P.J. Gardiner 2024 Newfoundland and Labrador Entrepreneur of the Year Award

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Kim Paddon

Owner
Whink and Newfoundland Weavery

Meet the fabulous Kim Paddon, the glittering force behind Whink — a boutique that’s been the talk of the town for its style and pizzazz for over 15 years.

With her iconic specs, a heart for pink and a love for all that sparkles, Mrs. Paddon has crafted Whink into a beacon of joy and creativity. Whink isn’t just a shop; it’s a vibrant showcase of Ms. Paddon’s exquisite taste, from local artisanal wonders to breathtaking international treasures.

A true artist at heart, her journey began at Holland College, where she embraced the world of graphic design. Her path led her back to the warm community of St. John’s, N.L., where she blended her artistic prowess with savvy retail instincts. It was a serendipitous Christmas shopping trip with her dad that sparked the dream of Whink into life.

Since its charming debut in May 2010, Whink has been a style sanctuary, reflecting Mrs. Paddon's timeless elegance, from its cozy beginnings on Duckworth Street to its flourishing expansions on Water Street and Churchill Square, not to mention the growth of the online storefront.

In 2016, Mrs. Paddon dazzled the wholesale jewelry scene, celebrating Newfoundland and Labrador’s treasured mineral, Labradorite, with her designs gracing galleries, boutiques and museums across the continent.

In 2019, she purchased The Newfoundland Weavery and breathed new life into a cherished store that has been a fixture of Water Street since 1972, ensuring its legacy continues to inspire and support Newfoundland's finest artisans.

The latest chapter in her entrepreneurial saga? The Carpet Factory! Acquired in 2023 with her husband Robert Paddon and brother Chris Sparkes, this flooring gem has been a community staple for 30 years.

Away from the whirlwind of business, Mrs. Paddon’s heart is full with her children, Mabel and Harrington, and the playful antics of her dogs and horse, Kitty. Her husband, Rob, is her rock and co-pilot in life’s joys and their shared businesses. She’s a beacon of inspiration, showing us all that with a sprinkle of glitter and a dash of dreams, anything is possible!