Showcasing local makers through custom gift boxes
Name: Katie Rincker Age: 30
Job description: Co-owner and creator of “STOCKED in Hamilton” (and full-time mom).
How did you come to be in this job?
I have always enjoyed taking risks, creating something new and being my own boss. After years of working as an occupational therapist in the child and youth mentalhealth sector, I decided to switch things up and take on my own venture as an entrepreneur. This decision was largely impacted by the birth of my son. As every mother knows, maternity leave is anything but a “break from work.” Being a mom is the most challenging job I have had, but nothing excites me more than being able to spend time with my sweet little boy and working hard to create a family business. The idea of STOCKED in Hamilton came after years of my husband and me searching the web for trendy Christmas gift ideas. After attending numerous art crawls and local festivals, and adventuring down Hamilton’s historic streets, we realized many local businesses had incredible products that could be assembled into gift boxes. Our mission is to support the entrepreneurs of our great city and to offer a convenient, online shopping experience.
What gets you up in the morning?
My 10-month-old, and the anticipation of a delicious London Fog from our local coffee shop on Ottawa Street.
Lessons learned:
Always be willing to listen to the advice, ideas and stories of other entrepreneurs. I have adopted a new mentality of “yes, and” opposed to “yes, but” that has helped to grow our idea opposed to limit it.
Roots:
I grew up in the small farming community of Sunderland (about 30 minutes north of Whitby) where my family raised Angus cattle. My parents have taught me to never shy away from hard work and the importance of following your dreams. I came to Hamilton eight years ago as I started graduate school at McMaster and my heart has belonged to this city ever since. Recent social media post: (Facebook:) Looking for the right gift for employees or clients this holiday season? Show you’re proud to invest in our city and have a workplace in Hamilton with our #HamOntForHim and #HamOntForHer gift boxes filled with made-in-Hamilton goodness like coffee, candles, chocolate, hot sauce, and more. Contacts: @StockedinHamOnt on Instagram and Twitter. On Facebook: @StockedinHamilton; www.stockedinhamilton.com Groups and associations: Reach for the Rainbow (an organization supporting children of all abilities to attend local summer camps), Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists, Hamilton Fempreneurs
Favourite place in the downtown:
Bayfront Park — my son and I have enjoyed countless walks along the waterfront.
What would make Hamilton a better city?
I am proud to call myself a Hamiltonian. To me, that term means that I am from a community that supports one another, lends a helping hand and celebrates with one another. I would love to see the continued support of small businesses and families by Hamiltonians choosing to shop locally. What’s next for you? I am looking forward to growing our business and continuing to connect with the amazing people of Hamilton. Next summer, I am hoping to bring STOCKED in Hamilton to many of the city’s fabulous festivals.
If you know a Hamilton Professional who would make a good candidate for this profile series, send an email to shenderson@thespec.com.