For Small Business Week, we’re celebrating tourism entrepreneurs across Nova Scotia and the passion they bring to creating memorable visitor experiences. We asked Shannon Monk and Melinda Robertson, owners of Tribal Fusion Art what makes working in Nova Scotia’s tourism industry rewarding and about a guest interaction that has stayed with them.

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

"What we find most rewarding is meeting all the new people from all over the world. Our summer was busiest with projects like producing awards, corporate gifts and commissions, and we really enjoyed our time with our classes. The guests were learning to piece together and grout a mosaic using the Seven Grandfather teachings. We shared our own personal stories about rice-picking and some of the cultural experiences we had as children—eating deer, fish and duck. Our guests were engaged and couldn’t believe our stories of snake and frog-picking and setting traps."

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

"We sure got a lot of emails from visitors thanking us for our time, experience and education. There was one lady who emailed on National Indigenous Peoples Day to acknowledge Canada's history and past trauma. And we thanked her so much, as people do not always understand, and she was understanding in her own way." - Melinda Robertson, co-owner of Tribal Fusion Art.

When tourism operators share what they love with visitors, they create opportunities for meaningful connection, learning and understanding. Experiences rooted in personal stories and culture can stay with guests long after their visit is over.

Related resources: 
Tribal Fusion Art - https://tribalfusionart.ca/
Tribal Fusion Art listing on NovaScotia.com - https://novascotia.com/package/indigenous-glass-art-experience/
TNS RADIATE Tourism Program participant - https://tourismns.ca/radiate-tourism-program