HOLIDAY SEASON CAMPAIGN
Give more than a gift:
Support the ambitions of our entrepreneurs!
This holiday season, choose gifts with deep meaning and a positive impact. The Lise Watier Foundation invites you to discover the products of sixteen entrepreneurs we support. By encouraging their businesses, you are doing more than just giving a simple gift; you are supporting a journey of professional transformation. Every purchase contributes to their continued success and financial independence.
Discover holiday favorites carefully selected by our entrepreneurs
and give meaningful gifts to your loved ones!
Fully embrace the holiday spirit
Un trèfle et 3 brins d’herbe, by Nancy
A bookkeeper for over 20 years, Nancy discovered through the Let’s Start Up Pathway that she could find professional fulfillment by combining her two passions—as a photographer and a virtual accounting assistant. Her stationery, featuring her unique photography, offers various ways to delight or convey your holiday wishes, thanks, or any heartfelt message.
Featured holiday product: Greeting card to sow 💌🌱
This festive greeting card is made from plantable paper (with wildflower or basil seeds) and includes a blank insert for writing your message. Delivered with a white envelope, planting instructions are printed on the back. A unique and eco-friendly gesture for the holidays!
Studio Valley, by Jessica & Victoria
Jessica and Victoria, founders of Studio Valley, have created a world where their passion for clay takes shape through handmade pieces. This project was born from their desire to share their art with the world. Thanks to the Let’s Start Up Pathway, they found the courage to move forward, one step at a time, to realize their dream. This journey showed them that by advancing steadily, they could bring their art to life and share their happiness with all.
Featured holiday product: Mitten christmas ornament 😻
Here’s Mitaine, the bundled-up kitten, ready to face Quebec winters! Ideal for animal lovers, this handmade ornament is perfect for slipping into a Christmas stocking or giving as a hostess gift. Each piece is unique, made from self-hardening clay, hand-painted and sealed with a protective varnish, it combines charm and durability.
Rêver le merveilleux, by Line
Forty-five years ago, Line created Noëlla, Santa’s sister, dreaming of making her a well-known figure and a feminine symbol in the magical Christmas universe for children. As the years went by, she doubted that this dream would ever come true. Today, as a lady’s companion for a person losing her autonomy, she has finally found the time to make this project, so close to her heart, a reality. Thanks to the Let’s Start Up Pathway, she moves forward confidently, carried by this adventure that renews her hope and joy.
Featured holiday product: Noëlla doll 🤶
Carefully crafted in Quebec, this unique rag doll is more than just a children’s toy: it offers comfort, stimulates imagination, and helps express emotions. Through Noëlla, Line hopes to inspire young people to believe in their dreams and seize opportunities. To give this doll is to give a caring companion, a bearer of hope and gentleness, who will accompany every child through the magic of the holiday season.
The Magical Underland, by Ana Maria
For her child’s first Christmas, Ana Maria dreamed of a magical experience. Finding nothing similar, she imagined the Christmas Tree Tent: a decorative tree that becomes an interactive play space. After two years of work, her dream came true, featuring 3D lights and branches for hanging ornaments. Today, Ana Maria shares this magic with other families, offering a holiday season filled with joy and creativity worldwide.
Featured holiday product: Christmas Tree Tent 🎄
The Christmas Tree Tent is a unique decoration that combines the magic of a Christmas tree with a playful cabin for children. Inside, they can play, sleep, or wait for Santa in an enchanted space illuminated by voice- and music-reactive 3D lights.
Precious gifts: Jewelry and accessories to delight your loved ones
Alakai, by Marie-Hélène
After a career in the healthcare system, Marie-Hélène discovered her true passion: sharing her love for stones and colors by creating authentic, high-quality jewelry. Since 2017, her jewelry, initially sold to friends and family, is now available in various spas, at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum boutique, as well as at various fairs and markets. Today, she dreams of opening a workshop-boutique, and with support from the Lise Watier Foundation, this dream is gradually becoming a reality.
Featured holiday product: Freshwater pearl bracelet 💍
This elegant bracelet, blending the delicacy of freshwater pearls and the unique beauty of pink tourmaline, is the perfect gift for celebrating the magic of the holiday season. Sophisticated and timeless, it adds a touch of refinement to any outfit, illuminating festive evenings and adding a unique sparkle for those looking to give or receive an exceptional piece of jewelry during the holidays. (in sterling silver with an adjustable clasp)
Arysa, by Isabelle
More than twenty-five years ago, Isabelle discovered knitting as a true form of artistic expression. A graduate of the Maison des métiers d’art de Québec, she had the opportunity to collaborate with various partners, including designers and theater designer Her deep desire to create and share her passion led her to found her own knitting line, ARYSA. Thanks to the Lise Watier Foundation, Isabelle feels more confident and supported in pursuing her ambitions.
Featured holiday product: Merino wool knit hat, “Un Air Salin” Collection 🧶
Combining comfort and originality, Un air salin knitted caps and collars are perfect for facing winter gently with style. Made from high-quality merino wool, these unisex accessories offer incomparable warmth and softness, perfect for wrapping your loved ones in an embrace of comfort throughout the cold season. Give a local, elegant and practical gift this holiday season!
Caramel Créations Textiles, by M é lissa
Mélissa has always been passionate about creation and her love for patterns, colors, and textures, although she only fully realized it in adulthood. This hobby became a concrete project after motherhood, pushing her to listen to and follow her passion. Thanks to the Let’s Start Up Pathway, Mélissa brought her project to life and now feels more confident and ready to achieve her ambitions.
Featured holiday product: Quilted pouch 👛
These handmade pouches are the perfect gift to slip into a Christmas stocking or under the tree. Made from 100% cotton fabrics with polyester padding, they combine style and practicality. Their size easily fits in a handbag while offering enough space for your essentials. A practical and charming little gift, ideal for surprising your loved ones with an artisanal touch of elegance during the holidays!
Hana & Hala Creations, by Safna
Originally from Sri Lanka, Safna draws inspiration from her culture and her mother’s love of art. Now based in Toronto, she creates unique embroidery pieces. As a mother of three, the invaluable support from the Lise Watier Foundation enabled her to improve her family’s living conditions and secure permanent housing. Today, Safna is proud to work in her studio, passionately crafting each project, one thread at a time.
Featured holiday product: Embroidered necklace and earrings set 🪡
This hand-embroidered necklace and earring set is the ideal holiday gift, embodying elegance and originality. Mounted on a steel frame with an 18-karat gold-plated chain, they add a delicate and precious touch to holiday outfits. Each pair is meticulously crafted, making each piece absolutely unique, perfect for gift-giving!
Gourmet Gifts: a pleasure to share
Les Fées Sorcières, by Dominique
Before founding Les Fées Sorcières, Dominique was a full-time stay-at-home mother for her six children and never imagined that one day she would start an agricultural business specializing in the cultivation and processing of medicinal and aromatic plants. Today, her flourishing business employs four people and offers three product lines from her crops.
Featured holiday product: Witch’s herbal tea discovery box 🫖
Ideal for hostess gifts or gift exchanges, this box of herbal teas offers six unique blends inspired by the boreal forest and autumn flavors. Each infusion invites you to discover Quebec’s landscapes and traditions, perfect for warming winter evenings. Offer a moment of relaxation and a unique taste experience that will delight lovers of nature and tradition.
Les Fraises Louis Hébert, by Geneviève
After a career in communications, Geneviève took over her family’s strawberry farm with passion. The Let’s Start Up Pathway helped her overcome her imposter syndrome and believe in her ability to take her grandparents’ business even further. With her new range of homemade products, Geneviève wants to bring families back to the essentials: cooking and savoring healthy ingredients together.
Featured holiday product: Strawberry jelly 🍓
For a gentle reminder of summer in the heart of winter, Geneviève brings you a brand new product, a creamy jelly with fresh strawberries and a naturally sweet taste. Perfect as a spread, an accompaniment to your pastries or to enhance your desserts, this jelly brings a touch of fruity warmth to your gourmet moments. Give it as a gift, and let it enchant your loved ones’ taste buds!
Abeilles de la Colline, by Elena
Originally from Bulgaria, Elena dreamed of starting a beekeeping business in Canada but lacked the resources to make her project a reality. The Let’s Start Up Pathway provided her with the support needed to overcome her challenges and helped her break the isolation she had felt in recent years. Today, she has founded a business where her passion for nature and bees translates into products with high ecological value.
Featured holiday product: Wild flower honey 🐝
Elena offers this honey harvested in the preserved landscapes of the Laurentians, far from any pollution. This pure honey, reflecting the wellbeing of the bees, adds a sweet and natural touch to your festive moments. Perfect as a hostess gift or a stocking stuffer, this gift combines authenticity and commitment to nature, ideal for offering a bit of sweetness and meaning in this season of sharing.
Discover the points of sale
Abeilles de la Colline
867 Tamaracouta Road
Mille-Isles (Québec) J0R1A0
Opening Hours
Saturday: 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Weekdays by appointment, call or text 514 603-9520
Bulgarian Market in Montreal
At St. Ivan Rilski Bulgarian Church
1191 Sauvé Street East
Montreal (Québec) H2C 1Z8
From 9 AM to 1 PM, November 24, 2024, December 22, 2024, January 26, 2025, February 23, 2025
Brasserie Bêta, by Roxanne
After a career in nursing, Roxanne decided to change direction to regain control over her future and her working conditions. In 2022, with her husband’s support, she decided to found Brasserie Bêta. Starting as the only employee, the company now has 34 staff members, thanks to the acquisition of a second company, the microbrewery Saint-Arnould.
Featured holiday product: Bêta white beer 🍺
This Belgian-style white beer is perfect for the holiday season, adding smoothness and freshness to every shared moment. With its subtle coriander note, it enhances festive meals, whether it is a big family dinner or a joyful gathering with friends!
Relaxing gifts: Give a well-deserved break
EcoLove Store, by Myriam
Myriam initially studied visual arts, but since breaking into the field can be challenging, she decided to turn to entrepreneurship. She founded EcoLoveStores, a company offering eco-friendly, 100% natural, and vegan wellness products. Through the Let’s Start Up Pathway, she found the tools needed to structure her project and finally achieve her entrepreneurial dream!
Featured holiday product: Spa day discovery bath salt 🛁
These bath salts are the perfect gift for a moment of relaxation this holiday season. Combining Epsom salt and Himalayan salt, they are infused with rosemary, lavender, Indian verbena and spearmint for a soothing spa experience at home. This relaxing blend helps relieve stress and invites a well-deserved moment of indulgence, ideal for rejuvenating during the vacation season or as a comforting gift for loved ones.
Essences Zen, by Caroline
Caroline embarked on entrepreneurship to inspire change and prove that cosmetology and eco-responsibility can coexist. However, the challenges of entrepreneurship put her to the test, and that was when the Let’s Start Up Pathway came in. Through this program, Caroline was able to create a sustainable strategic plan, regaining the confidence and strength to pursue her mission.
Featured holiday product: Rose-vanilla scrub🧴🌹
This exfoliating scrub is the perfect gift idea for the holidays. Suitable for face, lips and body, it gently refines skin texture. Enriched with jojoba oil for incomparable suppleness, it leaves skin soft and revitalized. With its bewitching fragrance, this exfoliant reveals radiant skin, ideal for starting the New Year with radiance and freshness.
La Catherine, by Catherine
After overcoming many personal and professional challenges, Catherine turned to entrepreneurship to unite her passion for well-being with her creativity. She founded La Catherine, a dessert-inspired skincare company offering fun, sensory and quality products. Her ambition is to develop a range of foot care products, particularly for the elderly and diabetics. With the support of the Lise Watier Foundation, she’s ready to take her project to the next level!
Featured holiday product: Natural Yule log soap 🎄
This soap captures the holiday spirit with an enchanting blend of oranges, peppermint, and cloves. Like a slice of sweet Yule log, it evokes the warmth of festive family moments. This gourmet soap is perfect for adding a touch of magic to your routine and is also available as a body cream, massage candle, and bath product to extend the festive experience.
RosEva, par Isabelle
Dedicated to her profession as an educator, Isabelle carried within her the dream of making a deeper difference. Driven by her passion for well-being, she founded a natural products company. The Let’s Start Up Pathway provided her with more than management skills; it gave her the confidence and strength to make her dream a reality. This journey became a personal transformation, where each step reflects her commitment. Today, she proudly moves forward, combining her love of education with her entrepreneurial spirit to offer quality products.
Featured holiday product: Beard care kit 🧔♂️
An ideal gift for your bearded loved one! This elegant and practical beard care kit includes a wooden brush and comb, together with a beard oil specially formulated for sensitive and dry skin.
