Handcrafting an Online Storefront, Put Your Passion Online

When Jacquie and her partner, Greg, moved to Sault St Marie eight years ago to go to Sault College, they started hand-crafting items from leather, wood, and beaded items. Together they founded Wapiti Homestead, focusing mainly on vendor sales. They found a passion in creating and selling these items and wanted to bring that passion to an e-commerce setting. So, in 2022, Jacquie and Greg decided to embark on their online journey.  

Along their journey, ShopHERE powered by Google program came into the picture. With so many options and resources, navigating the eCommerce space can be overwhelming when there are so many different options fighting for your attention. In Jacquie and Greg’s search for the right support to help them get their business online, they found the ShopHERE powered by Google program. 

Providing hands-on assistance and training, the ShopHERE program supported Wapiti Homestead with building and launching its own eCommerce storefront using Square.  

“The (e-Commerce) advisor was very friendly and was very helpful when we had any questions or issues that we didn't understand or needed help with.”  

With support from the ShopHERE program, the owners of Wapiti Homestead were able to create a space to share their craft with as many people as possible. 

As the eCommerce space develops, more and more services are fighting for your attention. It can be challenging to find the resources you need when the amount of information available can be overwhelming. It can be hard enough to find the right solution without the headache of making sure you're even looking in the right place. 

For Jacquie, the ShopHERE program was the solution she was looking for and was a great place to turn to for guidance. Jacquie was searching for guidance with building a website and engaging with digital media. With support from their ShopHERE E-Commerce advisor, they were able to find the resources they needed now and for the future. 

“I learned a lot about going digital and the use of digital media.  I learned how to build an online store and how to use other online resources.”  

 Using the training and resources provided by the ShopHERE program, Jacqui and Greg brought Wapiti Homestead into the digital world where they are able to share their craft with their customers.  

The ShopHERE powered by Google program & dedicated e-Commerce coordinator can make the process of building a website and joining the e-Commerce space a breeze. Jacquie and Greg knew that they were in the right hands and that the advisor would answer any questions they had. 

“Don't be afraid to ask for help. Take it one step at a time, so you don't get overwhelmed” 

To check out Wapiti Homesteads hand-made crafts you can find their website here. For more information about the ShopHERE powered by Google program and how to get started in the eCommerce space, please visit us on our website.