Local Business Profiles
Tail Blazers
Monday, November 14th 2011
In December 2005, Aly Seymour opened her pet health food store, Tail Blazers. “I have always been interested in animals. I raise sheep and I have many other animals at home. So it fit that I would open a pet health food store,” says Aly. Tail Blazers is located on 53rd Street in downtown Red Deer and is home to a large selection of raw pet food. Tail Blazers also carries a wide range of pet food including dry and canned as well as raw and fresh foods. In addition, Aly wants her customers to be educated on what they feed their pets so she carries books on natural pet health, nutritional supplements, pet shampoo, toys, and treats to name a few. All of the products in Tail Blazers are natural, safe, and delicious!
Amaryllis Centre
Monday, October 24th 2011
Before October 23, 2009, Red Deer lacked a local hot yoga studio, but Shauna Clark changed that. While working for the television show Survivor, Shauna discovered the physical and mental benefits of hot yoga. She then moved to Red Deer and opened the Amaryllis Center located on 53rd Street. “I wanted to open a yoga studio for 4 or 5 years and I was so excited to be able to do it,” says Shauna. Shauna admits that she likes her “hidden” downtown location because of the sense of community, central location, and the eclectic mix of people.
Victoria Lane Brides
Tuesday, October 11th 2011
Victoria Lane Brides is a downtown business that has proven longevity establishing itself 20 years 
ago, providing all aspects of formal wear: grad, wedding, cocktail, and prom dresses, to name a few. In July 2010, sisters Jackie Boyer and Louise Toews, bought the store. Jackie was a former oil field worker and a stay-at-home mom who wanted to go back to work. The former owners were selling the store and the sisters seized the opportunity to do something that they enjoyed together. It is also nostalgic because both sisters purchased dresses from Victoria Lane.
The Green Clinic
Thursday, September 29th 2011
Some say that their career is a calling, something that they are destined to do. This is true for Abrah Arneson, clinical herbal therapist and owner of The Green Clinic, located on the second floor offices of the Scott Block on Gaetz Avenue downtown. Abrah began her business in 2006 after a four year intensive academic training program. Throughout her life, Abrah has always had a keen eye on the exploration of plants and herbal medicine. After traveling Europe and Asia, attending many retreats to learn about great medicine, and being hospitalized, Abrah decided to become an herbal therapist.
Wipe-Out Ski and Bike
Wednesday, September 14th 2011
Owners Kim and Tim Wright opened their store Wipe-Out Ski and Bike to provide an avenue for those who have a passion for riding and skiing. They opened on November 1, 2008 at 101 4918 46 Street, downtown Red Deer. Wipe-Out Ski and Bike carries high quality bikes, skis, snowboards, helmets, and accessories. In addition to sales, Wipe-Out services and repairs bicycles, snowboards and skis as well.
Adrienne Marie Photography
Friday, September 2nd 2011
With her bubbly personality and back-to-basics technique, Adrienne Corcoran has established herself as an accomplished photographer. After being a stay-at-home mom, Adrienne opened her business, Adrienne Marie Photography, nine years ago. She started small by taking photos of children, then graduated to ladies and couples, and finally took the leap to weddings.
Talk of the Town
Thursday, August 18th 2011
The clothing store, Talk of the Town, was introduced to Nicole and Wanda Hewitt in July 2011. This mother/daughter team bought the business from Joan Waddell who had owned the store for many years before. Nicole (daughter) was a former salon owner and needed a change of pace while Wanda (mother) was looking for a new career change. This pair enjoys being downtown because of all the hustle and bustle that occurs during the day. “We have a good, existing clientele and the downtown is just a busy, friendly, exciting place to be. We also have so many great business neighbours,” says Nicole.
The Soundhouse
Thursday, August 4th 2011
After buying former music store, Records to the Rafters, local musicians and realtors, Davin Kemshead and Mike Williamson, renamed and reopened The Soundhouse in February 2010. “We didn’t want to see the store close and we felt there was a need for this music store to remain in the downtown,” says Davin, co-owner. The Soundhouse provides possibly the most diverse musical selection in Red Deer. From guitars and amplifiers, stomp boxes and strings, turntables and DJ gear to vinyl records and CDs, The Soundhouse will tickle the musical bone in anybody. Even diverse in its sounds, The Soundhouse carries everything: classical, blues, jazz, electronic, rock, metal, hip hop, and independent music. They also feature music from local artists.
The Bistro On Gaetz
Wednesday, July 13th 2011
Former City of Red Deer employee, Susan Malcolm, went from buying lattes to crafting those sweet, frothy beverages that coffee lovers everywhere fawn over. As a coffee aficionado herself, Susan has relished the idea of owning her own coffee shop for about 10 years. This dream was finally realized on June 20, 2011 when Susan bought the Bistro on Gaetz, located on little Gaetz Avenue in the hub of downtown, from previous owner, Candace Dunning.
Crop Hair Boutique
Thursday, June 30th 2011
Squashing the notion of run-of-the-mill hair salons, Crop Hair Boutique exploded onto the hairstyling scene in February 2009 with vibrancy and color. They are Central Alberta’s most unique salon destination, and approach their work with creativity, passion and a deeply instilled sense of service. Above all having a great time with everything we do. Owners Aaron and Katherine Bouchard took over an existing hair salon and transformed it into a bright and exciting, yet vintage and relaxed salon. Describing her salon, Katherine adds, “We are fresh and fun. [We are about] beautiful and natural hair.”
