Village People: Memory Made Gifts
A lifelong love of art and entrepreneurship has led Monica Memory to open Memory Made Gifts, a gift shop she’s proud to call her own.
We caught up with Monica to hear about her journey, how she ended up in the Village, and her vision for the future of Memory Made Gifts.
Q: What’s your favourite colour?
A: Any shade of green.
Q: Where did the idea for the business come from?
A: I’ve loved making things since I was a kid — I even started my first little business in kindergarten. It just felt natural to keep building on that over the years.
Q: How did the name of the business come to be?
A: Well, my last name is actually Memory, so it just seemed like the perfect fit for a business all about souvenirs. It’s kind of a fun way to tie it together.
Q: Did you have a different job before you started working here? What did you do?
A: I actually worked in the container here before, with Rising Tide Gifts (formerly The Little NB Box), for about four years. When they decided not to return this year, they helped me get set up so I could start my own business in the space.
Q: Is your container village location your first brick-and-mortar retail shop?
A: Yeah, this is my first brick-and-mortar shop. Before that, I was selling online through Etsy and my own website, plus at markets.
Q: Why did you want to set up shop at AREA 506?
A: I’ve always loved the vibe at AREA 506. Having worked here for the past three years, I didn’t want to let that go. I love interacting with visitors and giving them a little piece of Saint John to take home.
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: Ever since I was five, I’ve wanted to be an artist and own my own business — it’s never really changed.
Q: Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were starting out?
A: I don’t think I’ve been open long enough to have any major regrets. So far, everything seems to be falling into place as it should
Q: What do you consider your biggest success so far?
A: I’d say my biggest success so far is being able to open this place myself — something I’ve wanted for a long time.
Q: What’s next?
A: I’m always on the lookout for new things. I want to keep bringing in fun, unique, local products for people to discover. I love curating beautiful, Canadian-made items.
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!