Nice To Meet You!
We are so glad you’re here! Small businesses can’t survive without a community holding them up and supporting them, and we are thankful for ours every single day. If you have suggestions, or ideas for collaborations we would love to hear from you!
Sending love & gratitude your way,
Kimberley (& Jason and the tiny humans!)
How We Started
The Trainyard opened in June 2016. Following a move home to Nova Scotia in 2015, after a few years living in Ottawa we were searching for a way to put down roots and make this place feel like home again. After experiencing how welcoming downtown Dartmouth had become we knew it was the place for us to make our small business dream our reality.
The Trainyard Today
Six years, two babies, a pandemic, move up the street and an incredible staff team later we’re still here growing this family business one day at a time!
When we started we were working with about 30 local makers, and since then we have worked with over 200 makers and small businesses from across Canada. We’ve been able to grow alongside so many businesses, and stumble along together which has been the best part of this whole journey!
We’re learning as we grow, trying to find a balance between family and business, and so grateful for the community support we’ve received along the way. We’re most proud of the work we’ve done with Trainyard Connect.
Ok, But Who Is This ‘We’?
Hi, I’m Kimberley!
I run all things Trainyard. I absolutely love connecting with makers, small business owners and customers-turned-friends. My previous experience as an Early Childhood Educator influences the community driven projects we’re so passionate about. If you have questions about entrepreneurship, or how to grow your business please reach out!
On a rare occasion you’ll see Jason around these parts too! He’s the other half of the original Trainyard team – he was the full-time shop keeper for the first two years and remains the fixer of all the things, our in-house carpenter & tech support, and an all around calming influence around these parts.
We are lucky to have an incredible staff team, led by our Shop Manager Rachel, an incredibly talented local artist whose work you’ll find throughout the shop! Rachel and the team keep things running - and are happy to help with all things Trainyard whenever you visit. We've been incredibly lucky to find a team as committed to celebrating local goods and community connections.