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Brick & Mortar 5th Anniversary!
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October 2021 marked the fifth anniversary of the SAABOON storefront in Ottawa.
In this blog post I thought it might be interesting to show you a little of what this space (595 Gladstone Ave. Ottawa) looked like before, and during construction. I hope you enjoy this :)
The exterior was in very rough shape and I ended up painting it from top to bottom myself.
The interior was temporarily used for storage. As you can see, not a pleasant view.
For years, this space was occupied by a DVD and Blu-ray rental business. Unfortunately for them, technology advanced and transitioned to streaming services, and they fell out of business.
Everything had to go, and the space was renovated from ground up.
I was on site every day for about four months during construction, managing the project, and helping in any way I could.
The crew hard at work! Zoom in to see better.
The metal bars on the door and window absolutely had to go! In my opinion these just formed a psychological barrier. Nothing welcoming about them — resembling prison bars.
The old tiles gone, and the floors being prepared with concrete.
The counter is not yet constructed here.
Opening up my own brick and mortar store has truly been a wonderful experience. Yes, the work never ends and there are endless tasks, but I would not change one bit. I have met many wonderful people, and have made many great friends as a result of this. I sincerely want to thank you all for your continuous support. Whether coming to my physical store, or placing online orders, without your support this small SAABOON shop would not exist.
Thank You! Thank You!
Thank You! Thank You!
I would love to hear from you. Please leave me a note below in the comments section! Have you been here? Would you like to come visit? Any, and all comments are welcome. I'd love to hear from you!
Hope to see you soon. Come visit us, we're at 595 Gladstone Ave. Ottawa. ON
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PS. I am reading all your messages below — thanks and keep them coming! :) However, the way the website is setup I am unable to respond to your messages individually unfortunately. Here, I want to let you know how much your kind words mean to me. So very grateful to you! Really appreciate you all taking time to write your beautiful messages. Many thanks !!
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Lisa Kis
October 14, 2021
Happy 5th Anniversary! The shop is perfect and that sink is to die for. I want it in my house!
Love your products and I love that they are all vegan. Will be in soon to replenish my supply. Always nice to see you and your furry little sidekick Leon. Wishing you many more years of continued success.
Cheers!
Melissa
October 14, 2021
Congrats on 5 years of business Julian! I really enjoyed seeing the transformation of this space, the hard work definitely paid off. Your products are really wonderful, you should be very proud! Can’t wait to order more!
Christopher
October 13, 2021
Bravo on taking the chance on yourself with Saaboon and congrats on 5years. I have given your soap as gifts on a few occasions and have always received wonderful feedback.
Julie
October 13, 2021
Happy 5th anniversary! I’m an online customer but I’ll definitely visit the shop at some point.
LAURIE WILSON
October 13, 2021
I have been to your store and bought your products as gifts many times Your store is lovely. You once gave me some products as a prize for fundraiser. I was grateful for your support. I wish you many years of success.
Janice Reid
October 13, 2021
We did see what it looked like before.
It is such a beautiful bright store.
You really have the best soap, so many to choose from. The utility deodorant is wonderful.
I love all your posts, your plants and Leon. He sure loves the attention. All the best. Janice
Tami
October 13, 2021
Thank you Joulian for following your dreams and opening Saboon! I love coming into this space and purchasing your wonderful products. Keep on doing what you love!
Tami
Debbie Buttle
October 13, 2021
What a wonderful adventure you have created these five years! You are true entreprenuer Joulian, and your success gives us all pleasure.
Thanks for sharing.
Judy Brooks
October 13, 2021
I loved visiting your beautiful shop when I worked downtown! Thanks for sharing the reno pics. What a transformation. Congratulations, and wishing you many more years of fulfillment and success!
Veronica
October 13, 2021
From one soap business to another, a huge congratulations! It’s not easy but it’s our baby isn’t! To many more successful years, cheers!
Emily Fitzgerald-Wichmann
October 13, 2021
Oh my how you transformed that building, I wouldn’t have recognized it as it was before. It is my favorite local shop, so happy you are doing so well Julian, happy 5 year anniversary and to many many more anniversaries!
Anonymous
October 13, 2021
Happy Anniversary! So rewarding to have been part of making your shop what it is today! Beautiful space. Been dying to try your campfire soap :)
Magda Hechema
October 13, 2021
Can’t wait to try your products. I just discovered Saboon on Facebook. Hope to come by tomorrow. Congratulations on 5 years!
Tricia
October 13, 2021
Beautiful space. I adore your yellow bar, utility deodorant, and lip gloss! Lovely products for someone who is sensitive to scents!
Cynthia
October 13, 2021
Wow! I remember what it looked like before your moved in. So nice to see your construction progress. Your store is such a great addition to the neighbourhood!
Wayne MacWhirter
October 13, 2021
Quite the change during the construction. Love the soaps.
Donna
October 13, 2021
Congrats on five years! I love your soap!
Andrew T.
October 13, 2021
Congratulations on 5 successful years! I’m so glad I stumbled on to your Instagram account and your soaps are the absolute best!
Did the previous tenant leave any DVDs behind?
Alex
October 13, 2021
It’s always lovely to come in and give Leon some nice pets! What a beautiful transformation to the space, you’ve created such a beautiful and serene atmosphere! Congratulations on the anniversary!
Rebecca Campagna
October 13, 2021
What wonderful progress photos! You must be so proud. It’s a beautiful store!
Nancy W
October 13, 2021
Great transformation! I love the Saaboon products! I use the soaps and the deodorant! They are the best! Love to support local! Great for gifts!
Jennifer
October 13, 2021
I wish you many more successful years!