Even though summer just began a few days ago, chances are you’ve been thinking about your bikini bod for months! Here are some city spots where you can find some of the best, most original ways of whipping yourself into shape while also having a blast. And remember, confidence is the key to getting your most CRAVE-worthy beach bod!
Exhale Studio (1083 Cambie St)
This Yaletown studio offers just about every favorite fitness activity you can dream of, from Kundalini yoga to to Afro-Cuban dance. The variety will keep you coming back and each time, you’ll be working a new part of your body. For anyone who says getting in shape is a chore, we challenge them to a visit at Exhale. If dancing to your favorite hip-hop hits is a chore, then we say, Give us more! exhalestudio.com
Burlesque Beauties (see website for locations) This tantalizing dance form has caught on like wildfire in cities everywhere, and now you can get in on the fun by taking a class taught by the professional seductresses themselves! The Nuvo-Burlesque Dance and Fitness classes are packed with feminine, flirty moves to encourage powerful bodies and spirits. You’ll exude that confidence with ease the next time you slip into your teeny bikini. burlesquebeauties.com
Elements Wellness Centre and Studio (#207-2678 West Broadway) For a holistic, multi-varied approach to health and fitness, we love the services provided by this Vancouver studio. Rejuvenate your body and mind with traditional spa services, refelexology, acupuncture, and nutritional coaching. The centre also provides comprehensive life coaches to help you begin at square one to craft a lifestyle that is as beautiful as you deserve.
elementswellnesscentre.com
Blo is a Blow Dry Bar. Scissors are verboten. Dye, ditto. In about 30 minutes, get a wash and blo out style. No cuts, no colour: Just WASH BLOW GO. Blo’s newest location is located at 15745 Croydon Drive in Morgan Crossing, South Surrey. Blo Morgan Crossing’s Franchise Partners, Jenny Randhawa and Karen Manhas, recognized the need for women outside the downtown core to have easy, reliable access to the affordable luxury of flawless hair, 7 days a week.
Book your blo out at 778.294.3334 or blomedry.com
What do you love most about your job and why? We LOVE the flexibility of managing our own hours and being our own boss. We also love working with a group of girls that we hand picked. It’s been great…everyone has fun and laughs and works hard at the same time!
Getting women red carper ready is also a great feeling. Watching a woman’s confidence go up in a matter of minutes with a simple blo out is the best thing that we have experienced so far.
We also love what we do because we come from completely different, and serious, professional backgrounds (healthcare and federal government) so getting involved with Blo has been such a fun, exciting and completely opposite of what we are used to doing professionally. We keep thinking that we are supposed to be stressed out and worried like new business owners should be but so far we have been fortunate. We have had such strong and endless support from Blo Corporate Office and our friends and family. It’s made us LOVE our job even more!
Do you have any recommendations for business reads for women in business? We are always on the look out for inspiring ideas and lessons on managing our team and business. We are new to owning a business so basically anything we can get our hands on we will read and learn from.
What do you CRAVE? We definitely CRAVE chocolate everyday! Thank god we are on our feet everyday because we can work those calories off! The sun, sand and beach are obvious favorites too…hopefully we can get away sometime this year and get our Vitamin D dose!
Any advice for future entreprenesses? Starting a business can be scary and you may not know what direction to go in. Step One: ask a million questions! Look in your network of friends and family who have been successful (professionally and personally) and talk to them about your goals and how you plan to get there. Get their feedback and really listen to what they have to offer. They’re firsthand knowledge and lessons learned are invaluable. Last but not least is to follow your gut. We strongly believe women have that special instincts, so if you have a really strong feeling something is going to be successful, go for it, work hard and things will fall into place!
We’ve all heard the saying, “the tassel’s worth the hassle!” and those of us who have walked across that stage, looking fab in a gown and a cap know that it couldn’t be true-er. And yes, it is that time of the year again – time to be proud and celebrate the favourite graduates in our lives. Their diplomas prove that they have done all the hard work but…what about YOU? Have you begun your journey of finding a gift? Perhaps you have started a potential gift list with a picture frame with a graduate written on it being the first item. Sure, a picture frame will do but your graduate didn’t settle for mediocrity and neither should you! We know it can be stressful, finding that perfect gift for your perfect graduate but don’t you worry, we are offering you Gift Guide 101. Course objective: to help you find a fantastic gift that’ll make your graduate say, “You are the best!” Course material: CRAVE Vancouver; we have found the best boutiques around Vancouver and included all the deets! There is no test (except for the reaction you’ll get!), all you need to do is put your shopping shoes on and get boutiquin’! You will also be a graduate in no time!
The name says it all: Favourite Gifts. You’ll find tons of items made by local designers so your graduate can always remember the beautiful Vancouver (and you, of course) wherever life may take her! Everything is one-of-a-kind and unique and it is sure to bring her the attention that she deserves!
Whether you are looking for jewelry, clothes, handbags or shoes, Fine Finds has it all. It is like walking into the art classroom with all of the supplies you could possibly need and more! The best part? You don’t even need to know what you are looking for; you are sure to find something at Fine Finds! Don’t forget to pick up a cute card for your graduate here before you leave!
If you can’t find it, then make it! At Bella Ceramica, you can create your own masterpiece; a plate for cookies, a coffee mug that will probably become your graduate’s best friend in times of stress and the list goes on. You can add your own personal touch and make it that much more special. Afraid that you are not artistic enough? Don’t worry, you’ll still get an A+ for effort!
How many times a year do we utter the words, “If only there were more hours in the day…”? Well, on the summer solstice, you will get your wish since today, the sun shines longer than any other day of the year. Today of course also marks the official start of summer, and with it, we celebrate all the best things about this much-anticipated season! To welcome the return of flip-flops, barbecue’s, vacations and more, we’ve compiled a list of activities to do in order to take advantage of those extra minutes of sunlight. Grab your friends and family and head out – you won’t want to miss a second of your summer solstice celebration!
A picnicis a simple no-brainer for a summer occasion, but you might decide to get a little creative for the special occasion by coordinating a late-night sunset picnic in your city’s most scenic setting. Bring a playlist of songs with the word “sun” in them to set the right mood.
If you’re an avid outdoors-woman, you’ll want to really maximize your extra minutes of rays! Head out for an evening hike, run, or bike ride and extend it a little longer than usual. You’ll get an extra boost knowing that this is the only night you’ll be able to savor the sunlight during your routine workout.
Spending your solstice doing water activities is an excellent idea if you live near a body of water. Boating, surfing, kayaking, or even just lounging beachside will give you that summer glow you’ve been missing all winter. Plus, watching the sun lower over sparkling waves is a sight that can hardly be beat, and one you’ll want to store in your memory for the next winter.
Say Mother Nature decides to throw you a curveball and sends rain instead of shine, well don’t let that stop you from enjoying the spirit of the day. Curling up with a book and hot tea can be relaxing during a summer rainfall or storm especially if enjoyed from a patio or porch. If the day is more gray gloom than thrilling boom, head to your local arboretum or greenhouse to get your tropical nature fix.
No matter what kind of girl power gusto you’ve got today, not all us were born with the confidence gene. Suzanne Fetting created her company, Absolute Confidence, to help women discover their deepest hidden strengths, their authentic selves, to develop a positive self-image, and gain self-respect. But this isn’t the same cheesy advice you’ll find in the self-help aisle at Barnes and Noble, it’s personalized one-on-one sessions that build upon the talents you already have, so you can start living the confident life you’ve always wanted. As a former fashion model and fashion show producer,
Suzanne teaches women how to boost their confidence – and their height – with her unique and fun High Heel Appeal classes and DVDs. Here, she shares how an injury and job loss allowed her to launch her business and begin living her dream life.
What are your top five tips on how women can build their confidence? Spend time every day with confident people that you admire. You will be inspired by their strength, attitude and energy. It’s infectious! Also, get to know your authentic self. Having self-awareness is the first component of confidence. Knowing and understanding all aspects of yourself including your values, beliefs, skills, talents, gifts, passions, goals, as well as your weaknesses and faults.
What inspired you to open your business?
When the idea first came to me to start my own business as a Confidence Coach four years ago, I was unsure how I was actually going to do it. I just knew and believed with my entire heart and soul, that this was my purpose in life. I had a huge desire to start my business, and inspire and empower women all over the world. I always believed that women needed to learn about authentic confidence, and I was someone who could do it. I was constantly thinking about, and envisioning what I was going to do as a Confidence Coach and how I was going to do it.
Then after suffering a devastating knee injury while on holiday two years ago, I was forced into unexpected downtime requiring time off work, which ultimately resulted in the loss of my “dream job.” As a result, I chose to start working on my business as a Confidence Coach. I had accumulated a lot of information, done a lot of writing over the previous couple of years, and all of a sudden I had nothing but time to develop an exciting and unique business.
When I initially started researching my business idea, I spoke with as many women as I could, everywhere I travelled. I noticed two consistent responses:
1) All of the women I spoke with agreed that regardless of their age, race, appearance, or level of success, they could use some help improving their self-confidence and self-esteem.
2) I repeatedly heard people saying that this unusual business would not be successful: “I’ve never heard of a Confidence Coach, what the heck is that?” But I always REALLY believed in my business idea and never let anyone else’s opinions or judgments deter me from achieving my goals. I wake up every single day so thankful to be able to do EXACTLY what I was put on this planet to do.
What is your favorite quote?
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”
- Henry David Thoreau
What is your favorite go-to destination with your girlfriends?
It’s officially summer now, so my fav destination with girlfriends is the beach! Kits or Spanish Banks.
Each spring, we celebrate the return of backyard barbeque’s, the blossoming of hydrangea’s, and the accomplishments of the thousands upon thousands of spankin-new grads. We all know it’s not exactly smooth sailing out there for our latest diploma holders; but we want to do all we can to ensure the departure from school and foray into the working world is at least a little bit brighter (a little sparkle goes a long way). We’ve surveyed the land in search of all the elements that make up a great grad gift: utility, novelty, and FUN! Here are the unique shops and services we found, sure to be the second best thing your grad receives – next to that hard-earned diploma. And of course, all the shops feature one great gift for the future entreprenesses of Vancouver – the CRAVE Guidebook!
Zing Paperie & Design (#60323 Jervis St, Coal Harbour, Seawall) Once the commencement parties have ended, and the caps have been tossed, a graduate will need a way to stay in touch with her wide circle of friends and professors. Sure, she’s got Facebook but a handwritten note says a lot more these days. Personalized stationery might be the ideal gift for your technologically-overworked grad which you’ll find in droves at Zing Paperie & Design, along with other thoughtful gifts like handcrafted journals, photo frames to capture the special moment. zingdesign.ca
Changes Clothing & Jewellery Bar (4454 W 10th Ave) This boutique’s name alone is fitting for the new graduate in your life, but so is its new and like-new selection of designs and accessories. The place has been named Vancouver’s Best Consignment Store Award multiple times since 2002, and its jewellery bar features one of a kind Canadian artists. A special necklace to commemorate the occasion or a great pair of working-gal shoes will make a fabulous gift. changesclothing.com
Markus J Hair & Well-Being (2567 W Broadway) After weeks of long, sleepless nights spent studying in the library, your grad deserves a little pampering. This Vancouver salon is all about providing their customers with a totally indulgent experience, with customized color and cuts, signature facials and hair and scalp treatments. Owner Mona Leung also holds private hair workshops, so that the new grad can enter the new phase of life with a brand-new look.
Father’s Day is around the corner and every year its the same. We ponder WHAT to get our dear dads for a gift. We all know that whatever we hand them they’ll be thankful for; but we always want to push the envelope! When we are pressed for time and don’t have the effort left to make something extremely sentimental, here is some advice from your friends at CRAVE on what to do that will make him smile.
Try and remember what your dad is passionate about. Is he an outdoors-man? Cook? Tech-savvy? Music lover? With some passion he has in mind its always easier to direct your gift towards a certain theme and come out successful. It will help you avoid spending hours shopping with no clue of what to get as well as guaranteeing that he will appreciate the gift and the thought you put into it.
If still stuck on where to begin with finding a gift, maybe go in a different direction then a simple gift from the store. Does you’re dad love a certain comedian or band? Grab tickets to a concert.
Dad’s love knowing you want to spend time with them, so if time allows, do an activity that involves doing something together. Time spent is more precious than any other gift money could buy!
Remember first and foremost that its your dad’s day! All that matters truly matters is that you make sure to tell him he’s special and you love him.
First Services Hospitality was established in 1979 in response to a demand for quality event staffing for private and corporate events. Since then, they have expanded and grown to a multi-layered specialized business, providing expert catering and event services to the hospitality industry. Proprietor Brenda Phillips has built her career perfecting her expertise in the field while forming long lasting relationships with clientele from across the hospitality spectrum. Here, we chat with Brenda about her company and the perks of being an entrepreness!
What is unique about your company?
First Services Hospitality is unique because our owner/manager has worked in Vancouver for over 20 years in senior positions from Catering & Banquet Manager, Restaurant Manager, General Manager Food & Beverage Services, Director of Food & Beverage and Hotel General Manager. During this time has worked in a variety of venues (restaurants, hotels, universities, venues and casino operations) in the Hospitality industry. Brenda Phillips really does understand the challenges of staffing events properly, having well prepared and presented food, having properly trained staff and working with owners of hotels and restaurants. With all this experience she is able to provide first hand help in ensuring that proper checklists are completed to a customers satisfaction.
What do you enjoy most about being a business owner?
Being in control of my own destiny. Helping staff, customers and colleagues on a more one-on-one and not getting lost in the corporate world and being a figure head without being seen. It is common to see me at events, prepping in the kitchen, leading training programs or working closely with owners in their operations.
What advice do you have for women who would like to open up their own business?
Follow your dream and turn your passion or hobby into your career. It is much easier to have a career as an owner in something that you love to do. Do your homework and be accountable to your customers and do your best always.
The more we have gotten to meet our lovely CRAVE counterparts around town – and around the world – the more we find out that CRAVE women are all truly kids at heart. From the bright red high heels we wear, to the colorful creativity infused into our projects and businesses, it’s almost like the real-life version of playing ‘grown-up’. At least, on the really challenging days, that’s how we like to think of it! Whether or not you’re shopping with a child in mind or simply indulging your own inner kid, we think you’ll adore these terrific shops featuring play toys, itty bitty clothes, and things that make you “ooh” and “ahh” with a wistful nostalgia.
Chick Pea(613 Front St, New Westminster) We love the playfulness of bright, bold colors, but we also appreciate the quiet ambiance within the brick walls of Chick Pea, a European-inspired boutique in New Westminster. Moms will be delighted to find products and must-haves for both their little ones and themselves, including organic cotton t’s and onesies and sweetly soothing natural bath and body potions. chickpeakids.com
Hipbaby (2110 W 4th Ave) Carla van Messel has been running this aptly-named children’s boutique for over ten years and over time, has developed a savvy eye for finding exceptional, affordable gifts, keepsakes, and clothing for kids and tots. Forty percent of the store’s inventory is designed and manufactured in-house, and the selection is constantly changing. This is a store for the urban mom who appreciates a broader color spectrum than just blue and pink. hipbaby.com
Mally Bibs (see website for list of retailers) Just because bibs get covered in spaghetti sauce and purreed green peas doesn’t mean they can’t be fashionably adorable to start with! And the good news about these well-designed cover-ups, made by Nicole Garza, is that their soft leather front makes for a durable and easy-to-wipe-clean surface for your little one to really let loose at meal time. mallybibs.com
Maria Ross, the brains behind marketing and branding firm, Red Slice, has just wrapped up yet another project. This time in the form of a comprehensive guide to effectively branding your business – any small business, on any budget. Branding Basics for Small Business: How to Create an Irresistible Brand on Any Budgetwill walk you step-by-step through solidifying your core promise, personality and reason for being. We caught up with Maria and asked her a little bit about what inspires her at work and in life! And before we forget, to purchase your copy of Branding Basics go to red-slice.com/branding-basics-book!
When and how did you discover your talent for and love of marketing and strategizing?
I majored in marketing in college, as I’d always had a love for advertising and using communication to evoke emotion. Marketing can be used for so much good in the world: encouraging people to donate time or money, showcasing a worthy cause, inspiring people to be the best they can be. I have always been impressed with a well-turned tagline or a delightful campaign that gives me goosebumps. In the book, I talk about the effect that Nike had on me in the mid-90’s when they launched the “If you let me play” campaign aimed at empowering young girls through athletics. I gained experience across all aspects of marketing over my career and really like the brainstorming and strategy phase the best.
What compelled you to write Branding Basics For Small Business?
I got sick and tired of people undervaluing what a brand could do for them, or thinking that it is just their logo. Brand is so much more than that and when small businesses understand what brand really means – that it is the core promise and value they deliver to customers – they can better connect with customers and drive sales. Brand is expressed not just visually through your logo or colors, but verbally through the messages you use and experientially in how customers (and employees) are treated. I also wrote it because putting together your brand strategy is not rocket science: it just requires answering some key questions and really putting intentional thought into how you present yourself to customers. So I wanted to spread the “brand gospel” to small businesses – many of whom have the nimbleness and passion to create a powerful brand connection with their customers because they are so close to them.
Without giving too much away (we all need to read the book!!), what is the most important step in creating a strong brand strategy?
I would say two of the biggest mistakes business owners make when it comes to brand strategy are not identifying their target audience in crisp detail, and not telling customers what they want to hear. For target audiences, business owners try to go too broad and end up appealing to no one because their message is so bland and generic. But your brand needs to be relevant in order to meaningfully connect. Secondly, many small businesses talk about themselves by saying “This is what we do” versus taking the customer point of view and saying, “Here’s what you get.” Many small businesses don’t see that they are talking about benefits from their own perspective, not the customer’s.
Your book discusses “how to create an irresistible brand on any budget”…will this really work on ANY budget? What is one important step in reaching out to potential clients/customers on a shoe string budget? An effective brand is not measured by how much money you have to spend. Every company out there wishes they had more money! I’ve executed against brand strategies with $1000 and $12,000,000. The point is that, by using the process in the book, you can create a strong brand strategy that you then can execute efficiently with whatever budget you have. When you have less budget, it’s even more important to go after the right things or be more creative and a brand strategy helps you do that. Your activities align towards one clear target. Many businesses end up wasting money because they perform “random acts of marketing” that don’t get them anywhere. With a clear brand strategy, you actually save time, money and headache on only investing in the right things that get you ahead.
What is your favorite part about what you do? What keeps you going and gets your juices flowing at work? I love when I work with a client and see the light go on in their eyes, when they “get” what brand really means and how to apply it. They seem more confident, they are able to clearly cite their elevator pitch. They say things like, “That’s exactly what I want my company to represent! It’s perfect!” Being able to help people deconstruct their brand story and then show them a perfect way to visually or verbally represent it is just amazing.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are NOT working? I love to write: I write wine and food articles for some online publications. I also love to eat great food with friends, drink wine, hike, read, act in community theatre, watch indie films (I’ve been to Sundance about 5 years in a row!) and go for walks with my husband and our awesome Black Lab mix, Eddie, who we adopted two years ago.
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First Services Hospitality was established in 1979 in response to a demand for quality event staffing for private and corporate events. Since then, they have expanded and grown to a multi-layered specialized business, providing expert catering and event services to the hospitality industry. Proprietor Brenda Phillips has built her career perfecting her expertise in the field while forming long lasting relationships with clientele from across the hospitality spectrum. Here, we chat with Brenda about her company and the perks of being an entrepreness!
