Karen Jessau-Tan is a mom, wife, and business owner. She leads an extremely busy life, yet sets a great example on how to bring balance to the forefront of your priorities. Originally from Newfoundland, Karen
Karen Jessau-Tan is a mom, wife, and business owner. She leads an extremely busy life, yet sets a great example on how to bring balance to the forefront of your priorities.
Originally from Newfoundland, Karen has been living in Saint-Lazare since 2003 has a reputation for being friendly, warm and welcoming. Her Newfoundland roots fit right in with the characteristics of our small town and it’s my pleasure to tell you more about her, and her positive contributions to our community.
Karen is the Co-owner (with her husband Robert Tan) and Manager of the DQ in St-Lazare. (mmmmm Blizzards…) She started the project in 2016 and was the lead on the design and project management for the build of the building, (where she now manages the staff and also decorates the cakes!) She is also the owner and manager of L’ATELIER,The Workshop, which is a space built on top of the Dairy Queen and accessible by a side, separate door.
Her vision on the two spaces encompassed her long term goals to create two businesses which offset each others business cycles and create long term financial viability as well as sustainable economic growth for Saint-Lazare. Her two businesses allowed for new employment opportunities for teens seeking a paycheck, and a space that can be rented out and used for birthday parties, melding both spaces into a neat and convenient package.
If you are hearing about L’ATELIER for the first time, let me tell you about this hidden gem which happens to be conveniently placed right in the middle of our lovely town of Saint-Lazare.
Since it’s opening in September 2017, the main focus of this studio space (besides being the alternative to having your kids birthday party at home, increasing the risk of a broken lamp, or vomit in the sofa..ughh) is a space for dance, fitness and fun! (You can simultaneously take in calories with ice cream, and burn it off at a zumba or dance class.. Although I wouldn’t recommend it..it would probably be messy. I did do squats once while drinking wine, to try to offset the calories, but I digress).
L’ATELIER, The workshop offers a variety of classes, ( Zumba, Dance, Cardiokick and Pilates to name a few) where you can take some time to meet up with friends, generate endorphins, and get your sweat on! Whether you are looking for a high energy, soak your clothes, kind of workout or tranquil, free your busy mind kind of hour, you will find it here.
Personally, I have been going since November, and it provides me with an hour or two a week of fitness, and grown up conversation that isn’t baby related. (Hurray for adult conversations!!)
All of the instructors – no matter the type of course – are friendly, caring and open to new members.
Lastly, in case you are in need of a space that can hold up to 60 people,
L’ATELIER is available to rent for any event (pop-up shop, workshop, meeting etc.) when classes aren’t in session. They offer tables and chairs, and custom packages for any event.
As a member of this community, and someone who has had the privilege of getting to know Karen, I am proud of what she has accomplished and think that we should celebrate her success! I highly recommend learning more about L’atelier, and also taking the time to pop into the DQ, year round, for a delicious treat. You can access the website here for L’ATELIER and here for the Dairy Queen.