Village People: Cumberland Corner
As a historical fashion designer, Bernadette Fowler has always had an eye for craftsmanship and storytelling through textiles. What started as a search for affordable natural fabrics quickly grew into a mission to repurpose discarded materials and create one-of-a-kind pieces with a greener future in mind.
We caught up with Bernadette, the owner of Cumberland Corner Designs, to learn more about following her passion, taking chances, and how a little corner of Cumberland Road inspired a business with a big purpose.
Q: What’s your favourite colour?
A: Burgundy!
Q: Where did the idea for the business come from?
A: I am a historical fashion designer by trade, and I started going to thrift stores in search of 100% linen and wool at bargain prices so I could help clients who couldn’t afford the more expensive pieces I create.
While doing this, I came across textiles that were just calling out to be repurposed. Canada sends millions of tonnes of textiles to landfill every year, with less than 1% being recycled, and I decided I wanted to make a difference.
Many of the pieces we create have an echo of history in their design, and almost every scrap of fabric is used. Most pieces are one-of-a-kind and created with a greener future in mind.
Q: How did you come up with the name of your business?
A: I actually live on the corner of Cumberland Road, so the name Cumberland Corner Designs came from right where I live.
Q: Did you have a different job before you started working here? What did you do?
A: Yes, I did. I was a youth pastor.
Q: Is your container village location your first brick-and-mortar retail shop?
A: For Cumberland Corner Designs, yes! But I actually owned a bridal shop with my sister-in-law back in the ’90s.
Q: Why did you want to set up shop at AREA 506?
A: We had started selling our products at markets, where they were really well received. Last year, we reached out to the AREA 506 team, thinking we would book a container for this year, but they asked if we’d like to open for 2025 instead. It was late June, and we figured, why not?
We saw it as a great opportunity to test the waters and see if our products would connect with a broader mix of customers. We threw everything we had into it and opened in mid-August.
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I wanted to be a fashion designer or an archaeologist.
Q: Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
A: Oh, heck yes! I was told I should become a secretary, and that was a big mistake — I hated it. I was also told I’d never be able to make a living as a fashion designer.
Knowing what I know now, I think my response should have been: “Bite me, and watch me go.” I would have trusted myself and my passion a lot sooner.
Q: What do you consider your biggest success so far?
A: It depends on how you define success. My biggest success in life is raising two amazing young women who have both gone on to become successful small business owners.
Q: What’s next?
A: We’ll soon be starting art classes right outside our container. These will cover a range of creative workshops, from needle felting and painting to Christmas ornament making and more — so stay tuned.
If you’re an entrepreneur with a business that you think would be a great fit in the Waterfront Container Village, and you’re interested in hearing more about available opportunities, email hidden; JavaScript is required — we’d love to hear from you!