By Nathalie Wipprecht
27 Co Jewellery and Repairs is one of the many new businesses to open its doors in downtown North Bay. “If you’re going to do something, give it 100 percent and make sure it is the best quality possible,” says Christie Wipprecht, owner and operator of 27 Co.
She is a goldsmith with an eye for perfection and design that’s not only reflected in the simplistic and modern look in her store, it is also the basis of her own jewellery designs.
At 118 Main Street West a goldsmith sign now hangs from the store front awning. Upon walking in, a work bench sits behind the desk, where Christie can often be seen doing repairs or working on her own unique jewellery to be sold in store. Having only been open for a month, Christie is happy to see new and familiar faces walk through the door.
As to what Christie loves most about being a goldsmith “ I like creating things with my hands and seeing an idea come to life.”
Christie, who went to Ecole Secondaire Catholique Algonquin, was introduced to goldsmithing and her mentor Peter Walsh in grade 11 as part of a CO-OP.
“I loved it and I enjoyed working with fire and creating things and it was a good fit for me. I always loved jewellery and making it is even better,” says Christie about her first experience working with gold. During her time spent learning the trade from Peter at PJ Walsh Goldsmith, Christie showed a lot of passion and promise and Peter decided to hire her as a part-time worker. This experience then led her to Toronto, where she spent three years expanding her skills at George Brown College in the Jewellery Arts Program.
After graduating from George Brown College in 2011, Christie returned as a full-time employee for Peter and continued to master her skills. In total, she has worked in the trade for over nine years. As to why she decided to open up her own store here in North Bay, Christie says “I have built up a clientele working for Peter all these years and I have a good reputation in town. Downtown North Bay always felt like the right place to open up my own business, once Peter retired.”
27 Co, named after the periodic reference for Cobalt, and a silver mining town in Northern Ontario is welcoming business and inquiries of all kinds. As a perfectionist dedicated to her profession, Christie is ready to put her hands at work.
“Just seeing a customer be happy and like your work and appreciate what you do, is a good feeling.”
