Julie Wilkins - Gather Books & Lovely Things

“If judges are looking for a local business leader that continuously strives to make their community better, you've found her. Julie Wilkins is the kind of person that Squamish is incredibly lucky to call their own - her impact, vision and determination to do more is nothing short of exceptional.”- Gather Team Member

Julie says YES to every meaningful opportunity – with one exception: shining a light on herself. And so, this entry is comprised entirely of community perspectives on why she is a female entrepreneur deserving of this award.

Please also see the entry for Gather Bookshop Small Business Award for even more to consider.

Past Local Contributions:

• Copywriter Squamish.com (former digital magazine)
• PearlSpace Board Vice Chair (2 years)
• Founder, Inclusive Culture Club 2021-2023
  • 10+ community inclusion, anti-racism projects
  • 200+ book lending Library
  • Digital inclusion resources
  • Books for Change – $5k of books to S2S schools
• Brand Strategies:
  • PearlSpace (volunteer)
  • Concrete Blonde (contractor)
  • Coast Mountain Academy (contractor)

Past Local Awards:

• Chamber: New Business Award (2022), Small Business Award (2023), nominee Arts & Entertainment (2024)
• Chief: Best Bookstore (2024)
• BC Yukon Book Prizes: nominee Children's Literature Prize (2025)

Current Local Contributions:

• 2024/25 public speaking:
  • BAG Panel (S2S Creative Connections)
  • BC Yukon Book Prizes tour (8 Kootenay school presentations)
  • Whistler Writer's Festival (Author reading)
  • Squamish Public Library (Author presentation)
  • Kimberly Art Gallery Panel (Creative Connections in Solitary Arts)
• Local brand strategies:
  • Squamish Pirates (volunteer)
  • Downtown Squamish BIA (contractor)
• Shop & Society community highlights (2025):

• Offered 72 free events for humans of all ages
• Donated over $6.5k in books, cash, gift cards, prizes and time
• Partnered with over 10 local businesses and 7 local community groups

Leadership Highlights:

• Highly engaged team with low turnover
• Loyal community following
• Leadership model leverages team skillsets
• Engages community, staff, customers on decisions
• Ongoing literary mentorships
• Knows strengths - leverages local talent to support weaknesses

• Business Growth:
  • Mobile shop > Squamish storefront > Oliver storefront >Non-Profit
• Business Model Pivots:
  • Adult titles
  • Nearly new books
  • Audio books
  • Kid's camps
  • Non-profit

“When it comes to local impact, Julie is a runaway train in the best possible way. She doesn't accomplish a task and think to herself ‘look at what I've done for my community'. Instead, she asks ‘what else can I do'? She continues to push the bar, seeking out new partnerships and local initiatives to support. As a business owner, she is the ideal leader. Meetings with Julie are filled with smiles, laughs, tea and chats - alongside the spreadsheets and emails. She creates an environment that makes you genuinely excited to come to work.”- Gather Manager

“Julie is an advocate for inclusion and a creator of spaces where deep, meaningful and transformative conversations take place. She amplifies the voices of local artists, creates community, and through her newest endeavour, The Gather Literary Society, ensures inclusive literature is available for everyone. A writer, an entrepreneur, and an advocate that Squamish is beyond lucky to be home to!” – Ashley Oakes