My Journey with Happy Camper Malas
Embracing Creativity, Community, and the Beauty of Small-Town Life
I’m no stranger to the Kootenays. I was raised in Creston and completed both my elementary and high schooling in town. Like many others, I left after high school to pursue higher education and various careers. After being away for 20 years, I have come back to the Creston Valley. Creston is a beautiful town, and there’s nowhere else I would rather be to raise my family and run my business. City life has nothing over the small town vibes Creston has to offer.
I originally pursued careers in Education and Health Care, but I wanted to slow down and shift to something that would offer more flexibility. My small gemstone jewellery business provided exactly that opportunity.
I’m also no stranger to moving. With a husband in the Canadian Armed Forces, frequent relocations came with the territory. While living in Ottawa, I began making my first Malas for myself and as gifts for family. A Mala is a traditional necklace made with 108 beads, often used in yoga and meditation. The beads can help focus on an intention or keep track of breathwork during mindfulness practice. For many, though, Malas are simply worn as stunning pieces of jewellery.
What started as a hobby slowly grew into a business and became a way for me to meet new people whenever we moved to a new town. I still remember the first craft fair I ever went to. We were living in Cold Lake, AB, at the time, and I had to bring my newborn daughter with me. It was quite an experience. I didn’t have a lot of products made at the time, and I cringe when I think of what my displays looked like, but people liked the jewellery. I started to receive custom orders, and everyone’s support was very encouraging for me to continue.
A lot has changed in the business since then. The product line has grown to include gemstone earrings, bracelets, hair accessories, and smudging kits, among other things. With a lot of perseverance and hard work, the business slowly evolved to include a presence at brick-and-mortar stores as well as hosting workshops.
But for me, it’s not just about selling jewellery. It’s about collaborating with other local businesses to cultivate a sense of community. I have hosted bracelet-making workshops in cafes, yoga studios, wineries, and art studios, and they are always brimming with creative energy. It’s amazing what happens when a group of people get together and start exploring gemstone designs.
I also offer private bookings for events such as wedding showers, corporate team building, or an evening of getting together and staying in with a group of friends.
Creativity often strikes while spending time outdoors in nature. An evening dog walk through a meadow with wildflowers inevitably has a way of turning into a bracelet design. Whenever I stop to take pictures of plants or scenery, my daughter looks at me, knowingly smiles, and says, “I know, it’s for Happy Camper Malas!”
And there’s no shortage of inspiration to be found in the Kootenays. We have it all right here: clean air, mountains, rivers, lakes, hiking trails, and more.
Happy Camper Malas jewellery can be found at various retailers in Creston, Cranbrook, and Castlegar. If you would like to learn more, you can find me on Facebook and Instagram @happycampermals or my online shop at Happy Camper Malas.
AUTHOR | Janina Gough
Janina Gough is an artisan jewelry maker and workshop instructor in the Kootenay’s. She specializes in gemstone jewellery and her inspiration is derived from the beauty of nature. She believes that gemstones serve as energetic reminders of our personal intentions and can complement our wellness.
