Lake Life Studio
Lake Life StudioJustine Goulet grew up on the shores of Lake Huron. Her family had a boat at Cedar Cove Marina, and in the summers that is where she spent a lot of her time. "I would go swimming and wakeboarding everyday. For me, the lake is life." Goulet was also passionate about art and theatre, and she knew from a young age that she would work in the arts. In 2012, she completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Production at Ryerson University and apprenticed at Canada’s National Ballet School in the wardrobe department. "Then I moved to Dublin, Ireland and completed my Masters in Philosophy of Performance Art from Trinity College."
When Goulet returned home, she continued working in the theatre industry until she discovered the art of glass fusing. Bonnie Doone Glass, in Forest, hired Goulet on as an apprentice. "They were amazing mentors and taught me everything about glass fusing." After two years, the business closed and Goulet decided to establish her own space for creating custom glass pieces and showcasing other artists. "The vision was to have a combined storefront and studio space so people could see things being made and speak with the artist. I was also excited to create larger glass pieces like vessel sinks, cabinet inserts, and backsplash panels," shares Goulet.
Lake Life Studio, located at 3811 Lakeshore Road in Camlachie, was established in July 2015. The studio sells pottery, art, jewellery, decorative items, and apparel, all with a lake or beach vibe. "We are not just a shopping experience. You can explore my studio space and see what I’m working on. You can book a glass fusing workshop for yourself or a group of friends, and you can meet the different artists as they drop off their products." Collaborating with makers and clients is the most exciting part of owning her own business. "I’ve met so many sweet people. We work together and help each other, but we also have wine on Saturday nights."
Everything in Lake Life Studio is handcrafted, with the exception of the apparel line, though those are screen printed locally. "The apparel line began with two styles of shirts consisting of my hand-drawn designs, but has expanded to different types of clothing and accessories." It wasn’t until 2017 that the feather logo and branding came together. "Three percent of our apparel sales go to the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation. They are committed to protecting and restoring Lake Huron’s coast and coastal ecosystem. I love the lake and I want to be a good steward, so donating a portion of our apparel sales felt right."
Lake Life Studio is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. Lake Life Studio also sponsors and organizes beach clean ups in collaboration with other businesses each spring and hosts a winter market every December. "We are unique in that we are a working glass studio, retail space and advocate for the lakes. It’s a space for creativity, collaboration, and connection while celebrating the lake lifestyle."
Related Stories
Sarnia Imperials
The Sarnia Imperials football team was founded in 1928, and was a member of the Ontario Rugby Football Union, a league that preceded the Canadian Football League (CFL). The Imperials appeared in three Grey Cup championship games, winning twice in 1934 and 1936. They are now part of the Northern Foot
The Tin Fiddler
Realtor Mark Woolsey loves the old historic buildings in downtown Sarnia. In 2013, he purchased and renovated the building that is now home to the Downtown Market, and in 2017, he purchased 146/148 Christina Street North for his own restaurant and pub, The Tin Fiddler. I love this city and the op
The Overflow Café
Michele Smeets opened The Overflow Café in February 2017. Formerly The British Shoppe, the name The Overflow Café came to her in a dream. I saw the café filled with people and more lined up out the door. The café was literally overflowing, she explains. Smeets ran the name past her former
Cosmo's Family Restaurant
Nick Nassiokas is a man with a plan. In 1971, Nick arrived in Sarnia seeking a better life for himself. He came with the strength and courage needed to "make it" in Canada. Soon after arriving in Sarnia from Greece, he knew that one day he wanted to own a business of his own. His dream came true in
Related Stories
All Systems Mechanical
Adrian Williams' confidence and expertise were the perfect combination to go from working for others to owning his own company, Petrolias All Systems Mechanical. "I have done heating-cooling throughout my whole career," Adrian says. "I was dealing with largely commercial and industrial HV
Lambton Mutual Insurance Company
In 1875, a group of enterprising Lambton County farmers formed Lambton Mutual Insurance Company. There were very few insurers in Canada at that time, and none of them would insure these farmers, so they banded together and decided that the premiums of many would pay the losses of the few, shar
Point Edward Early Learning Centre
The Point Edward Early Learning Centre celebrates their 50th Anniversary in 2019, an integral part of the Village of Point Edward since 1969. Our story began with a group of mothers who were directed through a public health initiative called "Play to Learn." These young mothers organized a play gro
BrownStones Sports Lounge & Restaurant
In 2012, John and Holly Willis decided to open up their own restaurant. "One that would 'Truly be made in Sarnia' for Sarnia," says John Willis. This was not a corporation, so by relying on their own ingenuity and help from close...
