Laura Whitlock is working on creating captivating murals within the common areas and developing a mushroom garden.
THUNDER BAY – Located inside Keskus Court at 215 Red River Rd., Quirky Company is an unusual gift shop that specializes in showcasing local small businesses.
Imagine an eccentric, artistic person combined with a serious small business owner. Laura Whitlock's shop might seem a little unconventional to some because it doesn't fit the mold of a traditional business owner.
Whitlock breaks the mold and is far from your typical small business owner: She combines retail with her love of art and the quirky to create a unique business unlike anything you've ever seen before.
Her shop is stocked with all sorts of quirky and whimsical knick-knacks and accessories, including handmade dog treats made from just one ingredient, and she also hosts a market on Keskus Court most Saturdays.
To encourage participation, young entrepreneurs and charities under the age of 18 can reserve a table for free, with a $15 table fee for everyone else, including MLM, arts & crafts, side hustles, baking, etc.
Originally from Kaministiquia, a community outside the city, Whitlock’s entrepreneurial journey was anything but ordinary.
She says her childhood was filled with a deep admiration for art, animals and nature. Despite developing a strong passion for these interests, her future career path was uncertain. So she spent much of her professional life working as a server/bartender in restaurants and bars.
But the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a new re-evaluation of her lifestyle and career aspirations.
With this new period of reflection under his belt, Whitlock embarked on a transformative journey by becoming an artist.
Originally commissioned by her brother-in-law to paint a mural for the museum, she found new purpose and direction, and later rented a small space in Hub Bazaar and began running a hawker market on Saturdays.
This prompted her to rent a larger space with her brother-in-law and set up Keskus Market, and her entrepreneurial endeavors have grown significantly since then.
Since launching, Quirky Company has gained a lot of recognition throughout the community and the business has received a lot of positive feedback. People love her unique concept of blending creativity and retail and are excited to see what she does next.
Additionally, Whitlock has been praised for her friendly and professional demeanor, as she interacts with customers and makes them feel welcome when they enter the store.
Currently, she is focused on establishing a Saturday market and further establishing a novelty store that will soon feature exciting arcade games. Eager to foster a sense of community, Whitlock aims to incorporate family-friendly activities within the classroom and host birthday party events.
At the same time, Whitlock is also working on creating attractive murals within the common areas and developing a mushroom garden.
Although this wasn't the future career path Whitlock initially envisioned, she has found it to be rewarding. The work isn't always easy, but she still really enjoys it. She especially likes that her job gives her the opportunity to create art and engage with the community at the same time. As her business continues to grow, Whitlock said she hopes people realize how fun and different this job is.
Encouraged by the future of Quirky Company and the supportive business community it encompasses, Whitlock looks forward to seeing new opportunities blossom and the venture progress in the near future.
Follow Laura on TikTok at @laurasquirkycompany and on Facebook and Instagram at @Quirky Company.
Visit Quirky Company in person at 215 Red River Rd., Keskus Court.