Cathy Dobson Two friends with a penchant for painting and a need to clear their homes of pending furniture projects have teamed up to start a new painting and design business. Leanne Fera, 42, and Giselle Saucier, 37, say they share a passion for taking old furniture and creatively refinishing it. “I love attention to… Read more »
Cathy Dobson Manjit Singh and his wife Balwinder Kaur recently invested $100,000 to upgrade the kitchen at Sitara Indian Cuisine and quadruple the seating capacity. “When we opened in 2012, we didn’t know how busy we would be,” says Singh. “We didn’t know if we would make it or not, but we feel we are a… Read more »
Cathy Dobson Opening a store called Mystic Mind prompts a lot of questions about metaphysics and spirituality, says co-owner Sandy Moreira. And that’s largely why she and Angela Melnyk decided to go into business together. “We want to have a retail store and to educate people at the same time,” Moreira said. “There’s so much… Read more »
Cathy Dobson Success in the consignment business doesn’t come easily in Sarnia, says Bob McGregor, owner of Labels for Less. But he can point to a few things that have made it possible to survive where at least six others have failed. For 25 years, McGregor has operated Labels for Less, a high-end used clothing… Read more »
Cathy Dobson The seeds were sown for the new Mixx Lounge on Front Street during a “foodie” trip to Cleveland when a group of Sarnians found themselves sipping on classic cocktails and enjoying some soft, acoustic jazz music. Sarnians need a place where the bartenders know what a Slippery Pete and a Harvey Wallbanger is,… Read more »
Cathy Dobson Marita Linde’s clients are a breed apart. They often show their appreciation by licking her face. Some drool and rub against her legs. One even oinks. “I’m not afraid of any animal,” says a smiling Linde, who operates a new pet services business. “I’ve taken care of a hedgehog, budgies, rats, hamsters, bunnies… Read more »
Cathy Dobson Waneta Steinberg was volunteering at a local retirement home when she noticed a resident with physical challenges wearing clothes that made getting dressed much easier. “He had on a polo shirt that looked like a regular shirt but it did up at the back. It was a big moment, like the earth moved… Read more »
Cathy Dobson Hundreds of talented local artisans design and make their own products in home studios, everything from bracelets to baby clothes and quilts to skincare products, selling them at the odd bizarre or craft sale. Though they tend to work in isolation, many would prefer to network with other artisans who understand the challenges… Read more »
Cathy Dobson Gerry Surette and Suzanne Holbrook predict their new burger and fries shop will start a trend in the Bayside Centre food court. “The future plans for the mall convinced us to do it,” said Surette. “Davey Jones (grocery store) is coming for sure and we get our meat from them. “And I know… Read more »
Cathy Dobson Thirty-four-year-old Tyler Yates exudes confidence. From behind a massive desk on the top floor of First Sarnia Place, with a panoramic office view of the St. Clair River, he offers a broad smile and a firm handshake. Business has been good since leaving a 12-year career in IT for a completely different path… Read more »
