The Camellia started out 16 years ago as a home-based business, doing seasonal home decor and wedding flowers. We started out by going to the local craft fairs, then we leased space in a furniture store (Otto & Bayne). Today, it remains very much a family based operation. Camille designs (and makes) the floral arrangements, tapestries, curtain treatments etc. Gerry creates the country wood items which are produced on site. Steven makes twig furniture for gardens & homes. Chris helps with greeting customers and picking flowers for drying.

Camille Overmeer founded The Camellia. Camille grew up in Guyana, South America amidst the tropical interiors of this diverse country. She had a wonderful childhood, filled with a garden of rare orchids, crotons, bouganvilleas and pineapples. She played with odd pets such as lambs from the neighbouring cattle ranches, and giant turtles. Summers were spent on the nearby islands of Trinidad and Barbados, and in the countryside of Guyana. She then moved to Thunder Bay (COLD!! imagine moving from +30 to -30 degrees Celsius!) to study at Lakehead University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Administration in Marketing. Soon after, she married Gerald and they have 2 sons, Steve and Christopher. They live on a 25-acre lot bordering the majestic Nor'Wester mountains.

We have just finished designing and building our own store located on our property. This allows us to focus our efforts on creating 'perfectly lovely things' for your home. We are members of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, and also offer on-site demonstrations of the different products we manufacture. You can click here for upcoming decorating seminars. We also have seasonal shows four times a year, for upcoming and past shows, see our newsletters here.