THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY: what it takes to live and work in the north

In 2007, my wife and son and I moved to Smithers, BC and we could immediately feel the change in pace from life in the lower mainland to life up north. The most obvious differences we the traffic. For here I consider a traffic jam to be three cars at a stop sign. Quite a difference from the congestion I have been previously living in.

Prior to living here, I had limited experience with the people and businesses that called this place home. Since we arrived I have come to absolutely love the life we now live, including the people I've met and the businesses I've interacted with. The first of those businesses I can’t wait to share is the Two Sisters Café, run by Janet and Christine Blair.

In hopes you'll get a glimpse into what it's like to live and work here in the north, I now present to you a brief conversation with the owners of the Two Sisters Cafe - a place I've come to deeply appreciate (especially on lunch dates with my wife).

What is the nature of your business?

TWO SISTERS: We’re a café and catering business with a focus on unique and healthy food. We source organic and local ingredients as much as possible. We offer a wide variety of dishes that include gluten-free, ‘raw’, and vegan, but we also prepare such classics as pulled pork and beef dip (our spin on it includes caramelized onions, provolone, and horseradish mayo). This way we have something for everyone!

How long have you been established in Smithers?

TS: We started catering in September of 2005 offering our services at low or no cost just to get our name out. We soon developed a good reputation and business picked up – word of mouth has been very good to us! We opened the café in March 2012.

What do you enjoy about living in the Bulkley Valley?

TS: The unwavering sense of community is a big one. There are so many examples of people in this town banding together in solidarity. It’s really amazing. And the fact that we live in an outdoor playground is pretty hard to beat!

Smithers is a very community-minded town. How do you see your business fitting into that way of life?

TS: Our use of so many local suppliers – it was always part of our business plan from the day we started catering. They provide us with wonderful products, and we do the same for our customers. It’s a win-win.

What is the most fulfulling thing about the type of work that you do?

TS: Knowing that we’re contributing to our customers’ day in some small, positive way is really fulfilling for us. Whether it’s a great muffin to start the morning or a really satisfying lunch with friends, almost everything we do in the café is geared toward putting smiles on the faces of everyone who walks through our doors.

How would you convince someone to either move to or start a business in Smithers?

TS: If you want to be a part of a solid community of people then this is the place to be. And those people should be included in some way in your business concept. Smithereens are very loyal and appreciate loyalty in return. Keep that at the forefront of your mind, and success will be much easier to find! And of course we’d tell them about all the skiing, hiking, biking…just to seal the deal!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

TS: That we’re grateful to be so warmly embraced by so many people. We’ve worked very hard to get to where we are, and the reception has been outstanding! Love this town.

Find out more about some amazing food and amazing people at  www.twosisterscafe.ca.

Give me a call if you find yourselves up in the neighborhood. I'd be glad to show you around. I can vouch for the beef dip at Two Sisters.

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