From charming small towns to burgeoning neighbourhoods and vibrant urban centres, young entrepreneurs play a vital role in creating a thriving retail and service sector.
Trailblazing independent retailers inject innovation and take risks, often sparking trends and movements that ripple and create change at higher levels. 
As a retail enthusiast, I love to see young people jumping in; taking their passion and creating purpose with business ideas that add interest and shape our streetscapes, while contributing to communities and the health of the economy.
Every now and then I like to spotlight innovators and here’s one very close to my heart. Founded by Casey Flanz and Gracie Oliver, two skincare enthusiasts who bonded over a shared passion for clean beauty, in 2019, Elle & Jane opened its doors, focusing on all things beauty and skincare, from facials and lash lifts to the sale of an array of carefully curated high-quality and sustainability-sourced skincare, body and wellness products.
This Montreal treasure is located at 642 Rue du Courcelle in the vibrant St. Henri neighbourhood.
Their studio reflects Gracie and Casey’s vision and ethos—a beautifully designed warm and welcoming space where innovation in skincare meets the meticulous use of organic ingredients for a modern transformative experience. 
The duo pride themselves in using cutting-edge tools and techniques to enhance the customer experience and results, helping people feel good about themselves and their choices. 
Gracie and Casey know that they are selling not just skincare, but an experience and their efforts consistently generate five-star reviews and amazing feedback on social media. 
Like the best entrepreneurs, they have worked hard to get to know their target market, their values and their desires. 
Case in point, they recently launched in an inspired feel-good video that focuses on our most precious resource—time—and encourages people to “take time for ourselves.” It’s not an overt brand-centric campaign, but rather it taps into a mood and reminds their followers what’s important. The Elle & Jane offering is further enhanced with fun pop-up events, as well as opportunities for clients to use the space after-hours for collaborations that span everything from group spa experiences to cocktails and dining. 
This season, and always, I encourage you to support all retailers, particularly small independent businesses like Elle & Jane that not only play an key role in the economy, but also add to the flavour and personality of the areas where they operate, fostering community and healthy vibrant neighbourhoods.