Rambling along with … The Unexpected Gift

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/12/2021 (1058 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Tara Torchia is the owner of The Unexpected Gift, a unique, compassionate, caring, and genuinely empathetic business — which we all should be aware of.

First we’ll meet Tara… and as with all my columns, I’ll let her tell her own story:

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, I went through a mastectomy, six rounds of chemotherapy and 25 blasts of radiation — the full-meal deal,” she said. “I was off work for about one year and when I went back, people were still complaining about the same things. After my experience, I knew that the only people that can change their situation are themselves. I felt that I could simply not ‘do’ corporate Canada anymore.

“I took a business development course with the Women’s Enterprise Centre and the rest is history. I also felt there had to be an easier way of going through this cancer dance, so I thought ‘Why not have everything that you might need in one location — a one stop shop, owned and operated by a cancer survivor? Someone who can really relate to what you are going through,” she explained.

I asked Tara where she got the name:

“The name came because cancer changed my life. It gave me a gift, a gift of enjoying the moment, being present, being authentic and grateful for every day that I get to wake up. I was able, at age 42, to change how I lived my life the better.”

I asked Tara about the store’s locations. The Unexpected Gift was on Portage Avenue for five years but is now located at 2-564 Osborne St.

“I made a business decision to decrease the space I leased from 2,000 square feet to 900 square feet and now we do what we do best — fit women for wigs; provide fitting services for mastectomy bras and breast prostheses; as well as surgical wear. When I went to get my surgical wear, I went to a large medical store and no one knew what I was talking about. I changed in a closet all by myself not knowing what was supposed to go where and I thought no one should ever have to do this at such a vulnerable time; it was so upsetting,” she said.

“So, now when women come to the store, I explain what they are purchasing and why. I check that it fits properly and there is room for bandaging and swelling and I provide comfort, because I get it.”

For now, the business is operated by Tara and one part-time person.

“When COVID hit I thought for sure the business was over. My demographic is so compromised they were not shopping, and surgeries were cancelled. There was no business, and because I was moving locations, I was paying two leases… not knowing that the world was about to fall apart,” she said.

“It is better now. I think people need to go on with their lives and do everything possible to protect themselves so business is better and we made it through some challenges.”

I told Tara that other survivors and their families must view here and her business as a godsend.

“I do hear that often,” she said. “Sometimes I run into customers later and they tell me that I helped them get through a really hard time. This confirms that I made the right decision to leave a well-paid job with a pension and benefits. I have lots of clients where we cry together and end up laughing at the end. They know there is hope and that they will get through this hurdle. Cancer is not their story; it is simply a chapter. Usually, I am humbled because people trust me enough to share their story with me. It makes me feel like I am doing the right thing.”

Tara can be found online at www.theunexpectedgift.ca

Weldon Rinn lives, writes, and enjoys living in St. Vital. He can be reached at weldonrinn2@gmail.com