FEATUREPRENEUR
THE SWIMWEAR HUT’S RELOCATION AND REBRAND Genevieve Allen Hearn
The turn of the calendar year is a great time to reflect, re-energize, and revisit old goals while establishing new ones. It is also a time for rebirth. Liz Huntley, owner of The Swimwear Hut And Lingerie, has given the store a fresh look and feel in its new location at 8876 Commercial Street, New Minas. If you haven’t visited yet, just find the most splendid looking Christmas tree in the village, and it’s the stately home-turned-commercial space next to it! Huntley has been busy transitioning to the new space while also operating her other business, LIV Fashion Boutique in Kentville (see runner-up for ‘Best Clothing Store’ in our Best of the Bunch survey). Participating at last year’s Robbie Burns Fundraiser for The Portal Youth Outreach: Bill Lloy, MC and “Ode to the Haggis”; Deana Lloy, Red Label Kilts; Lewis MacKenzie, Director, Office of Gaelic Affairs for Nova Scotia; Catriona Little, Head of Scottish Affairs for Canada, Ottawa; and JD MacCulloch, event volunteer.
BURNS, WHISKY & NOODLES — A SCOTTISH CELEBRATION! Submitted
A group of local volunteers is planning a fundraiser for The Portal Youth Outreach, which will kick off the New Year in style later this month. Get Yer Kilt On: A Celebration of Robbie Burns and all things Scottish! will be held January 24 at the Noodle Guy in Port Williams. Robbie Burns was an influential Scottish poet and lyricist who inspired many during the Romantic period and beyond. He was born in 1759 to a farm family, and became known for the romantic folk songs that he wrote while working in the fields. Following his death, he became famous worldwide, and his legacy was celebrated annually on January 25, commonly known as “Burns Night”. This usually involves a supper that includes traditional Scottish foods like haggis, poetry readings, and of course, whisky. In Nova Scotia, Robbie Burns day is still celebrated by those with a connection to Scottish heritage, and those who connect to the universal themes of love and nature in Robbie’s work. His life, however, was one filled with struggle. While his first collection of poems was well-received, he didn’t achieve fame until he passed away in 1786, at the age of 37, and often struggled financially. Still, he managed to maintain a strong spirit, found in the small moments of joy experienced in everyday life. At its heart, Robbie Burns day is a celebration of bringing people together, even in challenging times - one thing which many Nova Scotians can relate to right now. On Sunday, January 24, Ross Patterson will be opening his café, The Noodle Guy, for a celebration of Robbie Burns and all things Scottish. All proceeds will be donated directly to Portal Youth Outreach, a local non-profit in Kentville that helps find housing and related services for youth in the Annapolis Valley. Attendees can expect a delicious haggis meal and Scottish treats; there will be performances featuring local Scottish music, dance, and storytelling,
and Gaelic speaker and poet Lewis MacKinnon. In addition, there will be samplings of some of the world’s finest Scotch whisky. Full Covid-19 safety protocols will be in effect: there will be limited seating for lunch and dinner. All tickets will be sold in advance and seating will be assigned. This will enable groups of friends to be in their own bubble if they wish. Safety for all is the priority.
The Grapevine (GV): How long have you been a clothing retailer, and what got you started in this industry? Liz Huntley (LH): I have been in the fashion industry for over twenty-two years now. I have always had a strong passion for style even from a very young age, and have always enjoyed making others feel good about themselves by getting them into styles and undergarments that would change not only their look, but also their outlook! I know just how good someone can feel about themselves by getting properly “fitted” and into the best styles. It’s a unique industry and I love being a part of it. I love seeing confidence in ladies and watching just how beautiful they can look both inside and out. The dressing room tells this lovely story!
GV: The Swimwear Hut just moved locations. Tell us what we can expect from the new space.
Presenting partner for the Burns celebration this year is The Office of Scottish Affairs for Canada. Catriona Little, Head of Scottish Affairs for Canada, attended the Burns event in Port Williams last year. Due to Covid-19 restrictions on travel she will not be able to attend in person this year but sends the following message: “The Scottish Government is very pleased to be able to support such a worthy event put together by some incredible volunteers. This celebration of one of Scotland’s national treasures, Rabbie Burns the ‘People’s Poet’, is very apt and an opportunity to demonstrate support for local communities and wonderful local businesses such as The Noodle Guy during these challenging and uncertain times. Being able to contribute to the remarkable work of The Portal Youth Outreach, an association providing essential services for the youth of the Annapolis Valley, is a real pleasure and reflective of Scotland’s values of inclusivity, kindness, and making sure nobody is left behind. This event epitomises the strong cameraderie and strength of spirit of people and I want to thank all those involved, especially the Scotland Nova Scotia Business Association, for making this event possible.”
LH: When you visit our new location, you can expect the same quality, professionalism, and compassion that has always been offered, but in a whole new atmosphere! Our new location feels warm and welcoming from the moment you walk in, right through to entering the elegant dressing rooms. The new design and layout helps customers find products more easily and will make their overall shopping experience more enjoyable. Every detail was carefully planned, from visual displays and music, to lighting and design. We carry all the same, well-known brands that everyone loves—they are just now presented in a way that highlights each and every item! The bottom level of the store displays all of our designer bras, lingerie, pajamas, slippers, men’s items, accessories and much more, while the upstairs shows off our large selection of swimwear, cover-ups, and sandals. For anyone who isn’t able to access the upper level of the store, we offer a 3D view of the entire upper level and all the products displayed there! We wanted to ensure our store continued to be accessible for all.
This Year’s Robbie Burns Celebration at the Noodle Guy will be a memorable event for anyone who wants to appreciate and learn more about Scottish culture and have a wonderful time! To learn more and reserve your seat portalyouth.ca or call Marie at 902-790-2073!
LH: I believe in bras and swimsuits for all, and I also believe in fashion and styles for all. Opening a clothing store with all the best styles, designs, and sizes has always been a dream of mine and an exciting “next adventure.” Just as The Swimwear Hut And Lingerie has always been known for its inclusiveness, I wanted
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GV: You also own LIV Fashion Boutique. What made you decide to open another store?
to own a clothing boutique that was also size inclusive! LIV offers sizes ranging from XS-3XL, in beautiful styles that flatter all body types!
GV: You have many followers on social media, and consistently win awards for being a favourite clothing store in the Valley. What is your unique selling point? LH: We focus on superior customer service as well as a very inclusive environment and product range for all. We let everyone know they are welcome in our store, and are also gender inclusive, and we show this by proudly displaying a sign on the door that says “All are Welcome”. From the moment a customer walks through our doors, to the moment they leave, they are treated as our top priority and made to feel welcomed, valued and important.
GV: What advice do you have for other retail entrepreneurs? LH: Find what works for your business and go with it! And always remember nothing beats excellent customer service! Have fun and enjoy what you do! In the end it’s all how the customer feels, as you want to build that positive relationship with them so they will return again and again. When you believe your product or service can fulfill the lives of others and make a difference, it sure does make it a lot easier to sell it!
❧ For more information visit The Swimwear Hut And Lingerie at 8876 Commercial Street, New Minas, on Facebook, or at swimwearhutandlingerie.ca.
DAN TROKE APPOINTED CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER FOR TOWN OF KENTVILLE Submitted
Mayor Sandra Snow of Kentville has announced the appointment of Dan Troke as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Town of Kentville. Mr. Troke is currently working as the CAO for the Town of Pictou, and has over 25 years of experience in provincial, regional and municipal governments in Nova Scotia and Ontario. Mayor Snow said that Council and staff of the Town are looking forward to the arrival of Mr. Troke later in January, “Dan will bring a depth of experience from across a variety of government organizations that will help us move our organization forward. His knowledge of housing and development issues is of
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particular interest to Council as we look for better ways to grow the Town and its services.” As the CAO for the Town of Pictou, Dan has led significant growth in the Town’s commercial tax base through land sales, policy changes and new approaches to doing business with the private sector. Dan has brought about significant change to the organization’s efficiency such that the Province’s Fiscal Indicators have improved in all areas. Mayor Jim Ryan said the Town of Pictou appreciates everything Dan has brought to the Town in his short time there: “Dan has built strong relationships within the
Town and beyond, and he has been a valuable supporter of regional services such as the Pictou County Wellness Centre. We will miss him in Town, but we wish him well as he moves to a larger organization.” Mr. Troke will be winding down his activities in Pictou in the weeks to come and is expected to be formally appointed as CAO for Kentville, replacing Interim CAO Brian Smith, at a regular Council meeting scheduled for January 25.
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