Roasty Toasty Camping Company - My Haliburton Highlands

Sparking a Love for Camping

Roast Toasty Camping Company

Fourteen-year-old Olivia, the young entrepreneur behind Roasty Toasty Camping Company, has turned a simple firewood stand at the end of her road into a full-fledged camping product business in Haliburton Highlands. Olivia, who began her journey at just 11 years old, now manages a thriving line of camping essentials and custom apparel. Her motivation? “I started my business to save up money so that I could go to college,” she says.

Beyond firewood sales, the business has expanding into a wide range of products including custom-designed hoodies, smokeless fire pits, heated cushions, and even heated chairs. “My hoodies have bug netting in the hood, and they’ve been really popular,” Olivia shares proudly, mentioning that her clothing items have become her biggest sellers.

Local Focus

Born and raised in Haliburton, Olivia understands the appeal of this popular camping and cottage area. “It’s a big cottage country,” she explains. “A lot of people love camping here, so my products help with both the camping and hunting industries.”

Her latest clothing lines, aptly named Happy Hunter and Happy Camper, showcase her commitment to supporting local outdoor enthusiasts, along with her smokeless fire pits and heated chairs, which have been a hit with campers and RV owners alike.

happy camper

Support and Mentorship

A key factor in Roasty Toasty’s expansion has been Olivia’s partnerships within the RV and camping industries. As a member of the RV Women’s Alliance, she has found mentorship and support from like-minded businesspeople. “They’ve brought me to different shows and places where I can meet new people and network,” Olivia notes. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like ORVO (Ontario RV Owners) and Great Canadian RV have opened doors for Roasty Toasty’s products to reach a wider audience.

Recently, Olivia attended a trade show in Orlando, Florida, where she connected with retailers interested in carrying her products in the United States. “That’s one of my new goals,” she says with determination, “to expand into the U.S. and grow my business even more.”

Looking to the Future

As Olivia continues to scale Roasty Toasty, she envisions expanding her product range to include sustainable, pet-friendly items, like sweaters and collapsible dishes for dogs. “My uncle has a bunch of dogs, and they go camping in the winter. Sweaters would help keep them warm,” she explains.

Though her business journey is driven by a college savings goal, Olivia has her sights set on a future in both interior design and business. “Maybe one day I’ll design RVs,” she adds with a smile.

Assorted clothing

Family’s Support

Olivia credits her family, especially her parents, as instrumental in her success. Her dad inspired her to start a business after reading a financial book together. “My parents have supported me all the way,” she says. “My dad gave me the confidence to start, and my mom helped me with emails and trade shows.”

A Young Entrepreneur’s Pride

From humble beginnings selling firewood to a bustling business that serves campers across North America, Roasty Toasty is not only a source of pride for Olivia but a valuable addition to the camping industry in Haliburton Highlands. “I love meeting new people,” Olivia reflects. “It makes me feel accomplished when people say my products made their camping experience better.”