#sparkchamber 051523 — Brenda Vienot
With the flowers, chocolates, breakfasts-in-bed, spa days, stories, and hugs of Mother’s Day still fresh in mind, #sparkchamber keeps the love rolling, highlighting one of the remarkable women who have shaped our lives — Sarah’s mother, Brenda Vienot. With 81 years of life experience, Brenda embodies the saying, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Her determination and creative spirit have made her a constant maker and manifester.
Born in Newcastle, New Brunswick, Brenda was the middle child and the only daughter of her Swedish father, John Bjurstrom, and Canadian mother, Geraldine. After her father’s return from World War II, the family settled in Moncton, NB. John had a passion for ham radios, connecting with people from all corners of the globe. Meanwhile, Geraldine excelled in keeping their home organized and well adorned. [Side note, Brenda now proudly wears the title Queen of Clutter-Clearing — that apple didn’t fall very far from the tree.]
Her grandparents owned and operated Underhill Grocery in Newcastle, which provided young Brenda valuable insights into running a family-owned business. At the young ages of 6 and 8, Brenda and her older brother embarked on what would become an annual train journey to visit them — her uncle’s connections at the telegraph office ensured that the unaccompanied minors were well cared for during their travels. Their summer days were joyfully spent helping out, assisting their grandfather in fulfilling telephone orders and preparing deliveries. Berry-picking adventures added a touch of handpicked sweetness to the store’s offerings.
Throughout her life, Brenda has been on the move, having lived in 17 different homes, across two continents and a handful of countries. Her journey took a pivotal turn when she married Julian Vienot, a photographer in the Royal Canadian Air Force. As they raised their four daughters, Brenda's family was stationed in Montreal, France, Germany, and Toronto, finally settling in Halifax, NS. Their growing brood today also includes lots of grands and greats.
When Julian retired from the Air Force, Brenda’s early exposure to small business took root and her true entrepreneurial spirit came to the forefront. She ventured into various endeavors, including a beauty salon — which she operated in partnership with her daughter, Nancy. Later, Brenda delved into the world of home appraisals — establishing Town & Country Appraisals with her husband — where she consistently earned the title of “Employee of the Month.” [Side note: it was only ever a two-person operation!] She and Julian also prepared and delivered healthy meals to individuals with dietary restrictions — they were ahead of the curve on the Uber Eats front!
1.] Where do ideas come from?
I am what you might call a visualist. I see things in my mind’s eye, and that’s when inspiration strikes.
With knitting and sewing, this ability to see a finished product plays a significant role. When I hold a ball of yarn or a piece of fabric, the color, texture, and patterns ignite a spark allowing me to see how they will come together and shape the final creation. It's akin to the way architects dream up their buildings, crafting entire worlds from mere thoughts and blueprints.
Being a visual person, I can observe something on a person or in my environment and know why it does or doesn’t work.
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
What drives me to create and what motivates me is the vibrant world of colors and textures and the satisfaction that comes with bringing something to life. This passion for creation doesn’t extend to baking. The process of making pastry often falls short of my expectations. I thrive on following patterns not recipes.
I used to make all of our clothes because it was more cost-effective. However, the dynamics have now shifted, making it cheaper to buy ready-made clothing. Nowadays, the emphasis is on cheap and cheerful, but I will always have a soft spot for handmade goods. They’re just in a league of their own.
3.] Early bird or night owl, tortoise or hare?
I am an early bird – I accomplish more by 9 am than most people do in their entire day.
Once I’m in the zone, there’s no stopping me. Knitting has become one of my favorite pastimes because I can work on it effortlessly while engaged in other activities. It allows me to stay in the flow. Sewing requires a bit more attention to detail, it’s much more precise and much less relaxing.
Hairstyling offers a similar sense of fulfillment. It’s not just about the aesthetics, it’s about understanding people’s preferences and tailoring their hairstyles to suit their individual needs. There's a certain satisfaction in achieving the perfect haircut.
I also enjoy challenging my mind with puzzles and trivia. It keeps me sharp and engaged.
4.] How do you know when you are done?
Once the piece is completed and the tools are safely put away for the next job, I know it's finished.
