Get to know the people behind your favourite places & spaces in downtown Burlington! We’ll be introducing you to a new owner & business throughout the year!

This week, meet Sian Thusyanth from BUDSSMOKE.

1. Why did you start/open your business?

I opened the business because I love how versatile cannabis is.   It is a multi-functional plant that can help us in many areas, such as paper production, pain relief, mental health and creativity to name a few.  I enjoy seeing and hearing about the relief that this plant powerfully provides to so many people.

2. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your business. (i.e. What is your unique offering?) 

I am a mother of 3, who enjoys spending time with my family and doing things that keep us smiling and laughing with each other. I have built a career as a financial advisor, helping entrepreneurs build personal financial security. I am also currently involved in the startup of a charity.

At BUDSSMOKE, we embrace art. We like to work closely with our neighbours, food drives and be involved in any way to give back or promote healthy and creative lifestyles to our community.

3. When did you open your business in Downtown Burlington? 

We had a soft open on March 26, 2021, but our official Grand Opening date was April 20, 2021.

4. What made you choose Downtown Burlington? 

Downtown Burlington has a gorgeous waterfront, surrounded by Spencer Smith Park that has great energy all year round. The area has many great stores to visit, things to see and walk to, with a community that is very welcoming and supportive to local businesses, so there was no doubt in my mind to find a location to fit into this core. Not only is it a great location down town, but it is the iconic store with the beautiful pink arches that many people recognize; it is now repainted in a bright green colour to let everyone know we are here.

5. What other downtown businesses do you frequent and do business with?

Businesses that we have connected with and visit on a regular:
Lakeshore Coffee house, Kelly’s Bake shop, Loch Side Bar & Lounge, I love Gelato, Lettuce Love, Bodhi Bar, La Pita Halal Shawarma & Grill, Crème de la Crème Creamery, Boon Burger, RC’s Boardwalk Fries & Ice Cream Parlour & Lugano.  We are always eager to visit these great neighbours and more in the area, to support in their business any way we can.

6. What special events do you have coming up in 2021 that you would like the BDBA to promote and/or publish on our website and social media outlets?

Special Events: CANADA DAY, THANKSGIVING, HALLOWEEN, CHRISTMAS, NEW YEARS EVE
Promotions: Monthly Giveaways and raffles. Each event will have an item given to our customers to celebrate the day.

7. If you had a piece of advice for our new businesses, to help them succeed, what would it be?

I would let them know to be organized and to plan thoroughly for good and bad days. Forecasting is probably the most important thing in any business. This way you can track how well you are doing and make the appropriate changes, ultimately being prepared for any obstacles that may come within that first year.

8. 8. What’s one food that you simply cannot live without?

Chocolate

 

Follow them on social!

Instagram: @budssmokestores, @budssmoketogether