Friends chitchatting has led to the opening of one of the most popular gift stores and new businesses in the Foothills. Lisa Jones and her neighbour Bobbie Forno opened the gift store Shared Spaces in April and it lives up to its name. “Bobbie told me about her idea in the driveway — it was a driveway conversation —we have been neigbours for 10 years,” said Lisa Jones, co-owner of Shared Spaces. “It is space that is shared by crafters, artists, and other businesses.” It’s kind of a full-time market square, where various small businesses from across the area — including Okotoks and the Foothills — set up shop at Shared Spaces. “It’s a place for people to get to show their product for more than just a weekend,” Forno said. “They also don’t have to be here all the time. I like the idea of working together (with small businesses).” The community has shared their enthusiasm. Shared Spaces was selected a silver medallist in both the best new business and best gift shop division of the Best of the Foothills Readers’ Choice Awards. Forno and Jones have plenty to share with the community. The products from Alberta entrepreneurs include clothing, home décor, jewelry, baby wear, books, men’s toiletries and other products. Kelsey Raine of Okotoks is selling her jewelry and handmade woodworking items out of Shared Spaces. “It’s made a huge difference because otherwise you are dealing with markets — you have to set up and tear down, here it is a permanent fixture for me, I just replenish as it sells.” She has also been able establish relationships with customers due to being a fixture at Shared Spaces. “I was a little bit worried because we do rent our space here, but it has done well,” Raine said. “I grew up here, it’s nice to have that space with people you have that relationship already.” Shared Spaces is located at 8 McRae Ave., the location of a former gym. They are taking advantage of the gym’s juice bar space. The store offers coffee, fresh soup, baking and sandwiches as well as the opportunity to shop ultra locally. Shared Spaces is also sharing with the community. A portion of its proceeds is going to the Foothills Country Hospice.
