‘Take the time to make your soul happy’
Tatamagouche resident embraces the good things in life
It could be dirt biking with the family, skiing, snowboarding, or hiking.
Just getting outside to explore and taking advantage of all life has to offer is how Holly Tattrie of Tatamagouche rolls.
“I’m just kind of a freespirited, happy person,” said Tattrie.
Tattrie grew up in Wentworth, where she attended Pugwash District High
School. She also spent a lot of time as a youngster playing outside as the only girl in a household of boys.
After meeting her husband 15 years ago she moved to Tatamagouche. There, she started making jewelry and selling wholesale to 50 stores across Atlantic Canada. For nearly six years she had a shop in Tatamagouche. She was also involved with the Tatamagouche Grain Elevator market and the farmers’ market.
“It's a really vibrant, friendly community, with people from all walks of life, and everybody's very supportive,” said Tattrie.
After a recession, Tattrie closed shop and started selling imported fair-trade products with her mother. The pair went to Mexico once or twice a year, buying from female artists and selling wholesale once again.
“It started as a hobby, we just (were) doing it for fun and people wanted to buy it, and so that kind of got the ball rolling …" she said. “That was nice that I could do what I love and make money off of it. So, it was never really like work. It was just fun.”
Since then, she has switched paths, managing the rental, retail, and repair shops at Ski Wentworth where she grew up. The Ski Wentworth logo wear is designed by her and most skiers and snowboarders would be familiar with the gear facilities there.
“I love my job here, it’s great,” said Tattrie. “You spend every day with these people and you kind of develop a second family with everybody up the hill.”
Each family member – husband Randy, six-year-old Porter and eight-year-old June – has a dirt bike and they love going on family rides. From their cottage at Hart Lake, they enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, and exploring.
“There's so many cool places in the local area that people don't know about, like different caves and waterfalls and heights and lookoffs,” said Tattrie.
She still loves to craft. Her advice for others is to cherish every moment with the people they love.
“You can get so caught up in work and life and the hectic mix of it all,” said Tattrie. “It's really important to slow down, enjoy the little things and just take the time to make your soul happy.”
Tattrie participated in a question and answer session with the Colchester Wire.
Q. What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Being a mom! I love it.
Q. Can you describe one experience that has changed your life?
The death of loved ones. Makes you really appreciate all the great things life offers and memories made. Always remember to take the time to slow down and stop to smell the roses.
Q. What is your greatest indulgence?
Food! I love to eat.
Q. How do you like to relax?
Spending time with friends. (I’m an) avid dirt biker and love spending time at the cottage at the lake.
Q. What is your most treasured possession?
My kids, even though they aren’t really a possession.
Q. What is your greatest regret?
I try not to regret anything. Try to take every opportunity provided, you never know how much fun/exciting something might be. And if it doesn’t work out, it’s a life lesson learned.