Heart of Oxford version two a huge success

The B and B Realty team was one of the event sponsors. (Lee Griffi Photo).

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The second Heart of Oxford Experience was held last weekend at the Woodstock Fairgrounds and all one had to do was look at the lineup of close to two hundred people before the doors opened at 10 a.m.

Organizer Kristen Young, owner of Kynd Beauty Spa in Woodstock, opened her business in June of 2018 and not too long after, the pandemic struck. That’s when she decided to do something online to help struggling businesses.

“I think that’s where Heart of Oxford came in for me. I, like so many businesses in this building right now, were all struggling. We had no idea what was going to happen day to day, and that’s how it was born.”

Heart of Oxford began as an Instagram giveaway during COVID-19 with 70 local businesses participating. I think three rounds later, a Christmas one, there were about 140 businesses involved online and the prize value was $25,000.”

Last year, Young said she had the crazy idea of holding an in-the-flesh event to further promote small, local businesses to area residents. She knew she couldn’t do it on her own, so she sought out help.

“I went to Rachel (Southby) from Oxford Occasions and asked her if we could pull this off. She was the only person I knew who could help me plan it. She said it’s going to be crazy, but we can make it work.”

 Young said one of the most heartwarming parts of the show is how much faith participating businesses put in her and the event.

“It’s incredible. These businesses put it all on the line. They bring tonnes of stuff and make these incredible booths. The effort is amazing.”

Woodstock and Oxford County businesses have a long history of supporting each other, even those who are in direct competition. Young explained the teamwork was on centre stage.

“Even on setup day. It was such a beautiful thing to watch because so many people were helping each other. Everyone was taking a break from their booth to help others bring in banners and other things. Heart of Oxford has never been about competition, that is something I made very clear from the very beginning.”

She added what it is about is coming together to do one amazing thing.

“Just like how the Instagram giveaway worked, in order to win people had to follow all 140 businesses. Now, with an in-person event, we are not only exchanging Instagram followers but also trading real-life customers, families and friends. We are bringing all of our people into one building. That’s where the magic happens.”

Young said even she had no idea there were so many unique businesses in Oxford County, but she was able to describe it.

“Completely magical. I love it and seeing it all happen and come together.” She added her sponsors also need to be applauded for believing in the event and small business.

“We could not have done this without Oxford Community Futures and our other sponsors. When it came time last year to figure out who we could approach with our first title sponsorship, I thought of them immediately.”

Young explained when she opened her business, OCF was there for her to guide her through the process.

“It was a match made in heaven. What better than a small business support centre to assist with a small business support system.”

One of the event sponsors was Community Futures Oxford (OCF), a government-funded non-profit providing small business services to people living in rural and remote communities. Its executive director, Alan Simm, said the connection was obvious.

“We are very happy and excited to sponsor this event. It is a unique social and shopping occasion here in Oxford County. We see a lot of various, local small businesses under one roof. A lot of self-employed entrepreneurs can sell their products and services to showcase what they can do,” he explained.

He added the organization also sponsored last year’s event and he’s happy to do so in 2024.

“There’s been great attendance as the community embraces this. These entrepreneurs have worked hard. They’ve prepared a lot for this day, their booths are amazing and they have stepped it up. We have helped and supported a number of them and we are pleased to see the growth in how they are progressing and expanding.”

The B and B Real Estate Team and mortgage brokers Shannon and Marty Wooley were also sponsors of the event.

Last year’s Heart of Oxford had about 1200 people attend but this year’s number came in around the 1400 mark. Young plans to make it an annual event.

“It will probably be the same weekend every year. I think it’s the perfect time as everyone is ready to get fired up for Christmas shopping. Even if people didn’t spend a dollar today, they have an opportunity to plan out their list.”