Prince Edward County resident, Emily Cole, has overcome personal hardships and numerous roadblocks trying to start her business, Meadows Baby and Kids, a secondhand children’s clothing store. She was recently chosen as the recipient of the Dr. Paul Garfinkel Resilience Award for her resilience, perseverance and hard work starting up a new venture.
Emily Cole is a young woman with two small children who saw a void and a need for a children’s secondhand clothing and equipment store in the County. Realizing her shortcomings, she qualified to take courses through the RISE program but when ready to start her business, encountered resistance from landlords as she sought a location. Perseverance paid off when she finally opened her store in 2023 and now is in a larger location in Picton.
The Garfinkel Award is one of four given annually to celebrate the achievements of RISE participants. The national organization is geared to help those who have experienced personal challenges, RISE provides free training, mentorship and low interest business loans.
