Local Business Profiles
City Motion Fitness Studio Climbs to Health
Friday, November 30th 2012
Krystal Kromm and Jonathon Wieler are all about fitness, community and family. The owners of City Motion Fitness Studio are an entrepreneurial couple know what they stand for, and what they’re offering our city, “We want an approachable image so people aren’t intimidated when they come in. That keeps average people out of fitness centers.” The motto at the studio Jonathon renovated is “real fitness, real health”. The two play off each other, with Jonathon more behind-the-scenes renovating the updated space and doing marketing while Krystal leads classes with her certification as a professional trainer. They have been open since September on Alexander Way, downtown’s distinctive 48 St. across from Original Joe’s. They run outdoor bootcamps in the summer, and move in when the weather dips for focused classes. This functional training gives clients things that make them stronger in day-to-day life in a backdrop of comfort and ease.
"Sisters on The Go" Gets Going in Towne Centre Mall
Wednesday, November 14th 2012
Chris Dionne and Tenille Hobart are on the go. And they are sisters. In the Towne Centre Mall on Ross St. they opened Sisters on the Go café in May, “We just went for it. We just jumped in and started working together here,” said Chris. The atmosphere is rustic and totally relaxed. Horseshoes are branded into the wooden tables and customers talk over the tables to each other. It's a down-home, easygoing place with regulars and people coming in to use the services of Towne Centre Mall. Chris formerly worked as the owner of the restaurant Stella's for three years. That experience serves her well for the new venture in the heart of Downtown.
Taste of Europe Brings Quality and Sweetness to Downtown
Wednesday, October 31st 2012
There is a dream living in the basement of Towne Centre Mall. This dream is tasty, European, and unfolding in Downtown Red Deer on Ross Street. Mila Kobacevic’s dream will make you smile, especially if you love fine food. Taste of Europe is ready for visitors and happy shoppers right in time for Christmas. Open for only a month and a half, this inviting specialty grocery prides itself on excellent products imported from Europe.
They carry biscuits, chocolates, deli meats without MSG and gluten. Like many Downtown business owners, Mila just truly “enjoys being here, loves people and wants the best for them.” This is evidenced by the way she treats you upon entry, the pride as she shows you what is available, the spark in her eyes talking about the experience of Taste of Europe.
One Island African-Caribbean Restaurant: The Delicious Goodness of Different
Wednesday, October 10th 2012
A non-descript building sits near Housewarmings and the John Howard Society, right next to the unmistakable One Executive Place. Entering this funky little café decorated with palm trees, the feeling you’re in an ethnic district of Vancouver or Toronto may astound you. Here in our Downtown, we are lucky to have the flavor of One World African and Caribbean Restaurant. Owners Fatima Fatih and Demba Gueye first had a dream for Canada, then a love story, and then successful business ownership in mind. So far, so good.
This young couple fell in love in Montreal and moved west to Red Deer eight years ago. They own the Afro-Carib store offering spices, hair extensions, groceries and more near the Fed-Ex building on 49 St. and now have ambitiously taken on this restaurant on Ross Street. They also have three small school aged children that won the hearts of many at Earthdance 2012 celebrations in Veteran’s Park.
Solid Ground Cafe
Tuesday, August 28th 2012
Downtown patrons and visitors will have another option to whet their coffee appetite, any time of day. A former renovated bar, Solid Ground Café was introduced to downtown Red Deer in May 2012, nestled just below downtown’s newest residency, the River Valley. Driven by a philanthropic mission, Solid Ground Café aims to “build community and provide a place of welcome”, says manager, Colleen. The base of this initiative is rooted in Solid Ground Ministry, a derivative of Potter’s Hands Ministry. This foundation provides a unique atmosphere to the café.
Colleen cites the hustle, bustle, and pulsating rhythm of downtown was key in deciding to locate in Red Deer’s core. “Our business is unique, funky, homey, and trendy.” With entrepreneurial motivation, Solid Ground Café’s staff list is built on solid customer service and the desire to build community relationships. Each staff member possesses a sense of commitment, self-sacrifice, service, and friendliness. It is this dedicated, hard-working team that ensures the success of this café. In addition to providing mouth-watering panini’s, indulgent lattes, and decadent desserts, Friday nights will please the musical ears of visitors to the downtown. A line-up of acoustic acts will showcase Red Deer’s great local talent. Solid Ground Café has much to offer and the coffee is always on (during business hours, of course).
Leigha Graf Photography
Friday, August 10th 2012
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A local photographer passionate about family and story telling is making her new business home in the heart of the city. Downtown Red Deer is growing and Leigh Graf is thrilled to be a part of helping enhance an already supportive and collaborative trading community. Leigha’s enthusiasm for connections and community inspired her to move into the historic Scott Block building where she can be a part of the vibrant city core. “There is a strong relationship among the business in Red Deer, especially downtown. I feel so thankful to be part of such a welcoming network,” notes Leigha. “I am looking forward to taking a more active role in helping to shape our community.”
Comfort Keepers
Wednesday, July 18th 2012
In 1998 Comfort Keepers, an organization dedicated to help seniors all over the world, was formed. This company seeks to provide the aid to seniors that public health care is not able to. Today, they have over 700 independently owned offices worldwide. One franchisee, Terri Brigden, opened her branch in May 2011 in beautiful downtown Red Deer. Terri's vision and passion for her company was fueled when she took a leave from her previous job to care for her mother. Soon, however, she found that traditional health care did not provide the extra aid to daily living that was required to keep her mother in her home (instead of assisted living). This mobilized her application to be a Comfort Keepers owner.
This organization provides light housekeeping and other services such as educating clients and their families on nutrition and technology solutions such as personal emergency response systems and medication dispensers. However, the heart of a Comfort Keeper resides in providing companionship for the client. "We are about interactive care and NOT task-oriented care; we work with the client, not for the client," says Terri. Clients range from veterans, CNIB clientele, post-surgery patients, and seniors. One client in particular stays fresh in Terri's mind. "There's this 95 year old client who is so spry and full of wit. She has so many lessons to teach too. Every time I spend time with her, I walk away with a smiling heart."
Lindsey Johnson Design
Wednesday, June 20th 2012
A faded velvet couch sits in the back. An elegant chandelier dangles while beautiful gold frames showcase works of art. In this impeccably designed studio, Lindsey Johnson of Lindsey Johnson Design Co creates stunning spaces, both architectural and interior. Studying interior design at Mount Royal College, Lindsey realized the value of architectural design and quickly enveloped that into her skill base. Lindsey is an experienced designer; however, she's an entrepreneurial newbie, starting her business in June 2012. She cites that it is her passion for all types of design that drives her to do what she does. "I love beautiful spaces. I am forever looking at spaces and wondering what can be made better." A self-proclaimed "softie" for older residential neighborhoods, her choice projects would include older home renovations and additions.
Lindsey opened her business doors in Red Deer's downtown in the Scott Block Heritage building. Downtown seems to fit Lindsey's goals and vision, as well as her personality. She loves the atmosphere and the revitalization of downtown.
Creativity Thrives at Alberta Art&Design
Thursday, June 7th 2012
Since October 1993, Alberta Art and Drafting Supplies Ltd. has provided Central Alberta with the most complete array of art supplies. It is located at 4711 49th Ave, kitty corner to the Millennium Center. Karen Walls built and expanded the business with a desire to fill a need in the community for art and drafting supplies and her passion for art. During her student years, she worked for Walsh Galleries in downtown Red Deer who at that time carried a small supply of art materials. This was the catalyst to start Alberta Art & Drafting Supplies Ltd.
From 1993 to now, the goal remains the same: to support and inspire the art and drafting community. From Red Deer College students, academic artists, and tattoo artists to architects, engineers, and street performers, many people will come in to the store and after a conversation with the staff, leave with great confidence and seeds of inspiration. This great customer experience can be attributed to the wonderful staff, who are knowledgeable and passionate about art. "[The staff] are amazingly creative. Everybody has their own little special gift that they bring to the store and to the customers. We are all working artists and we are passionate about art and all that it encompasses," says Lorette, Manager.
Bling By Bev
Friday, May 25th 2012
