The Dordean Suites of Chester offer an immersive nature experience off highway 14 in our Municipality. Open year-round they offer unique stays in accessible, pet-friendly tiny homes equipped with private decks, fire tables and personal hot tubs. Owned and operated by the Joy family – Shawn, Renena, and Mackenzie. Champions of inclusive and accessible employment and hospitality, they make every stay meaningful through belonging, connection and community.
19 Dordean Lane, Windsor Rd, https://www.dordeansuites.com/
Q1. Where did the idea for Dordean Suites come from, and what made our Municipality the perfect place to bring it to life?
The Dordean Suites of Chester really stated from a very personal place for us. We wanted to create something where our daughter, Mackenzie, could meaningfully participate, feel a sense of purpose, and truly belong. We also wanted to create opportunities where she could show her potential; where there are real expectations, and where she has the opportunity to meet them.
We also new that if we could create that opportunity for her, we wanted to do the same for others.
Q2. Your tagline speaks to “tiny homes with big purpose.” What does that mean to you day-to-day?
For us, that purpose is our why and it’s what grounds everything we do. It shows up in the small, everyday moments; in the care that goes into preparing a space, in the pride our team feels in their work, and in the connections that are made here.
It’s not just about the suites themselves, it’s about how people feel when they’re here, whether that’s our guests or our team.
That sense of purpose is what gives meaning to it all.
Q3: Dordean Suites is known for inclusive employment. What does that look like in practice?
It’s our day-to-day and not something separate. It’s part of how we’ve built everything.
We focus on creating meaningful roles, supporting people in ways that work for them, and really leaning into their strengths. A big part of that is flexibility. We understand that not every day looks the same, and we’re able to adapt depending on how someone comes to us on any given day.
What we do is really special in that sense. We have skill sets and an understanding that allows us to support people in a way that makes this possible.
A big part of it too is just how we show up. We really try to lead with heart and compassion in everything we do. It’s about people and kindness.
When you create the kind of environment where there are expectations, but also flexibility, understanding, and care, you really start to see people grow and succeed in meaningful ways.
Q4: What has been the most rewarding moment or story watching team members grow?
For us, it is the everyday moments. It’s seeing the pride they feel in what they’re doing and watching that grow over time. It has been amazing to see when they start to take initiative on their own or take on tasks more independently.
You can see the confidence building, and the joy that comes with that and it’s really powerful and rewarding things to witness.
Those moments might seem small, but they mean everything.
Q5: How do you think about accessibility in your spaces and guest experience?
For us, a place is truly accessible when people don’t have to think about whether they belong there.
We look at accessibility holistically through a universal design lens, so it’s considered from the very beginning in both our spaces and the experiences we create. That includes physical accessibility, but it goes beyond that. We think about communication access, and the overall emotional experience of being in the space.
It’s about how intuitive things feel, how people move through the space and whether they feel supported without necessarily having to ask for it.
At the end of the day, it comes back to creating an environment where everyone feels at ease, included, and like they truly belong.
Q6: Guests often comment on the thoughtful, personal touches throughout the suites. Can you give us a peek behind the scenes?
When people come here, it’s the same as coming to our home. That’s the feeling we want people to have and it’s something we’ve woven into every little detail.
The world is such a busy place, and we really understand the importance of being able to disconnect. That’s also a big part of what we want people to experience here; to let go of their day to day, slow down a bit and just be present.
We believe strongly in creating an experience where guests feel cared for. From the design choices to the small touches, everything is intentional. We want it to feel like a place where you can settle in, exhale, and feel at home.
That sense of care is really what ties everything together for us.
Q7: Running a hospitality business comes with challenges – what have been some of the biggest hurdles?
There have definitely been challenges, especially building something like this from the ground up. There’s a lot that goes into it behind the scenes, and you’re always learning as you go.
We always come back to what matters most to us. Our why, that sense of purpose and staying grounded in our values really guides us. We’ve also learned to take things one step at a time and grow in a way that feels aligned with who we are and what we’re creating.
Q8: How has being part of this community shaped your business?
Being part of this community has really shaped the feel of Dordean Suites in so many ways. There’s something about the small-town, rural atmosphere; the slower pace, the charm, the sense of connection and that naturally carries into what we’ve created. It’s very much a reflection of that environment. It’s a place where people feel welcomed, and that’s something we value deeply.
Q9: Looking ahead, what are your goals or dreams for Dordean Suites?
We’re really interested in growing in a way that continues to feel intentional and aligned with who we are.
A big part of that is creating more opportunities to bring people together, expanding into experiences that allow both guests and the broader community to connect. Things that feel intimate, meaningful, and rooted in that same sense of care.
We want to continue building something that not only provides opportunities, but also creates connection and a sense of belonging.
Q10: What advice would you give to other business owners who want to build something rooted in inclusion and purpose?
We would say to really stay grounded in your purpose and let that guide your decisions.
Building something that’s purpose-driven is incredibly rewarding. When you lead with heart, and focus on people and kindness, everything else tends to fall into place in a really meaningful way.
