When Cynthia Barone was out of a job about a decade ago, she decided to change course.
The Newmarket resident said she loved working as a manager of trade shows, but had to find something else when the jobs went stateside.
She ultimately decided to become an entrepreneur.
“I just wanted to be my own boss. I wanted to do something on my own,” she said.
Barone is opening Angelic Touch Boutique in September at 18075 Leslie St., her third locally based business. The entrepreneur already runs two other home-based businesses, a catering service called Angel Delight Cuisine and a reiki service called Angelic Waves Healing, which she plans to continue running concurrently.
The businesses have been successful, with the catering service launched 10 years ago and the reiki service going on for four years. The catering service has also been able to do some lunch service with the York Catholic District School Board.
Barone credits her business success to her ability to connect with people.
“I’m a people person. I care about people. I don’t worry about the money. I don’t worry about getting paid. I genuinely care,” she said. “That connection has helped me along the way.”
The new boutique will offer spiritual items, including incense, crystals, bracelets, oracle cards, homemade cards, books, home decor and specialty items. Barone said she wants to provide products that Newmarket residents may have to drive out elsewhere to get.
“It’s always been a dream of mine,” she said. “I love these little knick-knacks and trinkets and spiritual things. I just wanted to put everything under one roof … Everything I’m putting into my store is something that I just love.”
Shifting from home-based businesses to a storefront is a little intimidating, Barone said.
“You don’t know until you try it,” she said. “I have faith. I believe (the business) came to me for a reason. And so, I’ve got to do it. I’ve always been like that.”
The businesswoman grew up in North York, moving to various locations around York Region before coming into Newmarket with her kids three years ago.
“I love it here,” she said. “I love the area, I love the people. It’s down to earth.”
Barone hopes the business can find success by earning a solid reputation.
“(If) people trust me, they will trust the product. Whenever they need something, call me,” she said. “I want that kind of interaction.”
