There’s something wonderfully joyful about paTIo, and a lot of that comes from its founder, and Starter Company Plus participant, Janene Johnson. Originally from Trinidad & Tobago, Janene brings a little Caribbean colour, music, food and energy to Collingwood through intimate, thoughtfully curated experiences. From signature parties to creative gatherings, fitness events and dinners, paTIo is all about connection, curiosity and making space to slow down and enjoy the moment. Janene has created something that feels both distinctly Caribbean and right at home in Collingwood. She brings the heat and the beat!
Get to know Janene and the story behind paTIo in our Q+A below.
Journey as an entrepreneur: What sparked the idea to start your business?
I’ve been living, working, and playing in Collingwood for 6 years, and in that time, I have enjoyed a lot, seen a lot and met some good people. I missed the feeling of the Caribbean limes/gatherings, etc.: the music, food, the laughter, the way everyone ends up talking like old friends. I was happy when I found another organization, Carnival North, that provided the opportunity to experience a bit of home right here in town. At the end of 2024, I had an idea about something more intimate, something that would lure other Caribbean people out from the shadows, something that would bring people together to experience food, music, culture, and inject some much-needed flavour into the landscape of Georgian Bay. I wanted to create spaces where people could experience that same warmth here; small, intentional events that feel special but not intimidating. Over time, that idea grew into a business that lets me blend my love of hosting, sharing a bit of my culture, storytelling, and community building.
What products or services do you offer, and how do they solve a problem or meet a need?
I offer curated cultural experiences: monthly community events and annual themed gatherings. These experiences combine authentic Caribbean food, music, movement and thoughtful design to create meaningful moments of connection. My services meet a growing need in the region:
The need I saw is emotional and cultural. Many people of colour and Caribbean folks living in small-town Ontario don’t often find spaces that reflect them. Even those born in Canada still long for the spirit, rhythm and ease of the Caribbean. paTIo gives them a place to reconnect with that part of themselves while also welcoming non-Caribbean guests into the joy and beauty of the culture. The result is a community space that brings people together across backgrounds and reminds them of the joy of belonging.
Who or what do you turn to for creative ideas and business inspiration?
I pull a lot of inspiration from Caribbean culture: our music, our food, the colours, and the way our gatherings and events are never just about the agenda, but about the feeling. I am also inspired by local community conversations with other people, other local entrepreneurs, the Collingwood waterfront, small details in cafes and shops and the stories people share with me. I ask questions: What do we need? What do we want? I sit down, and I work on that. Some of my best ideas come from walking, oddly enough, cooking, working out or sitting on an actual patio and just imagining how I want people to feel.
What sets your business apart? What do you want people to remember about you?
I think what sets my business apart is that it’s not just about volume; it is about the vibe, the energy, the feeling. I care deeply about how people feel from the first invite to the last goodbye. What sets my business apart is the blend of Caribbean hospitality, thoughtful design and genuine community focus. I want people to remember that I created spaces where they felt welcomed, uninhibited, stylish, comfortable and always free to be themselves. If someone leaves an event thinking, “I just I didn’t just attend something; I belonged there,” then I believe I have done my job.
Why did you apply for the Starter Company Plus program, and what are you hoping to gain from it? What have you gained so far?
I applied to Starter Company Plus because, let’s be real, I needed money to start. I needed seed money to invest in paTIo to get it started. I wanted structure and support around a business that has a lot of heart and vision but needed clearer systems, a strategy and financial foundations. I’m hoping to gain confidence in my numbers, a solid growth plan, and tools to make paTio presents sustainable and ultimately scalable, without losing the intimacy that makes it special.
So far, I’ve gained mentorship, accountability, and a fresh perspective on what’s possible. The program has helped me refine my offerings, think more like a CEO (I’m still working on that), and see my ideas as a viable growing business rather than simply a passion.
How has being part of a local business community shaped your journey?
Being a part of Collingwood’s business and creative community has shaped my journey in ways I did not expect. Through CameraonCollingwood, collaborations, and simply showing up for other entrepreneurs, I’ve met people who pour into me, cheer for me, and remind me that I’m not building this alone. Even though 9 times out of 10, I am.
Working with local creatives, photographers, stylists, movement instructors, and makers has expanded my vision and made paTIo feel bigger than just my ideas. Every collaboration teaches me something new, pushes me creatively and helps me see Collingwood as a place where Caribbean culture can ultimately thrive.
The community here has given me confidence, connection and a sense of belonging. It has shown me that paTIo isn’t just my business; it’s part of a wider ecosystem of people who believe in cultural joy and creating meaningful experiences.
What do you consider to be your core strengths as an entrepreneur?
Hmmm, the gift of gathering people, making strangers feel like old friends. I’m still learning the business side every day, but creating environments where people relax, laugh, and connect? That part comes naturally to me.
What are your favourite local spots to visit on a day off?
Give me my camera and bike, exploring the trails around town; Collingwood is gorgeous when you slow down enough to notice it. Roller-skating about with one or two friends. Sometimes I end up at Sunset Point, on a bus to another town, or tucked into one of my favourite cafes with my fave hot drink in hand.
What’s your favourite product or service that you offer?
PINKIE’SUP is my girl! She’s growing into something royally fabulous, and I cannot wait for everyone to join us in June 2027. She’s the event that showed me what paTIo could be, and she keeps evolving in the best ways
Connect with Janene:
Website: www.patiopresents.com
Instagram: @patiopresents
Email: hello@patiopresents.com
Photos: Victoria Mae Photography