Hope’s Kerfuffle Creations and Bliss Beauty Lounge are winners of the 2025 Canadian Choice Awards.
“It’s humbling and it’s honouring to just know that we put a smile on people’s face. Which, at the end of the day, is what it’s about,” said Sarah Preson, the owner of Kerfuffle Creations. “You know, the effort that we put out for the kids shop — and the Halloween contest, supporting the local artisans, kind of being there for as an ear when people are having a bad day, and having that quirky sense of humour, that all contributes to a shopping experience.
“We pride ourselves on being different. We know we’ve succeeded when we hear the people walking around, laughing and giggling.”
The awards, which according to their website aims to “celebrate and uplift small businesses across Canada,” announced their winners on Jan. 6 after a lengthy process. This process involved a “nominator feedback survey, independent analysis,” and filling out a business owner questionnaire. People were also able to vote online for their favourite business in order to help them win.
Both businesses were nominated by people in town. And in the case of Kerfuffle, received support from as far as Alberta during the online voting process. Kerfuffle was nominated for the Best Retail Shop category and Bliss Beauty was nominated for the Best Aesthetician category.
“I’m very grateful,” said Iris Cho, the owner and podologist of Bliss Beauty. “And I’m very happy because it feels like we’re doing something right.”
Bliss Beauty is a beauty lounge that specializes in beauty, cosmetic, and personal care. Their services include (but are not limited to) medi-footcare, nails, eyelash extension, lifting, tinting, waxing, teeth whitening, and facials. According to Cho, who originally worked in dental, Bliss Beauty is focused on providing an experience to people that is addresses both their beauty and well-being.
“People feel like we care about their wellness as well,” Cho said. “So, I’ve been working on that with people and I think its been going really great.”
This is the business’s first time winning the award.
Meanwhile, this is Kerffufle Creation’s second year winning the award. They are a local gift shop in Hope that specializes in Fantasy Gifts and knives, metaphysical items, as well as art from local artists.
Both businesses are involved in the community and frequently participate in community events and fundraisers.
The full list of winners can be found at canadianchoiceaward.ca .
