Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Fortin.
Hi Danielle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was managing Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery in Lutsen for 4 years shortly after we had relocated to the North Shore in 2013. At the time I left to pursue a great job opportunity, the Owner of the gallery & cottages decided she was going to sell. My Husband and I had always been big fans of the property and I really loved the Gallery space especially. We decided to move forward with purchasing Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery & Cottages, and It was finally ours as of August of 2019! We rebranded and they are now The North Country & North Country Cottages. 🙂
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well considering a global pandemic hit about 6 months after we closed on the businesses I would say no! But we utilized the 2 month shutdown to remodel a bathroom and do some painting, deep cleaning and updating of the cottages, so we made the best of it and tried not to worry TOO much. After things reopened the cottages actually became busier than they had ever been, so we feel very fortunate at how things have worked out throughout COVID times.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Well since our business is two-fold I will answer this question twice. 😉
As for the cottages, we have three small lodging options available on the property. A studio, one and two bedroom, each one with a bit of a different layout. But they all have big, beautiful cobblestone fireplaces that really steal the show, and they’re all tucked in the woods just accross the road from the largest lake in the world, so it’s a pretty unique place to stay.
I would say we are most proud of the quality of a stay we can provide for our guests. Not only are these cottages quaint but lovely, they are comfortable and inviting as well. We also provide loads of kiln dried firewood, eco-friendly soaps and bath produts and fresh flowers in the summer, to name a few details that we are proud of. and all of these things combined really sets us apart from most lodging options in the area.
As for the gallery & gift shop, we focus on locally and regionally made art and craft goods. We also have taken to carrying what we call ‘products with a purpose, meaning they’re either sharing positive messages or perhaps chosing companies that donate a percentage of their proceeds to causes and values that align with ours. Some examples include supporting other women owned businesses, racial equity, fair trade, clean water efforts, anti bullying, supporting others, and being environmentally conscious to name a few.
I am most proud of the fact that I have, in just 9 months, been able to support over 75 small makers and artists by bringing their work into our shop. I am also incredibly proud at the beauty of the space that my Husband and I created here. It’s been so well received! I love when people come in and share with me how lovely they think that our little shop is 🙂 My goal was to make it a comfortable and home-like space in hopes people would feel at ease while they’re taking in the art here.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I feel VERY fortunate to live in an amazing community where I have been influenced and supported by so many other badass lady bosses! Lucky for me I have multiple friends who also own small businesses in the area so they have been helpful in both mentoring and networking. I was actually just invited to participate in a mastermind for women business owners in the area, put on by an amazing friend and local entrepreneur, and I can’t wait!
I would recommend folks lean into local resources if they’re available since that’s what has been best for me. Our local chamber of commerce as well as the representative for the Small Business Association locally have both been great resources for me. And pre-COVID the local visitors’ bureau would host an event and invite all of the local business owners and managers. That was an EXCELLENT place to network, and I sure miss those events. I would say to keep an eye out for those types of events if they start to happen again!
Contact Info:
- Email: danielle@northcountrycottagesmn.com
- Website: www.thenorthcountrymn.com and www.northcountrycottagesmn.com
- Instagram: @northcountry.mn and @northcountrycottages
- Facebook: @thenorthcountrymn and @northcountrycottagesmn
Image Credits
Laura Muus
