Jennifer and Nikola Rudinac have transplanted their European roots to create a home and business that feeds their souls

*Nikola and Jennifer Rudinac with daughter Divna, inside their business* *Feel Alive Wellness Station, a café, massage therapy practice, and wellness boutique in Palmerston, Ontario.*

Tell us about you and your family.

“We are a family of 3. Nikola has been in Canada for 6 years, originally from Serbia, and Jennifer is first-generation Canadian-Portuguese. We are proud to be Canadian, but are very much connected to our European roots, which we are instilling on our one-year-old daughter. Her name is Divna which means beautiful.”

Where did you move from and why did you decide to move to Minto?

“We moved from Toronto, just outside the downtown core. The city wasn't feeding our soul anymore. We went for a drive one day to Erin, got lost and ended up in Minto. We had never heard of this place, but fell in love with the nature here. After a couple of years of visiting on our days off, we decided to just move here.”

What are some of your favourite ways to spend time in Minto?

“Nature trails, hands down! We are really fortunate to have such beautiful walking trails so deeply engulfed in nature's beauty, and that can be accessed right in the middle of town. We also love Light up the Park in Palmerston – it’s really such an amazing event suited for everyone.”

Do you have a favourite local business or place to shop?

“We love Oranje Grove Dutch Shoppe for their soups, and Fresh Start Bakery for amazing bread. Now that we have a child, Teenie Tiny Tots Children’s Shop is our favourite place in town.”

“We had never heard of this place, but fell in love with the nature here. After a couple of years of visiting on our days off, we decided to just move here.”

Tell us about your favourite place to grab a coffee/takeout or shop local in Minto. What sets it apart?

“Well, we're biased here, but Feel Alive Wellness Station, of course. [Note: Jennifer and Nikola are the owners!] We have the BEST coffee for sure. We source Italian espresso beans, and Nikola thoughtfully crafts a menu of lattes, hot drinks, and smoothies.”

What has surprised you about living here?

“The biggest surprise has definitely been the amount of activities available, especially for kids. All kinds of sports, dance, arts, the Grove, which is an amazing place for teenagers and young adults to find mental health support.

We were also very much surprised with the Norgan Theatre, which is run by volunteers, and the awesome park which runs from the downtown area to the south part of town. There is so much to learn about the town’s railway heritage.”

What would you tell someone who was interested in living or moving here?

“If small town living is something you are interested in, this is a very unique place. It's small, but there is so much to do. Minto really is a place for all ages. It's safe, beautiful and clean, the hospital is a gem to have, and there is plenty to keep one busy and active. Amazing to raise children. There is a high school here and an alternative school, called the Owl's Nest Holistic School, which is one of a kind!”

What do you feel makes Minto different from other small communities?

“Having now lived here for 3 years, we are aware that Minto really does a great job making sure businesses come and stay. I have been told by other people from surrounding townships that they wish their town did as great a job as Minto does in this respect. Again, there is so much for young people to do here which I believe is very important in keeping youth on the right track."