LAC LA BICHE - Healing à la Source, owned and operated by Lac La Biche County resident Noella Somerville, was one of two Francophone enterprises in the province that were presented with a tourism business award by Paralléle Alberta. The award ceremony took place in Edmonton on Feb. 8.
The other business was Hive Hero, based in the northwestern Alberta community of Watino.
According to Somerville, the official name of the award is the ‘Lauriers de la PME – Prix Entreprise Touristique par Parallèle Alberta.’
As explained in information from Lauriers de la PME, the award competition, which is held every two years, recognizes the entrepreneurial excellence of Francophone and Acadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada, outside of Quebec. Paralléle Alberta is a provincial organization focused on Francophone economic development.
Somerville said she was surprised to be nominated by a supporter of her business, but it is something she is grateful for.
“Though I never expected to win, I am both pleased and honoured to receive this recognition,” she told Lakeland This Week.
Healing à la Source, Somerville explained, is an Économusée (artisan at work) dedicated to stained glass. Her enterprise draws a considerable number of visitors throughout the year, including people from Cold Lake, Edmonton and Fort McMurray.
Through Healing à la Source, Somerville creates stained glass panels ranging from very intricate, to standard designs, and offers custom work. She also specializes in teaching the art of stained glass to students of all ages.
“Additionally, I conduct classes in yoga, leatherwork, and cultural art,” she explained.
Somerville began her art journey in 2007 with holistic modalities and leatherwork. She began working with stained glass art in 2011. At her studio, Somerville offers sound healing and shamamic work, and also teaches Reiki sessions.
One of her notable projects includes the creation of 16 windows for the church located in Janvier, Alta.
Somerville offered thanks to everyone who was instrumental in her receiving the tourism business award, including her close family.
“Their unwavering support and belief in my potential have been instrumental in my journey. They saw my potential and believed in me.”
*This story was updated on Feb. 18
