3 minute read
It’s all in the cards for local entrepreneurial couple
By Mark Ribble
For Susan and JP Marentette, a trip out west spawned an idea that has now become a reality.
Noticing decks of souvenir cards on souvenir stands in Western Canada, it got the Kingsville couple wondering why there wasn’t anything like that in this area.
“Windsor and Essex County has so much to offer,” said JP. “There wasn’t anything like that around here.”
Susan says they had the idea to get a deck of cards printed with photos of the area last January and it has blossomed into a small business for them.
The decks have 54 different photos of places of interest in the region and so far, they’ve been a big hit.
“It highlights the diversity of our region,” said Susan in an interview on Friday, December 9 at Red Lantern Coffee Company, owned by their son Craig. “We wanted to make sure we captured the whole region.”
Armed with a camera, the two started taking little excursions out into the city and county, photographing everything they could along the way.
Most of the set consists of photos they took themselves, but there are other photos in the deck that were submitted by municipalities and organizations.
It all started with a list.
“We made a list starting in January,” said JP. “We wanted things that represent the area.”
With camera in hand, they made stops at such attractions as Point Pelee National Park, Northridge Dairy Freez and the frozen River Canard.
“The biggest challenge was getting permission to use photos of certain things and people,” said JP. “Everyone was super cooperative.”
After getting dozens of photos lined up, they began to pare down the choices, knowing they needed to get to 54 to cover the deck plus two jokers.
A specialty printer in Markham came aboard and they struck a deal to print the decks of cards.
Then the Marentettes came up with a name for their venture — which is called Scene52.
With help from the Small
Business Entrepreneurship Office and Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, they were able to launch their business and start selling decks of cards about three weeks ago.
“So far, we’ve got great response,” said Susan. “Everyone says, what a great idea!”
For the local-minded couple, they are happy to be able to spread the word about Windsor-Essex.
“People can use them to play cards of course,” said JP. “But they also generate conversations.”
They say that’s the joy they are getting out of it right now — watching people as they see certain photos and remember things from their childhood.
Plans are in place for fridge magnets and souvenir puzzles — both of which are being produced shortly.
The theme-designed playing cards retail for $18 per deck and are for sale at unique shops throughout the region. You can purchase five or more decks for $15 each — great for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts and corporate gifts.
The Marentettes are also planning on attending upcoming markets and expos to get the word out.
A second edition with many new photos will come out next October, and Susan and JP are busy gathering photos of local scenes to give the new deck a different look.
If you’d like a deck of these special local cards, email them at info@ scene52.ca or visit their website at scene52.ca where you can place an order in time for Christmas.