Meet Sharon Huckle, a dynamic and tenacious Entrepreneur with an unyielding dedication to courageously ‘Show Up’ each and every day regardless of the challenges. Sharon is proudly known as a dedicated Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend, Serial Entrepreneur, Hair and Make-up Artist, Salon Owner, Vacation Property Owner, Natural Product Junkie & Do-Gooder with a love for History. Sharon’s entrepreneurial journey began in the late 1990’s, opening Urban Herb Bistro in 1999 followed by The Cat’s Meow Salon and Spa in 2004. Sharon affirms: “These buildings and I have some history…I’ve been doing business on this little stretch of Victoria Avenue for more than 20 years now. I have been in the hospitality (restaurant and catering) and personal services (salon & spa) industries for over 30 years, so I know a thing or two about welcoming people to my home town and showing them the beauty of it!”

Trenval Business Development Corporation, the local Community Futures, was a proud community supporter of Sharon’s journey, financing her business ventures from conception, throughout several expansions, including a major shift from the well known Bistro, Urban Herb and renown Ice Cream Shop, “Nice Ice Baby”, to her latest launch “Wind Rose Suites” in 2020. Sharon explains, “They have been reincarnated many times under my ownership (restaurant, salon, spa, catering kitchen, restaurant again, ice cream company and now a boutique motel and soon to be shared studio/work space too).”

Sharon is a champion of creativity in challenging times. She proudly declared, “I am well-known for my commitment to the community and my attention to detail. I am very proud of everything Belleville, the County and the surrounding areas have to offer and I have tried to create spaces that will make visitors to the region very comfortable.”

The plight of the pandemic forced Sharon to pivot, its path causing debilitating closures throughout the “Personal Care” and “hospitality & Travel” sectors. Her businesses faced several forced closures throughout 2020 and 2021. Revenue were halted while ongoing fixed overhead costs continued to accrue putting Sharon’s 16-year business in serious risk. Says Sharon, “When COVID hit, I was panicked about what to do with my business. As a single mom, my income is essential. Having been an entrepreneur for more than 25 years, I am used to pivoting, but this pandemic situation was beyond my ability to survive without outside support. The loan from Trenval through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund saved the day! Their quick response and easy application made me breathe easier and allowed me to focus on what I could control amidst all of the uncertainty. I am so grateful to be back at work and able to continue my business.”

Sharon’s tenacious courage is a model to women, to all entrepreneurs facing hardships, and encourages us all in her own words, “I plan on continuing that legacy of tenacity and am determined to embrace the opportunities within the difficulties. Because while I may seem delicate to some, I know I am hardy stock on the other side of this.”

Testimonials:

“I have been coming to The Cat’s Meow for over 7 years and always leave feeling incredible. Sharon is the best stylist I have ever had and her enthusiasm and energy make every visit a wonderful experience. I would recommend a visit to The Cat’s Meow to anyone looking for a professional, friendly and fun salon!”
– Beth Harrington

“Sharon has thought of EVERYTHING! The small touches were so nice (and useful as my daughter forgot some toiletries!) We were greeted with wine and treats, cozy beds, fireplaces, fully stocked kitchen and crisp lines. Also, this BnB has character. We had a brilliant stay and it will be our first choice when staying in Belleville next time!”
– Laurie

“I thoroughly enjoy the professionalism, humour, sincerity, interaction and company of the BIG CAT, Sharon – she is awesome.”
– Dave MacMullen

“The Cat’s Meow: great service, amazing staff, wonderful comfy surroundings, Sharon is a true artist!”
– Tina Spicer

“Love it! Great people, quality product and amazing service. Thank you.”
– Trish Hupe