If you’ve strolled the quaint streets of Downtown Brooklin recently, you might have noticed a new and inviting shop: Brooklin General Store. Known for carefully curating products for intentional living, Brooklin General Store is a must-visit for those looking to live sustainably, without having to sacrifice style or function.

The idea behind Brooklin General Store first came to owner Rudy Yadav when she noticed a contradiction in her pursuit of sustainability. Rudy had to drive to Toronto to replenish everyday items like dish soap, which felt counterproductive. Determined to bridge this gap, she embarked on a mission to bring eco-friendly living to her beloved town:

Spending nearly two hours driving from Brooklin to Toronto didn’t align with my goal to live more sustainably. I wanted a place near home to purchase my everyday products, like dish soap, laundry detergent, and body lotion. That’s where the idea of Brooklin General Store and bringing sustainable living to Brooklin originated from.

Rudy Yadav, Owner, Brooklin General Store

Rudy has found a perfect combination of her interests in marketing and sustainability at Brooklin General Store. Tapping into her marketing skills, Rudy has successfully grown her brand while staying true to her unwavering commitment to eco-friendly practices, establishing a strong foundation for the store.

But it’s Rudy's passion for community that sets Brooklin General Store apart. In less than a year, the Brooklin General Store has transcended its role as a shopping destination, transforming into a lively hub where people come together to connect, exchange product recommendations, and celebrate the joys of sustainable living. The name “Brooklin General Store”, pays homage to Rudy's love for history and perfectly captures Rudy’s passion for community:

The name "Brooklin General" holds a deeper meaning, evoking memories of a time when general stores were the heart and soul of communities. This is exactly what I envisioned my store becoming. I also discovered that a general store had thrived in Brooklin in the past, which further solidified my choice.

Rudy Yadav, Owner, Brooklin General Store 

Apart from the community, multiple factors influenced Rudy's decision to choose Brooklin as the store's location. The town's enchanting downtown area, steeped in rich history and offering a picturesque backdrop, proved perfect for creating compelling marketing content. Furthermore, Rudy recognized the ample support she would receive by becoming part of Whitby's business community, with backing from the Town of Whitby and organizations like the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD).

Rudy quickly saw evidence of this support when she became a recipient of a large grant through the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator Program - a data-driven community economic development program focused on revitalizing main streets. The program, funded by FedDev Ontario and overseen by Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD), proved to be transformative for the Brooklin General Store.

The funding Rudy received enabled her to stock up on inventory for the bustling Christmas season. It also allowed her to hire two part-time team members, a significant milestone as Rudy was previously managing the store single-handedly while working full-time. The new hires allowed Rudy to expand the store's business hours.

Throughout the program, Rudy’s assigned Business Advisor, JD Thomas, became a champion of her business, offering continuous support and guidance. Though the program has since ended, JD still makes a point to visit the store, fostering a sense of partnership and reminding Rudy that she is part of a thriving business community.

While Rudy knew that the My Main Street program would be highly beneficial for her business, she was pleasantly surprised that JD also helped reshaped her mentality. Through JD’s mentorship, Rudy overcame the imposter syndrome that often plagues entrepreneurs, realizing that the Brooklin General Store was not merely a hobby or a side venture. It was a true business that held its rightful place on Brooklin’s main street—a testament to her passion, hard work, and unwavering dedication.

Looking towards the future, Rudy envisions expanding the store's offerings through workshops where customers can learn to create their own DIY products like bath bombs and laundry detergent. Additionally, a blog is in the works, featuring contributions from various experts and focusing on teachable moments, encouraging readers to embrace simpler, non-toxic, and eco-friendly lifestyles.

As the Brooklin General Store continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to sustainability and community remains unwavering. Rudy's passion, combined with the support of the community, ensures that this beloved store will be a beacon of eco-friendly living for years to come. With each purchase, connection, and shared experience, the Brooklin General Store nurtures a thriving community, paving the way for a brighter and greener future in the heart of Brooklin.

Shop Brooklin General Store online and follow their Instagram to keep up to date with new products, workshops, and more. 

Interested in sharing the story of your local business? Contact Whitby Economic Development to participate in future business stories.