A story of true in-spa-ration Greeting guests with a warm smile and energetic personality is the entrepreneurial force behind Laser Spa Group in Hamilton, Bozana Skojo. For the past 16 years, her spa has been combining the art of healing with a sophisticated appreciation of aesthetics. Recognizing the remarkable relationship between looking one's best and its contribution to people’s overall feeling of wellness, Skojo set out on a mission at the turn of the century to create a space that provided the highest level of care for aesthetic services in the area. She purchased her first laser in 2003 and began working out of a spare bedroom in her home. Given how large the lease on the laser was, she took on additional work through a commission basis to increase her revenue by booking a laser day at various salons and spas throughout the GTA. She would pack the laser into her car and drive it from salon to salon, servicing their clients. It was a struggle in the early years as internet searching and social media was still in its infancy. “Referrals and word of mouth was the foundation of how I built my business, and the drive to take it to any location to keep it running was key,” explains Skojo. “I built a solid reputation for myself.” Until 2008, Laser Spa Group was more a continues on page 15
HAMILTON’S ETHICAL FASHION BRANDS BRING SUSTAINABLE FABRICS TO SUMMER THESE LOCAL BRANDS ARE WORTH CHECKING OUT
HOME OF THE MAKERS IS GIVING LOCAL ARTISANS A SPACE TO CALL THEIR OWN A MINI MALL FOR LOCAL MAKERS
CELEBRATING HAMILTON’S FEMALE ATHLETES CHECK OUT WHICH HAMILTONIANS ARE MAKING IT ON THE WORLD STAGE
THANK WOMEN FOR BEER CHEERS TO THE ORIGINAL BREWERS
WHY SLOW FASHION MATTERS AN IMPORTANT REFLECTION ON OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CLOTHES
THE TOP 10 BRUNCH SPOTS IN HAMILTON A TASTY LIST TO EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH
COMPLIMENTARY
AUGUST 2019 | WOMEN'S ISSUE
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AUGUST 2019 | WOMEN'S ISSUE
The largest selection of Blundstone footwear in the Hamilton area! DAVID WILLIAM SHOES & MORE 40 KING ST. W, DUNDAS
905-628-4725 david@davidwilliamshoes.com
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PUBLISHER + EDITOR Robert Cekan robert@urbanicity.com L AYO UT & D E SIG N Tafari A n t h ony DISTRIBUTION Urbanicity Canada
Urbanicity magazine is wholly owned and published by Urbanicity Canada Inc. All content copyright © 2019 and all rights to distribution are reserved by Urbanicity Canada As a forum for ideas, issues, and experiences, the views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher, Editor, other contributors, advertisers, or distributors unless otherwise stated.
DISTRIBUTION 40,000+ readers per month. Distributed throughout Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Aldershot, and Burlington. 12 issues per year. (905) 531-7778 ADVERTISING INQUIRES robert@urbanicity.com www.urbanicity.com
There’s so much activity downtown right now and I absolutely love it! In just the 12 minutes it takes to walk the stretch of King Street between Wellington to James, you will come across nearly a dozen projects. Many are visible with their hoarding (plywood boxes) and scaffolding while others are merely announcements of things to come — all of which are very exciting for a life-long Hamiltonian as myself. This issue of Urbanicity also brings its own level of excitement as it’s all about women kicking butt in Hamilton. We have some incredible stories I’m sure
you’ll love reading about including highlights on local makers and their spaces, ethical brands and slow fashion, plus a highlight of Hamilton’s prominent female athletes.
interesting of a magazine if it wasn’t for the constant involvement and touch points we’ve been putting out there as we further root ourselves into our community.
There are inspiring pieces on the importance of community, how a reading group lead to an 80-year-old writing her first fiction book, and the journeys following entrepreneurs Bozana Skojo of Laser Spa Group and Halden Sproule of Joie Day Spa on how they began their respective businesses.
The importance of putting yourself out there and being open to making connections has been one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned over the past five years and I’m happy that some of those efforts have materialized into this issue.
This magazine shares so many incredible stories from so many amazing Hamiltonians. When I look back at how and where we sourced such a wide array of unique stories, one thing is clear to me and that’s the significance of going out there and meeting people. We wouldn’t have been able to put together nearly as
If you have an interesting story to share or know of one that could use better coverage, don’t hesitate to contact me by email at robert@urbanicity.com. And if you have any interest in being a regular contributor to our magazine, please reach out as well. Enjoy your August! ROBERT CEKAN
TRIVIA 1. The giant clock in the Hamilton’s Farmers market was originally attached to the exterior of a famous building in Hamilton, located at the corner of James St and King St. What was the name of the building? 2. The name behind the Hamilton Tiger-Cats comes from the merging of two former local teams. What were the two teams?
IT'S FINALLY HERE!
3. Hamilton used to have two incline rails to scale the mountain. One of them was called Mount Hamilton Incline Railway and later became known as this other name. What was it? 4. How many wards are there in Hamilton? Answers on page 16
Made in Hamilton Shop small batch Canadian made from a curated selection of
80 makers featuring
ceramics, jewelry, baked goods,
skincare, clothing design, woodworking and art.
FOLLOW US
Saturday, August 17 at McMaster Innovation Park 10 am - 4 pm
Don't miss out! Admission $5. For a full list of our makers, visit www.craftadian.ca.
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Hamilton’s ethical fashion brands bring sustainable fabrics into summer collections Bonus: Sofia even pre-washes and shrink tests the designs before shipping them to you.
LISA KISS
Lisa is a proud Hamiltonian, entrepreneur, and yogi. You can f ind her exploring all things local, fashion, and wellness related in #HamOnt!
Hamilton’s fashion industry is growing, now sitting as the fifth largest fashion hub in Canada. What’s even better is that Hamilton fashion brands care about the environment. A lot of brands are using sustainable fabrics in their collections and are producing in small batches, which are better for the planet and you! Here are five Hamiltonbased fashion brands you should be keeping an eye on.
This is Sofia’s fifth year running Hutchison. Everything is made-to-order; anything purchased from Hutchison is handcrafted by Sofia in her Hamilton studio. Why made-to-order? It avoids overproduction and the creation of any unnecessary waste. Any fabric waste she does have goes to local companies to use in accessories or crafts. Find Sofia’s new collection online at shophutchison.com
TH E TH RIF TY DESI GNER
L A VILL A GOODS Keeping with her core values of sustainability and positive impact, La Villa Goods founder Dixy Valdez helps create and curate home and fashion accessories that are handmade ethically in her home country of El Salvador. Dixy has a degree in design specializing in artisan products and has over 10 years of experience in the industry. To generate positive social impact in her home communities, she splits her time between the two countries: first partnering with local Salvadoran artisans to make the beautiful pieces and then connecting them to the Hamilton market. She is deeply involved in the production process and collaborates with the artisans on products.
Originally from Montreal, Hutchison’s founder Sofia Del Giacco moved to Hamilton three years ago with a wealth of fashion industry knowledge. She is passionate about curating sustainable handmade and vintage items using fabrics from companies who treat their employees fairly.
Founded in 2017, the one of a kind items at La Villa Goods are made with traditional Salvadoran techniques using renewable natural resources and recycled materials. Take for example the textiles which are hand-woven on wooden foot looms. This promotes productivity, commerce, and gender equality in at-risk rural areas as well as preserving cultural heritage. They carry everything from jewellery to scarves and placemats to blankets.
Her current Spring 2019 collection is made exclusively with linen, a great sustainable fabric for the summer months. Linen is extremely durable, hypoallergenic, and breathable. It requires little processing, water, and machinery to produce and when it’s finished receiving all the love it can get, it biodegrades quicker than synthetic fabrics.
La Villa’s new Glazed Coco Collection is made in partnership with Callotl Artisans, an environmental project that targets sea turtle conservation, responsible fishing, and sustainable development. The workers are paid fair wages and a percentage of sales also goes directly towards the conservation program.
HUTCH IS O N
Find Dixy at markets across the Greater Hamilton and Toronto Area this summer and online at lavillagoods.com to learn more about La Villa’s positive impact!
After over 30 years as a designer, pattern maker, buyer, and product developer in the fashion industry, Leslie Smith-Arragona took to The Thrifty Designer to help spread her joy of upcycling high quality garments. As someone who had struggled to find designer clothing in her size for most of her life, she has learned to thrift, upcycle, and sew her own clothing out of necessity. Now that she’s out of the corporate end of fashion, she has decided to share her talent with the rest of us. Everything in the store has been upcycled with sewing repairs and sometimes additions such as lace, leather, velvet, and fringe to give it new life. Ultimately, upcycling is the most sustainable course of action in the fashion industry, as no new material must be created in order to make an item. The Thrifty Designer aims to reuse, recycle, repurpose and repair quality used ladies’ (and men’s) clothing so that they last for years more to come. Visit Leslie Tuesday to Saturday in the International Village on 203 King Street East!
kindness to others and oneself — quite a fitting name to their brand and mission! They recently opened a store in Westdale where you can try on (and feel) their pieces, but most items are madeto-order in their sewing studio. Mettamade uses bamboo, a sustainable resource, for all of their pieces. Bamboo is also a temperature regulating fabric making it perfect to wear in the summer months. They also have an untraditional sizing system as they aim to build body positivity and inclusivity; instead of your typical numbered sizes, they use a gemstone coding chart to guide your fit. In addition to all this fashion greatness, a portion of their proceeds are donated to Body Brave, a Hamilton-based charity that provides services for individuals struggling with weight, food, and body image issues, including eating disorders. Find the Mettamade duo Morgan and Carol in their Westdale shop on 1032 King Street West Tuesday to Saturday or online at mettamadeinhamilton.ca
KNOTS AND PI PES After purchasing your new-to-you or made-in-Hamilton sustainable outfit, you’re going to need some accessories. This is where Knots and Pipes come in! Everything is made by Heather Sheppard in her west end studio, which opened in 2015. Heather learned to sew, crochet, and leather craft from her mother and grandmother while growing up in rural Norfolk. Presently, she is an advocate for slow fashion and ethical consumerism, using her crafting skills and sourcing recycled materials whenever possible.
ME T TA M ADE This powerhouse mother-daughter duo are working to empower women through their stylish and comfortable pieces while respecting the earth. Metta is actually a type of meditation that is meant to practice loving
Her hand-made and intentionally designed statement earrings and accessories are the perfect complement to any summer look (especially her tassel earrings!). Find Heather’s earrings, scrunchies, and key chains at The Pale Blue Dot, Mettamade, La Bichette, and online at knotsandpipes.com
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So… What are the top 3 things women think about?
JULIA KOLLEK
Love, money, and our planet. These topics come up frequently in conversations with other women. Here’s some food for thought.
Julia found herself playing the voice of a robot in Hell or Tide Water. The rest of the time she has just as much fun running her Hamilton communications business.
HAVE YO U G IVE N U P O N EVE R F IN D IN G A R E L AT I O N S H IP ? Got stung on Bumble, burned on Tinder, or is the dating pool on Plenty of Fish too shallow? Finding romance is a tough task, especially as local demographics are apparently stacked against us. Data from the most recent (2016) Census shows more men in Hamilton have never married, but a greater number of women in the city are single, either as a result of divorce (and more markedly through being widowed). If you’re really curious, the City of Hamilton has a map that plots areas where more men live vs women (though it doesn’t tell you anything more about them). Despite the demographic odds, one local and divorced businesswoman (who’ll remain anonymous) was determined to find a partner. She went on 50 (yes, she counted) dates over two years before she found her beau. That’s just what you have to do, she said. And while an estimated 70% of couples find each other online – with the stigma long vanished – some women have turned their back on matchmaking apps, fed up with sifting through profiles and listening to dates relating woeful stories about their exes. Many would rather find a relationship organically instead, through work, friends, or by chance. Some simply prefer to stay single and enjoy their freedom — even if when pressed, they may admit to the occasional bout of loneliness. “It’s fine for 364 days of the year,” said one singleton, “it’s that one day that can get you down.” And the other option, of course, is to get a dog. There’s currently 12 dog parks across the city (and you never know who you might meet...)
MON EY: RE F RA MIN G OUR TH IN K IN G THAT WE' RE N O GOOD WITH F IN A N CE S When it comes to financial matters, Hamilton women are trailblazers – both in making and in giving their money. Here’s two stories that may inspire you to re-frame your relationship with your wallet. Teresa Cascioli is a myth-buster when it comes to women and finances. She became CEO of Hamilton’s Lakeport Brewery, and took the company from bankrupt to public on the Toronto Stock Exchange, later selling it for $201 million to Labatt’s. She tells how her immigrant parents worked hard to make a new life, always watching the nickels and dimes. Perhaps this alone made an impression on the young Teresa as she was growing up – or did the family conversations about money have the greatest impact on her career and financial leadership choices she made? Meanwhile, the investment firm IPC Private Wealth painted a different picture in their recent report. They polled 400 affluent Canadian men and women, with at least $500,000 in investable assets and found that many women prefer to let the men in their lives handle their finances. Another global study of more than 3,000 millennial women quoted participants as saying they found other responsibilities more urgent than investing and financial planning.
Yet again, Hamilton may not be typical. One day back in 2012, Beth Webel’s daughter came home from high school with a story that changed everything. She told her mother that some girls in her class weren’t taking part in athletics because they couldn’t afford a sports bra. That tipped Beth into action. She gathered ten others and founded Women for Change, a philanthropic fund set up to improve the lives of women and girls across Hamilton and to increase awareness of women as philanthropists and givers, separate from the men in their lives. The group now has 60 members who donate $1500 a year ($500 for young professionals) to an endowment fund, under the care of the Hamilton Community Foundation. Using original research, the interest generated goes towards programs that have the greatest impact on the lives of women and girls across our city – as well as creating leaders in philanthropy. Past projects have included support for women and girls who experience violence, help for moms experiencing post-partum depression, and working to protect aging women in the community.
AR E YOU SU FFER I NG FR OM CLI M ATE ANXI ETY? Sixteen-year-old climate change activist Greta Thunberg gave a chilling speech to international leaders when they met at Davos this past January. “Adults keep saying, we owe it to the young people to give them hope,” she said. “But I don’t want you to be hopeful, I want you to panic.” Climate change is constantly in the news, and a new kind of panic has a name: Climate Anxiety, worrying about the future. Are women more sensitive to this than men? This is apparently a topic for a large body of research. According to the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, although a similar proportion of men and women think global warming is happening, there are strong gender differences in the concern about the environment, specifically around fear for future generations. But if you want to go beyond worrying and do something locally, check out Environment Hamilton (905549-0900) for a wide range of climate action programs, everything from tree protection to transportation and clean air projects. The staff are also involved in Community Resilience to Extreme Weather, our city’s first Climate Resilience partnership with a local community, neighbourhood asset mapping and preparing residents to become climate extreme resilient.
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"WE’RE RIGHT AT THE EDGE OF THE INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE AND IT NEEDS A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE. I REALLY WANTED A SPACE WITH CHARACTER."
Hamilton's new Joie Day Spa is the perfect way to unwind makes you feel lighter for the next three to four days.
ROBERT CEKAN
Robert is the owner and editor-in-chief of Urbanicity. Born and raised in Hamilton, his aim is to connect residents with the city beat and familiarize readers with what makes Hamilton unique.
Nestled just outside of the iconic Downtown Hamilton arches is the city’s newest spot to relax and rejuvenate your body. Joie Day Spa is a fresh, invigorating space designed to help you feel good. Their mantra is one we should all be asking ourselves: when was the last time you took some time to be kind to yourself? Through a wide variety of relaxing and revitalizing services, Joie Day Spa answers that very question. There’s something for everyone at Joie: pick from facials, waxings, manscaping, nails, tinting, body treatments, and massages. One special type of massage they offer is the shiatsu massage – an older Japanese technique where the therapist articulates your limbs in a way that
Owner Halden Sproule stresses the importance of making the space inclusive and approachable saying, “Absolutely everyone should feel comfortable or welcome. Doesn’t matter who they are or what they do for work.”
Given that this is business number 12 for Sproule, he’s also discovered creative ways in keeping his team invested in the project — by literally offering shares of the business to anyone that was involved in the process, from painters to suppliers.
the money collected will go directly toward a local women’s shelter.
Sproule is very open to improving the space and believes that profit sharing
Fire rating walls, removing asbestoswrapped pipes, and uneven walls are just some of the many set-backs Sproule and his team had to face when dealing with a building made in the 1890s. “None of the corners were 90 degrees,” says Sproule which is why the spa takes on a deliberately angled look that comes off pretty sleek and modern in my opinion.
Their largest room is for manicures/ pedicures and holds 10 seats total. In addition to this, there are 12 other rooms dedicated to facials, waxing, body treatments, and massage. Massage treatments are typically 5-10 minutes longer than competitors, allowing for more customization and extra massage with the experience. Another advantage is that services at Joie’s tend to be a couple bucks cheaper. Not to mention there’s complimentary steam rooms and sauna with every visit! Of course, none of the services would be what they are without great people. For Sproule, the hiring process was extremely important. The number one trait they value is people who care about other’s wellbeing. “The only reason people come to places like this is to let go and be taken care of, so if that’s not [the employee’s] primary motivation then they won’t be a good fit,” explains Sproule.
will encourage good ideas to be taken seriously as implementing them properly will be reflected in their returns at the end of the year. But it was made clear that profit is only being derived from the services and products they sell — deposits from noshows will not be pocketed by the spa. To respect their employees’ time, there will still be a charge for no-shows but
Opening Joie Day Spa was no easy task. It took nearly seven months to complete since the project began in midNovember of 2018.
It was decided early in the process that Joie Day Spa would be constructed as local as possible by sourcing local contractors and materials from Ontario. “The costs are similar here; you just have to be aware of it,” Sproule explains. They also use and carry Moor spa products, which are made in Ontario. When asked why build such a beautiful
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space outside of the core downtown, Sproule had this to say: “If it was purely a business decision, it would have been Westdale, Dundas, Durand, etc. We’re right at the edge of the International Village and it needs a little bit of love. I really wanted a space with character. Doing something half the size would mean sacrifices like removing the saunas and steam rooms. We wanted to have a large lounge area and large spa spaces that didn’t feel claustrophobic.” The 4,000+ square foot space also provides a solution for bridal showers, baby showers, and work parties who’re looking to treat a large group out but had to leave Hamilton to do so. Soon, their online booking system will offer women-only and LGBTQ-only time blocks to ensure safe spaces are available for everyone.
filling a need in the city and scratching my own itch to build projects that fit within Hamilton’s mentality.”
And if you’re worried about being upsold, don’t. Joie’s policy is to not push upselling or make people feel like they’re being sold to. “If someone is pitching to me in a relaxing environment, I’m not relaxed anymore,” Sproule elaborates.
lobby] with mechanical foot massagers that are shockingly good for a machine. [Ultimately], I don’t want to make anyone feel like they’re being rushed out.”
“In the same vein, we don’t rush people out when they’re done their treatment. There’s a nice selection of reading material one can enjoy [in the
From my personal experience here, it was clear the Joie Day Spa team pride themselves in offering an elevated experience while respecting the time
From Richard Linklater, the director of “Boyhood” Based on the 2012 best-selling novel by Maria Semple
August 16-29
177 Sherman Ave. North playhousecinema.ca
and budget of their clients. It was a relaxing, rejuvenating getaway that made me forget about everything else on my mind for a well-needed couple of hours. The team behind Joie Day Spa has really built something special here. Sproule concludes by stating “I love
Well, that itch has now not only been scratched, but massaged and manicured as well.
JOIE DAY SPA is located at 374 KING ST E, HAMILTON Call them at 289-206-5390 or visit them online at JOIEDAYSPA.CA
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I T ’ S A WOM AN'S WOR LD There are plenty more beer-loving women around. Just take the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies for example. In 2013 this sort-of-secret society was started by 5 women working in the Toronto craft beer industry. The group – now owned and operated by Jaime Dobbs and Erica Campbell – strive to bring together beer fanatics to meet, chat, make friends, and trade beers. They started organizing events called ‘bevies’ in the GTA, which soon attracted 400 women at a time. Now they welcome over 1,000 women to their Lady Beer Fest (check out their next one in Toronto on September 28th). They make collaborative brews with breweries all across Canada and are proud to bolster the title for being the Largest Women Beer Community in North America. Want to join the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies during an upcoming Hamilton Bevy? Mark October 26th on your calendar and join their mailing list to be the first one to get all the details!
Photo provided by Roxanna Nazarowicz
Thank women for beer not foresee was the spontaneous fermentation that took place. The drink that they produced – which we can’t officially label as beer just yet, but as wort – did not only fill bellies, it heightened spirits as well. AYOLT DE ROOS
Recently moved to Hamilton f rom Amsterdam, Ayolt is a huge fan of sports, craft beer, and good food. Currently loving The Hammer as his new home.
For decades now beer has been associated with men. Just take a quick glance at advertisements from the 70s, 80s, or even 90s and you’ll have a hard time finding a woman with a pint in her hand. And if a woman was featured, she often was scantily clad, clearly aimed at the – once again – male target audience. This image has however been changing and women have been claiming their stake in the world of beer. And rightfully so I must say!
THE O R I G I NA L B REWE RS It’s only fair that beer gets cleared of the “male” stamp that has mainly been put on there by the advertising agencies of the 20th century. If you go back thousands of years, you’ll find that women actually invented and perfected the enticing beverage. Let’s go back about 7,000 years, to Mesopotamia. Women in this era decided to mix grains with water and herbs, and cook it over an open flame. Their aim was to create a nutritional mixture, in which they succeeded. What they did
When we fast forward to the Middle Ages we find the birth of actual beer. For this we have to thank Hildegarda de Bingen, a German Abbess. She is the one who first added hops to the age old mixture. This extra ingredient added the bitterness we still know and love today, whilst also extending shelf life considerably. This made the brew more widely available, causing consumption to rise. For ages the brewing process was mastered by women, who perfected the art on a small scale from within their kitchen. Many of them were considered saints or even goddesses, who were worshipped for their brews and the effects they had. It wasn’t until the industrialisation of the brewing process that men stepped in and that women started to lose their prominence in the field.
MODERN - DAY GODDES S E S Nowadays we might not worship beer goddesses anymore – although many of us do thank a certain Lord when taking their first sip on a Friday afternoon – but there are plenty of women making waves in the current beer landscape.In a beer scene as booming as Hamilton’s, it comes as no surprise that you don’t
have to look far for an influential circle of beer loving ladies. One such group are the Iron Beer Maidens, the first all ladies beer group of our city, established in 2018. "We wanted to make beer more fun for women by providing a non-judgemental, all ladies environment, fermented with some beer education and dry hopped with rad music and good vibes," says Tiffany Hayes who with Aimee Belanger co-founded the group. Jenna Anderson, who joined the team shortly after it came into existence, adds that "Hamilton has so many great spaces and local breweries to highlight, alongside a strong community of powerful women, it only seemed right!” The public seems to agree with them — so far they have organized 8 events, each attended by at least 40 individuals with the same outspoken passion for craft beer. And the Maidens don’t only care about drinking beer, as supporting the local community plays a big role for them as well. By donating a portion of their event ticket sales, over $1,000 so far has been raised for the FAB Foundation, a not-for-profit that helps Hamilton girls from low-income neighbourhoods develop goal-setting, self-confidence, and fitness skills. Tickets for the next event – Iron Beer Maidens Beer Fest – are already on sale. It's taking place at Grain & Grit Beer Co on Saturday, September 21st from 7-11 pm! You can find your tickets online through bruha.ca
The Queen of Craft is another group of passionate women who focus primarily on transferring their knowledge and talents about beer to others. They offer bold, fun, and informative events that help to make beer education approachable for all. They strive to empower and celebrate women on their beer journeys, whilst creating lasting impressions and friendships. Keep an eye out on their website to find their next event and get schooled.
Photo provided by Nancy Kim
GO OUT AND EXPLOR E All across the Hamilton area – and Canada as a whole – groups of female beer enthusiasts are popping up. Female brewers are taking the reins at craft breweries and the “male” stamp is getting wiped off bottles and cans because of them. Interested in more? Just go check out some events, volunteer at one, signup for mailing lists, or simply go for a refreshing beer at a local craft brewery. Because as Tiffany from the Iron Beer Maidens states, "There are more and more ladies in Hamilton leaping into the craft beer scene. Day after day I can’t get over how many new rad friends I have made due to craft beer". The only thing left for me to say at this point? Cheers!
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Home of the Makers is giving local artisans a space to call their own
STEFANI SOLIMAN
Stefani is a social media marketer & f reelance editor. She's an avid supporter of local businesses, Canadian-made goods & fashion. Along with her love of dogs, punctuation, & the ‘90s, Stefani is a keen recycler and instrument collector. Tell her a corny joke and you’ll be f riends for life.
There’s no shortage of talented artists in Hamilton. Between visual art, crafting, clothing design, home goods, and more, our city is full of high quality handmade pieces. While the monthly James Street North Art Crawls have become a hub for up and coming creators, staking out a spot on the street now requires early afternoon arrival for the evening’s events, and often the streets are so crowded an artist’s work is passed by. But the appeal is there — having a table along the street is not only a free spot to sell wares, but an opportunity to design a personal display. For makers hoping to transition their product from more than a hobby, there are a couple options. Ensure early arrival each Art Crawl Friday to nab an ideal space to set up shop, or work with a local store on consignment or wholesale and sell stock that route. Unfortunately, both pose potential challenges to these creators, which is where Home of the Makers comes in. Conveniently situated on James Street North just south of Barton, Home of the Makers is right in the arts district. Partners Mandy Almeida and Fabio Fresco originally opened their first location of Home of the Makers in November 2018, just three doors down from where they are now. After finding the need for more space, the pair moved to 294 James Street North, and increased their square footage more than four times to 3000 sq feet. Initially the idea came when Fabio was
looking for a space to sell his furniture line, Steel City Fab. Furniture can often get lost in stores, with customers assuming it’s a prop or part of the store and not an item for sale. Realizing he could claim any space he rented as an expense, he looked to find an option that would give his pieces the display they deserved in an affordable way. This lead to the concept for the shop; giving makers individual spaces to sell their product within a larger store. “Home of the Makers is sort of like a micro mall,” explains Fabio. “The shop gives them a chance to see their product in store, see how customers respond, and get a sense of running their own retail space – without the overhead.”
are encouraged, but each booth has the individual company’s social media handle painted on it clearly at the bottom, so that patrons can easily follow their favourites online. Another advantage of having a mini “storefront” in Home of the Makers is always having someone in person to help clients make a purchase. The staff can help connect a customer with the right maker for their needs, explaining about the local artist and the product they make. In many cases, the staff are able to help facilitate custom orders. With the shop taking care of the day to
"THE SHOP GIVES THEM A CHANCE TO SEE THEIR PRODUCT IN STORE, SEE HOW CUSTOMERS RESPOND, AND GET A SENSE OF RUNNING THEIR OWN RETAIL SPACE – WITHOUT THE OVERHEAD."
To secure a spot, artists apply and discuss with Mandy and Fabio their product, how they plan to use their space, and how they use social media to promote their line. Since small makers rely too dependantly on word of mouth, having an active presence online is key to the success of the crafter. They are then given a choice of various-sized spaces or “booths,” according to what suits their product best and pay a minimal monthly rental fee, with no set contract required. The unique format allows each creator to display and merchandise their product in any way they wish. This means that the products are not just placed on a table amongst various others (like it would in a typical retail environment), but that their work stands out on its own. “We truthfully see each member in their own space,” says Mandy. They encourage those renting space to decorate their own booth and to create branding to increase customer recognition. Mandy continues, “They’re presented with a blank canvas and it’s fun to see the creativity of each maker. We love watching each space turn into something different.” Business cards
day, “makers can focus on the growth of their individual business,” says Fabio. Home of the Makers hosts a diverse collection of products — from artisan soaps to jewelry, greeting cards to candles, decor to baby goods. Mandy and Fabio have also introduced a house clothing line called Help Your City. With every purchase of a t-shirt, sweater, or hat, meals are donated to Mission Services. The pair are always listening to visitor feedback for the kind of booths
and products they’d like to see. Their goal is, just like the local mall, to create options for customers when shopping. They’re also finding that people like to visit again and again to see what’s different. “We’re blown away by what the city is making,” says Mandy. “It’s always changing.” But one thing hasn’t changed — that Hamilton loves to support local artists and small shops. And Home of the Makers is honoured to be part of that community.
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Three Hamilton women makers to check out this summer If you're looking to shop #HamOnt allyear-round, but don't know where to start, these Hamilton women craft an array of options.
AMRA DURAKOVIC
Amra is a consultant helping brands and businesses create custom PR & marketing strategies that work! With nearly 15 years of experience spanning across many continents, Amra lives and breathes communications.
With the help of Jacqueline Hunter, show director for Craftadian's Made in Hamilton market, we unearthed some beautiful, Hamilton-made goodies that will turn you into a fan and supporter of these talented women makers. Part of Hunter's mandate is to identify makers who are sharing smallbatch, Canadian-made creations, and
it's something she's passionate about. "I especially love discovering new, local area makers and supporting their designs," Hunter said. "I'm able to give them a platform to meet with their community face-to-face, which they would otherwise never be able to do because they’re on such a small scale." The fact that these businesses are Hamilton-owned is also an inspiration to her and a driving force behind the annual Made in Hamilton market, now in its third year. The makers on show carry a variety of items from jewellery
and skincare to clothing, leather goods, edibles, and stationery — all with designs that reflect their expression. Find these #HamOnt women along with a curated selection of more than 80 makers at Craftadian’s Made in Hamilton market this month on Saturday, August 17th at McMaster Innovation Park from 10 am – 4 pm. Admission runs for $5/adult with a portion donated to Hamilton’s Food4Kids. Visit craftadian.ca for details.
PAT I SSE RIE ME RIN G U E
FORME R F IB RES
COUTH & NAI L
Born and raised in Hamilton, Sandy You’s eye-catching baked goods exude an air of clean, classic fun. One look and you’ll most likely want to purchase multiple boxes of Sandy’s delicious macarons (don’t say we didn’t warn you).
Zero waste is all the rage in our consumerist world and maker Kylie Johnson of Former Fibres reuses scraps of fabric and thread to hand make her ecofriendly pet beds. What started as a Christmas gift for her dad has grown into a small business working the handmade market scene. In fact, Johnson loves being part of the Hamilton maker community going on to say “I've never met such a supportive and encouraging group of like-minded people.”
Artisan Tara Dyke creates handcrafted jewellery for the curious of heart, like the encapsulated crystal necklace, one of her bestsellers. She calls her creations “wearable, curious, and cabinet.”
“My biggest inspiration is being able to put a smile on my customer’s face — plus all the love and passion for handmade is priceless,” says the owner. This sweet tooth bakes to Post Malone and Billie Ellish.
A Canadian at heart, The Barenaked Ladies and The Tragically Hip give this maker all the energy she needs to sew her orders into the wee hours of the night.
Her macabre designs are inspired by all things strange and beautiful with materials that are ethically and responsibly sourced, ensuring a unique and individualized product. Psychedelic sounds, Motown and Glam-rock are Dyke’s playlist go-tos that put her in the perfect headspace to create.
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Why slow fashion matters
ANGELA DEMONTIGNY
Angela DeMontigny is an internationally renowned, award winning, indigenous designer who has developed her own unique, signature style that has been showcased globally.
In an era where everything must be ‘fast’ in order to appease consumer demand for immediate gratification and convenience – fast technology, fast food, fast dating and fast fashion – it would seem at first glance, that ‘slow fashion’ would be counter productive. In fact, ‘slow fashion’ is a new term for the way fashion used to be produced. The traditional process fashion designers take is time consuming – especially from a bespoke perspective – from coming up with the initial design, to the fabric chosen, to the creation of the pattern, then cutting and sewing the garment and any final embellishments required. Attention to detail, quality workmanship, and uniqueness of design were paramount to being a successful designer.
A little history: With the development of designers being bought by corporations where they received a much needed infusion of cash, trading on the stock exchange and having to answer to stock holders, the game changed and the amount of profit needed became the driving factor behind a designer’s label. Hence the move of production from design ateliers and fashion houses in North America and Europe to offshore factories in China and India where the cost to manufacture was minimal and there were little to no regulations relating to environmental practices and working conditions for employees. We’ve all heard horror stories about dismal working conditions, child labour, etc. Fast forward to today where after two decades of mass-made, cheaply-made clothing on a global scale, we are faced with a crisis of epic proportions. Fashion is now listed as the 2nd largest polluter in the world and clothing takes up a huge percentage of landfill mass. Some examples of the negative effects include the processes used in manufacturing denim where a substantial amount of fresh water is used and mixed with chemical dyes that are ultimately dumped into rivers. The micro
plastics in many cheaper fabrics (faux fur is one of them) are showing up in our water systems, which are ingested by fish and now ourselves. The other fallout is the elimination of thriving manufacturing sectors in local economies which used to produce garments for designers and apparel companies. As fast fashion took over mainstream, ready-to-wear markets around the world made it difficult for smaller companies to compete leading to the near demise of the independent designer. Fortunately, the pendulum always swings back around when consumers become tired of the products being offered to them and creates the need for uniqueness, individuality, and all the things missing such as quality materials and workmanship. A desire for hand crafted garments made locally creates new opportunities for local maker economies which then need to scale their production (in a sustainable way). These new makers are a different breed — they are very aware of the materials they use and are making efforts to create a very small footprint and reduce waste wherever possible. The new mantra is actually an old one: Buy less, buy better, and make it last.
Designers who practice ‘slow fashion’ are the cornerstone of this philosophy which brings a return to the ‘art’ of fashion, where creativity, innovation, and culture meet. It’s a return to quality over quantity — spending more money on a few, well made pieces that will last as opposed to buying a closet full of ‘disposable’ items that will quickly end up in a landfill or in a shipping container headed to a third world country. These are major benefits of ‘slow fashion’; designers and small scale producers create jobs and contribute to their local economy and communities in a big way. We are at a tipping point where the environment is concerned. People need to really think about what and how much they purchase before our voracious appetite for cheap, disposable clothing and products literally destroys our planet. So, please think twice before you spend your money on an impulse buy of a ‘few’ trendy garments that seem to be a great deal. It could be a much better investment if you save your money and buy a more expensive piece with great style and quality that you’re going to wear all the time, fits well, and will last — all while also protecting our enironment.
How I published my first novella at 80
GLORIA GELLER
Gloria has been an educator for over 40 years, including over 20 years as a professor of Social Work at the University of Regina. Retired to Hamilton in 2004, Gloria writes, weaves, and tends her garden. Operation Noah's Ark is her f irst work of f iction to be published.
After retiring 15 years ago and moving to Hamilton from Saskatchewan, I took several creative writing classes which I enjoyed immensely, yet I didn’t have the motivation to keep writing outside the context of a course. It wasn’t until January 2016 when I joined a class offered for older adults at the central branch of Hamilton Public Library that I found what I had been looking for; a supportive group of people. At first the group was led by an instructor who gave both in-class and homework assignments. Much of each twohour weekly session involved each of us reading what we had written to the group. Once the initial class was over in 2016, several people decided to
For information about Operation Noah’s Ark, please visit GLORIAGELLER.CA
continue meeting and the library agreed to provide us with space. This made all the difference to me as I now had an incentive to keep writing.
I SPENT A GOOD PART OF 2018 WRITING THIS WORK OF FICTION, SOMETHING I NEVER EXPECTED I WOULD EVER DO.
In January 2018 I began writing a story set in northern Ontario of a young woman selected with the help of Artificial Intelligence to leave Earth in the mid- 21st century to eventually colonize another planet due to the effects of global warming. Jenny, the primary protagonist in this story, is presented with the dilemma of accepting the challenge to leave behind an unsustainable planet to start over again while leaving behind everything
and everyone she had ever known. She had to agree to not divulge this project to anyone. She also had to agree to have an implant surgically placed into her brain.
I spent a good part of 2018 writing this work of fiction, something I never expected I would ever do. You could say that I surprised and delighted myself. I very much enjoyed the process of developing the storyline, the characters, and the setting as each week I brought the next chapter to the group. The members of the writing group encouraged me to keep writing the story. They wanted to know what happened next as did family
members to whom would recount that day’s chapter. The novella could not have been written without the support of that wonderful group of writers. Their enthusiasm was behind my decision to try to have the story published. I made the decision to self publish the book as I knew how difficult it is to find a publisher willing to publish an unknown author. I selected Friesen Press of Victoria, to help me through the process. At the end of the year, in time for my 80th birthday, my novella, Operation Noah’s Ark, was published by Friesen Press and I couldn’t have been more delighted. What a wonderful birthday gift!
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Rare opportunity to open up business on the historic, pedestrian-only side of Gore Park. 9,000 square feet mix between retail and office space. Single or multi tenant possibilities.
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107 KING ST E
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PRIME retail space on one of Hamilton's busiest corners! Located directly across from the Royal Connaught development and steps from Gore Park, Jackson Square, two new 30-storey towers, and LRT stops. Several uses allowed; excellent for franchise or high end retailer. Landlord willing to offer favourable tenant incentives.
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Locate your business in the desirable Durand neighbourhood at a rent that won't break the bank! Situated just steps away from the twin 32-storey Television City condo towers, and under 10 minute walking distance to Locke Street, Hunter GO Station, Hess Village, and King/Main street arterial roadways.
HAMILTON
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EXCELLENT TURNKEY retail space on one of Hamilton's busiest corners! This unit is ready to be moved into immediately with finished floors, beautiful ceiling, and stylish fixtures. Updated facade with brand new front door and glass windows. This unit will not last long!
URBANICITY IS HERE TO HELP PROMOTE ANY REAL ESTATE PROPERTY!
CALL US AT 905-531-7778 OR EMAIL ROBERT@URBANICITY.COM FOR MORE DETAILS!
FIND YOUR NEW HOME WITH URBANICITY 166 YOUNG ST HAMILTON
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FAZL MOLANA
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Beautiful 3-bedroom home in Corktown with the charm and character of a century home but completely updated in 2017. Steps away from the GO Station, restaurants, St. Joseph’s hospital, parks, retail, and downtown. New electrical, plumbing, shingles, kitchen, bathrooms all redone in 2017. Enjoy a 1-car driveway with a luscious backyard on a raised deck that’s perfect for entertaining. Must be seen to be appreciated as the 9 foot ceilings, finishes, and location will amaze you.
LIVE ON THE SHORES OF STONEY CREEK ONE AND TWO BEDROOMS STILL REMAINING! CALL ROBERT AT 905-531-7778 OR EMAIL ROBERT@URBANICITY.COM FOR MORE INFO
AUGUST 2019 | WOMEN'S ISSUE
14
Community is everything would have great insight on this topic in their own unique and beautiful way.
JENNA YEOMANS
Jenna is a senior marketing student at Mohawk College and an aspiring entrepreneur. She loves creativity, goal setting, and learning new things. She is also a huge supporter of the growing specialty coffee scene in Hamilton.
There’s a big buzz word going around in recent years, and that word is ‘community’. The term is broadly defined as a group of people who share a common location, view, characteristic, goal, or interest. But what does that even mean? It’s certainly more than a Facebook page or message board. It may be argued that community refers to the unique relationship formed by a group of people who care about each other and share a sense of identity and inclusion. To find out why community is so important and how one can get involved in one or even start their own, I sat down with three fierce ladies in Hamilton who believe in community, do an amazing job cultivating it, and make it a priority in their life — women I believe
The three women are Jenn Kavanagh, Jenna Lane, and Dorothy May. Jenn is a wedding photographer, and leader of TuesdaysTogether, a monthly meeting of creative entrepreneurs who celebrate community over competition. Jenna is an event stylist pursuing creativity and adventure in everything she does. Dorothy May is a photographer and visual storyteller, specializing in engagement, family, and newborn photography. In the digital age, we are connected to far more people online than ever before, yet we are left still craving more connection; the kind that comes with local community. There is an upside to online communities because they give you access to more people that you may relate to and share the same interests with. However, as Jenna puts it, “our online friends only see what we put forward, where our friends who know us and show up in person — they see behind the scenes and can call our blind spots.” It’s easier to show our online "friend" circles the best version of ourselves, to truly sound and appear to be okay; but in person, people can tell when you’re
not fine. For Jenn, she didn’t quite realize how important community was until she found it. She says that “Having colleagues, friends, and peers to turn to when you need support or to ask a question is invaluable as an entrepreneur who is operating a business without a manual. Life may be going good for you right now, but even then, community can enrich your life that much more; it’s worth searching for.” Dorothy also shares that a great part about community is the people within it are often very willing to help each other, to learn and grow together. “There is usually a healthy mix of people from different religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds so that we accept differences and display tolerance and reset at all times,” she explains.
searched for new ones. It’s not an easy task saying that, “At times, it has felt weird asking people I essentially don't know if they want to come to have a drink with me and my other friend, or want to join in on a dinner party I'm throwing.” Over time, she admits that this method did work. The common thread between the approach to and every type of community is that you have to put yourself out there. Regardless of why or what kind you are looking for, it requires you to be vulnerable and not hold back. “As human beings, we need a sense of belonging, and that sense of belonging is what connects us to the relationships we develop,” Dorothy explains.
There are so many groups out there that it can at times feel a bit daunting on where to begin. “There are those that are for people suffering loss or in grief, those in a creative sphere, careerbuilding communities, they all build us up” Dorothy reassures.
Chances are that the community you’re looking for already exists and you’re only one message away from dramatically improving your life. But if you’re unable to find your niche, creating your own can be just as rewarding. Begin a monthly meetup and increase your frequency as you grow.
For Jenna, after she moved back to Hamilton, she had to rebuild the feeling of community she once had here. The groups she was a part of before had changed and she felt alone, so she
If you’re looking for inspiration, be sure to give these ladies a follow — you won’t be disappointed! Find them on Instagram @jennalane @dorothymay_ @jennkavs
Celebrating Hamilton’s female athletes integral in the development of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association this spring, with the goal of creating one league for the top female professional hockey players in the world to play in. As of publication, there is no league for Canadian women to play in for the 2019-2020 season.
SHAWN SMITH
Shawn is a writer f rom Hamilton. He enjoys sports, music, and reading. His work has appeared in The Globe and Mail and on Bleacher Report, Vice Sports, and Sportsnet.ca
Hamilton has a long, illustrious history of producing some of Canada’s finest athletes. No matter the sport, it seems as though Hamilton has had a hand in helping athletes reach their potential and make a name for themselves on an international scale. Of course, this goes for both male and female athletes. Today, there are female athletes from Hamilton and the surrounding area who are applying their craft around the world and close to home. Hamilton’s Kia Nurse has helped to grow women’s basketball across Canada and continues to make herself known as one of the elite basketball players in the world. The 23-year-old point guard became a household name in the basketball world in helping
The last two decades have been great for female athletes from Hamilton. Hamilton's own Jessica Rakoczy (right) is a seven-time lightweight world champion. Photo credit: UFC
UConn capture back-to-back NCAA National Championships before being drafted 10th overall by the New York Liberty in the 2018 WNBA draft. During the 2019 season, Nurse has been named a WNBA all-star for the first time in her career. She is averaging 15.4 points per game and has quickly become a leader on the Liberty and one of the faces of basketball in Canada. After helping Canada to a gold medal at the 2015 Pan-Am games in Toronto, she’ll be looking to continue elevating Canadian basketball in the coming years.
the University of Utah after graduating from Hamilton’s Westdale Secondary School. She was drafted seventh overall in the 2006 WNBA draft by the Minnesota Lynx but never established herself in the league. Thorburn moved onto Europe where she spent much of her career in France, while continuing to play for Canada’s national team.
But Nurse isn’t the only female basketball player from Hamilton who has made an impact internationally.
Hamilton has produced some of Canada’s finest hockey players. Amongst them have been Laura Fortino, Sarah Nurse, and Renata Fast — all of which play for Canada’s national team. All three established themselves in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) prior to this season, when the league announced it would be closing its doors.
Shona Thorburn made her name at
Many players from the league were
In combat sports, Jessica Rakoczy became a seven-time lightweight world champion and spent time in mixed martial arts, including time spent in the UFC. In soccer, Melissa Tancredi was a member of the national team from 20042017, becoming one of Canada’s most prominent female soccer players. This included a bronze medal in the 2012 Olympic games. Tonya Verbeek became Canada’s first woman to medal in wrestling at the 2004 Olympics, earning a silver medal in the 55kg division, before winning bronze in the 2008 Olympics. These women are doing a phenomenal job repping our area and we eagerly await the next female success story coming out of Hamilton.
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CON T I NUE D F RO M FRON T PAG E Clinical Educators instruct in their medical spa in order to provide a reallife atmosphere for students. With her unique perspective and experience from a clinical and management consultant standpoint, Skojo educates students on the patient/client experience and the concierge way of doing an aesthetic business. This only further displays the team’s commitment in the industry, helping those wishing to get into the business of Medical Aesthetics. Health professionals seeking to rent some of Laser Spa Group’s super highend equipment can also do that through their unique Laser Rental Business, available to physicians, nurses, salons, clinics, spas and laser technicians. It allows professionals to offer services to an existing menu without the hassle of purchasing. The idea for the equipment rental came about from Skojo’s early years when she moved around her own laser from one salon to another. If all this wasn’t enough, Bozana also published a book titled 'Don't Get Mad, Get Successful'. She wrote her book to help inspire other entrepreneurs that may go through some setbacks and challenges in their own path to fulfillment in their chosen careers. Skojo wanted to help people avoid making some of the mistakes she made when starting out and share some of the lessons she learned along the way to a wider audience.
one-woman show than it was a group. Skojo had always planned on the spa being home to a large set of professionals but it wasn’t until her pregnancy in 2008 that forced her to convert the spare bedroom to a nursery and rent a small commercial space in Burlington. She hired her first employee and gradually grew her team one by one until they moved to their current location in Hess Village. “That’s when business exploded,” says Skojo. “Our employee count increased to 12 when we moved to Hess.” Prior to the move, Laser Spa Group was a destination location that had to be sought out. The accessibility of being off Highway 403 and into a central Downtown location really helped the business bloom. Surrounded by such an excellent group of professionals who collectively have over 120 years of combined industry service, Laser Spa Group has greatly expanded their services. With 75,000 services performed, over
10,000 clients, and a 4.8 star rating on Google, it’s fair to say that this medical spa has a lot of experience doing what they do and they do it well. Skojo proudly tells me how much time she spends training each and every employee going over all of the equipment and machines. “We bring the official trainers and they do the proper training on each of the devices,” says Skojo. “The industry and experience that we have, the level of education, actually having flown to Virginia for CoolSculpting training — we’re always keeping on top of things happening in the industry.” So what are some of the services offered here? Well, after a full 60-minute consultation, the Laser Spa Group team will recommend the services needed to achieve whatever goal it is you’re after. If it’s a facial you’re looking for, there are exfoliation treatments offered like SilkPeel™ to remove epidermal cells from imperfections or you could go with an advanced chemical peel which speeds up your skin’s healing process
by stimulating the production of collagen and improved elastin fibres. If you’re looking to reduce wrinkles, birthmarks, brown spots, melasma, or acne scars, then skin resurfacing through their Fraxel laser treatment is worth exploring. Laser Spa Group also boasts an impressive fat reduction treatment through CoolSculpting®, which targets and freezes fat cells alone for areas of stubborn fat like the arms, chin, lower abdomen, and thighs. The fat cells die away after freezing and the body naturally disposes of them. And as the business’ name would imply, there are laser services for hair removal and spider veins. Their new PicoWay® laser allows them to now also remove tattoos with as few as 5 to 6 sessions compared to the typical 15 to 20 with conventional lasers. The team here has so much knowledge and education that they’ve begun a Laser Training Program every month for those who qualify. Skojo and her
With such an extensive list of skills and successes, Bozana Skojo is a true female leader here in Hamilton. From taking the leap of faith and starting her own company – one where she was working solo for five years before hiring a single employee – to now leading one of the most dominant medical spas in the city with numerous accolades and awards, the team at Laser Spa Group is truly crushing it. And they aren’t just keeping the success to themselves, they’re sharing it with others through their workshops, rentals, and literature. How awesome it is to have such a talented group of women operate right here in Hamilton!
ROBERT CEKAN
Robert is the owner and editor-in-chief of Urbanicity. Born and raised in Hamilton, his aim is to connect residents with the city beat and familiarize readers with what makes Hamilton unique.
AUGUST 2019 | WOMEN'S ISSUE
16
Woman power is here to help Hamilton succeed of contacts means she can source just about anyone and anything. As a result, LoAllay continually outgrows its office space at McMaster’s Innovation Park. Although she hires the best person based on their skills and not on their gender, her team of 16 are mostly female, perhaps, she suggests, because the admin and creative fields tend to attract women. About half of her clients are businesswomen in a range of fields: health and wellness, business coaching, software, charities, education, retail, trades, chefs and restaurateurs, researchers, artists, and authors. So what’s the secret to her success? Theresa says it’s all about people, and building a strong network – something she loves to do. She regularly works six and seven days a week, booked to the brim to meet with as many people as she can — at breakfast, over lunch, and during evening events. “Find your tribe, those with a similar vision to yours and nurture those relationships,” she advises. ERINN VAN WYNSBERGHE
Erinn is the founder of VanWyn Aerospace Logistics. With his company, Erinn has made great innovations in wireless power transmission for defence, industry, and public sectors.
TV personalities and the catwalks at the Miss South Africa and Miss Universe pageants.
Maggie is a High School student hailing f rom Ajax, Ontario. She is interested in pursuing the f ields of economics and mathematics.
Fast forward to ten years ago, and Horak leaves Johannesburg with her husband Roman to join his family in Hamilton. Although she had a strong business background and managed a successful IT business that she grew from the ground up, Theresa initially faced enormous challenges finding work.
While her friends played with their Barbie dolls, young Theresa Horak was perfecting her entrepreneurial talent. Growing up in South Africa, she recalls always thinking about things she could sell.
“This is unfortunately an all-toocommon story for many new immigrants looking for jobs, but who lack Canadian experience,” she said. She sees this similar to the struggles entrepreneurs face as they break into new markets in an often unforgiving arena.
She baked muffins and sold them to her cousins and grandmother. As a teenager – and before Facebook was born – she bought herself a camera, took photos of all the good-looking boys at her school, and sold the pictures to the girls. While in university, Horak started a couture fashion house with her neighbour, and their evening gowns quickly adorned
Horak eventually transitioned into the corporate world as a bookkeeper, office administrator and business development specialist, but seeing the ever-growing need for small business support, she decided to launch LoAllay in 2017. Today she runs a fastgrowing company that helps eager start-ups and entrepreneurs succeed.
MAGGIE KOU
Passion and drive may be in abundance, but small business owners can be short on time as they find themselves lacking key skills and juggling overwhelming admin tasks. A businesswoman with a heart, Horak's philosophy is to offer reasonable rates — and in her words, the goal isn’t to get rich, but to help others, freeing up their time so that they can pursue their passion. LoAllay’s staff step in to the rescue, providing just about every service possible. They offer mainstream help, such as strategic planning, bookkeeping, administrative support, website development, social media, advertising, and the other millions of things needed to grow a new venture. When it comes to finding solutions, Theresa admits she just can’t say no when asked for something not currently on her menu of services, and she finds ways to accommodate less usual requests, such as 3D design and printing or getting material translated. A contender for the most networked person in Hamilton, her vast range
Are women better at networking? Possibly. She suggests that while men are less likely to react sensitively and take business setbacks personally, she thinks women are better at cultivating relationships and caring about the wellbeing of their clients. And what about the company name, LoAllay? Is this some South African expression? Originally, the plan was to call the business Lighten the Load – but then Theresa’s brother-in-law pointed out this was youth slang for a visit to the toilet (who knew?) With some additional brainstorming, Roman suggested synthesizing ‘allaying your load’ and with some rearranging, the company name was born. And LoAllay is about to become a family business: Roman just got promoted (and not only because of his genius at name generating). This month he’ll become head of the company’s IT and digital marketing division, which can only mean Hamilton’s businesses will benefit from one of the most talented IT and digital marketing minds in the city.
1. Birks Building. Oscar Wilde even called it "the most beautiful building in all of North America" 2. The Hamilton Football Club (nicknamed the Tigers) and Hamilton Wildcats. The teams amalgamated in 1950 to become the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 3. Wentworth Street Incline Railway (and sometimes even called the East-End Incline) 4. There are 15 wards
EXCLUSIVE TECHNIQUES DESIGN IMAGINATION
ALBERT SNOW
HAIR DESIGN GROUP 1036 KING WEST HAMILTON WESTDALE VILLAGE 905 525 0831 albertsnow.com
AUGUST 2019 | WOMEN'S ISSUE
18
The
Best
Brunch Spots in Hamilton
M A RIA S F IF TY ’ S D IN E R 931 Queenston Rd, Stoney Creek (905) 664-5644
This classic gem lays in Stoney Creek on Queenston Road and it's a real blast from the past. Retro signage greets you on the way in, vintage photos hang from the wall, and a neon jukebox awaits your selection of golden oldies to play aloud — this spot can certainly get one feeling nostalgic. Maria's serves breakfast all day with a focus on 'homemade' which includes fresh, hand-pattied burgers, house salad dressings, and soups.
SA LTY E S PRE S S O 175 John St S, Hamilton (905) 521-0222
H A RB OUR DIN E R 486 James St N, Hamilton (905) 523-7373
After an extensive renovation, gone are the mismatched chairs and funky wallpaper in favour of a modern take on nautical themed breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is now served earlier, starting at 8 am on Fridays to Mondays and 9 am the rest of the week. They serve up all the favourites — bacon and eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns, and eggs benedict. If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s going to keep you full all morning and power you through your day, this is a great option.
B RE EZ Y CORN E RS 1145 Main St E, Hamilton (905) 545-3924
The love child of a self-proclaimed ‘salty’ Aussie and a sweet Canadian from Sudbury, Ontario, Salty Espresso specializes in all things coffee related, but also serve up simple, but powerful breakfast items all day until their 4 pm close.
Everything served at this restaurant focuses on flavor and freshness. All of their soups, stocks, sauces, and batters are made in-house and from scratch. You can rest, and eat, assured that Breezy Corners is not serving anything processed.
If you want something a little more exotic for your morning cravings, Salty Espresso offers unique dishes like squash waffles & ragu as well as potato cod cakes.
Breezy Corners offers a wide variety of breakfast favourites. Omelettes, pancakes, bacon and eggs, breakfast sandwiches… you name it, they serve it.
M OTEL R ESTAU R ANT 359 Barton St E, Hamilton (289) 396-2384
Motel serves the kind of brunch that dreams are made of. Whimsical, decadent, and delicious, Motel allows their patrons to explore their culinary guilty pleasures. All items have an air of luxury, whether they contain rich ingredients or are covered in edible gold flakes. Vintage meets modern inside Motel’s interior. The atmosphere is that of a reimagined old motel; neon signs, rotary phones, free matchbooks, and pastels galore.
SAI NT JAM ES EATERY 170 James St N, Hamilton (289) 389-6565
For being such a small space, something big is happening inside the walls of Saint James Eatery. With an ever-changing menu, the chefs are constantly bringing something new to the table. Since the ingredients are so fresh and locally sourced, some menu items only last as long as the season while others are available year-long.
URBANICITY.COM
CA RO
4 Ottawa St N, Hamilton (905) 312-4545
Caro’s brunch menu is small but mighty. They take all your favourite items and flip them into works of art. From their Porchetta benny to gnudi cinnamon toast, to their Nutella flap jack stack and breakfast pizza. Yes, you read that right: of course this Italian restaurant would have breakfast pizza. The iconic corner unit allows for tonnes of natural light to brighten your mood and the food will keep your mood just as cheery. To add to the space is plenty of greenery and artful pieces. Caro certainly lives up to its name, which translates to “beloved”. P.S. Don’t skip the gelato for dessert.
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PA PA LEO' S
PETE & KAY
638 Concession St, Hamilton (289) 389-7227
946 King St W, Hamilton (289) 246-9043
Keeping things farm-fresh and locally grown, Papa Leo’s serves up the best brunch on the Hamilton Mountain. The small Concession Street restaurant combines the idea of a local diner and gastro fair, creating a delicious and varied menu. They serve both breakfast classics and new, adventurous dishes. You can never go wrong with their pancakes, breakfast sandwich, or their omelettes. If you’re looking for something new yet familiar, try their all day biscuits or crab cake benny. Whatever you order at Papa Leo’s, it's bound to be delicious.
The homestyle cooking of Jack & Lois lives on in its Westdale reincarnation, Pete & Kay. This doubledecker restaurant serves your grandparents' cooking in a totally nut-free menu. You’ll feel the nostalgia amongst their homey, vintage décor, which includes patterned wallpaper, 70s upholstered dining chairs, landscape paintings, and family portraits. Let the youngsters pick out their favourites from the kid’s menu while you enjoy a proper, hearty adult breakfast. Having said that, we highly suggest any of their gooey grilled cheese sandwiches!
AB E RD E E N TAVE RN 432 Aberdeen Ave, Hamilton (905) 523-7707
SEE WHAT’S HATCHING AT NEST! Coming in at number one is Aberdeen Tavern. These guys do brunch like nobody else — their atmosphere, service, and menu is in a whole other class. The atmosphere is the epitome of modern sophistication. It's tavern chic, mixing dark woods with leather to create a cozy and inviting environment. The wall décor is showstopping with their antlers and old portrait paintings. Aberdeen Tavern’s brunch menu offers both savoury and sweet items. They serve elevated classic items such as bacon and eggs, omelettes, and eggs benny, but some of their most famous items are new takes on old classics. Their cheesecake stuffed French toast is a must try for any new patron, as well as their Mississippi benny. When anybody asks us for brunch suggestions, we immediately answer Aberdeen Tavern. Between the atmosphere, the service, and the flavour, Aberdeen Tavern rightfully deserves the title of the best brunch in Hamilton.
Unique Canadian handmade gifts and home decor items for animal lovers.
171 Locke St. S. Unit 2 nesthamilton.com info@nesthamilton.com
Did you know The Mule does brunch too?! They have special tacos, fried chicken benny, and my favourite caesar in the city. They even have vegan dishes for us birds!
Whoa. That was a pretty wild night. I could REALLY use some brunch.
Saaaaame. Does anyone know a good place?
Or how about Odds? They have a pretty traditional brunch, pancakes, breakfast nachos and avocado toast for the youths! I also hear they do brunch trivia every Sunday at 3PM. That sounds like fun!
As long as there’s coffee, I’m in. Tacos. Tequila. Bourbon. And... Brunch!
Your local bar. Close to you. Close to things you like.
41 king william street open ‘til 2AM, every single day.
164 james street south open seven days a week.