#HCoCares Presents Shayla Giroux
Shayla Giroux is a Vancouver, BC carpenter who collaborates with the community to share the fine woodworking products and services that matter most to her.
Learn more about her journey with Haggertys & Co
Shayla Giroux
Haggertys & Co: What is your favourite tool?
Shayla Giroux: Band saw.
H&Co: Least fav tool?
SG: Impact Driver. (RIP my wrists).
H&Co: Something you always keep in your van and can’t live without?
SG: In an ideal world, my answer would be snacks but in reality, it is my ear protection, eye protection, and my knife. Oh, and extra poo bags for Arlo haha.
H&Co: If you had $10,000 to spend, which tool would you buy?
SG: I would get an entry-level CNC or a lathe!
H&Co: We know you have a cute little shop dog named Arlo. Where is his favourite place to nap in your studio?
SG: Either directly under my feet or tucked up under a table. He loves to sit and stare at me.!
H&Co: What is your favourite place in Canada that you have travelled with him?
SG: Horseback riding in Lilloett, British Columbia! Arlo loved the horses!
Shayla at work in Vancouver, BC.
H&Co: Recent achievements?
SG: I recently was approved for a $25,000 Research and Development Grant through the Canada Arts Council. I can’t reveal too many details yet, but I proposed to conduct research and development on different treatments of wood and metal in the skilled trades.
H&Co: How would PR, mediation, and sales and marketing services by Haggertys & Co help your business?
SG: Their PR services would significantly enhance my business's visibility and reputation. Leveraging their expertise in crafting compelling narratives and engaging with the media, they can effectively showcase my brand to a broader audience. This heightened exposure has the potential to generate new opportunities, forge valuable partnerships, and attract more clients. For a solo entrepreneur like myself, the assistance of Haggertys & Co is invaluable. Their strategic approach to market research, branding, and lead generation ensures that I can identify and effectively target the right audience for my products or services. Moreover, their proficiency in developing impactful marketing campaigns empowers me to differentiate my brand, stand out amidst competition, and ultimately boost sales.
H&Co: When you’re not in the shop where can we find you?
SG: Whenever I have the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, I get the heck out of dodge. Whether it's deep in the forest or along the tranquil banks of a river with Arlo. One of my favorite activities is going on long bike-packing trips! I am looking forward to this season of bike trips!
Shayla’s dog, Arlo, at her studio.
H&Co: How do you help your community?
SG: I have been committed to effecting positive change within my community as both an artist and a tradeswoman. I have honed my skills in woodworking and metalworking, drawing upon traditional techniques to craft pieces that resonate deeply with themes of resilience, identity, and cultural heritage. My work is a testament to the power of creativity to forge meaningful connections and propel social progress.
I have found community through my involvement with the British Columbia Center for Women in the Trades. As a Regional Representative, over the past three years, I have volunteered as a guest speaker at schools and have facilitated workshops. I advocate for gender equity and empowerment within the skilled trades industry.
Haggertys & Co sponsored Shayla Giroux at the 2022 Vancouver Art Market.
I am involved in sustainable practices by salvaging city-cut-down trees and repurposing them into usable lumber. This often takes place in back alleys, where we salvage wood that would otherwise go to waste. As part of my fellowship, I am eager to allocate more time to establish a permitted city lot dedicated to this purpose. By creating a designated space for salvaging and milling city trees, we can effectively store and process the wood into usable slabs. This initiative aims to prevent the loss of beautiful, precious wood while promoting environmental sustainability and community resilience. I undertake this effort with a small team of fellow tree lovers.
H&Co: What is your occupational health and safety tip?
SG: Get a pair of custom-fit ear protection!!!
