A Vancouver Island puzzle company is experiencing rapid growth by highlighting artwork created exclusively by Canadian women. Founded three years ago by Comox resident Kelly Striemer, Villager Puzzles has expanded from an initial batch of 3,200 boxes stored in a family garage into a nationwide brand available in 900 stores across Canada.
From Corporate Layoff to Thriving Business
Striemer initially conceived the business idea out of a desire for puzzles featuring art she personally loved. Shortly after conceiving the venture, she was laid off from her corporate job, prompting her to launch the company. Utilizing her marketing background, she leveraged social media to rapidly scale operations, eventually selling 200,000 puzzles this year.
Villager Puzzles features designs from roughly 30 artists annually, who receive royalties for every puzzle sold. Some contributors have earned quarterly royalties exceeding $10,000. The company's regional designs showcase locations such as Vancouver Island, Bowen Island, and the Rocky Mountains, utilizing low-glare printing and interlocking pieces.
Retailers like Teri Houston, owner of Oscar and Libby’s in downtown Victoria, report high customer demand for the local brand. Although Striemer previously pitched her business on the reality television show Dragon's Den—securing two offers—she ultimately chose to operate independently while continuing to expand the enterprise.
