THE NUTCRACKER MARKET started off as a 3 week pop up at Christmas of 2015 (Down by Fits to a T). The next year it opened in its current location for 3 months (starting Oct 4, 2016). After Christmas we decided that we were having fun and the location had good vibes so we decided to see what a year was like. And that was almost 5 years now!
In April 2017, when Elaine's garden bloomed and had too many vegetables ready to pick, she was working 5 days a week in the store. She decided to close the shop. That is when Jennifer Konopelski stepped in, and the rest is history!
Our store has grown from 4 local vendors to 23 (with many changing over the years). Some come, some go and some stay the same. Elaine still plays a very important role in the store! She is one of our local vendors, works in the shop, and has been an invaluable mentor.
The only vendor to have been in the 2015 pop up and to continue in The Nutcracker Market is Christine Konopelski (which is how I got involved in all this!). Without her guidance and help working in the shop, it wouldn't be what it is today. - Jennifer
JENNIFER KONOPELSKI
Born in PR, I grew up in Surrey, BC. I spent many a long weekend, holidays and summer vacations up here. For as long as I can remember, I always called it home. When I was 16 we moved back up here and I graduated from Max Cameron High School. I headed off to Nanaimo to start my schooling in backstage theatre.
After 2 years, I moved to the University of Calgary to finish up. Unfortunately I was in a car accident and I was no longer able to finish my schooling. I began to manage a golf centre and even tried to start my first business out there. But made a change in 2009 to oil & gas documentation.
When the oil industry tanked I lost my job and after struggling for a few years before. I gave my head a shake and said, "I want to go home!" Shortly after I arrived home, I got involved with The Nutcracker Market and taking it over has been the best decision I've ever made!
ELAINE STEIGER
I have been preserving one way or another for over 60 years. And while I do tend my own garden, I try to keep things interesting. I usually plant over 200 varieties of pepper plants and love to do new and adventurous flavours with my preserving.
One of my other passions is getting tasty and healthy food into our senior housing around our town. They have worked hard all their lives and deserve to eat like Kings and Queens in their sunset years.
It was always a dream of mine to own a specialty food store. With that in mind, I started The Nutcracker Market in 2015 and had no idea where it could go. I have since sold the business to Jennifer who has flourished and helped to continue my dream.
CHRISTINE KONOPELSKI
Being born and raised in Powell River, and having lived here most of my adult life, I understand both the beauty and challenges of living and working in a land locked community. As a proud member of Powell River Women in Business I believe in supporting and empowering other women to follow their dreams.
I am the sole owner of Silver Lining Creations. I take great pride in taking my hobbies and creating products that I can share with you. I am known for my Munching Brittle, crochet items like your favourite crocheted dish cloths, handbags and more.
I am also a representative/world changer with One 1 Earth. "We believe in making a global impact. It’s about people helping people. We support fair trade and ethically made principles. We believe in empowering people, protecting the environment, and paying people fairly."
When I’m not working in the store or busy in my craft room, you will find me spending time with my husband at home or our local RV site, which is my most creative place. We also like travelling to faraway places.
