Scottish Imports Inc - Forever Tartan Parkland County, Alberta, T7Y2T3

Plaid patterns of blues and reds and greens — a myriad of Scottish tartans —hang from fabric holders on one side of the store, while skirts and kilts of similar patterns hang in another section. Valeta Roach, owner of Scottish Imports, stands in the skirt section, holding up a red and black number that she wraps around her waist. The tartan pattern lies at an angle, flowing down the skirt in clean lines that Valeta says are often more flattering than traditional up and down patterns.

She designed the skirt herself after hearing the complaints of several women that normal tartan skirts were unflattering to their body types. And Valeta’s store carries several other completely unique items designed by her own creative hand. “This is the perfect job for me. I get to work with fabrics, and it’s a part of my heritage,” says Valeta.