Written by Evelyn Mytka, Contributing Writer
For many people, carving a piece of soapstone might seem like an art class.
For Michael Emery, it’s an opportunity to slow down, unplug, and discover what happens when there’s no right or wrong way to create.
Through his business, Unique Soapstone Experiences in Cochrane, Alberta, Michael helps people step away from the distractions of everyday life and reconnect with their creativity. We sat down with him to talk about his business, the lessons he’s learned as an entrepreneur, and why the creative process matters just as much as the finished piece.
“It’s about getting out of your head and into your hands.”
Evelyn: Can you tell me about Unique Soapstone Experiences?
Michael: Unique Soapstone Experiences is all about helping people disconnect from our busy world, reconnect with themselves, and create something real with their own hands.
Our most popular workshop is a 90-minute carving experience where participants shape a pre-cut piece of soapstone into whatever they imagine. There isn’t a right or wrong answer. The finished piece is whatever they create, and that’s what makes every experience unique.
Evelyn: What inspired you to start Unique Soapstone Experiences?
Michael: Soapstone carving originally began as part of another business focused on mental health and career development. When I was laid off from my corporate job in 2021, I had the opportunity to give a keynote presentation, which led to my first workshop at a local library.
By the end of that year, I decided to take the leap. I registered Unique Soapstone Experiences as a business, and the same library booked me for 10 workshops the following year. That’s where it all began.
Evelyn: What can someone expect when they attend one of your workshops?
Michael: We start by talking about creativity and perspective before everyone chooses their own piece of stone. I demonstrate different carving techniques, and then participants spend the next hour exploring and shaping their sculpture.
People often arrive carrying the stress of the day, but once they start carving, they lose track of time. They’re completely focused on what they’re creating, and that’s when the real magic happens.
“When you release the expectation of creating something perfect, your creativity has no bounds.”
Evelyn: What’s your favourite part about running this business?
Michael: Watching people surprise themselves.
Everyone starts with similar shapes, but every finished sculpture is completely different. One young participant looked at what was meant to be a snail and decided she saw a whale instead. She reshaped it into exactly that.
Creating a safe space where people can explore their creativity without worrying about getting it “right” is what gets me excited every day.
“I realized I needed both the freedom to think big and the structure to stay focused.”
Evelyn: What have been some of the biggest challenges of starting your business?
Michael: Building a business taught me as much about myself as it did about entrepreneurship. As I was growing Unique Soapstone Experiences, I learned that I have ADHD and later discovered I’m also on the autism spectrum. Suddenly, a lot of the friction I’d experienced throughout my life made sense.
I realized I needed both the freedom to think big and the structure to stay focused. Learning how to work with those strengths instead of against them helped me build a business that worked for me.
When you’re a solopreneur, you’re the accountant, the marketer, the facilitator, and the CEO all at once. Understanding myself has been just as important as learning those business skills.
“Business Link Alberta supported me in my social media and web journey from its inception to what it is today.”
Evelyn: What made you connect with Business Link Alberta?
Michael: I received an email from Business Link Alberta about the Digital Marketing Program.
When I first joined the program, my business strategist helped me understand what I needed to build my website, what I could do myself, and where I needed additional support. We met every couple of weeks, reviewed my progress, and worked through the next steps together.
As my business evolved, I found myself rebuilding my website from scratch. I returned to the Digital Marketing Program, and my business strategist helped me navigate that transition and strengthen my website and online presence. Business Link Alberta played a key role in helping me build and stabilize my digital presence.
“The road is not straight and flat.”
Evelyn: What advice would you give someone who’s thinking about starting a business?
Michael: Entrepreneurship has highs and lows.
There will be difficult days, unexpected setbacks, and moments where you question everything. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to understand yourself, be honest about your strengths, and stay resilient.
Enjoy the journey because there’s nothing quite like it.
From helping people reconnect with their creativity to building meaningful experiences through art, Michael has created a business that’s about much more than soapstone carving.
If you’re starting or growing your own business, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Business Link Alberta is here to help you explore your next steps with free one-on-one support, practical resources, and guidance along the way. You can book a free meeting with a Business Strategist to get started.
Connect with Unique Soapstone Experiences:
Website: https://uniquesoapstoneexperiences.ca/
Facebook: Unique Soapstone Experiences
Instagram: @unique_soapstone_experiences
