Erin Kinder creates a world of surprises, new discoveries and memorable experiences
Erin Kinder is an entrepreneur and storyteller whose passion for antiques is rivalled only by pride of place and a deep affection for Saskatchewan. These qualities, along with hard work and determination, drive the success and growth of Kinder Surprises Antiques, near Davidson.
Operating a business is in Kinder’s DNA. Her family owned gas stations in Davidson, so she developed a strong work ethic at an early age. Waitressing and pumping gas provided valuable experience and taught her the importance of delivering great customer service. Business ownership was always a dream, but pursuing it would come after working in the corporate world and living in New Zealand for several years. While there, she was inspired by how the country prioritizes tourism. “New Zealand’s tourism economy is huge,” Kinder said. “Everywhere you go, the aim is to provide great experiences for travellers.”
Recipe for growth
In 2014, she opened Kinder Surprises Antiques on her farm outside of Davidson. A century-old, hip-roofed barn was given new life as a place where people could shop, visit and reminisce about bygone days. By 2018, it was evident that her vision for creating a destination business and bringing more visitors to the area was working. An award for marketing brought profile to the operation. Her social media activities gained a large, loyal following, mostly female, and drove increases in visitation and sales.
“When I started Kinder Surprises Antiques, it was just me working here and I was only open on Sunday afternoons,” she said. “Now, we are open five days a week, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Last season, I had myself and three part-time staff, plus contractors for labour, mowing lawns, etc. We welcomed over 5,000 visitors from all over Saskatchewan, and people from almost every province signed our guest book.”
Kinder acknowledges that she was able to avoid some of the fallout of the pandemic. This was due to the set-up of her property and procedures to maintain a safe, comfortable environment. “At the onset of COVID, I made the decision to double down, and focus intensely on providing a safe place where people could visit. And they did because it is such a big space with numerous buildings and wide-open doorways. Business almost doubled.”
Building a village
Part of the novelty and attraction of Kinder Surprises Antiques is its evolution. The property now resembles the main street of a prairie town. Its collection of buildings includes a one-room schoolhouse that was relocated from Eston. Most recently, Kinder acquired a 112-year-old Roman Catholic Church and moved it onto the property. “I’ve made it a big priority to invest in and save old buildings,” she said. “That’s really resonated with people. It all makes for really unique experiences in a gorgeous setting. People can visit and it doesn’t have to cost them anything. There is no entry fee and the only exchange is if they buy something. It’s a formula that’s working.”
Saskatchewan proud
Kinder’s passion for the province comes through in her conversations with customers, in activities on social media and through the mentoring she offers to women entrepreneurs. “I love Saskatchewan and I’m so happy to share it,” she said. “I love hearing visitors say how this place brings them back to quieter times. It evokes memories and feelings of nostalgia. So often, visitors can be brought to tears when they visit the one-room schoolhouse. It’s just a really special experience to be able to share that with so many people.”