The Storm Riders series aims to celebrate the strength of our industry while highlighting some of the many ways businesses have overcome the challenges resulting from COVID-19. We are proud to showcase how the following businesses have adapted while celebrating the people who are at the heart of what we do. In this post, we hear from Lauren Cartmel at Ma Maison in Chemainus.
Why do you do what you do?
I love to make good food for people to enjoy. I cook food that I would want to eat. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
What is your hope for the future of our region?
What is your hope for the future of our region? My hope is that we keep growing our community as we have been. I’ve seen so many amazing little gems pop up since I’ve moved back. We are so lucky to live here with the farms, restaurants, wine scene and not to mention nature at our doorstep.
What do you most want people to know about your business?
We make everything in-house and I use a lot of butter!
In your own words, please share “Travel matters because … “
We need to explore to reach our fullest potential. I wouldn’t be the same person I am today if I hadn’t travelled for fun, life and work.
Other than your own business, what are 3 other businesses in your community that visitors should experience?
- Saison Market is my go to for coffee and treats
- Averill Creek Vineyard for great wine
- The Ainslie for a cozy dinner
The spark to own/work in this business must motivate you each day. – what are some of your past experiences that have contributed to this spark?
The love of good ingredients. Nothing is more exciting to me than seeing a beautiful product and thinking up ideas of what I can create with it. London I would hit the Chelsea farmers market every Saturday to get ideas and see what was happening. In LA I had Kerry The Intuitive Forager, Dragon her truck driver came by once a week with the best of the best. That truck went from northern Cali to San Diego picking up stuff no one else had. Now that I’m back It’s been really fun to explore what the Valley has to offer. Our menu is very farm-to-table driven and our wine list is chosen from top local winemakers.
