Success Stories


Euphoria Smoothies

What began as the stable 'recognizing a need and fulfilling that niche' has quickly become a cornerstone for an emerging health conscious community in Temiskaming Shores. "I have always advocated a healthy lifestyle, and I knew of the need for a strong brand like Euphoria Smoothies locally. It wasn't until I began researching the company that I realized each location is a standalone business, utilizing Euphoria branded products, that I saw the possibilities for my own business", states Natalie.

"The initial stages were some of the most confidence shaking and confidence building exercises I've ever encountered. Although I had some initial assistance in developing a business plan, I was uncertain on how to proceed and was looking for 'the next step'", she says "and that's when I started working with Enterprise Temiskaming".

Enterprise Temiskaming works with the City of Temiskaming Shores under the guidance and support of the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and The Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, as one of 44 Small Business Enterprise Centres located throughout the province.

"Natalie is a true entrepreneur, an individual that pursues her ideas and recognizes the need for thorough and comprehensive research", states Ken Laffrenier, Manager of Enterprise Temiskaming, "She knew what she was doing, and she just needed a little guidance and encouragement to reach her goals."

After 6 months of research and planning, Natalie opened her own Euphoria Smoothies location on December 15, 2006, in Temiskaming Shores. "I knew the risks of opening a business, that primarily offers frozen drinks, in December, but I believed in the strength of the product and I had the support of a strong business plan backing me up." Recalls Natalie, "From my work with Ken at Enterprise Temiskaming to the support of my mentor, family and friends, I felt the timing was perfect."

It is often stated that 'time will tell' when it comes to such operations and indeed it already has for Natalie. In her first 6 months of operation the growth and interest in Euphoria Smoothies, in Temiskaming Shores, has required that Natalie expand her footprint from a modest 400 square foot location to a larger 1100 square foot location and she has moved from a one person operation to requiring an additional 2 full-time employees and 3 part-time employees. As for sales, her initial, unassuming first year projections have already been surpassed.

Natalie has never lost sight of her goals nor of her beginnings, "the financial assistance of the Canadian Youth Business Foundation is great, as a young entrepreneur I know I would not be able to have started the business without their assistance. The mentorship experience has been wonderful, it gives you someone to talk to or share your business concerns with someone who's "been there, done that". As for Enterprise Temiskaming, well without Ken I certainly would not be here sharing my success story."

The success of Natalie and Euphoria Smoothies has demonstrated many things for the Northern Region, the strength of the economy and the communities and the fact that more individuals are increasingly health conscious, health, nutrition, exercise and more has proven to lower the risk of many serious illnesses

"The future looks great," says Natalie, "I live in a supportive community filled with vibrant individuals. I am blessed with a loving and enthusiastic family that is there for me every day. I know I made the right decision and entrepreneurship has embedded itself in my day to day life, I truly look forward to the next adventure.