Mary laughs, “I have always loved to bake and cook!  It makes me happy to feed people.  I hate to see someone hungry.”

It took a year to take Mary’s passion from dream to reality and CBDC Guysborough was with her every step of the way.  First, Mary received Self Employments Benefits to help her financially through the initial start-up period, then with funding for the business itself, and throughout with training on everything from marketing to cash flow analysis. 

Her daughter Judy Cook was an ever-present help throughout the process.  She even attended the training sessions with Mary and was with her every step of the way.

Mary’s background was diverse, she had worked in the local fish plant, babysitting, and other jobs; but, this was the first time she had opened a business. 

“It was tough, it was all new to me and there was so much to learn.  Just finding suppliers and getting letters of intent from buyers was a difficult process.”

But, ever the optimist Mary persevered and was able to successfully wade through all the paperwork and details of the start-up and on February 17, 2014, Harbour View Bakery and Café was open for business. 

It’s still difficult at times, but Mary loves owning her own business.  Even working 13-hour days in the heat of the summer has not dampened her spirits. 

“The most rewarding aspect of the business is meeting the people.  The community has really been there for me!”

Helping people and giving back to her community are priorities for Mary.  She had a period of illness a number of years ago, where the Canso community pulled together, as they are known to do, and helped her.  Now, she takes any opportunity she can to give back.  If a funeral is taking place, she will send sandwich wraps to the funeral home for the family.  This began when a friend had lost a loved one.  Mary wanted to do something for her friend, so she sent food.  After that, it just felt right to do it every time.

For Mary community is important.  The hallway to her bakery features photos of days gone by - a tribute to what Canso once was, with old pictures of the waterfront, many local buildings, the regattas, and so on.  The wall has even become an attraction for tourists who visit the area.

The bakery is building up a regular clientele, too.  One elderly gentleman gets there on time everyday for bread hot out of the oven.  “I’m getting spoiled,” he likes to joke as he happily walks off with his fresh bread.

The bakery produces about 100 - 8 packs of cinnamon rolls a week, loads of bread, rolls, biscuits, cookies, squares, pies, and more!  The café offers sandwiches, both hot and cold, soups, salads, chowders, haddock, wraps, and other tempting fare.

“Wanda MacDonald and everyone at the CBDC were a great help to me.  Wanda checks in on us about once a month to see how we are doing and Felicia Casey, our Business Analyst, is a blessing, she has helped us so much!  They have all been so wonderful.”

Harbour View Baker and Café is located at 1315 Union Street in Canso.