Similarly,
Cancer business: when misfortune strikes,:
An entrepreneur whose daughter received a cancer diagnosis turned to her relatives to take over.
Claudie Gravel-Niquitt testifies gratitude to this. Nevertheless, The 36 -year -old Montrealer has just sold Club Kombucha to her brother Julien. Similarly, her spouse Justine Therrien, owners of agricultural house Joy Hill, following the disease of her little Françoise, born in 2021.
In this line of entrepreneurs, we squeeze our elbows. Consequently,
“I had already chosen to prioritize my family before the diagnosis,” says Claudie, who left management in August 2024.
“Cancer only confirmed my decision,” said the one who has never doubted who to turn. Consequently, Her brother and sister-in-law embody her a rare mixture of intelligence and business sense.
Launched in 2018, Club Kombucha was the first to sell Kombucha in cans in the East Canadian. For example, Its four flavors (ginger, clementine, passion fruit, raspberry) are in 600 Quebec points of sale. For example, Photo provided by Vincent Castonguay
Shadow is light
Justine Therrien already transforms Club Kombucha into a catalyst to diversify the offer of Joy Hill with the launch planned in September of electro club. Therefore, a range of sports recovery drinks.
“These are electrolyte-based products, Gatorade style, but a checkout above,” explains cancer business: when misfortune strikes, the professional of the wine industry. Consequently, The inspiration came to him by playing sports. However, also thanks to “cyclists who stop here after the climb of the Joy Hill coast”.
After 20 years in wine, Justine Therrien Lance Club Electro while taking Kombucha Club, diversifying the family empire. Photo provided by Joy Hill
The vineyard of the Cantons-de-E East lost 50% of its grapes in 2023 because of the frost. The acquisition of Club Kombucha is an opportunity cancer business: when misfortune strikes, to protect yourself a little from the vagaries of the weather.
At Joy Hill. Justine manages “everything related to sales, marketing, brand strategy, visual and customer experience”, while Julien takes care of financial assemblies and “good roll of the machine”.
“Women are still relegated to the rank of decorative accessories in the world of wine. ” observes the 43 -year -old entrepreneur with a touch of bitterness.
None of that in her vineyard. where “everything is done in pairs, even that it’s Gossant,” she says with a laugh.
Four generations of entrepreneurs
When we do family business. we drink with the family: Louise, Claudie, Justine and Julien taste their creations at Joy Hill. Photo provided by Joy Hill
The history of Club Kombucha would have experienced a premature end without the intervention of the Matriarch of the Niquet clan. Louise. Since the announcement of the diagnosis of her granddaughter. the mother of Claudie and Julien offers her time and financial resources in order to maintain the business alive.
“Without her, business would already be on the ground,” insisted her children during two separate interviews.
The family has cultivated entrepreneurship for four generations. The great-grandfather Edourad Niquet founded the village of Péribonka in 1888. Additionally, The grandfather Fernand was in the automobile. the father continues to get involved, the introverted brother, Olivier, has 12 strings to his cancer business: when misfortune strikes, bow and as many achievements, while a fourth brother is also a prosperous entrepreneur.
For Claudie, it’s a new chapter, not a business transfer. She has just been recruited as project manager in social economy, an area that resonates more with her convictions.
“I have been going to this from the start. ” says Louise’s youngest with the serenity of the one who found her way.
Claudie Gravel-Niquitt in the family vineyard. The founder of Club Kombucha begins a cancer business: when misfortune strikes, new chapter in social economy after having built a brand loved by Quebecers. Photo provided by Joy Hill
Cancer business: when misfortune strikes. – Cancer business: when misfortune strikes,
Joy Hill, an expanding vineyard
Fondation: 2017 by Justine Therrien and Julien Niquet
Surface: 37,000 vines in Frelighsburg
Distribution: 8 wines sold at the SAQ since 2024
Speciality: Unfiltered plain wines, ecological viniers
Diversification: Kombucha club and electro club (September 2025)
Kombucha: 4 flavors sold in cans in 600 stores in Quebec
Electro: Natural drink with electrolytes, standard or “muscular” version
Julien niquets in front of his vineyard. Founder of Glutenberg. Oshlag, ex-boss of 100 employees, this serial entrepreneur now adds Club Kombucha to his Empire of the Eastern Cantons. Photo provided by Joy Hill
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