanted for her own family — which includes husband, Wayne Jure, and four-year-old son, Dante Jure.
Her choice also had a hit of practicality to it.
“I thought if I was coming here with the economy not being as strong as we’d all like, if I had a chance of starting a business I’d have to be in a bigger metropolitan area.”
While she had a lot of planning done before she arrived, she’s been working tirelessly to get everything together for the opening.
“I put an incredible amount of thought into this business,” she said.
That included listening when she was told the city was missing something nice for babies and moms.
“Once Sears closed I saw an opportunity to bring something to Corner Brook that to my knowledge didn’t exist.”
She had worked in a small specialty shop before.
“And that made me realize how magical a new boutique like this could be.”
She’s already feeling at home at the mini mall and said with other specialty shops around her she believes the location was the perfect choice.
She’s hoping now that the area supports small businesses and appreciates what she’s trying to do.
“People should have access to great products and lines. I really wanted to source out the best of the best.”
The shop has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and is a bit of a family venture, with her cousin, Diana Reid, filling the role of shop manager, and her daughter, Dominique Jure, coming from Halifax to help with the opening.
Some of what you’ll find at Birch & Berries
Baby skin care
Baby gear — strollers, cribs, gliders, bassinets, bedding, room décor
Natural skin care products
Herbal remedies
Yoga gear
Essential oils
Swell water bottles
Tofino Towels
Nook — sleep systems, breastfeeding pillows, pebble mattresses and change pads
Purses
RMS makeup
Green Toys, made from 100 per cent recycled milk cartons
Sloan tea
Wooden Spoon Herbs
Hours of operation
Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
