Tiger Bee’s Story
I'm McKayla, the founder of Tiger Bee Boutique, and I'm thrilled to share how this dream of mine turned into reality.
My journey began in the world of Emergency Services as a Primary Care Paramedic, serving communities in both Northern Saskatchewan and Southern Alberta for about three years. Born and raised in Saskatchewan, I made the move to Lethbridge, Alberta in 2021 to join my husband, who had found a career opportunity in this vibrant city.
Lethbridge quickly captured my heart, especially Downtown Lethbridge, which ignited a dream within me. While juggling the demands of healthcare—a field notorious for its long hours and demanding shifts—I found myself feeling burnt out and struggling with my mental health. Seeking a change, I turned my attention to the fashion industry.
Fashion has always been more than just clothing to me; it's a form of self-expression and empowerment. Raised with the belief that what we wear can define how we feel and express our true selves, I found inspiration in my mother's teachings. She instilled in me a love for fashion and the understanding that beauty and strength are intertwined.
Amidst my work as a paramedic, I devoted my spare time to researching how to bring my dream of owning a boutique to life. In November of 2021, Tiger Bee Boutique was born, right from the comfort of my home office. But why Tiger Bee? "Bee" was a childhood nickname my family gave me, symbolizing beauty and strength. Combining this with the powerful imagery of tigers, Tiger Bee Boutique came to life with the mantra, "Discover your true power in beauty."
OUR STORE
Though our beginnings were humble, we began to gain momentum, thanks to the unwavering support of friends and family. In May of 2022, Tiger Bee opened its doors to its first brick-and-mortar location in Downtown Lethbridge—a cozy 600 square foot space that quickly became a local favorite.
As the boutique flourished, so did our space. In November of 2022, we expanded to our current location at 327 5th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, just across the street from our original spot.
In the fall of 2023, I made the decision to retire as a paramedic and pursue my dream of being a full-time business owner. While my career path has shifted, my passion for helping others remains unwavering. Through Tiger Bee, I find fulfillment in curating items that resonate with our customers, fostering connections, and nurturing a vibrant community.
AWARDS
Tiger Bee was nominated for four awards for the 2022 Downtown Business Awards in Lethbridge, Alberta. These awards included: Social Media Award, Community Contribution Award, Downtowner Award and New Downtown Business of the Year Award. We were so grateful to have received the New Downtown Business of the Year Award!