Promoting positivity is our communities

WINNIPEG

For Celeste Goncalves, the best way to solve a problem is to take it into her own hands.

For example, she has been making soap for about 20 years — the idea came from her son's childhood eczema. He started doing them out of necessity, but soon he discovered that he loved it. Her idea to open a store for local vendors came from her experience selling her own products.

Goncalves' newest endeavor is CG Pure Wash, a retail store on the second floor of 2179 Portage Ave., which will have its grand opening on February 10. It mainly sells all types of Manitoba vendors. some products b.c

Goncalves has been in business for years, but he only got the keys to this space he shares with Dream Barbers in December. He said he has barely slept since.

According to Goncalves, CG Pure Wash currently has 14 retailers and a variety of products. Despite the simple name, there's more to the shelves than just body products—visitors can find local art, crocheted toys, sweets, and more. can find

“Everyone here has a special story behind their work,” he said. “That's what interests me. This community… we're still coming together. Should I have a store that I can say has jewelry from Alberta?

Goncalves said he already appreciates the sense of control that comes from running the store

“I got my products in a lot of different stores in Winnipeg, and (it was getting more and more difficult),” he said. “I don't want to be negative, but it's hard if you don't rent a shop and don't get paid or pay on time. That was one of the reasons I decided to go it alone.”

For his part, Goncalves maintains transparency in his dealings with the vendors he works with.

“They're just paying rent. I don't take any commissions, I don't want to take any commissions and I'm not here to make money from sellers, I want to help them grow… We all promote each other. And that's what it's really about,” he said.

“Salespeople come in, they upload their pictures, they upload their products, their prices … When I'm on a sales call, they get a live stream, they get an email showing what's sold, they have immediate access to reports. They enter their bank information and it is automatically deposited into their bank account. I don't need to do anything.''

The business will open its doors at a good time, Goncalves added, on Valentine's Day. To mark the occasion, both tenants on the floor will be preparing a seasonal Valentine package. Customers can receive a gift box and haircut in one shot for $99.

“You come in for a new haircut, grab a box for your partner and leave,” Goncalves said.

The grand opening itself will be an event. A person who receives two cups of soap throughout the day will receive a third for free. There will also be sweets — drinks, prizes and conversation — provided by local vendor Lily Sweets To Go.

Two percent of all sales from the store go to animal shelters in Manitoba, specifically the Manitoba Animal Alliance.

Veterans, active military personnel and their families also receive a 15 percent discount during the sale.

For more information about the store, its vendors and sales, visit www.cgpurewash.com.