After more than 20 years living in Sudbury, Jacie Trudeau returned to Manitoulin during the spring of 2019. She is manager at Bridal Veil Variety in Kagawong and lives on site. Ms. Trudeau was working as a security guard in Sudbury and the travel and long hours were getting to her. She asked owners Betty Ann and Alin Lefebvre if they needed help and has been with them since June 24, 2019, six weeks after they assumed ownership. “They’re great friends and great people to work for,” she said. “I love this little store and the little town I’m in.”
Ms. Trudeau, originally from Wiikwemkoong, never thought she would move back to the Island but she loves being back and is looking forward to exploring the Island in all seasons. “It’s beautiful here. I never noticed it before.”
The store has kept her too busy to do much exploring so far. That’s okay, she said, as she’s a self-professed workaholic. She likes adding her own homecooked soup or chili and scones to the existing menu. “Right now my favourite part about being back is coming to work, seeing my customers and having a little chat or a joke and a smile.” She enjoys meeting new tourists and those who return each year. “People remember you and you remember them. It’s a great feeling.”
In her spare time she visits her friends in Sudbury or stays home to watch television or do crafts. She makes beaded dreamcatchers and beaded Christmas balls. She will make custom dreamcatchers with names. She also does beadwork “but not the bling,” she said. “Just beads.” She can do loom work as well as peyote and brick stitch but has taken the past year off because of strained vision.
Please remember that when you shop locally, you’re supporting your friends and neighbours like Jacie Trudeau at Bridal Veil Variety.
