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Friday Feature: JC Studio

January 29, 2010 by Arpen T. | Comments (0)

We recently took a trip down memory lane and stumbled upon one of our favorite shopping boutiques in Vancouver! JC Studio is the home of the Jacqueline Conoir Collection, and Vancouver’s most modern shopping experience. Designer RozeMerie Cuevas embodies current trends without compromising the modern, yet timeless elegance of fashion today. It is RozeMerie’s absolutely pleasure to combine creative looks that bring out your unique and individual personality. Once you wear Jacqueline Conoir, you will be noticed! 

People may be surprised to know..

JC Studio is not just a suiting collection. They have the perfect modern outfit, for everything from work to casual, and from clubbing to formal.

What is the most popular service a JC Studio?

The “Fashionista Brunch” books up quickly! On Saturdays, enjoy mimosas, a light brunch, a mini fashion show, a fashion seminar and shop like a star! 

Enjoy your modern shopping experience at JC Studio! Let us know what you LOVE about this must-visit hot spot!

Friday Feature with SugarCane Skincare!

January 22, 2010 by Arpen T. | Comments (0)

Vancouver’s leading lady Melissa Joaquin- a true cheerleader & supporter of CRAVE- has ventured into a new business: organic skincare. Coined SugarCane Skincare , Melissa’s concept is fresh, fun, and unique! We recently had a chance to catch up with Melissa to hear all about her new biz. 

What is your story behind your business?

SugarCane was born out of my love of beauty and lifestyle products and growing up in the natural health product industry due to my family’s business. I wanted to provide a well formulated skin care line out of natural, organic and fair-trade ingredients and create a brand that was approachable, fun, chic and non-hippy. I think we’re all becoming very aware of our human affects on the environment and its resources. And we’re becoming more and more aware of how harmful chemicals and other foreign materials can be for our bodies and out skin. With a little bit of sugar, SugarCane brings a fresh new outlook on natural beauty. And P.S. sugar is a natural anti-aging property…we’ve got to hit those fine lines and wrinkles while we’re young.

What is your best kept beauty secret?

Lots of water throughout the day and tons of shut eye at night. Your skin (and body) needs to rest and be away from the elements. Though I’m always running around from meeting to meeting, it is essential I take in loads of water and get my beloved eight hours of sleep at night. 

What was the biggest challenge with opening your own business and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge for starting my own business is the whole “bootstrapping” concept (i.e. not buying any shoes!). It’s definitely something to get used to, especially when you’ve been an avid shopper and have an affinity for the finer things in life Other than that personal mountain, creating a position in the market and keeping it fresh and creative is a challenge, but a fun challenge at that. The markets are ever-changing so you need to be up to the task of keeping your brand and your products new and exciting. 

 What is your favorite quote and why? 

“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.” ♥ I love it because it reminds me of why we do what we do. At the end of the day, its not about how many deals you sign, not about the dollars in your bank, but about those around you and the ultimate goal of happiness, however you define it.

Best of Vancouver’s Nail Salons!

January 21, 2010 by Kendall Titchener | Comments (3)

Searching for the ultimate Mani/Pedi Experience? Rather than spending hours researching spas online, relax, and take a look at our list compiled by some of Vancouver’s most savvy women. Check out the top 5 places to get a Pedi or Mani in Vancouver, BC. These salons, spas and lounges are some of the best places to wind-down, or doll up. They each have a wide selection of treatments, expertise, and locations. Check them out, treat yourself, and invite the girls!
 
1.  Pure Nail Bar: This swanky nail bar has exceptional service and is known as the ultimate girls night out! It’s time to relax with the girls…Pure Nail Bar is calling! Has over 7 locations over the Lower Mainland.

2. Pink Mobile Spa: Perfect for the bride-to-be, a busy professional, or a well-deserving mom, Pink Mobile Spa team knows how to pamper.  The Pink Team brings all the luxuries of a high-end spa into your home, office or lunchroom.  Treating yourself to some much-needed spa time has never been easier.

3.  Bloom Essentials: This sister owned Spa is an urban oasis in the chaos of Vancouver. Bloom Essentials offers luxury on a local scale and even features three in-house product lines. Try booking a “Bloom Bash” with the girls to  sample a variety of Bloom treatments as you would at a friend’s place.

4. Gloss Nail Bar: Looking for an absolutely divine pampering experience? Gloss Nail Bar has it all. This salon and nail bar on South Granville offers colour, nails, fashion and fresh ideas.  Gloss is also the official glamour crew behind the Junos this year, so expect genuine star treatment!

5. Nailpolitan: Nailpolitan is the hidden gem of our city. If you find yourself seeking a mobile spa offering a detail-oriented experience, then this is the perfect place for the girl-on-the-go!

Best of Vancouver’s Personal Trainers!

January 20, 2010 by Kendall Titchener | Comments (4)

Want to stay committed to your New Years fitness resolution? Sometimes both getting, and staying motivated can be difficult. Fortunately, Crave has searched high and low for some of Vancouver’s best Personal Trainers.  Make 2010 a happy, HEALTHY New Year!

1. Soul Endurance Training :  Owned and Operated by breast cancer survivor Tracy Di Venanzo, Soul Endurance focuses on inspiring cancer survivors of all fitness levels. “You will train and be surrounded by other women going through the same journey.  It will be a place to support each other and be supported.” Come on, get inspired!

2. Innovative Fitness : Innovative Fitness specializes in personal training. Offering a team of trainers, you are able to find a coach who will best suit your needs. With seven locations raging all the way from White Rock to Whistler, there is likely an Innovative Fitness in YOUR neighborhood!

3. Ramona Braganza :  Celebrity trainer and creator of the Body by Glamour strength and cardio plans, Ramona Braganza is consistently renowned for the results that she helps her clients achieve. And with a Mobile Fitness Facility trailer, you are able to bring the gym AND your trainer right to your own home. With Ramona, fitness is a lifestyle.

Feature with Kiwano Marketing

January 18, 2010 by Arpen T. | Comments (2)

We are extremely excited to inform our CRAVE readers about a full-service marketing agency that comes with a spin. Kiwano Marketing focuses on sustainable marketing. Their goal is to make eco-friendly products go mainstream and each marketing campaign that they develop incorporates the environment, embedding and addressing eco concerns in every step of the process. Learn about Kiwano Marketing with their superwomen: Sofia Ribeiro & Cecilia Lu.

1. What makes Kiwano Marketing unique from other Marketing firms?

Kiwano Marketing is a full-service marketing agency with a spin: we focus on sustainable marketing. When we were brainstorming our company’s strategy, we decided we shouldn’t only focus on profits: our agency was to make a difference, to represent a new, responsible way of doing business. We work with sustainable, small and medium businesses. We also opted to work with local businesses, so we’re keeping our clients’ money within our community, while showing them – and our business peers – that you can have great marketing with little impact on the environment. We also wanted to revolutionize work relationships. This is why our clients rave about our unique and personal approach, where they’re free to contact us anytime, anyhow – even through text messages and social media tools such as twitter or Facebook. All in all, at Kiwano we strongly believe it is possible to provide environmentally-friendly marketing programs that work – generating more sales for our clients while serving our local community.

2. What is your dream travel destination and why?

South America. I’d love to jump on one of those old Volkswagen vans and go on a road trip across that pungent continent for one or two years. My dream is to live their culture, their ways, their music, and bring it back to my day-to-day life.

3. What is your favorite go-to hang out in Vancouver with your girlfriends?

Naam. The food is great, the restaurant is cozy and they always have smooth, live music – usually a single performance jazzing a Spanish guitar. Plus, you always run into interesting people.

4. What are your top five ways to make an event eco-friendly?

When deciding on the event’s location, pick a place close to public transit and bike lanes. If this isn’t possible, facilitate car sharing: it’s a great way to reduce emissions, save money and get to know some of the guests attending the same event. And if you’re serving food or drinks at the event, why not going for organic, local suppliers? It’s amazing how much eco-friendly stuff you can get. For our launch party, we served food from organic farms just out of Vancouver, and were even able to find organic, local wine and ethical coffee! This is a great talking point and will definitely go a long way to promote your event. And, obviously, paper and plastic cutlery are out of the question.

If you want to take this one step further, you can offset the remaining carbon emissions. There are reliable carbon offset providers out there, and some are even local. Plus, by offsetting you’re closing the circle, ensuring your event is 100% eco-friendly and carbon-free.

One of the most important points when making an event environmentally sustainable is communicating your efforts. Promote what you’re doing, so your guests feel they’re part of something bigger than themselves – they’ll be likely to continue your work and will be more aware about how their habits impact the environment. You will also be raising the bar on event planning!

Learn how to organize your life one step at a time!

January 8, 2010 by Arpen T. | Comments (0)

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a mess at your home or office? With papers literally piled up in places where they shouldn’t (ie: the kitchen table) or with paperwork so disorganized that it gives you a pounding headache even thinking about it? Well we have the perfect solution! Shelley Davies from MODERN ORDER & NEW details MODERN CLOSET has created a business around de-cluttering and reorganizing your humble abode & your personal office space. Her team will come in and magically transform your mess into organized paper files and a whole lot more! 

How did you come up with the concept of details MODERN ORDER?

I realized how full everyone’s lives had become. They were no longer enjoying their spaces- homes and offices. The generation who once wanted it all, were now ready to let it all go and lead a simpler life. I combined that modern day goal with my love of people and organization. Modern order is about living with less. Living with only those things you love, cherish, use and that work. details MODERN ORDER coaches clients past their challenges and empowers them to minimize and simplify what they can control in their lives so they are able to maintain order even in the busiest times.

What advice would you give to women who would like to open their own businesses?

Dream big and believe in what you do. Take what you love and figure out how you can become successful doing it. Have a short (1 year) and long (5 year) term plan and realize that it is a work in progress. Now comes the fun part…. tell the world and get to work doing what you love to do!

How do you manage to balance your home and work life?

Two words- Time Management. Create work boundaries and leave time for quality family time. Multi-tasking between the two just doesn’t work. Put on your mom/Wife/Partner hat or your work hat but never the two together. Learn the power of “no” at home and at work. Time is a very precious commodity in our modern work and by filling your day only with commitments that you enjoy will bring you closer to a more calm and balanced life

Best of Vancouver’s Hair Salons!

January 6, 2010 by Kendall Titchener | Comments (7)

With what feels like a recent surge in the number of Salons in the Vancouver area, finding the style best-suited for you can begin as a series of trial-and-error appointments. Save yourself from the risk of experimental highlights and review our list of the  best Salons in Vancouver according to Crave readers. Visit the masters of the trade and your expectations will be exceeded!

1. Burke & Hair: A hidden gem in a Gastown loft. Considering the amazing stylists and the beautiful intimate atmosphere, it’s no wonder why Burke & Hair was voted #2 Salon in Vancouver in the 2008 Georgia Straight’s annual Best of Vancouver readers’ poll.

2. EvelineCharles Salons & Spas: With a modern and intelligent approach to beauty, EvelineCharles beauty experts will develop a customized beauty plan for you! Sit back and relax as you’ll be educated on the latest trends, personal style and homecare.

3. Gloss Salon: Funky, fresh or classic, whatever your style Gloss Salon on Granville street does not disappoint. From the chic design of the salon itself to the skilled and detailed stylists, Gloss Salon continually impresses its clients.

4.  Hive Hair Lounge: For all of you Island dwellers, Hive is conveniently located in Victoria, B.C. The professional and attentive stylists understand that your look is important to you and carefully create a look custom to you.   

 5. Markus J Hair: This salon truly does “nurture your total well-being.” The care and attention to detail in this salon is impeccable. With every visit, clients can even indulge in fresh fruits, finger foods, snacks and specialty beverages. Prepare for nirvana.

6. Maude Salon: Located in the heart of Kitsilano, Maude specializes in cut, color, and wedding styling! Maude also offers hair products from around the world and most importantly, has a special spot for local designers! For a friendly and creative atmosphere, visit this trendy spot in Vancouver’s West 4th neighborhood.

7. The Meghahair Family: Combining oh-so-stylish hair with affordable prices, this trend-setting salon has a vast variety of pro tools and products to shop from! Visit their award-winning, Zennkai Salon which carries over 70 professional hair product brands at amazing prices! 

8. Verve Hair Lounge: The experience and a passion of the stylists in Verve is reflected in the clients quality hair and satisfaction.  This North Vancouver salon produces “artful hair design” tailored to perfect your signature look.