SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2017
| A25
north shore news nsnews.com
with Local Business
Small businesses are the backbone of a community, chamber leaders say Take some time this month to appreciate the businesses in your own backyard. That’s the message leaders in the North Shore business community are trying to get across in light of October being Small Business Month in Canada. The month-long celebration looks to honour the contributions that entrepreneurs of all stripes make to the economy and, perhaps most importantly, their local communities. “It’s a very important thing to recognize in our economy because often it’s the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy but also the community that we interact with,” said North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce CEO Patrick Stafford-Smith. Mark Senner, the recently appointed president of the West Vancouver Chamber, added that he sees Small Business Month as a recognition and celebration of the impact local small business can make.
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A26 |
nsnews.com north shore news
get to know small businesses in our community
115 EAST 1ST STREET, NORTH VANCOUVER
WHAT WE DO
OUR STAFF
Owners Debbie and Dawn work in the store, as well as long time staff member Monica.
HISTORY
We have been in business for 26 years in the Lower Lonsdale area. Although we are located in North Vancouver our clientele comes from all areas of the Lower Mainland and beyond including faithful overseas clients.
contact us 604-988-0445 www.aboveaverage.ca
with Local Business
continued from page 25
ABOVE AVERAGE LINGERIE & FASHIONS
We are a full service women’s lingerie and clothing store offering an extensive selection of quality bras in hard to find sizes and professional bra fittings We also offer a great selection of women’s clothing, sleepwear and fitness wear in sizes 14 to 24.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2017
Above Average
Lingerie & Fashions
For the full figured woman
In an era where busy consumers might feel tempted to shop big-box or venture online, Stafford-Smith and Senner encourage people to remember that small businesses are often run by our very own neighbours and friends – people who are partly responsible for turning a village into an actual community. “I know, for example, in Dundarave there is three businesses that are collaborating to put on a Halloween party – it brings something unique to the area, it brings clients to the area. But these three small businesses are collaborating and you don’t typically get that with big business,” Senner said. The North and West Vancouver chambers offer members educational and networking opportunities as well as support in a number of areas. Businesses, for example, that may need help in marketing, financing, exporting, or just taking their business to the next level can lean on the chamber for much-needed advice and support. “We’re like the home-team cheerer,” Stafford-Smith said. Both chambers throw events year-round that are geared towards connecting the business community together and offering mentorship and information about the business climate. You can visit westvanchamber.com or nvchamber.ca to learn more about upcoming events. Stafford-Smith and Senner added that both chambers possess a wealth of knowledge through their members that businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals and solopreneurs are encouraged to take advantage of. “Don’t be afraid to get out there and ask for help,” Senner said. ! Ben Bengtson, bbengtson@nsnews.com
When and why did you start the business?
We opened our business in 1991 out of our own need to find fashionable clothing and appropriate undergarments. Our research showed a significant percentage of women were in the size range that wasn’t typically available in most stores. This is what inspired us to open our store. We have both had experience in retail and financial businesses in the past. Establishing our business on the North Shore, and being partners/sisters, gave us some extra freedom and flexibility in running a business while still managing our homes and families. Our goal has always been to help women find the right size and style of bra to look and feel their best. Many have never had a proper fitting undergarment and the response we often get is that it is “life altering.” Many of our customers have been with us since we opened. We have shared many of our happy times, as well as our hurts and heartaches.
What makes your business stand out?
Our business is probably best known for our “one on one” service. We really consider our business as a “service” business first with sales as a result. It is really rewarding to see people leave with a smile on their face. For many years we have supported the local women’s shelter by collecting clothing donations from our clients as well as donating items from the store.
Why do you love being part of the business community on the North Shore?
Living and working on the North Shore really makes us feel like part of the community. The business environment with other retailers, as well as the public, is supportive and friendly. We love that there are many small businesses here that are long-time favourites, as well as new and creative ones that add to the great atmosphere.
Any exciting future plans our readers should know about? We have several special events through the year with the next one being our semi-annual “Sample Sale.” We are able to offer great, one-of-a-kind clothing items in plus sizes, starting at $10. Our clients look forward to this event and all their great finds. Contact us for details and add your name to our email list. words of wisdom:
“Don’t wait to be thin for life to begin.We all deserve to look and feel our best.”
The North Vancouver Chamber is here to take your business to the next level. We offer over 30 events a year to help you build your networks, learn valuable skills, and grow your brand awareness. Join the Chamber today and get your first networking for free!
Upcoming events: ELEVATE: Spotlighting Small Business October 27th • 7:30-9:30am 20th Annual Business Excellence Awards November 9th • 6-10pm Conversation with the MLAs November 16th • 7:15-9am Transportation Forum Economy in Gridlock November 29th • 7:30-10am Holiday Social – Jingle & Mingle December 6th • 5:30-7:30pm
For more information & registration, visit www.nvchamber.ca @nvchamber
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2017
| A27
north shore news nsnews.com
get to know small businesses in our community
SUSHI NAMI
#205 -1425 MARINE DRIVE, WEST VANCOUVER
WHAT WE DO
We have an award-winning fusion menu, featuring lots of delicious salads, 35 creative specialty rolls and an inhouse special sauce that our customers rave about.
When and why did you start the business?
We began as Hiyori Sushi in downtown Vancouver in 2009 and then moved to the North Shore as Sushi Nami in 2011 - only to have our building torn down for re-development. After that experience, we kept the name and, on October 1st, moved to our new home inside the plaza at Ambleside. We couldn’t be happier; this is where we were meant to be.
What is your business best known for?
OUR STAFF
We are a family-run business with six full-time and 2 parttime staff.
QUICK FACTS
Our first restaurant opened in North Vancouver 7 years ago, and we just recently moved to West Vancouver as the building in North Van is being torn down. An award-winning chef created our menu.
contact us 604-926-8664 sushinami.vpweb.com
ABSOLUTE STAR DESIGN SINCE 1999 103-1520 BARROW STREET, NORTH VANCOUVER
WHAT WE DO
We are the world’s most unique jewelry and cigar emporium. We design and create personalized one of a kind masterpieces of the highest standards for our clients.
For both tourists and North Shore sushi lovers, the restaurant’s award-winning menu, recipes and sauces are outstanding. A customer favourite is a fusion-style salad with the house special sauce that boasts 30 very healthy ingredients. Not only is the menu popular with vegans, the selection of 35 specialty rolls makes choices difficult for regular patrons and vegetarians alike. We like to recommend the restaurant’s Nami Castle salad and our mango and avocado salads are especially popular when served with a Japanese stir-fry dish such as teriyaki udon – beef or pork teriyaki with wheat-flour noodles and the house sauces.
Why do you love being part of the business community on the North Shore?
When we opened Sushi Nami in North Vancouver and had an article in the North Shore News, we received a very positive response. That speaks to the wonderful sense of community here and we hope those patrons will visit us here in our new location.
Any exciting future plans our readers should know about?
We invite you to join us at our new West Vancouver location and would like to offer a 10% discount when your party spend $50 or more.
words of wisdom:
“Part of the secret of Success in life is to eat what you like.” – Mark Twain
What previous experience do you bring to the business?
I started as an apprentice in 1984 when I moved from Italy to Seattle, WA, and trained under master jeweler Serco Tokatlian, who instructed me in diamond setting and design. I later moved to California and started working in retail for Rogers Jewels and Helzberg Diamonds, where I learned the business side of the industry. After 14 years I moved to Vancouver. When I didn’t have a very good experience working for local jewelers I opened my own business. My principles are to be honest and up-front with my clients. My motto is to earn the client’s trust and then the business.
What makes your business stand out?
I was called “the world’s most unique jewelry and cigar emporium” in one magazine article. I like to create unique one-of-a-kind designs – not manufacture generic pieces. Most jewelry stores are like car dealerships, the same design manufactured over and over. I create custom designs so every client feels special having a ring designed by me for them only – no duplication. My clients feel very comfortable buying diamonds from me and get to view loose diamonds under a microscope so they are enlarged 100 times on a 19” monitor.
A recent success story
Recently, staff gave out samples from our menus to the passing public and received enthusiastic, positive reactions from everyone who tried them – even from those who hadn’t tried sushi or other Japanese menus before.
with Local Business
QUICK FACTS
I started as a jewelry apprentice in 1984 after moving from Italy to the USA. After 14 years I moved to Vancouver and worked for local jewelers before opening my own jewelry and cigar business in 1999. We are the one and only exclusive importer of Crisscut Diamonds from New York. Crisscut Diamonds have 109 cuts as compared to generic diamonds with 58 cuts.
contact us
604-770-4548 www.absolutestardesign.com
What is your business best known for?
We cater to clients who have a taste for Moissanite (cultured gems) and recently, I signed an exclusive contract with Christopher Design to carry the highest quality and brightest diamonds. Our round diamonds have 109 cuts compared to an average of 58 cuts. Cultured gems are 10 times better than diamonds at one-tenth of the price. I also carry L’Amore Crisscut Diamonds which are extremely highend, brighter, in addition to being 45 per cent larger than the average emerald-cut diamond. Please do not believe any jeweler can give you 50% to 60% off anything – cheap things are no good and good things are not cheap.
Any exciting future plans our readers should know about? My grand opening is this Tuesday, October 24 to Saturday, October 28. I would like to invite everyone to stop by for a viewing of our Crisscut Diamonds. words of wisdom:
“Earn people’s trust and then earn their business.”
A28 |
nsnews.com north shore news
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2017
with Local Business
Our WATERFRONT MIX LOUNGE is a perfect option for your smaller office party, family gathering or corporate cocktail party! For groups up to 30 people (seated), or 40 people cocktail style. Holiday decorations included. Excellent private rental rates, harbour front city views, free parking available in the evenings/weekends Great Dates/Menu Prices Available.
RETIRE AT HOME SERVICES
VANCOUVER & NORTH SHORE
WHAT WE DO
We provide personalised in-home care for seniors who wish to remain safely in their own homes as they age. Anything from housekeeping through meal preparation, laundry and linens, personal care and companionship.
OUR STAFF
Most of our caregivers live locally and all of them speak excellent English. We employ housekeepers, companions and fully trained health care aides and nurses. We treat our caregivers exceptionally well so they stay with us for years. This means that long term caring relationships can be built with clients. Consistency is key for providing excellent care.
HISTORY
Retire-At-Home has been on the North Shore since January 2014. In that time we have built a strong reputation for excellence. Providing services across the Vancouver area, our headquarters are in North Vancouver and the North Shore is where our heart is!
contact us 604-998-1628 www.retireathomeNS.com
When and why did you start the business?
123 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver 604-986-6111 | lonsdalequayhotel.com
I came to North Vancouver as an immigrant from the UK in 2009, having previously owned my own business in the UK. I started to volunteer in the Hospice in order to give back to the community. Whilst volunteering I realised that I really enjoyed the seniors and their stories. I felt privileged to be allowed to spend that time with them. That is what made me interested in providing senior care and I have not looked back since. Retire-At-Home opened its doors in January 2014.
What makes your business stand out?
We are very responsive and our service is extremely personalised. I know all of our clients, their families, and the needs that they have. Sons and daughters approach us because they want to know that their parent will be well cared for. They also like to know that we keep, as much as possible, the same caregiver with their parent for the long term. We really specialise in building great, long-term relationships between client and caregiver, and in building a team approach comprising client, caregiver, office staff and the client’s family. We keep everyone very well informed. Our caregivers are there when family members cannot be there, and they do whatever a son or daughter would do – housekeeping, meal preparation, appointments, and so on, as well as personal care if that is required. We want to be considered as an extra pair of hands in the family.
A recent success story
We will let our clients speak for themselves … “By the way, the caregivers are AWESOME and my mum loves them. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate all of you! It has alleviated a lot of PJ, North Vancouver stress, knowing mum is so well cared for.” “We are very happy with both of our caregivers. My dad enjoys his time with them. It was good to come home from work on Tuesday evening and see him smiling after enjoying his afternoon. My mother is appreciating AB, West Vancouver the break from looking after him!!”
NORTH SHORE’S LARGEST
PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM OVER 70 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE RESOLVING:
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ICBC CLAIMS CAR ACCIDENTS MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS CYCLING ACCIDENTS PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS
#300-1401 LONSDALE AVENUE NORTH VANCOUVER words of wisdom:
“Home is where today’s seniors want to be!”
FARSI SPEAKING COUNSEL
(I N T H E P L A Z A)
CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION: 604-984-7555 VISIT US AT HANSONCO.CA