Cole Harbour entrepreneur, 24, opens her own store

Rebecca Lambe is one of the youngest entrepreneurs in Cole Harbour.

At 24 she owns her own business. And she is determined to make her mark in the community.

Last year, she bought a convenience store at 1222 Cole Harbour Rd.

Today, she has transformed that old corner store into something else. Something bigger and brighter with more products and a family-friendly atmosphere.

“I called it Mom’s Country Market. I am living the dream with this business.”

One of the main reasons she bought the place was to make life easier for her family.

“I am a mom to a three year old son. Having this market has allowed me the freedom to work around my family. I can bring my son here to work if I have to, attend his sports events and have my husband and son meet me here for meals. It has worked out perfectly.”

Customer service is her specialty.

“I love the public. And I love being my own boss. Customers tell me all the time they like coming here because I remember their names, smile and are happy to see them. I know I always disliked going into a store to spend my money and not even have the clerk look at me. We do things differently here.”

Gone are the dark, crowded aisles of expensive products.

“I brought in fireworks, partnered with a local baker, so we have home baked goods now and take cake and pie orders. And I asked the customers what they wanted to see on the shelves. And I followed their suggestions. And who doesn’t like ice cream? That has been popular this summer.”

Customers feel comfortable sending their kids down, she said.

“I am proud that families support my business. And one lady says she comes here when she wants to see a smile. I am happy to see people. I guess it shows.”

Her mother Margaret Lambe said her daughter has an incredible passion for customer service and treats everyone like family.

At the grand opening on July 4, she asked customers to record their messages to her daughter.

“Friendly. Happy to see a young person succeed. Welcome to the neighbourhood. I could go other places, but Rebecca’s is special.”

And that is just a few of them.

At the grand opening kids enjoyed a bouncy castle and prizes and snacks were given away to anyone who dropped by.

“I wanted to let people know we are in the neighbourhood. A community party was a good way of doing that,” said Lambe, who has hired two people to work at the market with her.

And the messages of support were overwhelming, she said.

“And now I know that following my heart and opening the store is absolutely the right thing for me to do.”

She plans on evolving as time goes on. Her next plan is to begin to bring in fresh fruit and vegetables.

“I want this business to be a part of the community. And I love being here. My son will learn that hard work does pay off. I hope people will pop in and say hello. Cole Harbour really is a wonderful place.”