Originally from Montérégie and born in Cape Breton to military parents, Susan has always been drawn to water, fresh air, and wide-open spaces. After taking time off work due to a chronic illness, she was forced to reorient her career. Accompanied by her partner, she chose to prioritize quality of life and moved to Rivière-Madeleine in October 2020. Her inner entrepreneur quickly resurfaced, and she decided to launch her own business in her new hometown.

Before settling in Haute-Gaspésie, Susan managed a micro-farm of garlic that she sold throughout Quebec. However, the desire to work on a smaller scale led her to turn to soapmaking in 2019, after being introduced to the art by a longtime friend.

Susan now specializes in soapmaking, a project that quickly became a passion. Although her involvement in the soap industry is still recent, she enjoys exploring various recipes and fragrances showcasing local products. She even offers soaps inspired by the essences used in the microbrewery and distilleries of Haute-Gaspésie. Through her boutique, which showcases her creations along with those of some twenty other artists from the region, she enjoys promoting the riches of her region to visitors.

The arrival of Atelier Effet Mer in Madeleine enriches the village’s tourist offerings. Despite chronic pain, Susan remains determined to advance her newfound passion for soapmaking and is pursuing several projects. She plans to soon begin making candles and fragrance diffusers, which will complement her soap collections starting this summer.

FAVORITE
“The Madeleine River is definitely my biggest favorite, especially the Petit Sault, which is peaceful and exceptionally beautiful. The Grand Sault site, with its impressive waterfall and its history, is also a must-see in the region for me.”