“When Life Hands You an Appendicitis Attack 3 Days Before Opening Your Business…”

When you feel in the mood to poke around and shop for truly unique, authentic and interesting home décor items that can either be used as is, or given a new life with your creative touch, you will want to check out Prairie Pickers Café.

“Antiques, without the clutter and the dust,” is how Amanda Kehler, the proud owner of Prairie Pickers Café and one of our newest entrepreneurs describes her combination shop/café.

This destination provides an atmosphere for relaxed retail therapy along with opportunity to enjoy a simple yet scrumptious homemade dessert and beverage.

“You won’t find a fancy coffee here, but you will find a good coffee,” says Amanda. “We also have a wide selection of teas. Oh, and customers are loving Prairie Pickers signature apple cider…who knew?”

Located in Steinbach, Prairie Pickers Café is a small coffee and dessert shop where you will also find a well curated selection of rustic/antique/vintage home décor items and unique treasures – things that turn houses into homes!

What’s the connection between Amanda and the Women’s Enterprise Centre (WECM)?

Amanda first came to WECM for the Business Plan Development workshop series. This led her to writing her business plan, meeting one-on-one with a business advisor to discuss potential challenges and receiving a WECM business start-up loan.

“When I began the workshops with WECM, all I had was an idea. While going through the process of writing a business plan, my idea changed into a viable business.”

By leveraging her owner’s contribution with a loan from WECM, Amanda was able to access the necessary capital.

But capital wasn’t the only challenge. Other hurdles Amanda worked through included finding the right location, which took months, and having an unexpected appendicitis attack and emergency surgery three days before her planned opening date.

Amanda’s resourcefulness, sense of humour and entrepreneurial skills were certainly put to the test as she worked through the challenges.

Prairie Pickers Café opened the doors at the end of August. So two months into it, how’s it going?

“Things are going well,” says Amanda, “and I have WECM to thank. Without the funding I received from you, there is no way I would be in the position I am today. So thank you. Thank you so so much. Oh, and I was nominated – and won best desserts in Southeastern Manitoba in a readers’ choice contest through the local newspaper. How exciting is that?!”

You can find Prairie Pickers Café on Facebook and on Instagram. Or stop in at 2-227 Main St. in Steinbach. For directions or more information call the Café at 204-972-0335.

Written by Nancy Brommell, WECM Business Advisor.