In 2022, Caroline Hardy discovered an opportunity to preserve an ancestral craft: fur clothing and accessory making. Serge Boulanger, the owner of Ruelle Fourrure in Saint-Sim\u00e9on-de-Bonaventure, was seeking a successor to continue his legacy. Already co-owner of Serres Cascabella in Cascap\u00e9dia-Saint-Jules, Caroline and her friend and colleague, \u00c9dith Dubuc, decided to embrace the challenge, embarking on a journey to carry forward this traditional know-how.<\/p>\n
About the Company<\/strong><\/p>\n Winter Otters specializes in creating a variety of items from recovered fur. Products include coats, mittens, scarves, hand warmers, teddy bears, cushions, and other fashion accessories. They also offer fur coat transformation services to breathe new life into old garments.<\/p>\n \u201cWe receive many coats as gifts or through exchanges. Transforming them is especially meaningful because it makes them a memory,\u201d explains Caroline. \u201cWe can turn a coat into a jacket, a cushion, or even a teddy bear. When customers bring in their own items for transformation, it\u2019s even more rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n How Did the Opportunity Arise?<\/strong><\/p>\n Caroline and \u00c9dith\u2019s succession journey began with a shared friendship and curiosity. During a visit to the Ruelle Fourrure workshop, \u00c9dith was introduced to fur crafting, a profession she had never encountered before. “It’s a project that started with an idea in the flower beds!” recalls Caroline with a smile.<\/p>\n Serge offered to teach \u00c9dith in exchange for her help in the workshop. Over time, aware that Serge was looking for a successor, \u00c9dith began to consider taking over the business. However, she felt the need for a partner with entrepreneurial experience.<\/p>\n Caroline, having embarked on a similar project 15 years prior, was the perfect fit. \u201c\u00c9dith loved doing this but told me, \u2018I don\u2019t feel strong enough to run the business alone.\u2019 I said, \u2018I can do that\u2014I\u2019ve done it before!\u2019\u201d Caroline recalls with a laugh.<\/p>\n In the fall of 2022, the pair officially purchased the business. This marked the beginning of an intense four-month knowledge transfer process, during which Serge worked full-time with them.<\/p>\n \u201cI had a sewing machine at home but only for utilitarian projects\u2014I never thought I\u2019d be doing this. I spent a lot of time in front of the machines, learning,\u201d Caroline admits. \u201cSerge was amazing, mentoring us and helping with production. Even now, he remains a part of our journey. He\u2019s retired but still keeps an eye out for opportunities and ideas for us. You can feel how much he wants us to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n What Makes Winter Otters Stand Out?<\/strong><\/p>\n Caroline and \u00c9dith realized their strength lay in teamwork. \u00c9dith specializes in working with raw fur, while Caroline handles finishing touches, enabling them to complete the creative process in-house.<\/p>\n Their focus on utilitarian designs also sets them apart. \u201cOur mittens are reversible, with inner and outer fur. You can wear them either way, so it\u2019s like having three pairs of mittens in one. Why keep it simple?\u201d Caroline shares with a laugh.<\/p>\n Changes and Future Vision<\/strong><\/p>\n While the first months were dedicated to learning the craft, Caroline and \u00c9dith quickly infused the business with their values. They adopted a new name, Winter Otters \u2013 Recovered Fur<\/em>, reflecting their eco-conscious focus on reusing materials.<\/p>\n \u201cWe wanted a name that resonated with us, and \u2018Otters\u2019 clicked. They\u2019re industrious, creative, and eco-conscious, just like we aim to be,\u201d explains Caroline.<\/p>\n Their goal is to preserve the seasonal, small-scale nature of the business while innovating with designs. \u201cWe developed a reversible sleeveless jacket pattern and are considering creating one for men,\u201d Caroline shares.<\/p>\n SADC Support<\/strong><\/p>\n Caroline was already familiar with the SADC through her first business, so sought their assistance with the succession project. Thanks to her efforts, Caroline obtained financial assistance through the Youth Strategy Fund, which allowed her to benefit from a 24-month interest-free period.<\/p>\n Advice for Future Entrepreneurs<\/strong><\/p>\n Caroline\u2019s key advice for anyone considering a succession project is patience. \u201cAt the start, enthusiasm makes you want to move quickly. But I learned that knowledge transfer takes time. On the machines, I realized you can\u2019t go faster than they\u2019ll allow. My advice is to give yourself and the process the time it needs.\u201d<\/p>\n About Caroline Hardy<\/strong><\/p>\n Originally from Boucherville, Caroline moved to the Gasp\u00e9 Peninsula with her husband in 2007, acquiring Serres Cascabella in Cascap\u00e9dia-Saint-Jules. In 2022, she brought her entrepreneurial experience and artistic talent to Ruelle Fourrure, transforming it into Winter Otters \u2013 Recovered Fur<\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In 2022, Caroline Hardy discovered an opportunity to preserve an ancestral craft: fur clothing and accessory making. Serge Boulanger, the owner of Ruelle Fourrure in Saint-Sim\u00e9on-de-Bonaventure, was seeking a successor to continue his legacy. Already co-owner of Serres Cascabella in Cascap\u00e9dia-Saint-Jules, Caroline and her friend and colleague, \u00c9dith Dubuc, decided to embrace the challenge, embarking […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":7424,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7423","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n