For Small Business Week, we’re celebrating tourism entrepreneurs across Nova Scotia and the passion they bring to creating memorable visitor experiences. We asked Dirt to Dishes Pottery what makes working in Nova Scotia’s tourism industry rewarding and about a guest experience that has stayed with them.
What do you find most rewarding about being an entrepreneur in Nova Scotia’s tourism industry?
"I love making pottery, and I love that I’ve been able to bring a beautiful historic barn back to life, but without question, the most rewarding part of what I do is the people I meet. Visitors come through my doors from all over the world, and what starts as a conversation about pottery or the history of the barn often becomes something much more personal. Some stay for five minutes, others for an hour, and every so often there’s a connection that stays with me long after they’ve gone. I feel incredibly fortunate that something I love doing has created so many opportunities to connect with people I might otherwise never have met."
Can you tell us about a recent memorable experience with a guest? What made that interaction special for you?
"A woman from Quebec came into the barn with her young daughter, and we connected almost immediately. The little girl didn’t speak English, and although her mother translated occasionally, we somehow managed to communicate and connect without needing many words. We had such a lovely visit, and I remember wishing they lived closer because in that short time, I felt we’d become friends. They headed off to explore some of our beautiful South Shore beaches and I wasn’t expecting to see them again, but later that afternoon, they came back. The little girl had found a beautiful seashell and wanted to give it to me. What touched me most was realizing that even after she’d left the barn, she’d been thinking about me. She’d felt that same connection I had and wanted to give something back. That shell still sits on a shelf in my shop. I’ve actually had people offer to buy it, but it’s not for sale. It’s far too precious to me." - Janet Sunberg, owner.of Dirt to Dishes Pottery
Loving the work you do creates opportunities for connection that extend well beyond the experience itself. For visitors, those authentic moments can become some of their most treasured memories of Nova Scotia.
Related resources:
Dirt to Dishes Pottery - https://www.dirttodishes.ca/
Dirt to Dishes Pottery listing on NovaScotia.com - https://novascotia.com/listing/dirt-to-dishes-pottery/
TNS RADIATE Tourism Program participant - https://tourismns.ca/radiate-tourism-program