Mother of 16 kids the inspiration for local clothing shop

A Mexican Mother of 16 kids is the inspiration behind a local clothing boutique in Central Alberta.

Margarita Boutique Company is located in the Farmer's Market Building in the Gasoline Alley area of Red Deer.

Margarita St. George, who runs the shop, says the shop was inspired by her Grandmother Margarita Gomez Enriquez.

"My Grandmother had 16 kids and was a fighter. After my Grandpa passed away she was left with 8 kids to care for. Money was always scarce but she found creative ways to provide for everyone. She started a small stationary store, involving her children as employees, which allowed her to spend more time with them."

Photo courtesy of Margarita St. George

St. George moved to Canada from Mexico in 2008 and says one of the biggest things to adapt to was of course our cold weather.  "It was very hard in the beginning.  We arrived in the Cold Lake area in December of 2008 and with the wind chill it was -62 C. It was hard but you adapt." One big thing she misses about her home country, is the food.

With the shop in Canada, St. George has the chance to help out single parents back home in Mexico. Artisans from that country, who are single parents, can distribute their art and income to provide for their families. Without much government support, families there have a hard time working from home and spending time with their children. Unlike Canada, there are very few government support programs.

The shop is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in the Gasoline Alley Farmer's Market.

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