Page 39 - INSIGHT MAGAZINE Digital_Neat

“Nursing gave me so much variety and locations came into being and a plan to “We’re still fairly new on the women’s side
provided many doors to go through, so add women’s wear became a reality. “So, since this is only our third, maybe fourth,
that’s kind of what I landed on,” says we did that and then the next year we fall season. But we’re really getting to
Larissa, who studied nursing at McMaster added this location (Main Street).” know our customers at all the locations
University and went on to obtain her They kept the original King Street East and starting to determine what they need.”
pediatric nurse practitioner’s certificate location in Preston for a short period of It’s a skill that she continues to excel and
at the University of Toronto. “I just loved time but realized it did not provide the one that she jokes her daughter, Braelyn,
working with kids.” space they needed and made the difficult the inspiration for the store’s name ‘BRAE’,
This led to a position in pediatric oncology decision to close the shop in 2023. may have already mastered.
at London Health Sciences Centre, the “Sometimes you have to make those “When I took her on a buying trip with me
same department where Brandon had types of decisions and that’s really hard and she was helping me pick stuff out,”
been treated for childhood leukemia many to do, especially because we believe laughs Larissa.
years ago. so strongly in being rooted in smaller
“It was an incredible full circle moment,” historic downtown cores and trying to help When it comes to family life and creating
that work-life balance, she says being an
she says, referring to the opportunity to revitalize those areas,” says Larissa, who entrepreneur has given the couple the
work alongside a fellow nurse practitioner, credits the Downtown Cambridge BIA and flexibility they need to devote time to their
who has since retired, that cared for her their landlords for supporting their move family when required, as well their many
husband when he was a child. to 18 Main St. “We are so thankful for all loyal customers.
the people that we’ve been able to work
Larissa also explored another with across all our locations for being “We’re servicing our customers’ needs
side of healthcare by serving on a supportive of what we’re trying to do and and not doing it just to make a buck; we
several committees as well as on understanding our vision.” actually care and want them to feel good
the board of directors for the RNAO about themselves,” says Larissa. “But you
(Registered Nurses’ Association of Continuing to provide their customers with also need to put up those boundaries
Ontario). a causal and unique shopping experience when we need to be there for the kids.”
remains a big part of that vision, which
“I was one of the youngest board members she says is enhanced by Brandon’s innate They have included their son and daughter
they ever had and it a very cool opportunity ability to personalize their merchandise. in their work by bringing them in on PD days,
to see how things worked outside the day- “He knows what people are looking for giving them a seat next to their parents at
to-day of actual nursing,” she says, noting and what they need,” says Larissa. “When a small desk in the office or having them
her passion for that career has never he goes on a buying trip, he may see out on the floor folding clothes.
wavered. “I was just really fortunate to something and thinks ‘Jack would look “We enjoy including them in what we’re
have some incredible mentors who helped great in that’. He buys with specific people doing so that it doesn’t become a negative
push me to the next level.” in mind.” that mom and dad work a lot,” says Larissa,
But a new career came calling when Following his lead, she is also learning to who is excited about what the next few
Brandon, who had worked at the store ‘fine tune’ how to purchase inventory for years will bring. “I would love to be in a
since he was 16, took over the business, their female customers, which requires a position one day where I could work and
inspiring the young couple to take Gadsbys different approach. mentor other women who are looking to
into new directions. start their businesses.”
“When we bought the business in 2022 “It’s a totally different beast,” says Larissa, Visit www.gadsbys.ca to learn more.
describing the art of selecting clothes for
it was still just menswear,” she says, women.
describing how the Stratford and Dundas

www.cambridgechamber.com Winter 2026 39