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TRURO, N.S. —

A popular Truro business is closing in the same way it's always operated – with style.

Prompted by an accident, business owner Rebecca LaPointe has decided it’s time to make changes in her life. But she’ll be around to chat with her customers during the farewell sale.

“The best part of the business has been the relationships, and that’s what I’ll miss most, but I’m really excited about the possibilities for the future,” she said.

LaPointe launched the company in 2013, selling jewelry and accessories online and at festivals. She began wholesaling the next year, and in November 2015 the boutique on Forrester Street opened. A group of loyal shoppers soon formed.

She was on her way to the store in January 2018 when she slipped in an icy parking lot.

“I had my hands full and ended up crashing onto the back of my neck and wasn’t able to get my hands out to break my fall,” she said.

She suffered a concussion that left her with months of headaches, dizziness, nausea and an extreme sensitivity to light and sound. She was spending more of her time in a dark room, only able to work three or four hours a day. She organized the first Booshfest from her bed.

Her husband, Iain, had to provide most of the care for their boys, who were six and eight.

Her health improved enough that she was able to spend more time at the store, usually in the office with the lights dimmed, but she began to struggle with anxiety and everyday tasks felt overwhelming.

Eighteen months after the injury, still experiencing symptoms on a daily basis, Rebecca made the decision to close the business.

“Running a business, you have to be on top of so many things and I was never able to fully shut off,” she said. “The concussion took a huge toll on me and my family, and I need to be able to go home and really be present there.

“I let the staff know as soon as I made the decision and I’m focusing on shutting down now.”

She’s enjoyed her time operating a business, which made a profit every year. She's confident the experience will help her in whatever she does in the years ahead.

“I’m not sure what I’ll do next,” she said. “Teaching and business are my passions and it would be great to combine them.”

She still has occasional symptoms from her concussion, but regular treatments help and she’s positive about the future.

“It has been amazing to help women see themselves as the strong, capable, beautiful people they are,” she said. “A concussion was what I needed, to be able to realize I needed change, and I’m going to concentrate on my health and my family.

“I want people to remember to support each other. A kind word or a smile can change a person’s day.”

The farewell sale at Beck and Boosh begins Saturday, Feb. 1, and will run until most of the inventory is gone.