WishIN Bloom Is Turning Handmade Gifts Into Meaningful Moments in the ByWard Market

This story is part of the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Summer Retail Incubator Program, presented by RBC and supported by Meridian.

The program provides hands-on retail experience and business training to help immigrant entrepreneurs launch and grow their ventures in the heart of Ottawa.

As you walk through the ByWard Market Vendor Village, your attention may settle on a display of carefully crafted pieces, rosaries, keepsakes, and small gifts that feel quietly meaningful. Each item carries a sense of care that goes beyond its form. Behind these displays is not just a business but a story shaped by intention, personal expression, and a desire to create moments of connection.

That story belongs to Carol, founder of WishIN Bloom, a handmade creative business built alongside her daughter. She turned her passion for handmade gifts into something more intentional, a brand focused on crafting meaningful, heartfelt pieces that celebrate life’s special moments, foster creativity, and create connection right here in Ottawa. 

For Carol, the business didn’t begin with a product line or a plan. It began with a moment.

“It started with one little girl named Kareena,” she shares. “I created a personalized piece for her and saw how that small handmade item made her feel completely seen and loved. That moment stopped me in my tracks.”

What began as a creative outlet quickly became something more. In that moment, Carol realized her work had the power to create emotional connection, to help people feel seen in ways that words sometimes cannot.

“I realized this wasn’t just a creative hobby—it was something that could bring real joy to people. That’s when WishIN Bloom was born.”

Today, WishIN Bloom offers handmade celebration pieces, comfort items, faith-based gifts, personalized keepsakes, and a growing collection for children. Each item is designed with intention and crafted with care, created to help people express love, encouragement, and connection during life’s most meaningful moments.

But building a business around something so personal comes with its own challenges.

“Building visibility and trust as a small handmade business takes real time and persistence,” Carol explains. “People need to find you, understand your values, and believe in what you’re offering—all at once.”

As an immigrant entrepreneur, there were additional barriers—access to resources, professional networks, and confidence. Starting from scratch meant not only building a brand but also finding her place in a new market.

Support from the Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Retail Incubator Program helped shift that trajectory.

“It gave me structure when things felt overwhelming, connected me to a community of people who understood the journey, and helped me show up as a real business owner—not just someone with a creative hobby.”

Now, being part of the ByWard Market Vendor Village marks a meaningful milestone. But for Carol, success is measured less in scale and more in impact.

“Every time a customer picks up one of my pieces and something shifts in their face—that quiet moment of connection—that’s what I’m most proud of,” she says. “It means the intention behind the work is actually reaching people.”

Among her collection, handmade rosaries have become especially meaningful to both Carol and her customers.

“There’s something about holding something handmade and faith-filled that resonates deeply with people,” she explains.

The piece is also deeply personal. “During some of the hardest seasons of my life, my rosary was my refuge. It was where I found strength, comfort, and hope.” Today, each rosary she creates carries that same intention forward—something more than a product, but a piece made from a place of faith and love.

Like many early-stage businesses, WishIN Bloom continues to grow and evolve. And if there is one lesson Carol carries forward, it is the importance of staying grounded in purpose.

“Start with the moment that moved you,” she says. “Find your Kareena—that one person or experience that showed you why your work matters—and let that carry you through every hard day.”

What sets WishIN Bloom apart is not just what is being created, but why. Each piece is a reminder that even the smallest, most thoughtful item can create a lasting emotional impact.

If you are visiting during the ByWard Market Vendor Village, stop by WishIN Bloom to experience these pieces in person and meet the maker behind them.

Explore WishIN Bloom or stay updated on their latest projects. Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @wishin_bloom. Carol's story is an inspiring example of how perseverance, coupled with the right support, can lead to extraordinary achievements.

This blog post is part of our series celebrating the incredible entrepreneurs who participated in the 2026 Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada Summer Retail Incubator Program, presented by RBC and supported by Meridian.