AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 22, 2026
The Beginning of Villager Puzzles
Kelly Striemer’s entrepreneurial journey began after a pivotal layoff in 2023. Following two decades working inside high-growth companies and after relocating her family to Vancouver Island, Striemer decided to turn a career interruption into an opportunity. Drawing on her enjoyment of puzzles as a working mom of three, she founded Villager Puzzles to bring together her passions for art, community, and business.
Vision: Art, Place, and Community
Striemer wanted to create more than just puzzles. She envisioned a business that celebrated beautiful art, Canadian places, and supported the women artists behind the work. "Puzzling gave me a way to unwind, put my phone down, and spend time doing something just for enjoyment," she says. Her experience as a self-described "puzzle snob" shaped the company’s focus on quality and connection.
It Takes a Village: Community-Driven Business Model
Based in Comox, B.C., the name ‘Villager’ refers to the collaborative network that makes the business possible. Artists, independent retailers, customers, and supporters each play a role in the process. At Villager Puzzles, artists retain ownership of their artwork and earn uncapped royalties from every puzzle sold. Customers participate by voting for future designs through an annual Call for Art. Striemer emphasizes, "Villager may have started with my idea, but what makes it special is how many people contribute to it."
Supporting Canadian Women Artists
Villager Puzzles has collaborated with over 30 Canadian women artists, each contributing their own regional perspective. Puzzles often feature settings that evoke home, travel memories, or dream destinations across the country. Retail partnerships have also helped the business expand, with products now available in more than 800 stores nationwide. These outlets range from independent bookstores and gift shops to notable partners like BC Ferries and Simons, introducing Villager Puzzles to diverse communities.
The Montreal and Quebec Connection
Montreal’s vibrant scene of board game cafés and indie creators has welcomed Villager Puzzles. Striemer notes the city’s appetite for games and the unique escape puzzles offer. The brand’s emphasis on art ensures that each puzzle reflects local culture and identity, particularly through collaborations with regional artists.
Montreal illustrator Marie-Laure Plano, from Liligrafiti, has created two popular designs: Autumn in Montreal and Changing Seasons. Quebec City artist Maude Gervais also contributes, with puzzles such as Quebec City and Sunset Ski. Striemer expresses interest in connecting with more Quebec women artists and building relationships with local shops. Working with Simons, a major Quebec retailer, strengthens this regional connection.
Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs
Kelly Striemer’s experience demonstrates that it’s never too late to start a business. She encourages others in their 40s to leverage their professional background and life experience. For Striemer, knowing her strengths and values has been the foundation for building Villager Puzzles into a creative, collaborative puzzle business grounded in Canadian artwork and community support.
Source: cultmtl.com.
