The Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year Award recognizes a local enterprise that goes above and beyond for Gabriola’s community and economy. This past year, we received a volume of nominations for these local businesses:
Bruno’s Kitchen & Catering, Colleen’s, David Kuefler Consulting, Fianna Wilderness School, Free Spirit Gallery, Gabriola Disposal, Gabriola Pilates and Dance, Gi Marine, Ground Up Cafe, Gulf Island Seaplanes, Hole in the Wall, Island Home & Garden, Island Meat and Deli, Kayan Custom Homes, Mad Rona’s Coffee Shop, Make Cheese With Paula, Nature Spirit Earth Market, North Road Sports, Nova, Sleep Deprived Computer Techs, Summer Rain, and Velsen Homes.
Congratulations to these nominees and to each of our local businesses and organizations. Your contributions are valued and appreciated!
2022 Business of the Year Award Winner: Nature Spirit Earth Market
We’re delighted to acknowledge our most recent winner – Nature Spirit Earth Market – as the 2022 Business of the Year. Mother and daughter, Dorothy and Tiffany, opened Nature Spirit Earth Market in 2015 with the vision of offering natural health options for body, mind and spirit to Gabriola’s residents and visitors. The current ownership, Chris and Tiffany, are supported by a warm and wonderful team!
Here are a few things the community shared about their experience at what islanders sometimes call ‘Nature Spirit’ or ‘NSEM’:
“Nature Spirit has knowledgeable staff and great products that include and showcase local farms and producers. They interact with the community in meaningful ways, inviting product suggestions and more” – Jen
“The Nature Spirit team goes out of their way to bring in produce that you request. They’re always cheerful and courteous and prices are reasonable. This store is a wonderful asset to Gabriola. We are incredibly lucky to have all their products and services available to us.” – Ruth
“Chris, the store manager, at NSEM has gone out of his way to accommodate the community during Covid. He brings in special orders and expands their products to meet the needs of Gabriolans. Their produce is excellent. Their prices are reasonable. They follow up with phone calls. You would be hard-pressed to find this kind of service off island.” – Cathie
“Nature Spirit provides for the needs of Gabriolans: beautiful, fresh, well-priced produce, as well as a myriad of other things. The store manager, Chris, is so knowledgeable and accommodating.” – Arlene
Nature Spirit is locally-owned and operated and embodies the Love Local ethos from their sourcing to their customer service. They offer organic and local produce and bodycare, local baked goods from Chamber Member Slow Rise Bakery, bulk and package-free foods (including teas, herbs, spices, flours, grains, legumes), supplements, and more.
Thank you, Nature Spirit Earth Market, for your holistic commitment to LOVE LOCAL: community, sustainability, prosperity, health, and wellbeing. Visit them 7 days a week, 10am-5pm, and stay in the loop on fresh deliveries and special offers on their Facebook page. They welcome product suggestions and special orders – one of the (many) reasons this local business was identified by many as a standout!
Connect with Nature Spirit Earth Market
- By email: naturespiritmarket@gmail.com
- By phone: 250-247-0210
- In person: #3-480 North Road
Business of the Year is a part of a collection of annual awards coordinated by the Gabriola Island Chamber of Commerce. Past recipients include Page’s Resort Group, Woodfire Restaurant & Catering, and others. Stop by the Visitor Centre to check out our wall of fame!