Travel has always been a big part of my life. Long before I started Charrier Global Imports, I knew that the best way to understand the world was to experience it firsthand. Over the course of two years, I traveled through France, Italy, Peru, Brazil, and Morocco. Those journeys were more than vacations. They were classrooms, workshops, and marketplaces that taught me lessons I could never have learned in a lecture hall. Today, those experiences continue to shape the way I approach my business and the relationships I build with suppliers and customers.

Seeing the World Through Markets

One of the first things I noticed while traveling was how markets serve as the heart of a community. In France, I wandered through open-air markets filled with fresh produce, cheeses, and artisan breads. In Peru, I visited markets bursting with vibrant textiles and handcrafted goods. In Morocco, spice stalls spilled color and aroma into narrow alleyways.

Markets are not just places to buy and sell. They are places where people connect, where stories are exchanged, and where culture is alive. I learned that the value of a product is not just in its material quality but also in the care, tradition, and story behind it. Observing these markets inspired me to bring that same sense of authenticity and connection to my work in Montreal.

Learning From Artisans

Traveling also gave me the opportunity to meet the people behind the products. I volunteered on vineyards in France, toured cooperatives in Morocco, and visited small weaving workshops in Peru. These experiences opened my eyes to the dedication and skill required to create high-quality goods.

Many artisans are incredibly talented, but they often struggle to access larger markets. This realization planted the seed for Charrier Global Imports. I wanted to bridge that gap and create opportunities for producers to share their craft with a wider audience while maintaining the integrity of their work. Understanding the challenges they face has helped me become a better partner, committed to fairness and sustainability.

The Importance of Patience and Observation

One lesson I learned early on is that success does not come overnight. Walking through markets and workshops, I observed how producers patiently honed their craft over years, sometimes decades. There is no shortcut to quality. Similarly, building a business that connects customers with these products requires patience, attention to detail, and respect for the process.

I also learned the value of observation. Watching how people interact with customers, how they present their goods, and how they handle challenges taught me insights that I could later apply to my own business. Sometimes small gestures, like how a vendor wraps an item or greets a customer, can make a huge difference in building trust and loyalty.

Bringing the Lessons Home

When I returned to Montreal in 2012, I started Charrier Global Imports in a small warehouse in Mile End. I carried with me not only the products I had discovered but also the lessons from my travels. I focused on curating a collection of specialty foods, handcrafted textiles, and wellness items that tell a story. I wanted every product to reflect the care and culture of its creator.

The relationships I had built with producers became the foundation of the business. I maintained regular communication, visited suppliers whenever possible, and ensured that they were fairly compensated. These relationships have allowed the business to grow steadily, bringing unique products to boutique shops, restaurants, and online customers across North America.

Sharing Stories With Customers

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is sharing the stories behind the products with customers. People are increasingly interested in where their goods come from and the journey they have taken. By highlighting the artisans, farmers, and cooperatives behind our products, we create a deeper connection between the customer and the item they are purchasing. This storytelling adds value and meaning, making shopping a richer experience.

Travel as an Ongoing Teacher

Even today, travel continues to teach me new lessons. Each trip offers fresh perspectives, new partnerships, and opportunities to discover products that surprise and inspire. Travel has taught me to remain curious, open-minded, and attentive to the details that make each product and each culture unique.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs

For anyone considering a business that involves sourcing from around the world, my advice is to invest in the experience. Travel, observe, and listen. Build relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Value the story behind each product and bring that story to your customers. Be patient and committed to quality.

In the end, moving from market stalls to boutique shelves is about more than logistics. It is about preserving the culture, care, and craftsmanship that go into every product. It is about connecting people across continents through the goods they create. And it is about carrying the lessons from every market, workshop, and conversation into a business that values people as much as products.