When Chantal Cleroux and Stephanie Bellefeuille created the Live, Love, Shop Local initiative, they aimed to establish successful future partnerships while also raising awareness of their brand.
Launched over the past year, Live, Love, Shop Local hosts monthly markets featuring the original creations of several local vendors. During these markets, visitors can also participate in a variety of activities.
The markets serve not only as fundraising opportunities for local organizations (primarily in the non-profit sector) but also as a way to build partnerships and raise awareness for other Rockland-based businesses.
During its October market, Live, Love, Shop Local partnered with Jump Around Inflatables to provide entertainment for visitors, which proved to be a great success.
“It was something that just happened naturally,” said Cleroux of the partnership with Jump Around. “Our kids go to school together, and it was a chance to give people something really fun to do at our markets. The kids had such a blast.”
Jump Around is a locally owned business founded by Justin Dorian and his wife, Karine Char. The company offers bouncy castles for functions, parties, and other events.
“It was something we had been thinking about doing for quite some time,” said Dorian about launching the Rockland-based entertainment and activities business.
Even after losing their home in a fire, Dorian and his family were able to rebuild and launch a successful business venture, fulfilling the dream that he and his wife had envisioned for themselves.
“We needed some happiness in our lives after everything that happened, and it has been quite the journey so far,” said Dorian, adding that his business also offers indoor services during the winter months. “It’s been fun for us, and fun for the community.”
Cleroux said she remains hopeful about forming more partnerships in the future as the Live, Love, Shop Local initiative continues to grow and gains more recognition within the community.
“We are going to be able to offer some fun events with Jump Around, and next year, we certainly plan to have events that are bigger and better,” she said. “Rockland is so family-oriented and family-centric, and our local businesses play a huge role in that.”
