Homegrown Business: Christie Dawn of Rainbow Earth

Christie Dawn runs Daytripper, Manitoba’s only adult field trip service exclusively for women, offering transportation and curated experiences to those who don’t drive, lack vehicles, or simply aren’t comfortable navigating beyond city limits. Operating out of Winnipeg under her broader business Rainbow Earth~ Creations by Christie Dawn, she saw a real need when out-of-town bus service was discontinued and built a solution around small groups, intimate experiences, and year-round outings across Manitoba and into Ontario.

Rainbow Earth

What is your business called and what does it do?

My business is called Rainbow Earth~ Creations by Christie Dawn. It offers colourful creations & experiences to inspire, uplift, spark wonder & spread joy! Today, I would like to focus on one particular service I offer called Daytripper- an adult field trip service for women. It runs year-round, taking women on outings all over Manitoba and even into Ontario.

What made you want to do this work?

I wanted to do this because I saw a real need for it, especially with the discontinuation of out-of-town bus service. And because it’s fun and I really enjoy taking people to places they’ve never got to experience otherwise.

What problem did you want to solve with the business?

Because I offer not just the trips, but the transportation, women who don’t drive, don’t have a vehicle, or just aren’t comfortable driving outside the city can get out to places they otherwise may not have been able to visit.

Who are your clientele/demographics?

Primarily women 40+ who want to get out, meet new people, see new places and have fun!

How does your business make money? How does it work?

Trips are all pre-arranged and listed on my website, with details and cost for each trip. I usually list about 2 months at a time. Newly added trips get sent to my email subscribers first, giving them the opportunity to view trips in advance and register early. Participants see which trips they like and get in touch with me to register. I confirm once payment is received and send out an email a day or two before the trip with particulars for the day. I have a general pickup and drop off point, which is always the same and centrally located, but I also offer door-to-door service for an additional fee for those who need it.

Where in the city can we find your profession?

My business is home-based, but I serve the whole Winnipeg area, and sometimes a bit beyond. People can get in touch with me via phone or email, both of which can be found on my website- rainbowearthcreations.com/daytripper

What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.

Well, because Daytripper is the only service I know of catering specifically to women, it can really only be compared to the larger bus tours, I suppose. So I guess the question would be what makes Daytripper unique? And the answer is that it’s the only adult field trip service for women in Manitoba, and beyond, as far as I’m aware, that provides the experience as well as the transportation. Groups are small, providing a more intimate experience and a chance for participants to interact with each other more easily and comfortably.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part is seeing the joy on my Daytripper’s faces when they see something new/somewhere they haven’t been before, and hearing the wonderful feedback from them about how much they enjoyed their experience. And of course, meeting so many amazing women- all with their own unique stories!

What is your favourite joke about your own profession?

Hmm, I’m not really sure! I don’t know that there are any.

Where can we follow you?

Facebook | Instagram | Website

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?

Oh man, you’re going to make me pick just one?! Alright- well I love many, but one favourite is Milieu Market– an eco-friendly, zero waste shop and refillery with their most recent location right on Portage Avenue. I must also mention Moon Gate Guest House, which is not in Winnipeg but Whitemouth, with whom I partner for several of the experiences I offer throughout the year. It is a wonderful, peaceful place run by beautiful people, and if you don’t know of it yet, you must check them out.

 

About Emilea Semancik 28 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram: @ancestral.foods