A shop of her own
Tiny store culmination of Sydney Mines’ resident’s dreams
It isn’t often that a person’s lifelong dream comes true, but when it does it is such a blessing.
All her life Nancy (Paquet) Doyle dreamed of having a little shop. Growing up in Sydney Mines as part of a large family she wondered if it would ever happen.
For 22 years she lived in Ontario and returned to Cape Breton in 2007. The idea of opening a shop was in her mind so much that she decided to take a chance and started looking for opportunities which led her to a spot close to her heart.
Her father had owned the “corner store” on Legatto Street for many years and she knew that the adjoining space was being used as storage. With willpower and lots of help from family, that space became “Nancy’s Treasures” which opened in May of this year.
When people question her choice of location she says it’s simple; she grew up in Sydney Mines and wanted to support her hometown. She’s not interested in having a huge space to maintain, preferring the coziness of her shop.
Her sister Debbie describes it as the little shop with a big heart. That’s because Nancy puts her heart and soul into every aspect of the business. The merchandise is hand picked with her customers in mind, stocking only a few of each item so you know your purchase is unique, and keeping prices reasonable. Traveling to Ontario, New Brunswick and Halifax gives Nancy the opportunity to buy for the shop.
Home décor items like cushions, plaques and glassware are popular as are gift items like jewelry and keepsakes. There’s something for everyone, including hunting gear supplied by her husband Dave Doyle. You can also find his products online at www. chasehunterclub.com.
Besides the new merchandise Nancy also stocks gently used clothing which she chooses herself from yard sales and so forth. These items are then washed and ironed at home
and sold at very low prices. She believes in offering affordable clothes especially for children so her new clothing is also very reasonable. You can also find Caper Creations jewelry and Tina Brown’s sea glass at this gift shop.
Nancy’s Treasures is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9-5 on 169B Legatto Street, 902-577-8207 and on Facebook. If you’re not familiar to the area it’s close to the Sydney Mines Arena and the Fossil Museum. Drop in for a look; you won’t be disappointed.
On October 6, 13 and 20 there will be a “how-to workshop for changing your relationship with food” hosted by primary health care dietitian Natasha Osmond. This workshop will be held at the Wilfred Oram Centennial Library at 1 p.m. on these three
Fridays. Call 902-567-1306 to register. There is no charge.
On September 20 from 6:30-8 p.m. there will be a physics and chemistry hands-on session for elementary school children as part of Science Literacy Week. Call 902-794-3272 to register, no charge.
The library also has tickets on an Adirondack chair and gift basket being drawn for on September 20, $2 each or 3 for $5.
If you want to know all the details about Celtic Colours you can pick up a catalogue or events at the Heritage Museum.
Take care.