Pyramid Ferments

We started this fundraiser as a way to help us stay open - and we still need your help.

For those that don’t know our story - we were forced to leave our home of nearly 8 years - with only a couple month’s notice.

This unplanned move came after myself and another shop owner were the victims of nearly daily harassment. I’ve kept this part to myself for some time, but I refuse to be silenced any longer.

For 10 months, I cried almost every day on my drive to work, knowing that there was a good chance my entire day would be derailed due to the harassment suffered.

It took months of gathering evidence, photos, videos, tracking “unscheduled drop ins” (21 of 30 days per month on average) before the police were able to charge the person with criminal harassment.

10 months I suffered - followed by many, many months of therapy through victim services.

But that was just the beginning of the most difficult transition of my life.

Putting non essentials into storage.

Working out of two temporary work spaces, because neither had the space or full amenities needed to operate out of just one.

Travelling 3-4 days a week between work spaces, and then doing renovations on the other 3-4 days, most evenings, and every weekend.

Blood, sweat, tears and so much sacrifice just to keep this business alive.

This fundraiser had started to make traction, raising approximately 24% of our original goal - 12k of 50k

I know that number LOOKS big, but our fundraising goal was only a fraction of our actual needs.

Renovations, including completely redoing the space, installing new drywall to get rid of Mold, painting, waterproof panels, lifting old tiles and installing food grade floors, electrical, plumbing, and contractors (for the jobs we could not do ourselves) cost us just over $75,000

This does not include our walk-in cooler.

Temp work spaces during renovations cost just under $33,000

Trailer/truck rental and travel expenses during those times to transport barrels between locations was approximately $7500

These are all ADDITIONAL costs to the lease of our new space plus utilities, operational costs and storage fees was just over $45,000

More below….

Grocery shopping just got a little easier! Free home delivery with a $50 purchase - and we know that we all spend so much more than that at the grocery store! Choose from 1000’s of products from hundreds of local farmers and producers. Direct shipping from us means your farmers and producers are actually able to make a profit - which is extremely hard when working with large distribution companies. When the big 5 (grocers) are making all the profits - yet still the cost of groceries keep going up - it’s time for a big change. Support your local farmers and producers by visiting local markets, roadside stands, and ordering direct through @indiefoodcanada. If we can help our local farmers actually make a profit - we all stand to win. Food security in your community leads to better more abundant food, better health, and more affordable living. Be part of the change. Support your local businesses. Support your local farmers & producers. Spring is around the corner folks, and we are already planting our seedlings for so many of the veggies we use in our ferments. We are so excited to be able to get fresh local produce again soon xo #gowithyourgut #fermentation #smallbusiness #supportlocal #femaleentrepreneur

We know everyone feels the stress at this time of year, so please know that a simple share (or like) is more than enough - and we appreciate you 💕

If you like our products, and you’re relatively close by, please reach out for direct purchasing. Free local shipping with minimum purchase.

If you’re a little further away, you can order online @ Indie Food Canada.

As always, please support all of the amazing local shops that carry our fermented line - without them, we could not survive!

We’re trying to raise funds to help us climb out of the renovation debt hole that we’re currently in - but we are barely keeping our heads above water.

End of last summer, during the tail end of the renovations, I took on two part part time jobs at local restaurants - on top of a 5 day work week, and renovations many evenings. This was so that I could actually make a personal income, to try to cover home bills/rent/food. The business is busy paying off renovation debt, and will be for some time - so I have not paid myself in many, many, many months.

I’m still working those two part time jobs - and will be for the foreseeable future (years, and years I’m sure!) - and I am very thankful for the local businesses that hired me for evening and weekend work. Your support means everything.

I don’t ask for help lightly - and ONLY when I’ve exhausted options, drained my savings, and have no other choice. If you’re in a position to help - we could definitely use a helping hand.

We’re raising funds to keep the doors open, pay down some high interest debt, for glassware purchases & a new, larger cabbage shredder - all so that we can try to keep products on shelves consistently.

Our full line up of products is back - and we are really hoping to keep it that way.

If you’re able to help in any way, please know how much gratitude I have for each and every one of you 💜

https://gofund.me/abecf4cbf