Haliburton entrepreneur Brandi Hewson is tapping into the family business through her company Kohara + Co., recently launching new kitchen and bathroom product lines and unveiling a new showroom at her home base along Industrial Park Road.
When launching Kohara in September 2021 Hewson focused on providing custom lighting solutions to contractors and interior designers, but quickly developed a strong following among local DIYers. When the unit beside hers suddenly became available, she jumped at the chance to expand her portfolio.
“This is a very exciting time – we opened our new showroom in August, and we couldn’t be happier with the response. We’ve been up and running for just over a month and already we’re working on multiple projects and have seen lots of people come through the door,” Hewson said.
The pivot to kitchen and bathroom makeovers is extra special for Hewson, given her grandfather, Jack Hewson, spent much of his life in the industry having owned Highlands Plumbing.
He had an installation and service company, but also had a showroom just like this one. My dad said it was surreal stepping in here and seeing this, as it was kind of what he saw [with his dad’s business],” Hewson said.
Pivoting when an opportunity arises is nothing new for Hewson. Prior to launching Kohara, Hewson built her other brand, WAI Products Ltd., which distributes water supply, irrigation, and landscape lighting products across Canada. When the COVID19 pandemic hit, she spent some of her spare time developing a new business that would cover interior lighting, after being pushed by several clients to expand.
Now, Hewson views Kohara as a fullservice operation.
“No matter what you need for your home renovation project, we have it. Whether it’s a new faucet for your kitchen, sink or tub for the bathroom, or cabinetry – we have solutions that meet every need and price point,” Hewson said, noting she and her staff will also be providing design services for clients who need it. “We can help with design concepts, vision boarding, and then we can provide them with all the fixtures they need.”
Hewson said one of the more popular trends right now for home renos are freestanding tubs. She has put a focus on that in the showroom, with one of her tubs taking centre stage.
She noted this expansion will also see Kohara partner with local craftsman Ryan Mitchell to offer custom cabinetry to clients.
“Ryan is incredibly talented,”
Hewson said. To learn more, visit koharaco.com, or visit Hewson at the showroom located at 175 Industrial Park Road. The space is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. B
