1. What is your name, and how long have you been living and working in Summerside?
My name is Tara Simmons Co-Owner of Kool Breeze Farms, I have been working in Summerside my whole life, but when we grew up here at the location where the farm is, this was Wilmot that later incorporated into the city that we know today. I grew up here on the farm with my parents and siblings. And there was about 15 years during which I worked in different places (BDO Canada, now MNP) and went to University at UPEI.
2. Can you tell me about your business and what products/services you offer?
We offer a lot of things, and a lot more than meets the eye. We’re not just a garden centre, right now we’re a Christmas store. In the winter, we sell gardening supplies and house plants because we are open year-round. In the summer, we have the things people know us for, annuals, perennials, our stone yard and ICE CREAM, but each season we change. It’s so exciting when customers come in after a change in the store and their eyes light up because it’s something new and exciting that they are seeing. So the answer kind of changes depending on the season. We offer a variety of things that change with the seasons.
3. What do you love most about being a business owner in the Greater Summerside Area?
The people. Everyone is so dynamic and nice. At any time, I know I can call up another local business owner and just ask any questions freely if I have a problem that I just couldn’t solve on my own or within our team. It creates a niche network and it’s nice to know that we’re all in this together here in our community of Summerside.
Another thing I truly value is our community, and giving back is one of the core pillars at Kool Breeze. Being a business owner in Summerside has provided me with many opportunities to support our community. I am able to volunteer my time with the Summerside Skating Club, CBDC Central PEI and their Atlantic Association of CBDCs; each of these organizations is incredibly meaningful to me. I feel very fortunate to be able to give back, and owning a business allows me the flexibility to do so in a meaningful way right here in Summerside.
4. What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business, and why should they choose the Greater Summerside Area?
Just do it! Its scary, but it’s fun. And again, going back to the people who are here. It’s not only the people, but we have such a growing community of dynamic professionals. Summerside is one of the fastest-growing areas here on PEI, so there are a ton of opportunities here and we see it every day.
On another note, thank you to the community that supports our family so much. By our family, I mean not only the ones we are related to, but the team members who have become our family over the years. The customers who have become friends and all the future customers, we cannot wait to meet you someday!