Shop Local - Jesse at Blacksmith Art Studio

This month, we are featuring Jesse Exner from Blacksmith Art Studio, which has been in business for about 4 years now. Jesse has been a body artist for about 6 years and has been tattooing me since January of last year. I had investigated several studios before I walked in to Blacksmith and I immediately knew this was the place for me. Jesse and his business partner, Chris, run a very laid back operation. They play great music and are always happy to take all the time you need to help them understand what you want and why you want it. They are the epitome of chill and they are both amazing artists! I started off with a very small tattoo on my wrist, added another small tattoo several weeks later and then decided to go big or go home lol. I give Jesse an idea of what I’m after and he never fails to deliver. I love every single one of my tattoos.

If you’re interested in body art, or have questions, I’d encourage you to visit Blacksmith’s website at blacksmithartstudio.com, Instagram @blacksmithartstudio or Facebook @blacksmithartstudio. They are located at 1817 Halifax Street in an old converted house, and their phone number is 306.359.0130. You can message Jesse through Facebook as well. His hours are Monday-Saturday 11-6, and starting in October Tuesday-Saturday 11-7/8.

Originally published in The Wine Cellar September 2017.

Shop Local: Feeling Beautiful in Amazing Brands

Queen V Fashion House recently moved their store to 1846 Hamilton in the heart of downtown and Tammy, the owner, tells me that it was a fantastic move. Regina has embraced the new location and I’m not surprised. I’ve loved Queen V for years and their new location just makes me love it more. Tammy bought the women’s clothing store in March of 2016 and, I think, improved on what was already a great shop.

You’ll find everything from jeans to gowns there. They carry such amazing brands as For Love & Lemons, Lipsy London, Black Tape by Dex, Black Swan and French Connection UK to name just a few. But Queen V is more than a clothing store. You’ll also find beautiful jewelry as well as funky Sunglasses by Quay. And, let’s not forget the Juliette has a Gun line of fragrances. The name alone makes you want to buy it, right?

To find out more or to shop online, visit their website at www.queenv.co, email them at hello@queenv.co, call 306.206.1331, or better yet, go down and see the store in person. It’s stunning.

Originally published in The Wine Cellar, August 2017.

Shop Local: The Best Brisket Ever!

Our shop local spotlight this month is on Jack Keaton’s, which is a locally owned and operated restaurant. Owners, Brett and Kristi Huber started their business in 2011, naming it after their two sons, Jack and Keaton.

I learned about this amazing place a few years ago while I was at an event in which they were taking part. I was so impressed with the quality of the food, that I had them cater our staff Christmas party that year. Let me tell you, their food is absolutely delicious. They specialize in BBQ (can you say the best brisket ever???) but they also serve vegetarian dishes. They offer dine in, take out and, as I mentioned, catering. It is such a friendly atmosphere that you feel more like family than customers.

Jack Keaton’s also loves to partner with local businesses and currently has 7 local beers on tap. They also serve other local liquor in their signature cocktails. Since January of 2016, Jack Keaton’s can be found at 210 – 2410 Dewdney Avenue, in the Warehouse District (just down the street from The Wine Cellar). The restaurant has a rustic charm and there is a patio!!! Check them out. I highly recommend them.

For more information, visit www.jackkeatons.com.

Originally published in The Wine Cellar, July 2017.

Shop Local: Enhance Your Summer Fun!

It is such a pleasure for me to tell you about Windsor Plywood Regina. The first time I shopped there was to buy a new door for my office many years ago. I still love that door! They made the process so simple that ever since, Windsor Plywood Regina is the first place I think of for anything home renovation.

Windsor Plywood Regina is family owned and run, and you will find the owners, Richard and Val Daku, and their son, Brennan, on the store floor daily, helping customers. They and their staff have strong customer service values and will always do their best to make sure that their customer leaves happy.

Their staff is very knowledgeable about all of the products and are happy to share the information, making decisions between options very easy! Tell them a little about where the product is going to be used and how that space will be used and they know exactly which beautiful option to recommend.

Summer is here and if you are planning any home or yard renovations, stop by Windsor Plywood Regina at 920 Bower Crescent. You'll be glad you did.

Originally published in The Wine Cellar, June 2017.

Shop Local: Marketing Made Fun - and Easy!

One of the best things that has happened to our business in the last few years is meeting Danielle Carrier. When we met, online marketing was stressful. Website changes were difficult, social media was confusing and getting information to our customers was slow. Danielle knew immediately what we needed and how to make it all happen.

Marketing is still work, but with Danielle's training and using the plan she developed, I have discovered I love the social part of social media. We update our website easily and quickly anytime we have new information and we have an email marketing campaign that our customers love. All the stress is gone.

Danielle and Brandi Good launched Your Marketing Made Easy, DIY Marketing Membership +Networking for small business, this year. As a founding member, I highly recommend membership to any small business owner who has marketing decisions to make. They provide extensive resources on the members only website, live help twice weekly, network events and workshops. Non-members are welcome at events and can find tips on their blog. Their weekly small business event listing is a great resource that non-members can sign up for and advertise their events in.

We credit Danielle with the success of our move online. Her direction and training has provided a way for us to develop deeper relationships with our customers and getting to know them all has been such a joy!

Want to experience more joy in your online marketing? Check them out!
yourmarketingmadeeasy.com | diymarketinghelp.com  |  reginasmallbusiness.com

Originally published in The Wine Cellar November 2016.

Shop Local: Staying Strong with B's Fitness!

Our shop local feature this month is someone who is very near and dear to my heart. Several years ago, a hip problem caused me to stop running. Having always been active, this was difficult for me and when my hip improved, I was anxious to get back to regular activity but very aware I could injure my hip. Our daughter encouraged me to seek out the help of a personal trainer and that is how Brandi Smith entered my life.

Brandi was working at Gold’s Gym at the time and, from the very first time I worked out with her, I knew I was in good hands. She has her degree in kinesiology as well as her personal trainer credentials and truly knows her stuff. About a year after working out together, Brandi moved on to Heavy Gym. I finished off my sessions at Gold’s under George’s watchful eye and then followed her. Brandi is amazing. She makes a personal connection with every client she trains. She loves what she does. She believes in what she does. She lives what she does and it shows. When I was able to run stairs again, I realized she truly changed my life! She will help you get stronger and healthier. Don’t be intimidated.

I encourage you to check out B’s Fitness Facebook page or get in touch:
Facebook | Email | Call 306.540.6964

Originally published in The Wine Cellar October 2016.

Shop Local: Ginga Futebol Academy

Although we have always only featured local businesses which we frequent ourselves, we’re making an exception this month. That’s because the only reason we haven’t used this business is because they were not in business when our kids were young. Ginga Futebol Academy has been open since 2010. It is owned by two of my dear friends, Filipe and Sarah Cameron. Ginga  provides soccer training and development for kids ages 5 through 18. At Ginga, the focus is on building a strong technical foundation in a fun and supportive environment. With small player/coach ratios and trained coaches, they have something for everyone from the beginner to the player looking to take their game to the next level! Ginga is one of a kind in Regina and if our grandkids lived in Regina, we’d want to enroll them in this Academy. Filipe is totally dedicated to making sure that all kids have a wonderful experience. Fall registrations are open now!

I encourage you to contact Ginga Futebol Academy:
Register | More Info | Email | Facebook

Originally published in The Wine Cellar September 2016.