Local Roots, National Pride . . . Made in Canada products offered by Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent businesses reinforce “The True North strong and free”
Canadians are championing a campaign to support the nation’s economy on a greater scale — and it has been working!
Retailers have reported higher sales of Canadian-made products and there is an increased use of “Buy Canadian” hashtags, mobile apps, and internet searches.
An Interac 2025 survey found that 90% of Canadians say supporting local is important to them, with many willing to pay more to support a business from their community or goods made in Canada.
Small businesses are the heart of our economy. They employ millions of Canadians, contribute significantly to gross domestic product, play a key role in exports, and are brimming with innovation (Government of Canada, 2023).
While the Buy Canadian trend is expected to continue, the hope is that it evolves into a lasting lifestyle that creates a meaningful investment in our future.
At the local level, we are celebrating, in this cover story, just a few of the spectacular businesses that grow, make, curate, and share amazing products from Windsor, Essex County, Chatham Kent and across
Canada.
Whether you are seeking unique products, alternatives for everyday essentials, or thoughtful gifts, the area entrepreneurs we profile next are deeply invested in both the region and the country and are making it easier than ever to support Canadian-made. And each also shares advice for our readers to help build a stronger business community in these challenging times!
Whiskeyjack Boutique (Windsor)
Allie Mistakidis had a vision for a Canadian-made gift shop and had already secured a location — but she wasn’t sure about taking on the adventure alone.
A business connection — who also happened to be the husband of Katie Stokes — encouraged Mistakidis to reach out.
Just five weeks after their initial coffee meeting in May 2019, Mistakidis and Stokes became co-owners of Whiskeyjack Boutique in downtown Windsor.
Mistakidis holds a Masters degree in Biology from the University of Windsor where she studied plumage evolution in birds.
She also created Aloraflora Jewelry in 2010 and you can find “dainty and sparkly” pieces on sale at the store.
Stokes has a background in digital marketing and has been working with small businesses to help them improve their online presence, for 15 years, under her company, Blab Media.
The bird in the boutique’s logo is a nod to Allison’s background, and the Whiskeyjack — the nickname for the Canada jay — is the only bird found in every province and territory of Canada.
“It doesn’t migrate and suffers through harsh winters like the rest of us, and is super friendly, so we thought it was a great symbol for a Canadian-made shop,” Mistakidis notes.
Whiskeyjack carefully curates a range of Canadian-made gifts and souvenirs from creators across the country.
To read more about the Whiskeyjack Boutique, Affinity Outdoor Living Products, Eagle Office Furnishings Inc. and other Canadian businesses, click here to access the May edition of Biz X magazine!
