Small Business Week 2026 - The August House

Friday, October 23, 2026

For Small Business Week, we’re celebrating tourism entrepreneurs across Nova Scotia and the passion they bring to their businesses, communities and visitor experiences. We asked Colette O'Hara, Ezra Edelstein, and Laura MacLachlan, co-owners of The August House what makes their work rewarding and about the connections they build with guests.

A picture of the front of The August House in the winter. — *A view of The August House in Windsor.*

What do you find most rewarding about being an entrepreneur in Nova Scotia’s tourism industry?

"Every detail at The August House is a love note from us as owners to this land, this life, and the people who pass through. From the start, we wanted to build something that gives more to our community than it takes. The Judy Fund is how we do that - 2% of each room night goes straight into initiatives that increase life’s goodness here in West Hants. We take a lot of pride in having created a place that is values-led, elevates our community and allows us to live out our purpose: a little more goodness left behind in the world. What’s more proudly Nova Scotian than that?"

*Guests arrive to a sunny guestroom at The August House.*

Can you tell us about a recent memorable experience with a guest? What made that interaction special for you?

"Our guests feel it too. Consistently, they tell us that The August House has a special energy, one that leaves them feeling cared for, more relaxed and connected. We always say our currency here is love notes: and we do actually leave personal notes for each guest who comes through the door. More often than not, we get love notes right back from them. Each one is a moment of personal, authentic connection that fuels us and reminds us why we do what we do (with the occasional tear from each of us!)" - Laura MacLachlan, co-owner of The August House

The three owners of The August House sit on the front porch steps. — *Colette O'Hara, Laura MacLachlan, and Ezra Edelstein, owners of The August House, sitting on the front steps of the boutique accommodation.*

When a tourism business is built around work its owners genuinely believe in, that sense of purpose becomes part of the guest experience. Visitors notice the thoughtful details, personal touches and care that make a stay memorable.

Related resources:
The August House - https://theaugusthouse.ca/
The August House listing on NovaScotia.com -https://novascotia.com/listing/the-august-house/
RADIATE Tourism Program participant - https://tourismns.ca/radiate-tourism-program

Tourism Nova Scotia

Tourism Nova Scotia works with communities and industry to attract visitors to the province and increase tourism revenues through experience and sector development, business coaching, marketing, and visitor servicing.

As a division of the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, Tourism Nova Scotia is committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility across Nova Scotia and we support partners who share in this commitment.

Tourism Nova Scotia is located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral territory of the Mi'kmaq. We are all Treaty people.