Beating the odds

Trends N’ Treasures is in the elite group of gift shops that succeed beyond three years in business

Anne Terpsma enjoys her gift shop business, Trends N’ Treasures, in Cranbrook, B.C. — Marie Milner photo

Long-time friends of Anne Terpsma were surprised and skeptical about her venture into the gift shop business. Twenty-one years later, her successful shop, Trends N’ Treasures, is something of a Cranbrook landmark and a favourite with readers of Kootenay Business magazine.

Why were your friends skeptical?

I had always done non-traditional work as a woman—men’s jobs, really. I liked that kind of work and I made more money at it than I would have at traditional women’s jobs.

What’s your philosophy about taking risks?

I don’t want to be 80 years old and have a lot of regrets for things I didn’t do. I’d rather be able to say, “That was fun even though it didn’t really work out.” You’ve got to try.

One of my instructors in the entrepreneurial training program told me that only five per cent of gift stores survive for more than three years, and I said, “I guess I’ll just have to be in that five per cent, then.” And I am, 21 years later.

Do you have some advice for a person going into business?

Talk to successful business people. Get yourself a successful mentor, and listen to his or her advice. I didn’t have a specific mentor, but I relied on the chamber of commerce quite a lot and they always helped me out—they were very good.