Simon and I met in 2006 while we were both studying in Australia. We hit it off instantly. One thing led to another; now we’re married, have a baby, and a business. As they say, “The rest is history!”

After graduating from teacher’s college and a short visit with Simon’s family in Germany, we moved back to Canada. I spent my downtime decorating our apartment while I looked for a job. I don’t know why it hadn’t dawned on me that this was what I wanted to do with my life. I always rearranged my bedroom as a child. I always needed something fresh. In fact when I finally got a room all to myself I spent an entire weekend with my friend peeling wallpaper, decorating, and shuffling around all my belongings. It was so obvious, but it was actually my sister who made the connection. On her suggestion I did some research on design school, and it hit me. “Yes!” I wanted to be an interior designer.

I earned my Diploma in Interior Design from the Academy of Design in Toronto, and Simon and I moved back to Owen Sound to open barebirch.

We are a family business in the truest sense of the word. While you might have seen all four of us (Simon, Joey, me, and the dog) in the store, my extended family has been a huge influence. At any given time you might find one or two of my uncles or my mom puttering around fixing displays or helping a customer. Even my sister and brother-in-law have been seen working hard behind the cash desk. The store wouldn’t be what it is today without their help and hard work.