In this episode of "Growing Pictou County, One Story at aTime", we welcome Carissa Ainslie, founder of The Meadows Retreat and Creative Space in rural Pictou County. Discover how Carissa transformed a rural property into a hub for artists, fostering community and creativity along the way.

As the first Rainbow Registered business in Pictou County,The Meadows is committed to inclusivity and amplifying diverse voices in the arts. Carissa shares her journey from city life to rural entrepreneurship and her plans for the future of this inspiring creative space.

She also highlights the valuable support and resourcesavailable to entrepreneurs in Pictou County, which have played a key role in her success.

Tune in for an inspiring story of creativity, community, andentrepreneurial growth!

In this episode of Growing Pictou County, One Story at aTime, we sit down with Willow Harrison and Tom Emmott, the owners of Little Gull Bistro in New Glasgow.

Discover how they brought their culinary vision tolife by championing local ingredients and local suppliers. Willow and Tom share their experiences of starting a restaurant, building strong partnerships with local farmers, and the incredible support they’ve received from localbusinesses and loyal customers. Tune in to learn how Little Gull Bistro has become a dining destination.

Listen now to get inspired by the flavors and storiesbehind Little Gull Bistro!

In this episode of Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time, we sit down with Sarah Santos, the Community Connections Coordinator at the Pictou County Partnership. Originally from Brazil, Sarah moved to Pictou County over five years ago. Now, she uses her own experiences to welcome and support newcomers, helping them integrate and build connections in the community.

Tune in to hear her journey and learn more about the Community Connections Volunteer Matching Program!

Interested in getting involved?

Email [email protected] and follow the Pictou County Partnership on social media.

🎧 Listen now!

This week on Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time, we welcome Nicole LeBlanc, Project Navigator for Healthy Pictou County. This local initiative plays a vital role in attracting and retaining medical staff and students in our region, ensuring our community continues to grow and thrive.

Tune in to learn more about their work, the impact of healthcare recruitment, and how New to the Crew events and other initiatives are helping new medical professionals feel at home in Pictou County!

🔗 Learn more at healthypictoucounty.ca

In this week's episode, we are joined by John Ashton, owner of Ashton Creative Design and a dedicated local historian.

John shares how adaptability and perseverance have shaped his career, tracing his journey from freelance graphic designer to historian and published author. He discusses the evolution of his business, the creation of the Pictou County poster series, and his deep passion for local history.

John also explores the stories of the Ship Hector settlers, the transformation of industry and entrepreneurship in the region, and the Town of New Glasgow's upcoming 150 anniversary celebrations.

Tune in for a discussion on creativity, history, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Pictou County!

In this episode ofGrowing Pictou County, One Story at a Time, we welcomeRohan Mishra, who moved fromIndia 🇮🇳to Canada and, after completing hisMaster's Degree in New Brunswick, made Pictou County his home. Now working as theEnvironmental and Sustainability Lead for the Town of New Glasgow, Rohan is passionate about engaging the community in environmental initiatives, including theNet Zero Volunteer Program.

Tune in to hear his journey, his insights on sustainability, and how volunteering plays a role in building stronger communities!

🌱Interested in joining the Net Zero Volunteer Program? Sign up here:Net Zero Volunteer Form

🙌 To learn more aboutvolunteering to support newcomers in Pictou County, visitpictoucountypartnership.com or follow the Pictou County Partnership on social media.

This week on Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time, Becky Cowen, Director of Immigration and Community Integration at the Pictou County Partnership, joins us to discuss an exciting milestone: Pictou County’s selection to participate in Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Rural Community Immigration Pilot. 🌍

In this episode, Becky explains what the pilot program means for Pictou County, how it will help attract and retain newcomers, and the opportunities it brings for community and economic growth.

✨ Learn more about the Pictou County Partnership and this pilot program by following them on social media or visiting pictoucountypartnership.com.

In this episode of "Growing Pictou County, one story at a time", we’re talking all things collectibles with Victoria from Henry’s Hut in New Glasgow! She shares the story behind her shop, which offers everything from trading cards to gaming consoles, and how she built her business while balancing family life.

We discuss the power of shopping local, the challenges of running a small business, and the community that makes it all worthwhile. Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation!

Episodes originally air on 98.9 XFM.

This week on Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time, we’re joined by Sarah and Atma Maharaj, who moved with their family from Ontario to Pictou County a few years ago and have made it their home.

Atma moved to Canada from Trinidad and Tobago as a child and met Sarah in college in Ontario. A few years ago, they settled in Pictou County, where they’ve embraced the value of volunteering and creating connections. From hosting an annual Diwali celebration to welcoming new friendships, Sarah and Atma reflect on how volunteering has enriched their lives, strengthened their family, and helped them build deeper ties within the community.

✨ Listen to their full story and be inspired to get involved in your community!

Interested in volunteering? Learn more about the Community Connections Volunteer Matching Program, which pairs volunteers with newcomers to support their integration into the community. Email [email protected] for more information.

This special compilation episode brings together inspiring

Featured Guests:

- Jeff Parker, Parker’s Barn

- Carey Allan, Groovy Little Gift Shop and Plant-B Clothing Design

- Aleksandra Trajkovic, Not the End

- Darrah DeYoung, Baked & Boujee Cheesecakes

🎧 Tune in to hear:

- How the ELEVATE Program provided top-notch training and networking opportunities

- Inspiring personal stories of growth and accountability

- How the ongoing support from the Pictou County Partnership in helping businesses thrive

📌 Don’t miss this insightful episode!