Ashley and Akash Singh are excited to bring a new business to Niverville. Dope Treats will offer rare, retro, and imported snacks and drinks—and customers will also have the opportunity to place special orders for their favourite snacks of choice.
Co-owner Ashley Singh was born and raised in Winnipeg and met Akash after he immigrated from India about 13 years ago. The Singhs have been a couple for almost ten years and have a four-year-old son and another child on the way. They have lived in Winnipeg, Toronto, and Abbotsford but say they always seem to find themselves back in Manitoba.
Ashley comes from the corporate accounting world and Akash comes from a security and customer service background.
About a year ago, while living in B.C., they began formulating the concept of Dope Treats.
“We have both always felt stuck with our jobs,” Ashley says. “The corporate world, working for someone else just never felt right. And with a growing family, the flexibility of having our own business to balance work and family is even better. We also love the idea of bringing smiles and joy to people young and old with sweets and snacks.”
After moving from B.C. to Winnipeg in April of this year, the Singhs started a small online version of Dope Treats with local pickup and delivery only. They also offered a popup sale at a Winnipeg business this past summer. The popup sale was a success and made it clear that their dream of owning their own business was the right decision.
The pair considered opening a brick-and-mortar store in Winnipeg but just couldn’t find the right location.
When they moved to Niverville in August, though, they found their perfect spot.
Ashley says that they have already fallen in love with Niverville. “The response we have had from some community members we’ve discussed the business with has been so positive and supportive, it’s been great. We cannot wait to open our doors to the community and bring some candies and snacks from different countries and some novelty/retro choices as well.”
Dope Treats may sound like a store that sells cannabis edibles, but that’s not the case. Ashley says that some people have asked about the name but they believe it’s a good one.
“We are looking to attract the cannabis crowd, as well as families, young adults, and pretty much anyone who loves candy, snacks, and other treats,” she says.
Dope Treats is anticipated to open on November 1 at Unit G-290 Main Street in the Niverville Commons. Ashley and Akash look forward to seeing people there.