Entrepreneur Hannah Cowell turned the challenging experience of job loss into an opportunity to open a business related to a personal passion.
My mental health is something that has always been an uphill battle for me. Anxiety is something that I deal with on a daily basis. My dad would always be able to tell when I need a breather and reset. That is where my love of fishing began as that is where he would take me. Fishing has always been a sanctuary for me where I knew I was safe and could just be me. My favourite thing has always been to go fishing with the guys and out fish them all. I knew that fishing was a passion of mine and that I would love to somehow make a career out of it one day but really had no idea how.
“Fishing has always been a sanctuary for me where I knew I was safe and could just be me.”
Coming out of high school, I really struggled to find the right career path. At first, I thought about teaching but ultimately enrolled at Loyalist College and took Business Sales and Marketing. I absolutely loved that program and knew business was for me.
After graduation, I moved to Florida and worked at Walt Disney World for six months. Once I returned home from paradise, I went back to school for Sports and Entertainment Sales and Marketing. After working with the Belleville Senators for half a season I became the Coordinator of Inclusive Programs for the Jays Care Foundation.
After working for the Jays Care Foundation for only a few months, Ontario went into lockdown and I lost my job. At that moment I was crushed and thought that I had lost my dream job. However, if that had not have happened, I would not be where I am today and Fish & Co. would not exist – meaning I would not truly have my dream job of owning my own business and having it be fishing related.
I absolutely love owning my own business. Being able to have complete freedom of what I want to do with my store is the best part. I love that I have my passion for fishing in the store but that I also have my decor section. In 2020 and 2021 Fish & Co. placed Platinum in the Belleville Community Votes for Best Home Decor and Best Fishing Supplies. I also have a Handmade Market where you can find items made from local artisans. You can also find the three clothing lines that I have created. I have a Fish & Co. line, Moira Lake line, as well as my favourite – Pretty Li’l Angler that I created in 2019 just for female anglers.
“I absolutely love owning my own business.”
I am so truly grateful for the amazing community that I live in. If it was not for everyone’s support Fish & Co. would not be the success it is today. On my opening day I received so many gifts from local businesses in Madoc. Angie from Oats and Honey made me this amazing homemade fish card along with a gift card, the Hidden Goldmine Bakery brought me a card that everyone had signed, and Kelly from Kelly’s Flowers in Madoc brought me a beautiful plant. My family has been the absolute best support system that I could ever ask for. There is not a doubt in my mind that without them, I would not be here today.
