Where Local Shines Bright: The Story Behind The Oromocto Galleria

Before you even step inside The Oromocto Galleria, you can feel it. There is this cozy, creative buzz that wraps around you the second you walk through the door. The scent of handcrafted candles, the sparkle of local art, and the hum of friendly chatter fill the air. It is warm, welcoming, and full of soul. You can tell right away this is not just a store. It is something much more personal.

That something is Kim. The heart, hands, and hustle behind The Oromocto Galleria. It is so clear how much this business means to her. Every shelf, every vendor, every event carries a piece of her passion. What she has built here is truly something special, a local goldmine that Oromocto is so lucky to have.

Kim started The Oromocto Galleria more than a decade ago with one simple but powerful idea: to give local makers a space to shine year-round. “I grew up doing markets,” she told me, “but I always thought, what if there was a place where people could sell their work five days a week without having to travel to shows every weekend?”

The start of something special: Kim’s boys helping with the final touches on the sign over 10 years ago.

That spark turned into what is now a thriving creative hub. What began with six vendors has grown into a bustling community of over 150 artisans, makers, and creators, all under one roof. “It just took off,” Kim said with a smile. “People started coming in saying, ‘I make this,’ or ‘I make that,’ and before I knew it, we needed more space.”

What stands out most about The Oromocto Galleria is how personal everything feels. Kim handpicks every product that fills her shelves. “I look for quality and presentation,” she explained. “People want to buy something that feels special, and I want to make sure they do.”

Beyond retail, Kim has created connection. Her DIY workshops, community partnerships, and take-home craft kits have brought joy to so many. She has worked with First Nations communities and local military families, using creativity to bring people together. “It is meaningful work,” she said. “And this community has always shown up for us.”

Even during the pandemic, Kim found ways to keep spirits high by packaging her DIY kits to-go so people could still enjoy a creative outlet from home. “Our community really stepped up,” she said. “They knew if they wanted local to stay, they had to support it. And they did.”

That support has real impact. Kim smiled as she shared the story of a vendor who was able to take her family on their very first trip to Disney World because of her sales through The Oromocto Galleria. “That kind of story just melts me,” Kim said. “That is what this is all about. Making a difference in people’s lives.”

Her kindness does not stop there. Through The Purse Project, Kim collects gently used purses filled with essentials for women in need. “We take them to shelters and food banks,” she said. “It is something small, but it matters.”

Moments like these, paired with Kim’s energy and genuine love for what she does, make The Oromocto Galleria so special. When I asked Kim what one of her favourite memories have been so far, she remembered the Galleria’s 10th anniversary celebration. “There was a lineup down the entire plaza, in the freezing cold, in January,” she said. “People still showed up. I will never forget that.”

And they keep showing up. Because The Oromocto Galleria is not just a shop. It is part of the heartbeat of Oromocto. “Some people come in to shop, others just need a pick-me-up,” Kim said. “We know our customers by name. It is not just retail here. It is community.”

I could not agree more. When I stopped in to chat with Kim, I could not resist picking up a few Christmas-scented wax melts (and yes, they smell amazing). I will definitely be back to shop completely local for Christmas. After seeing the care and creativity that fills this space, it is hard to imagine shopping anywhere else.

Wax melts from Cozy Home Candle Melts & More

As for what is next, Kim has plenty in store for the holiday season, including festive markets, special events, and creative workshops for all ages. To stay up to date, visit theoromoctogalleria.ca or follow The Oromocto Galleria on Facebook, where Kim shares new arrivals, upcoming events, and lots of community cheer.

Once you visit, you will understand why people fall in love with this place.