Marking a milestone in Canada’s business landscape, Angele Miller, co-founder of the Creekside RNR, has been named a finalist for the 2023 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.
This came a year after the glamping resort in New Brunswick, Canada, was named a finalist in the Partnership Awards category of the 2022 Tourism Awards organized by the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick (TIANB).
For Angele, the journey began with a deep-seated love for travel, nature, and creating unforgettable experiences. The idea for Creekside RNR was birthed right across from where Angele grew up, making every corner of the glamping site a nostalgic nod to her childhood.
But turning this dream into reality wasn’t without challenges. “We had no background or experience in tourism and we had no background or experience into building the type of resort we built,” Angele recalled during an exclusive interview with Modern Campground.
With her determination and a clear vision, she had overcome by trying to “secure a manufacturer that believe in our project and also was able to work with us to build the quality and the style of what we were looking for.”
Beyond her business acumen, Angele’s journey also shines a light on the power of community among women entrepreneurs. She emphasizes the importance of having a supportive network to share ideas and uplift each other. “Some of the best ideas come from conversations,” she advises.
Miller’s being named a finalist is more than personal recognition; it serves as a catalyst for potentially inspiring more women to take leadership roles in outdoor hospitality and related sectors.
Miller, along with finalists including Christine Ochieng, founder of Amani Travel Health Clinic; and Laura Suen, CEO of Fire and Steel Inc., is set to attend the official awarding ceremony in Toronto, Canada, on November 22.
About Creekside RNR
The inspiration behind Creekside RNR stemmed from a desire to offer people a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. “There’s nothing better than to get in nature where everything is peaceful, and you can really relax,” says the co-founder, Angele Miller, emphasizing the need for such sanctuaries in today’s fast-paced world.
“So it really came from that perspective to build a place where people could really come enjoy the beauty of nature, also relax and really have that opportunity to do that but in a luxury setting,” she said. “So that’s kind of where that whole inspiration came from.”
Every business faces challenges, and Creekside was no exception. With no background in tourism or experience in building unique accommodations like geodome structures, the journey was fraught with obstacles.
The search for a quality manufacturer, the uncertainty of launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the challenges of remote collaborations were just a few. Yet, with a blend of trust, gut instinct, and innovative online marketing, Creekside not only weathered the storm but thrived in it.
While glamping has gained momentum across Canada and the US, Creekside’s unique approach sets it apart. From luxury accommodations equipped with full bathrooms and kitchens to partnerships with local artisans, the focus is on offering an elevated experience.
Guests can indulge in locally sourced products, ranging from breakfast packages to handcrafted soaps. “We created food packages that feature local farms, local artisan (food) that gets delivered right to you,” the co-founder proudly stated.
Preserving the natural beauty of the site has always been a priority for Creekside. From ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding forests during construction to offering products that cut down on carbon footprints, the emphasis is on eco-friendliness.
“When we built the resort, we were very careful to not destroy the trees in the forest; we really preserve that,” Miller emphasized, adding, “We’re really reducing our carbon footprint by supporting everything local from our region.”
Creekside is not resting on its laurels. From introducing unique accommodations like a revamped lobster fishing boat to adding a Nordic spa, microbrewery cafe, and even a “huge skating pond”, the journey never stops.
The ultimate goal? To franchise the Creekside experience, with five sister resorts already in the pipeline. “Our goal is to be expanding and building sister resorts all over the world,” the co-founder shares with optimism.
Amidst the lush greenery by a creek connecting to the ocean, Creekside RNR stands as a testament to the hard work and vision of Angele Miller, its co-founder.
This year, her determination and innovative approach to glamping have earned her business a prestigious spot as one of the Start-Up Finalists for the 2023 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.
