Karen Quigley, owner of Saltastic Salt Lounge in Kemptville, has been awarded “Entrepreneur of the Year”, at the Bridges to Better Business Annual Conference, held in Brockville on October 25. The annual business conference is organized by the Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre [LGSBEC].
Wendy Onstein, Manager of the LGSBEC, who presented Karen with her award, spoke of the courage Karen had shown in December of 2016, after she was laid off from her kitchen designer position, when she went to Florida to learn about salt therapy, or halotherapy, a form of alternative medicine. She had used her own money to set up her business, along with help from the Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation and the Enterprise Centre’s Starter Company Plus program.
Earlier this year, Saltastic celebrated their first anniversary, and, at that time, Karen talked about the motivation behind opening Saltastic: “Saltastic was founded because I had been suffering from sinus infections for most of my life. Nasal sprays, antibiotic, nothing was working anymore. I discovered salt therapy on a trip to Florida and never looked back. It took a few more years of research, and the strength to actually go ahead and open the business, but, one year later, I am very happy that I pushed myself to move forward. Salt Therapy promotes better breathing, healthier skin, sounder sleep, decrease stress and anxiety while boosting your immune system. It is natural, safe AND effective.”
After receiving her award, Karen thanked everyone who helped in getting the business going. “We’ll keep building,” she added.
Karen was also presented with a certificate by Michael Jiggins, on behalf of Steve Clark, M.P.P.
