JOGGINS, N.S. — From the time he was a small boy, Brian Hebert knew there was something special about the Bay of Fundy.
Now, alongside his wife and business partner Laura Hebert, Brian has turned that special something into a career grounded in the beauty of his own backyard.
Fundy Treasures is a tourism-retail business based out of Joggins, Nova Scotia. After initially meeting over 20 years ago, Brian and Laura reconnected in 2014 and opened the business in an effort to provide memorable experiences and adventures for both tourists and locals.
Laura, who originally grew up in Berwick, says it took moving away to truly realize just how special the Bay of Fundy is to her.
“After university, Brian and I parted ways,” she explains. “I lived in Asia for six years and he spent the same amount of time in California. When we reunited, we reflected together on the appreciation we have for Nova Scotia. Now we get to show that love of home through the products we create and the services we provide.”
All of the products sold by Fundy Treasures – which features candles and soaps, ECO recycled apparel, unique stone jewelry, Bay of Fundy stone guitar picks, and more - are handmade by Brian and Laura.
But Fundy Treasures isn’t just a retail company; the Heberts are also known for their amazing guided fossil and mineral tours of the Bay of Fundy, which Brian has been leading for more than 25 years.
“Fundy Treasures isn’t just about products, it’s an overarching brand,” says Brian. “We love science, we love telling interesting stories, and we know that our customers are on the same page as us. If they enjoy our tours, we know they’re going to like our products as well.”
Business booming
One product that has been flying off the shelves at Fundy Treasures is the Oak Island Mystery Candle. A soy candle with a Spanish gold doubloon replica inside, the Oak Island Mystery Candle is a big hit with lovers of the History Channel’s “The Curse of Oak Island.”
“We recently had a young girl from Australia order one for her father because he watches the show,” says Brian. “It’s amazing to see just how far tales from Nova Scotia reach.”
Business is booming for the Heberts, whose products are currently carried in more than 70 retail locations across Eastern Canada. Website traffic is higher than ever, and they’re about to open a new physical storefront in Joggins. The store, located on Main Street, will be housed in an old log building, the town’s former fossil centre.
Throughout the tourism season, the store will be a co-operative retail location, where other local artisans and business owners can sell their products for a small rental fee. The fees will go toward the building maintenance, as well as the free community programming offered year-round.
“The locals use this space over the whole year,” says Brian. “There are seniors’ programs, kids programs and activities, and more. So, we’ve been trying to come up with different ways of raising funds for the building itself. This cooperative venture will allow us to showcase both our own products, and those of other local businesses.”
Small business
Supporting other small business owners has always been a value Brian and Laura hold close to their hearts.
“I think that’s something a lot of buyers don’t see: so many small companies are trying to help each other out along the way,” Brian says.
There are already 15 people signed on, and the Heberts say everyone seems very excited for the Canada Day eeekend opening. They plan to cap the number of artisans at 20 so that visitors to the store can get a good look at what’s being made locally around Joggins.
While running the new co-operative shop, the Heberts will stay busy continuing their online sales and regular market attendance.
“It’s pretty amazing being able to work with your partner every day, but it’s really important to delegate who’s doing what and making time for ourselves,” says Laura. “There are tours to organize, sale orders to get done, and markets to prepare for and it’s just the two of us. But we’re happy to have each other.”
Go online: To learn more about the products and services offered by Fundy Treasures, visit fundytreasures.ca
