In the heart of Pictou, Nova Scotia, designer and maker Tabitha Co brings creativity and care to everything that she does. Since founding TABITHA + CO® in 2018 and opening her flagship store two years later, she has been handcrafting Mindfully Made® leather goods that blend beauty, purpose and sustainability. CFIB sat down with Tabitha to learn more about how she supports her community, one stitch at a time.
What does your tagline, Mindfully Made®, mean?
For me, Mindfully Made® is more than just a tagline – it’s a way of living and creating. Each piece is made in alignment with the slow fashion movement, meaning we don’t mass-produce. It’s about awareness and intention in every step: how I source materials, how I engage with clients, and how my work impacts my community.
Transparency is a big part of that philosophy. My workshop sits at the front of the store, so people walking by can see me sewing each piece by hand. They often stop to chat, and I love that. It reminds them that mindfulness isn’t just in the product; it’s in how it’s made and shared.
Why is community involvement so important to you?
I’ve always believed every community is like an ecosystem – No business thrives in isolation. When I started TABITHA + CO®, it was my friends, neighbours, local makers, and customers who helped bring my vision to life.
That’s why supporting local events and causes is so important to me. Staying rooted here in Pictou is my way of saying thank you to the community that believed in me from the very beginning.
My store also features products from more than a dozen other small Canadian makers. Highlighting their work helps build the same kind of supportive ecosystem that made my own business possible.
What does success look like to you?
For me, success is more than just sales or business growth, but about connection. When someone walks into my store and I get to share the story behind the slow fashion movement, there’s a moment of understanding and appreciation. That’s success.
When a client leaves with a piece they feel connected to and later sends me photos of their travels, showing how it’s become a part of their story, that’s success to me.
It’s also about people. I now employ a wonderful team member who started as a customer and has become part of my family. Being able to mentor someone and create meaningful work for them feels like another way to give back to my community.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Fear is something we all face: fear of the unknown, failure, judgement. It’s one of the biggest barriers for entrepreneurs, and you have to find a way to put it aside. I like to say, put fear in a Mason jar, tighten the lid, and put it on the shelf.
If you feel deeply about a vision or idea, trust that calling and go for it. That’s how I've approached my journey since 2018. There are still days when I feel uncertain or afraid, but I remind myself to have faith and keep moving forward. Even when things don’t go as planned, there’s always a silver lining and a lesson that helps you grow into what comes next.
Interested in learning more about Tabitha’s small business?
Visit tabithaco.ca for more information.