“I came to Cape Breton 23 years ago, taking my family with me and leaving a career behind. Falling in love with the Island, I knew that choosing to live here meant I would need to create my own opportunities, so I turned my glass-hobby into a business and today we have the Glass Artisans Studio & Gallery. It wasn't a difficult choice, the area is beautiful and has a thriving artistic and entrepreneurial community that make it an easy choice to continue making every day. Even the winter months, when there are fewer travelers in the area, give me the time to let my creative process take its course and replenish product in time for the summer when it's time to sell my art again. I truly love my community and my work. It's like they say: Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life.”

Wendy Smith Owner / Manager, Glass Artisans Studio & Gallery North Shore, Victoria County

"For nearly 35 years, I’ve had the great honour of being Chief of the community of Membertou. Unama’ki, our great island of Cape Breton, has always been rich in history, beauty and hard-working people who are driven to make a difference. For me, investing in the future of our island was always a must. Without a vision for tomorrow, we cannot move forward today. As economic growth continues in our community of Membertou, so does the narrative of building stronger connections to people across the island and the world. I’ve had the great fortune through my role as Chief to explore many places, but none quite as remarkable as Cape Breton."

Chief Terry Paul, Membertou Band Council, Membertou First Nation

"I chose to move back to Cape Breton because it's my home, but on top of that because Cape Breton is underrated as a place to live. It breaks my heart to hear people say it's impossible to thrive here. It's not true. There are so many people here with big ideas and even bigger ambition who are taking action and building a new Cape Breton. I wanted to contribute to that. I didn't want to live somewhere else hoping that other people would build Cape Breton up. I wanted to be here and be a part of a movement shattering those misconceptions to see Cape Breton grow. As a business owner and graphic designer I'm able to work with these groups to help them market and build confidence in how they show up in the world. My husband and I took a chance on ourselves and the Island where we grew up - it's paid off in so many ways."

Emily Rankin Owner, Take Note Graphic Design Port Hood, Inverness County

" Why am I in Cape Breton? Simply stated: we came for the music and stayed for the people! My family moved to Inverness county in 2010, after many years of extended summer visits. We felt more comfortable and welcomed here than any place we’ve ever lived, both as visitors and permanent residents. My wife and I are both self-employed and our businesses require access to reliable broadband internet. Once this service arrived in the rural Mabou area, we pulled up stakes in Alberta and set up our businesses here. It has been the best move we’ve ever made – personally and professionally. It is incredibly gratifying to give back to the community through volunteerism and supporting local businesses. Our neighbours are our friends and our community is our home."

David Greenwell, Principal, M3D DesignWorks Mabou, Inverness County