How it all got started …
Founded by Penny Chmilar, Penny’s of Blyth strives to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who enters their door.
Penny has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. From the young age of 18 when she started making picnic baskets, Penny always made items that made sense for the stage of life she was in herself. As her family grew she found herself making, what seemed like, thousands of baby receiving blankets in pink and blues (which she continues to make and has for sale in the store), and flannel pajamas; admittingly she’s been very entrepreneurial her whole life.
But it’s the successful retail and service-related career experiences she’s had throughout her life that led her to opening her store in the village of Blyth, November 2022.
Penny understands the importance of building relationships with customers. Throughout her career, she’s learned to be an excellent reader of people. Always taking the time to get to know her customers and their needs helped Penny succeed in all areas of her retail and service based career. Her belief in building relationships with her customers has been at the core of everything she does.
Penny tells us that she focuses on “making customers feel comfortable, and it’s really about making that personal connection.“
A strong customer-focused entrepreneurial spirit has been evident throughout Penny’s life. From her first job in retail at The Bay to her illustrious Pampered Chef career and consulting business, which she ran for over 20 years and was recognized as one of the top achievers in Canada in sales, recruiting and developing leaders.
The Story of Penny’s of Blyth Began …
The story of Penny’s of Blyth began when Penny, who had recently moved to the small village of Blyth, decided that it would be fun to open a store there. With no idea of what type of store to open, she started her research and sought the advice of others.
When considering several retail models, it was Annie Sparling who suggested she consider artisan foods along side hand-made local goods.
From there, through hard work and dedication, the idea naturally grew.
And, in the first year of operation Penny has organically grown, renovated and expanded her store to its current vast inventory of local artisan selections of home goods, personal products and locally sourced artisan foods.
Penny believes in supporting local Huron County (and surrounding area) artisans and helping to boost the local economy.
Her ability to read people helps her understand what products her customers want, allowing her to provide them with exactly what they need.
Penny Chmilar
“At Penny’s of Blyth, we are dedicated to providing a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for our customers. Every product in the store has a story behind it, and we believe all items are more treasured and enjoyed, if our customer knows the local story behind the product they are purchasing.”
Penny as an individual is committed to giving back to the community. Now, with Penny’s of Blyth it delights her to support local artisans by regularly sending e-transfers to them for their products, proudly exclaiming, ‘look how much we sold!’
“We are grateful for Penny’s commitment to serving the community and are fortunate to have her here in HURON COUNTY. Penny’s entrepreneurial spirit and support of local artisans have made her a valuable member of the community.”
Angela Cullen, Chair, Blyth Business Improvement Association (BBIA)
At Penny’s of Blyth, we are proud to provide our customers with a personalized shopping experience that is unlike any other.
Come on over to Blyth to see us – we’d love to get to know you!”
