CORNWALL, Ontario – Harmony Walker is building a business empire around recycled fashion.
The Montreal-born, Cornwallite showed off her Harmony Walker Clothing line of eco-punk shirts, skirts, T-shirt dresses, and kimonos at the ‘Bazaar Vendors Emporium’ on Saturday (Jan. 17).
“I started doing this 15 years ago, because growing up being alternative there wasn’t clothing available or affordable,” said Walker. “You wanted a one-of-a-kind piece, and didn’t have much money. But you still didn’t want to wear what everyone else has. So to make it cost-effective I started recycling clothing.”
Bazaar Vendors Emporium organizers Jess Lynch and Jason Herrington are looking to make the event a monthly occurence.
“We want to help boost the moral of entrepreneurs in Cornwall,” said Lynch.
Herrington added: “It’s hard to get awareness for small businesses. And there are a lot of businesses that can’t afford to have their own storefront.”
Nearly 100 shoppers attended the bazaar at the Knights of Columbus Hall, which featured 32 artisans and entrepreneurs offering a mix of jewellery, beauty products, hemp clothing, wood creations, food, and crafts. Meanwhile, kids enjoyed a photo shoot with ‘Frozen’s Princess Anna’ in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cornwall & District.
Organizers say a venue change may be in the works, because of the flight of stairs involved to access the vendors.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/events/567395823414526/.
