VC™ Magazine Fall 2017

LONDON THE LIFESTYLE OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE | LONDON

LIFESTYLE THE ENTREPRENEURIAL LANDSCAPE OF CANADA

DISCOVER LONDON’S COOLEST OFFICES VENTURE COLOUR:

HUE? AND WHY?

COVERING VENTURE™™ COVERING YOUR YOUR VENTURE

OFFICE PARIAH OR SOCIAL BUTTERFLY, WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

THE RETURN OF THE COMMUTER CHRONICLES BUILDING THE BOUDOIR LOUNGE

BY HARTISTREE CELEBRATING CANADIAN BOUTIQUE BUSINESS

COOL AND HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL WEARABLE TECH GADGETS

FASHION EVOLUTION

SAFFRON ROAD GAIL-LYNN GASTALDI

ARE MORE DADS CHOOSING TO STAY HOME? YOUR GUIDE TO CANADA’S FALL FOLIAGE SEO OPTIMIZATION DEMYSTIFIED

BRIANNA GASTALDI

FALL 2017 | ISSUE NO.13 DISPLAY CANADA $6.99

READ BEYOND THE PAGES AT WWW.VENTURECOVER.COM

Labour law seems to evolve constantly.

Question is, do you have the team depth to keep up?

Whether in a boardroom, before a tribunal or in court, employers face a long list of challenges, many with short fuses and impactful outcomes. So the question is a good one; do you have access to a team of lawyers with the skills and capacity to keep up?

Siskinds is the answer, from mediation to litigation, contracts to safety. Our team of five labour and employment lawyers stays ahead of any curves that come your way. We understand your real-world issues, and work with you as partners to achieve your goals.

Discover the difference that team depth and expertise in labour and employment law makes.

siskinds.com/l&e

Labour and Employment Law

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THE GOODS 14 15 18 20 22 27

Empowerment & Entrepreneurship Why You Should Hire An Editor SEO Demystified 06 Cool & Highly Functional Wearable Tech Fashion Evolution With Saffron Road For Humanity’s Sake, Stop Having Children...Have Puppies 30 Are More Dads Choosing To Stay Home?

32 The Commuter Chronicles 42 What’s In Your Garden This Fall?

46 Venture Cover™ Social

FLIP MAGAZINE!

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22 President & Publisher Damian Box Managing Editor Sarah Jones

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Writers Cameron Arksey Jess Campbell Catherine Keron Lucia Di Cesare Lin Parkin Kristen Duever London Economic Development Co. Xi Yan

Cover Shoot Mai Tilson | Juan Neira

Video Directors Shake Media Chris Evans Raymond Garcia

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HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

Request a free digital copy of VC™ magazine. This issue of VC™ magazine is free and there are no strings attached. We promise you will never receive a bill. If you subscribe to VC™ magazine, you will automatically be opted-in to receive our regular VC™ email newsletter. Should you wish to opt-out of the free email newsletter, you are entitled to do so at any time by contacting VC™ magazine via email or clicking on the unsubscribe link contained within our website. Opting out of the free email newsletter does not alter any of the subscription terms and conditions. Subscriptions may include promotional items packaged with the magazine.

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Contributors Mike Hattim Andrew Stephenson Jorge Polio Jen Lofthouse Leah Francis Nichole Oretan Moda di Giuliana Bryan Channer Jen Channer David E. White Stefania Di Mascio Anthony Gibbons Maurice Levy

Director of Web Development Oscar Laverde Photographers Mai Tilson Darren Hatt Juan Neira hello@Venturecover.com

Venture Cover™ For Men & Women is published four times a year by Venture Cover Magazine Inc. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without the written consent of the publisher. The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or staff. Volume 4, Issue 13, Fall 2017. Venture Cover™ does not take any responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photography. To join our mailing list visit www.venturecover.com.

VC™ 2 0 1 7 | V E N T U R E C O V E R . C O M 5

Visit our showroom today

Kitchens | Vanities | Outside Bars | Fireplace Surrounds & More!

75 Midpark Cresent | London, Ontario | N6N 1A9

(519)652-3100

www.sloanstonedesign.com

sales@sloanstonedesign.com

PROLOGUE

LADIES

It’s been three years since the first pages of Venture Cover™ Magazine was published, showcasing local London businesses and providing everyday business advice.

Our readership grew, much like your businesses, and we added a lifestyle section to entice your inner millionaire.

Each quarter we endeavoured to create a lifestyle entrepreneurial publication that we are proud of and let’s say we’ve learned a lot along the way. Just like every good business, we’ve done our research and taken time to listen to our customers. So, what did we hear? You, our readers, said you want more. Now, we want more. We want to build an identity for VC™ with its own voice in London, Ontario: a voice that needs to be awoken. We don’t want to say we’re “new” but instead, we are taking this as an opportunity to evolve, to learn and be better.

If you grew up in London, you’ve seen it progress from a conservative manufacturing city into a lively hub of local breweries, quality restaurants, talented artists and entertainment and designer shops and boutiques.

Oh, and we can’t forget to mention

GENTLEMEN

our farmers’ markets, butcher shops and bakeries where you can find anything from traditional German kringle to Portuguese pastéis de nata or Lebanese warak arish. Our metropolis is vibrant and diverse, and we aim to be the publication that reflects the entrepreneurial personality of the city it serves. We want to help promote London business and encourage local and outsider support.

In our coming issues, we plan on exploring where business is going. VC™ will be pushing our writers to dig deep and investigate not only current trends, issues and topics but also the up-andcoming. We will also keep you in the know about the world around you, offering inspiration for your business and thought-provoking conversation.

Beyond our business pages, you’ll find an attainable lifestyle brand that allows you to splurge because aside from the feeling of success, sometimes you should reward yourself!

For this issue, we’re highlighting the business of boutique fashion with Saffron Road, a London staple, who reveals how to be a successful business

in an ever-changing industry. On the flip side, we’re celebrating 150 years of business in Canada with past VC™ alumni and their take on the evolution of their professions.

If there is one thing I’ve learned in publishing and branding, it is the need to be authentic. Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses. Do it for you and no one else. Always remember you’re bigger than your business card.

Publisher, Damian Box

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EVENTS

DESIGN HOUSE LONDON Design House London celebrates their new space with a grand opening gala! www.designhouselondon.ca

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Ontario Home Builders Winner of 2017 Most Outstanding High or Mid-Rise Condo Suite Kitchen 4094 Eastgate Cres. London, On | T. 519.652.5091 | www.dynamickitchens.ca

EVENTS

LAWN SUMMER NIGHTS

A unique summertime lawn bowling fundraiser held in cities across Canada, benefiting Cystic Fibrosis Canada. www.lawnsummernights.com

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Moda di Giuliana, London’s DESTINATION Women’s Clothing Store Since 1986.

320 Dundas Street (Across from Delta Armouries) 519.673.6632 (Moda) www.modadigiuliana.com

VENTURE COVER

IN UNCERTAIN TIMES, TURN TO THOSE YOU TRUST Autus. We work as hard for you, as you do for your money.

Building your customized Investment Portfolio - David W.Spinney, President B.A., M.A.(Econ.), CIM, FCSI

465 Waterloo Street London, Ontario N6B2P4 519.673.0924 www.autus.ca

Aveda Concept Studio Katrin Ostrowka Owner Operator

Allure Hair Studio & Spa 358 Wortley Road, London, Ontario 519.850.0999 www.allurestudioandspa.ca

VENTURE COVER

EMPOWERMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP BUILDING THE BOUDOIR LOUNGE

BY HARTISTREE

H

aving built a thriving business rooted in female empowerment and the influence of art, it comes as no surprise that Aroha McKaig, owner and photographer behind The Boudoir Lounge by Hartistree, is continuously fulfilled by her entrepreneurial pursuit. A hub of creativity, innovation and positivity, McKaig’s London studio has been a source of inspiration not only for her team of artists but also for the women she photographs.

At the age of 28, New Zealand born McKaig made the life-changing decision to leave behind an established career in the Australian hospitality industry, choosing instead to attend Brisbane College of Photography and Art. Upon receiving her diploma in Professional Photography, McKaig commenced her journey as an international entrepreneur, purchasing a franchise photography business before opening her own studio.

While the business was thriving and clientele was growing quickly, the company’s rural location allowed for only a limited spectrum of projects, most of which revolved around wedding, family, maternity and newborn photography. Despite her success, McKaig couldn’t help but feel as though something was missing; a yearning to explore more artistic ventures fuelled her thoughts, stimulating her entrepreneurial spirit and encouraging a search for something more.

In 2011, international love brought

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McKaig to Canada, where she began her life with her husband, Ian, and her two stepchildren. The experience aroused her creative ambition and artistic desire even more.

“Life has a funny way of showing you where you need to be,” McKaig laughingly explains. Upon arriving in Canada, immigration laws prohibited the immediate transfer of her business. “I was given a good amount of time to meditate on my brand; I was able to strategize how I could successfully transition my business to a new continent, and contemplate how it would change in the process.”

Once given the green light to take up business in London, McKaig launched Hartistree Photographics, a rebrand of her Australian company. With an emphasis on community, laughter and the power of positivity, Hartistree Photographics specializes in wedding, newborn, maternity and family photography as well as doing charity and community special events.

McKaig leveraged volunteer opportunities to build her Canadian portfolio, working with renowned non-profit organizations including Ronald McDonald House, The Red Shoe Society, Wellspring, Women’s Community Health and ALS Society of Canada.

“Hartistree Photographics captures the beautiful memories that life is all about,” says McKaig. “Through this company, I have had the pleasure of working with so many amazing people - people who know

how to laugh, who don’t take themselves too seriously and who show me what makes them who they are.”

In 2015, McKaig was struck by another wave of creative ambition. The desire to approach her business from a more artistic perspective pushed her to seek the inspiration and motivation required to move forward.

For McKaig, photographer Ewan Phelan was the spark that ignited that flame. Deeply affected by his work and the Do More Wear Less movement, McKaig made the decision to subscribe to Ewan’s boudoir photography workshop and join the Phelan’s Boudoir Academy. This proved to be monumental for McKaig who truly discovered her passion for boudoir photography and the empowerment it provides both the artist and client.

“The workshop and academy experience was truly life-changing,” says McKaig. “My work has really transitioned to a beautiful, dark and powerful place. I am very proud to be a part of the boudoir movement and love watching the genre increasingly gain exposure and popularity.”

Taking cues from a variety of both national and international sources, McKaig has established her own unique perspective and technique, carving out a niche for herself in the lifestyle photography market.

The Boudoir Lounge by Hartistree provides a unique, luxury customer experience.

McKaig’s studio - an open concept loft-style space in East London - offers a stunning juxtaposition of modern industrial design

and bright, contemporary decor. Providing a true 360 degree customer experience, McKaig’s clients receive full hair and makeup by some of London’s most coveted artists, such as Esteem Artistry and Beauty Bomb Glam, as well as giving her clients the option of personal styling via the studio’s beautiful lingerie closet.

Following the shoot, McKaig schedules a “Reveal Session,” during which clients return to the studio for a private viewing of their images and to select their final art pieces.

“What my clients and I create goes further than photographs,” expresses McKaig.

“Together, we create art.” Having researched McKaig’s digital portfolio prior to scheduling a session, clients of The Boudoir Lounge

by Hartistree know they will undoubtedly leave with an exquisite collection of artistic photographs that not only capture their beauty, but also their unique personality. However, most are surprised by the sheer empowerment they feel after finishing a shoot. As a feminist and advocate for body positivity and the #EffYourBeautyStandardsMovement, McKaig is driven by her clients’ overwhelming shift in demeanour as a result of her sessions.

“It is absolutely amazing to see women arrive in my studio feeling self-conscious and nervous, and leave feeling strong, empowered and completely renewed. In the end, whatever it is that my client chooses to do with their images; I know they leave feeling 100% amazing in their skin. It’s as if the final piece of the puzzle has been put in place - acceptance for themselves.” VC™

Aroha McKaig, Owner & Photographer The Boudoir Lounge by Hartistree

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BUSINESS

M WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE AN EDITOR Written By Kristen Duever

ost people, when they think of editors, they think of spectacled rather nerdy-looking folks who work for publishing houses — polishing up the next best-selling novel. But really, editors have clients in all industries and if you are a business owner or regularly produce written materials for the public, you should be working with an editor.

There are many who will object to the idea of hiring an editor. They say things like, “But I’m a great writer! or “I got an A in high school English,” and even, “Why should I pay someone else to proofread my stuff?”

The answer is simple. Spelling and grammar mistakes can be embarrassing — and costly! Case in point, a few years back, Old Navy produced college team inspired t-shirts with the phrase “Lets Go!!” printed on them. The shirts had to be pulled from store shelves because no one noticed the missing apostrophe in “Let’s” until it was too late.

Editors do more than correct spelling and find missing apostrophes. They can help turn your advertising brochures, white papers or product information sheets into pure gold by making suggestions on how to improve the content. Writing a press release? A professional editor will know how to make it sound more newsworthy and improve your chances of having it published.

To produce the best content for your brand, the services of a professional editor are invaluable. Here are a few of the reasons why you should always hire an editor: A FRESH SET OF EYES No matter how good you are at writing, something funny happens when you proofread your own work. You often see what you think you wrote instead of what you actually wrote. True story. Maybe there is a word missing but your brain “sees” it because it knows that word is supposed to be there or perhaps you’ve misused a certain word throughout your content. A professional editor will help you catch these errors before they literally (oops — figuratively) come back to bite you in the butt.

OBJECTIVE FEEDBACK When you ask a friend to review something you’ve written, they may be concerned about hurting your feelings if they tell you the truth about your poor grammar.

If you ask an employee for feedback, they may be more prone to praise what you’ve written rather than objectively critique it — after all, review time is coming up!

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A professional editor, on the other hand, won’t hesitate to let you know that an entire paragraph is redundant or that a sentence is awkwardly written. You won’t get your ego stroked, but you will get constructive feedback on how to improve your writing.

SAVE TIME Just like a trained mechanic can change a tire faster than you can, a professional editor can review and revise written content faster than non-professionals. Save yourself the time and frustration of having to read and re-read everything yourself.

An editor will save you time and help ensure that you meet your deadline.

SAVE MONEY – AND EMBARRASSMENT One of the reasons why many people choose not to hire editors is that they want to save money. Instead of thinking of professional editing services as an unnecessary expense, it should really be thought of as insurance against embarrassment and costly mistakes. Take the Old Navy t-shirt incident as an example. It would have cost a lot less to hire a professional editor than it did to print all those shirts that couldn’t be sold.

Even if a spelling or grammatical error doesn’t technically cost you anything (say it’s in your company blog for example,) it can still cause embarrassment and potentially harm your brand if the mistake is severe enough.

GET THE BEST POSSIBLE CONTENT For many business owners, much of what they do begins with the written word. A press release will help draw new customers to their grand opening. A clever advertising campaign will go viral and help build their brand. An interesting blog will help them build authority in the marketplace. And a well-researched and thoughtfully written proposal will help them win a big project. When put into perspective, writing is awfully important to business owners. A good editor will not only help to make sure this content is free of spelling and grammatical errors but they will also make sure it is clear, concise and written in a way that will impress your intended audience.

With everything that you have to juggle in your business, the last thing you want to worry about is something like a simple spelling mistake or missing apostrophe. Hiring a professional editor will not only help to prevent such mishaps but it will also help to take your content to a new level and give you a competitive edge. VC™

Let us help you get excited about your fall/winter ladies’ wardrobe Book an appointment with one of our fashion consultants today 1.519.472.3470 info@channers.com 581 Wonderland Rd. S

channers.com

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BUSINESS

SEO

DEM YSTI FIED

Written By Xi Yan Business & Digital Strategist www.red-rhino.com

D

iving into the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can, at times, feel like a bottomless pit of technical mumbo-jumbo and conflicting, confusing information.

Businesses of all sizes — from the local sandwich shop to large multinationals brands — need search engine visibility. Yet for most non-technical business owners, that “high rank” on search engines like Google and Bing seem completely out of reach. Allow me to help demystify the world of SEO and provide some actionable ideas that just might give you a leg up climbing the ranks to search engine success.

DO I REALLY NEED SEO? You may already know that “everyone” uses Google and that’s one of the reasons you’ve put up a website for your business. You want to be found. But do you know how your ideal customers use search engines? As it turns out, the top three search results from Google (excluding ads) receive nearly 80% of all clicks for any particular search query and less than 5% of searchers navigate beyond the first page of results. Having a website is a great first step toward being seen, but if you are a local business and your website doesn’t currently appear on the first page of search results, you could be virtually invisible to your potential customers at the make or

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break moment when they are searching for products or services like yours.

OKAY, SO SEO SOUNDS IMPORTANT BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS IT? Simply put, SEO is a marketing technique focused on growing your website’s organic (non-paid) search result visibility.

“Optimizing” your search engine performance consists of both technical and creative tactics that help you improve ranking and drive traffic to your website.

From the words on your webpage (called keywords), to the way other websites link to yours (called backlinks), there are many other important aspects to winning at SEO. Here are three easy tips you can implement today on your website to begin improving your search rankings: A MILLION TINY BILLBOARDS: Probably the oldest trick in the book, but it persists as one of the most important: improve page title, URL and page descriptions. The page title is the blue portion of the link that appears on Google for users to click on. Your page URL is the green portion directly under the blue link, and your page description is the small paragraph of supplementary text that appears last.

Your Page Title www.yoururl.com/home Your page description As an example, imagine you are a local pet store and you have a page for displaying your dog food products. When a user searches for “buy dog food in London Ontario,” they may be presented with these two results: Sam’s Pet Store www.samspet.ca/index-df234 Home page | About | Contact Wide Selection of Dog Food in London Ontario | Dave’s Pet Store www.davespet.ca/dog-food-London-Ontario At Dave’s Pet Store, we carry the highest quality dog food at the best prices. Stop by in store or buy online - See Our Selection Now ask yourself, which one of these search results is more descriptive? Catchier? More user- friendly? Which gives you the best idea of what the website is about without even having to click through? Most importantly, if you saw each of these search results side by side, which one would you choose?

Sorry Sam! If you treat your website page title, URL and description as a tiny billboard

for your business, you can see how much more appealing it is each time a potential customer searches for your product or service. Not only does having a meaningful and unique title/URL/description combination improve user experience and drive click-throughs to your website, the keywords you incorporate will also help you rank better on search engines. If you maintain your own website, you can make these adjustments yourself. If your website is built on Wordpress, SEO Yoast is a great plugin that will get you started, and if you don’t manage your own website, contact your webmaster to help you with these simple fixes.

X MARKS THE SPOT Set up a Google My Business account.

Google My Business is Google’s way of ensuring your local business has correct information displayed to the right customers when they are in the right area. Google My Business information includes your physical location, opening hours, phone number and any other industry specific categories such as menus for restaurants, ticket prices for an escape room, etc. The data you enter into Google My Business is syndicated across Google Maps, Google Search and other Google services that will display when a user is looking for your type of business in the local area.

Setting up Google My Business is completely free. Just Google the name and follow the instructions. Keep your profile up-to-date and start gathering reviews.

These local and personal references will drive even more traffic to your business - assuming they are mostly good reviews.

FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED Improve your website’s loading time.

How quickly your website loads is a ranking criterion for Google and also generally affects your customer experience. Over 40% of customers will abandon a website on their mobile devices if it takes longer than one second to load. This is called a bounce. There are a few things you can do to improve your site’s speed and keep users’ attention. You can upgrade your web hosting package, or make optimizations to the site yourself or with the help of a web developer.

The general rule in the world of web is faster = better.

The three tips above may seem simple, but they are very important steps to take on your SEO journey.

Of course, there are many more tactics to apply to your website down the road, but by focusing on the basics and building on that incremental success, you’ll see results in no time. You may just have to Bing it to believe it. VC™

Do you suffer from headaches and TMJ? Did you know that as many as 90% of headaches may be related to problems with the jaw joint which is also known as TMJ. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint,

or jaw joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull. Problems can arise when the lower jaw is not in its proper relationship to the upper jaw. TMJ (jaw joint) problems can occur if you have clenching and grinding habits, trauma to the head and neck, automobile accidents, whiplash injury or intubation procedures in hospitals, a bad bite or when your lower jaw is too far back.

One of the main symptoms of TMJ is headaches. Other symptoms include neck pain, earaches, ringing in the ears, clicking or popping noises when opening and closing the mouth, tired jaws or pain when chewing, dizziness or fainting, difficulty in swallowing and pain behind the eyes.

The objective of the treatment is to stabilize the jaw in its correct position using upper and lower splints which reduces the patient’s symptoms as described earlier.

Dr. Rondeau’s practice is limited to the treatment of patients with orthodontic, TMJ (jaw joint) problems and patients who have snoring and sleep apnea.

FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION CALL DR. RONDEAU’S OFFICE AT (519) 455-4110 www.ortho-tmj.com

Dr. Brock Rondeau, D.D.S. General Dentist

TECH

06 COOL AND HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL WEARABLE TECH GADGETS Written By Lin Parkin

T

he future of wearable tech is diversifying each year and is going way beyond the scope of step counting to possibly detecting cancer and mental illness as well as neurodegenerative diseases.

While medical detection devices may still be a few years off, there have been significant advances since this technology came to the masses in the early 2000s. Years later, what matters most to people is that it’s got to be both highly useful and highly wearable.

Some of the top manufacturers are stepping up their game, creating useful tech that is also stylish. Whether you’re looking for fitness tech, safety devices or wearable computer technology, here are six must have wearable tech gadgets to add to your life.

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UNDER ARMOUR GEMINI 3 RE SMART SHOES If you’re not a fan of jewelry, tech-connected shoes may be more your style. The Under Armour Gemini 3 RE smart shoes allow you to track fitness levels with the tech hidden inside the soles of the shoes. The soles contain an accelerometer that records your running metrics and saves all the data through Bluetooth connectivity that’s viewable in an app. The shoes also feature a pre-run jump test to measure how ready your body is to perform. An ideal feature if you’ve just signed up for a marathon. Available for both men and women, you can find them at underarmour.com.

MISFIT RAY

MOTIV RING

It started back in 2015 with a simple wristband that monitored your daily steps and heart rate…then the Apple Watch happened. Now, new fitness gadgets need to be top class if they want to grab (and keep) our attention. The Misfit Ray delivers. Stylish enough to dress it up or down, it automatically tracks your steps, distance and calories. It may also help you sleep better by tracking your light and restful sleep patterns. You’ll never miss a beat with the vibration alerts for your incoming calls and texts, movement reminders and alarms. With the touch of a button, you can control your connected household devices from your wrist. It’s swim-proof with an anodized aluminum cylinder and multi coloured LED progress display. It’s noncharging, replaceable batteries last up to four months. Check it out at Misfit.com.

If wearing a wrist band is a little too cumbersome for you, you might prefer to put a ring on it. The iPhone-compatible smart ring, Motiv, turns heads with its sleek, 8mm wide titanium band in rose gold or slate grey finishes. Inside, it’s a fitness tracker that monitors your steps, distance, active minutes and optical heart rate. The battery lasts five days, and is even waterproof up to 50 metres. Plus, there are seven sizes to fit both male and female fingers. Find them at mymotiv.com.

JIOBIT

LEVI’S® COMMUTER™ TRUCKER JACKET

Even the most well-intentioned parents sometimes have a hard time keeping track of their kids. Small children wander off in the blink of an eye, and as they get older, the helicopter parenting needs to stop in favour of independence.

Meet the kid leash of today, the Jiobit.

It combines Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and cellular triangulation in a hybrid system of location tracking, along with machine learning, to map the typical patterns of your child over time and notifies parents of deviations. Small and discreet, clip the Jiobit to your child’s clothing, backpack or shoelaces.

See it at Jiobit.com.

As if denim wasn’t cool enough already, Levi Strauss & Co. partnered with Google’s Jacquard Project, which aims to turn everyday objects into interactive, gesturecontrolled surfaces. The denim jacket comes to life through conductive fabric and a Bluetooth device that attaches to the cuff and connects to your Smartphone. The connected area consists of 15 threads on the left sleeve that are just visible enough so you know where to touch. The Commuter allows you to get directions, adjust music volume or answer a phone call - all triggered by swiping a finger on the jacket fabric.

Check it out at levi.com.

SAFELET In an emergency situation, you can’t always get to your phone to dial for help. The Safelet solves that problem as a stylish accessory. This smart bracelet uses a Bluetooth low energy GPS connection that notifies your friends and family — or even the police — of your location and that you need assistance. Activated by simultaneously pressing the two buttons on the side, it sends out a help signal when you can’t get to your phone. Available at safelet.com.

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VENTURE COVER

SAFFRON ROAD Written by Jess Campbell

FASHION EVOLUT A constant presence within London’s fashion community, Saffron Road strikes a fine balance between staying current and forging ahead.

I

n a world that’s ever-changing, we all struggle with how to stay relevant in our chosen profession. There always seems to be something much bigger and better around the corner. Nowhere is this truer than in the fashion industry. With new department store fashion lines coming out every few weeks and the popularity of paring down one’s entire wardrobe to 10 pieces or less, making a significant, lasting mark in the business of fashion can be challenging, to say the least. Stores keep getting bigger and their presence and message about what we should and shouldn’t wear blasts us from all sides - social media, television, billboards, radio and conglomerate storefronts.

Bigger isn’t synonymous with better.

Saffron Road has been a pillar of London’s Richmond Row for almost three decades,

utilizing it’s quiet yet powerful fashion influence to win the stylish hearts of their loyal customers. Owner Gail-Lynn Gastaldi continues to grow and thrive with her boutique alongside the next generation, her daughter and fellow buyer, Brianna, and Creative Director, Jennifer Lofthouse. The powerhouse team of three has learned to balance their differing styles and tastes with their clients wants and needs, and keeps pushing London’s fashion needle from safe to spectacular.

FASHIONABLE ROOTS ften, success comes in the most unexpected ways, something that’s certainly true for GailLynn who was born and raised in Trinidad. “I came from small business. My

O

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mom and dad had a business and so, it’s funny that this is where I’ve ended up — owning my own business. I didn’t think that was where I would be,” she confesses. Having come to Canada to attend boarding school for a year, Gail-Lynn eventually went to the University of Waterloo; graduating with a General Arts degree, she went on to teacher’s college. (Yes, this fashion icon was once an elementary school teacher.) Switching from education to fashion had nothing to do with trying to teach people about clothes or how to dress but more to do with friendship and opportunity.”

“In 1984, we moved from Victoria, British Columbia, where our second child, Brianna, was born, to London because my husband, Brian, accepted the position of physiotherapist at the Fowler Kennedy Sports Injury clinic. During those early years in

N TION London, I met (the late) Linda Boniface who was the owner of Chez Cheveux. But she and I connected; we loved fashion.” After a visit to what was then the Toronto Festival of Fashion, Linda had the idea to open a clothing store. Gail-Lynn’s response? “Sure, let’s do that!”

Saffron Road opened in late summer 1989 — Linda’s connections and drive turned it from idea to reality in a mere three months — and a year later, Gail-Lynn found herself as the sole proprietor of the business with Linda stepping away from being involved in the day-to-day operation. “It continues to be (a sole proprietorship), other than having Brianna and Jennifer on board as my co-people in crime,” Gail-Lynn says.

Then a strong, teasing voice pipes up in the background, “she calls us her bitches!”

Gail-Lynn Gastaldi

Brianna Gastaldi

Saffron Road

577 Richmond Street London, ON N6A3G2 Canada (t) +519-673-3406 (f) +519-673-4108 (e) info@saffronroad.ca www.saffronroad.ca

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ue hysterical — and maybe a little mortified — laughter from GailLynn and the woman behind this light-hearted detail, daughter Brianna. Brianna Gastaldi has followed in her mother’s footsteps but down her own path; in other words, she never banked on a career in fashion either and least of all with her mom.

“I’ve grown up in the store (but) didn’t think I’d be in fashion,” confides Brianna. “My mom always encouraged my brother and I to experience living in Trinidad so I moved there; there was a Canadian school there so I lived with my grandparents. I then went to the University of Guelph for English and thought I wanted to go to teacher’s college in Australia, which didn’t start until January or February.

I grew up with dance so, in the meantime, mom encouraged me to do Pilates instructor training. I did that and ended up falling in love with it, doing the full certification in Toronto.

Because I was in the city, it was great for me to go with my mom to appointments and start to see what the buying side of the business was all about. Well, I never ended up going to teacher’s college. When I was completing my Pilates training and starting to really grow an interest in the business side of Saffron Road, my mom’s manager at the time left which sort of opened up an opportunity for me.”

Teaching Pilates two days a week in Toronto and spending two days per week at the store has made a busy but full life for Brianna. When asked where she resides, she replies, “I live on the 401.” (#notshocking) Brianna loves the balance of creativity and fashion that comes with teaching Pilates and increasing her involvement in the store.

She has many early memories of spending time there, yet one stands out for both her and her mother. “If I was sick, I had this space in the back with a mat, sleeping bag and pillow and I’d just be there until she was done work. But one time, I came out and told my mom I didn’t feel good — and then puked on the jewellery cabinet.” (big laughs) Clearly, fashion isn’t always glamorous.

Jen Lofthouse serves as the third leg of this fashion tripod, having come to the Saffron Road team immediately after graduating from the Fashion Merchandising program at Fanshawe College. She moved quickly into a management role both because of her eye for fashion and because of Gail-Lynn’s other life as part of the Rowbust Dragon Boat racing team (she is a breast cancer survivor). With five years under her stylish belt so far, Jen agrees that being in the fashion industry isn’t synonymous with sophistication. “There are

so many dynamics of the business. One day we’ll be shopping for new arrivals in New York and the next, we’ll be down in the basement, getting dusty and sorting through things to prepare for a basement sale. So, it’s not always glamorous but it’s always changing, and I love that.” #BRINGBACKTHEBOUTIQUE ashion is everywhere. Gone are the days when shopping downtown with a group of friends was a thing.

Now, you open an app on your phone or sit down at your computer and order what you think you need without having to leave your house, let alone get dressed (irony, anyone?). A few seasons ago, when large brand name department stores began pushing online shopping and the allure of an endless variety of fast fashion, the team at Saffron Road was left wondering how they’d compete.

That’s when Jen had an idea; one that was way outside anything fashion typically used in terms of marketing or attracting customers.

She decided they — Gail-Lynn and Brianna, mother and daughter — would become the Saffron Road brand. And so, they did.

With one visit to their website, saffronroad.ca, you immediately see a scrolling version of their latest look-book modeled by Gail-Lynn and Brianna. Not only are the clothes beautiful but Gail-Lynn and Brianna also look like they’re having a blast.

“How often do you see the owner of a store and her daughter get dolled up and model the clothes they’re bringing into their store for you?” asks Jen. “It’s really endearing and personal, and it shows what Saffron Road is about.”

Gail-Lynn may have needed a bit of convincing, but knew participating in this idea would benefit the store and its customers — and bring in new ones. “If all the customers are only buying what I like or if we’re only thinking about the customers we have right now, we will grow old with our customer,” she acknowledges. “That means the end of a store at some point. So, you must have a younger generation involved and you must get them into the store, not only on the business side but as customers.”

It was Brianna who came up with the idea to create and use a hashtag to promote the brand on social media. #bringbacktheboutique is not about revamping the store’s image or product but about demonstrating what Saffron Road stands for — providing quality fashion and a personalized shopping experience for a wide demographic that can’t be found in

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the bowels of department stores (at least, not without paying extra for that service). “We’re a small family business,” says Brianna. “Our goal is to better accommodate our clients, not grow so far beyond what our roots are. It’s a natural evolution. I’m not coming in and wanting X, Y and Z to change. We don’t have a formula. We just love what we love and we run with that.”

S R R

FOR THE LOVE OF FASHION oving what they love may be more of a formula than the Saffron Road women realize. It’s clear the entire team — one that includes several fantastic sales associates who are considered “indispensable,” expresses Gail-Lynn — has not only a passion for fashion but also a passion for helping others love themselves through loving the clothes they wear. Saffron Road provides a variety of collections, sizes and price points to retain current customers and attract new ones, but also to demonstrate that great style is about investing in yourself and your clothes, even if it’s one piece at a time. “The direction has always been fashion forward, enduring style,” says Gail-Lynn. “The philosophy we have is that when you purchase a piece of clothing from Saffron Road, we’d like it to last for more than one season. We don’t want it to be that you wear it now and then next year, you’re not wearing it. We talk about cost-peruse, pieces that provide longevity — that’s an investment. It’s not a throwaway piece where you wear it twice, post it on social media and then never wear it again.”

Brianna talks about Saffron Road’s continued support of Canadian designers, something that very few clothing stores will do these days in favour of fast and cheap fashion made overseas. “We’ve got Judith & Charles, Unttld (Montreal) and Greta Constantine, Comrags, Dennis Merotto, Outclass (Toronto); there’s these and so many other Canadian designers where an actual person is going through the entire design process — brainstorming, finalizing, cutting and piecing the garment together — just hours away from us, which is rare in fashion.

We are proud of that and, to be honest, they’re some of our very favourite collections.”

Although they’ve been supporting Canadian designers since their inception — as was the vision of Linda Boniface — Saffron Road must also have their clients at top of mind when considering what to bring into the store, something Jen explains requires a fine balance. “We’ll go back and forth about

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VENTURE COVER

what our customer might like. But then you also don’t want to get into a position where it’s just your customer dictating what you bring into the store. It’s your store so you need to, to an extent, build their appetite for something they don’t even know they’re hungry for. So it’s about finding that feel and that look that appeals to Saffron Road but also keeping our clients in mind.”

Remaining inspired for each new season may seem like a daunting task but it’s their clients that keep the women of Saffron Road moving forward with fashion. “As far as fashion goes, it’s about gut instinct,” reveals Gail-Lynn. “When

you see a new collection for the first time, they’ll show you 15 to 200 items. You look to the salesperson or the designer for advice. But then you look at it and ask, what do I like? What do the others like? What will our customers like? It comes back to the customer because without them, you don’t have a business.

So how do we inspire our customers? It’s an evolution, certainly.”

For Brianna, inspiration seems a little more personal. “If you ever just step back and let Gail-Lynn do her thing, watch her wander through an appointment with a designer or go through a trade show, she has an incredible eye for things. She’s

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drawn to incredibly well made, very different but beautiful things. It’s the quality and the design component that she’s most attracted to. I don’t know how she does it; she’s always five steps ahead of everyone else. My mom has never been about huge labels or being flashy but about feeling great in what you do and believing in it.”

Change is as difficult as you make it out to be. For the team at Saffron Road, their ability to continuously evolve with fashion but satisfy their own tastes along with their clients will be what keeps them moving forward for years to come. VC ™

WORLD

FOR HUMANITY’S SAKE, STOP HAVING CHILDREN… HAVE PUPPIES You’ve done too much Much too young Now you’re married with a kid When you could be having fun with me -The Specials, 1980

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WORLD

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here is a threat close enough to be seen with the unaided eye.

Likely, there is no avoiding it. The Holocene extinction will be the sixth planet-level collapse. The Holocene epoch, which began with the end of the last ice age, has revealed itself to be largely about humanity. Whereas previous systemic collapses may have resulted from vulcanism and asteroids, human consumption is more culpable this time around. We are responsible for pollution, habitat loss and species decline, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and, perhaps, even climate change. And this horror show is happening in a relative blink of the eye.

In its last update of at-risk species, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) found that 31 percent of the thousands of assessed species were immediately in danger of extinction.

Likewise, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) suggests a majority of all species will be lost by the end of this century. Isn’t Homo sapiens supposed to be the smart man?

Pope Francis, leader of the largest Christian denomination and the “one true church,” published the 184 pages encyclical On Care For Our Common Home in 2015.

For much of the circular, the pontiff’s advice resembles what people have come to expect from environmental warnings; society must find some way to break its apathy and we all must be part of the solution. It’s obvious to the Church, along with everyone else, that our throwaway culture and runaway technological evolution are to blame. Regrettably though, 2 8 V E N T U R E C O V E R . C O M | VC ™ 2 0 1 7

the pope walks up to the edge of a solution but no further as he concludes that “we need to grow in the conviction that a decrease in the pace of production and consumption can at times give rise to another form of progress and development.” God’s children need only experience what he calls an ecological conversion or re-baptism “to be protectors of God’s handiwork.”

As reasonable a pope as Francis is, there is one activity to be maintained, apparently at all costs. Even with its tragic orders on the Crusades, Spanish Inquisition and New World genocide lingering in the not-toodistant past, the same encyclical is recklessly confident that overpopulation is not the problem: “To blame population growth instead of extreme and selective consumerism on the part of some, is one way of refusing to face the issues.” Elsewhere this pope states that Catholics need not “breed like rabbits,” but warns that not having children is a “selfish” act. In other words, the pope is not down with DINKS (Dual Income, No Kids). Maybe it is understandable that the pontiff would leave birth control out of the discussion when “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth,” as recorded in Genesis 1:28, arguably are, the first commands ever issued by God. Fidelity to the word is a concern even if Rome is burning. But where is the consideration that the book of Genesis was written in the 10th century BC? The book and the command are more than 3000 years old. Things change.

A prayer may be in order because the most important behavioural change individuals can make, according to climate and social

scientists, is not giving up their car or their dog or barbecues. It’s giving up the next kid. In 2017, geographers Seth Wynes and Kimberly A. Nicholas describe how the choice to have one less child can help green-minded families emit 118 tonnes less carbon dioxide per year − that’s 118,000 kilograms for those counting.

Living car free saves, at most, five tonnes; avoiding one return transatlantic flight only one and a half tonnes; going vegetarian saves no more than one tonne. Other research suggests that you can save two SUVs worth of emissions if you don’t get a puppy. But get the puppy and say you rescued it.

For all of these factors, where you live is a determinant. Along with Australians, North Americans are the biggest resource users on the planet. In comparison, not having another child in Russia, say Wynes and Nicholas, only saves 40 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year and in Japan just 20 tonnes. In 2009, statistician Paul Murtaugh calculated that having 1 child in the United States results in the same lifetime emissions as having 5.7 children in China or 160 in Bangladesh.

North Americans need not feel guilty though, they just need to stop having children. The solution seems simple enough so why isn’t the message getting out?

We cannot just blame the pope. Neither governments nor businesses have come off the pot of growth. It’s baked into longterm forecasts. Shrinking is a scandalous concept.

China’s progressive and successful 1979 one-child policy became a two-child policy in 2016. Pakistan, with a 2016 population estimated to be somewhere between 202 and

ANNUAL CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSION REDUCTIONS CHART

GO VEGETARIAN

HAVE ONE LESS CHILD

LIVE CAR FREE

AVOID ONE FLIGHT

EAT LOCAL

RECYCLE

PLANT ONE TREE

ANNUAL CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSION REDUCTIONS (KG)*

Have One Less Child Maximum 117,700 Minimum 23,700

Live Car Free 5,300 1,000

Avoid One Flight 2,800 700

Go Vegetarian 1,600 300

Eat Local 360 -

Recycle Plant One Tree 210 60 - 6

* Excerpted from Wynes, S. & Nicholas, K. (2017). The climate mitigation gap: education and government recommendations miss the most effective individual actions. Environmental Research Letters, 12 (7).

214 million people and a growth rate of over two percent, freshly banned advertisements featuring contraception devices from television and radio even though it claims reducing population growth is a top priority.

Analyzing secondary school science textbooks available to 80% of Canada’s students, Wynes and Nicholas found that an incomplete picture is being spun for readers: “No textbook suggested having fewer children as a way to reduce emissions, and only 2 out of 10 mentioned avoiding air travel.” Instead the textbooks focus on low-impact activities like recycling and energy reduction in the home.

Canadians still see the writing on the wall if not in their textbooks. Despite the country and its provinces using tax codes to create incentives for larger families, the country’s natural growth rate will approach zero within the next 20 years according to Statistics Canada. While it costs families about $250,000 to raise a child in Canada, it’s the state and its businesses who recoup that money so population decline isn’t being contemplated let alone pushed. Traditionally, the younger people are required to let the

older people live out their golden years free from hewing wood and drawing water. With Canada’s natural childbirth rate decreasing, its immigration rate and retirement age increase to compensate. But at what consequence? If you can’t barter away a daughter or put a son to work, it makes perfect economic sense, especially for women, to have fewer children. When women aren’t looking after children, they are more likely to complete postsecondary education and they are more likely to earn full-time salaries.

Foreign Policy magazine, a neoliberal pillar, recently hosted university philosophers Travis Rieder and Rebecca Kukla to debate the ethics of childbirth so close to an impending apocalypse. Neither would accept that it was their job to offer advice on procreation.

Kukla was too concerned about reproductive technology being used as a weapon against women − a valid worry in normal times − and about stigmatizing people. Rieder was stuck on the fact that society should have dealt with overpopulation decades ago. Neither was prepared to say that if you have one more child, they will suffer for it.

In April 2017, the world population was estimated at 7.5 billion. The midrange forecast has it at 11.2 billion by 2100. There are no easy answers. North America’s elected leaders all have more children than the average citizen. Justin Trudeau has three children and Mexican President Peña Nieto has four. Donald Trump has five children from three different women. Inconveniently, Al Gore has four. Allegedly, once people start breeding they become less empathetic to everyone but their own kids.

Life is less brutal than it once was for the vast majority of humans but this may be a temporary blip. There is an eerie similarity to the path some failed civilizations have taken, whether the Maya or ancient Rapa Nui, the Khmer Empire or the Roman Empire. Repeatedly, civilizations learn to exploit their environment too well and never learn moderation. Today, in place of isolated empires, there is a global economy that takes anything from anywhere, including the forests. The seas are stealing territory as well. The Holocene extinction is a global phenomenon. VC ™ VC™ 2 0 1 7 | V E N T U R E C O V E R . C O M 2 9

LIFESTYLE

ARE MORE DADS CHOOSING TO STAY HOME? Written By Lin Parkin

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ountless studies have shown a baby’s early years are most critical for establishing strong family bonds and developing positive social skills. Currently, parents in Ontario can take time with their new little bundles through Employment Insurance (EI) up to 37 weeks combined maternity and paternity leave, which couples can split however they see fit.

Although parental leave has been an option since the mid 2000s, dads still take very little time off after the birth of their child and that’s not just long paternity leaves. According to UCBaby, Canadian research shows 75% of fathers take a week or less and 16% don’t take any days off at all.

A number of factors might contribute to such low numbers. In heterosexual relationships, many fathers are still the higher earner in their family and can’t afford to take a reduced wage (currently a dismal 55% of your regular pay). Or, they don’t qualify for parental benefits through EI; you need to have accumulated 600 insurable hours in the past year to be eligible for parental leave. Self-employed or part-time workers won’t qualify unless they’ve opted to pay into their own EI benefits. In other circumstances, fathers may worry about losing seniority at work or being emasculated by their peers.

But, for a growing number of new fathers, it’s becoming more acceptable (personally as well as professionally) to take parental leave to spend more time with their babies in those impressionable early years. Some employers are even investing in employees taking leave, not only letting them have the time off but encouraging them to do so with attractive incentives,

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like benefit top ups and no repercussions to their position.

“My employer offers the opportunity for fathers to take up to six weeks at 100% pay. Those six weeks come off the mother’s year. But they can be taken at the same time,” says Danny McKinnon of London and father of now 4-year-old Mary. “So, we took the last six weeks off together. For me, it was a no brainer to take the time to spend once Mary was a little older.”

Having that time off was extremely beneficial for Danny and his family.

“It wasn’t just me going to work every day and only seeing Mary at night and not getting in there and helping Angela [his wife] — but giving Mary extra love and attention.”

Danny, an Investment Representative of 17 years for one of the five big banks, had unwavering support from family and colleagues. “My family was super excited that my employer was giving me the ability to have six weeks paid time off during the first year. My peers at work, some of them, had done it before and were very supportive and encouraging about it.”

For some dads, the decision to take a longer paternity leave plays double-duty in bonding with the child as well as helping their partner maintain career aspirations.

Mark Marshall, father of two, is a Senior IT Manager and a 28-year veteran of Brampton’s Public Education service.

He took parental leave with his youngest, Michael, born in February 2008. His wife Rachel took the first eight months, and he took the last four.

“At the time I took parental leave, I cannot remember another male in our department ever taking it. It did not affect my career at all. I had a very supportive

CIO who happened to be female. I cannot say for sure that her being female made a difference, but in IT, there is a disproportionate number of males and it gets the moniker of a boys’ club.”

For Mark and his family, there were many good reasons for him to take parental leave.

“Firstly, I think it supported Rachel in her career as women generally, and more specifically in IT, have a challenge competing in the “boys club.”

The quicker she returned to work, the better it was for her career and probably her state of mind. Being isolated at home thinking about work probably wears on you.”

Another major reason was to spend time with his son while he was still very young, “not that we did a lot at eight months old.” But taking full responsibility for Michael and all domestic needs was a great experience for Mark. “I think getting away from work was good, but slowing down and getting time to be just us was very cathartic. You tend to get caught up in the whirlwind that is life in the 2000s, and I enjoyed being at home. In fact, I was not looking forward to returning to work at the end.”

For the Millson’s, 1995 marked a special time in their lives. With 26-month-old twin

daughters at home, Jim and Michelle found themselves expecting their third child. Paternity leave was a new thing in the OPP where Jim worked (now retired), but he found it was a fantastic opportunity to stay home and bond with the twins while Michelle cared for their new baby girl. “I spent most of the time bonding with the baby, but it gave Jim an opportunity to get out with the girls experiencing the parks, the outdoors, meeting new little kids,” says Michelle. “We were very fortunate to be able to spend time with the three little ones together.

Having Jim home for eight weeks during his parental leave was a fabulous opportunity for us all. It relieved a lot of pressure on me as a mother of three under the age of two and a half.”

While more people these days are open to the idea of men taking time off work to be with their families and bond with their children, there is one misconception that needs immediate quashing: “The number one [misconception], ‘He’s lazy and doesn’t want to work’ – really? Staying home you do not have time to be lazy,” says Mark. “You are busy; you are not home with the child in the playpen while you have a beer and watch the sports channels – lol – so far from the truth!” VC™

Welcome To A Gentleman’s Shop For Boys, Men & Seniors

Five Star Barber Shop 91 Wellington St. London (519) 601-1198

THE COMMUTER CHRONICLES SUMMER MAY HAVE FADED OUT, BUT VC™ IS STILL PACKING THE HEAT IN OUR FALL COMMUTER CHRONICLES.

In every issue, VC™ partners up with local London businesses to show off the latest and greatest from the city’s fashion and auto scenes so you can look and feel like your best self.

Fall is always a season of transition so why not reinvent yourself by taking the time to invest in some fresh pieces for your wardrobe? Let us inspire your fall fashion sense with our showcase of the season’s best from Channer’s, Moda Di Giuliana, Joseph’s, Saffron Road, Accents and David E. White. While you’re at it, fuel your desire for luxury by poring over the Mercedes-Benz GLC, the BMW X5 40e and the exotic Stelvio at London’s state-of-the-art Alfa Romeo dealership.

Don’t merely take us at our word – get out there, enjoy the season and indulge in the finest that London offers in fashion and automobiles!

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Creative Team Photos | Jorge Polio Photography jorgepoliophotography.com Videography | Andrew Stephenson www.shakemedia.ca Styling | Stefania Di Mascio Hair | www.salonentrenous.com Makeup | Siobhan Lynch Models | Siobhan Lynch + Adam Jesperson Location | www.designhouselondon.ca

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Men’s Style Shoe | Andrea Zori Jean | Jacob Cohen Jacket & Shirt | Grand Sasso Pocket Square | Eleventy Available at Channer’s www.channers.com Wrist Watch | Rolex Submariner Available at Nash Jewellers www.nashjewellers.com

Ladies’ Style Hat | Seventy Jacket | HUGO by Hugo Boss Scarf | Repeat Cashmere Sweater | Alice & Olivia Jeans | Paige Shoes | Paul and Shark Available at Channer’s www.channers.com

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Ladies’ Style Coat | Seventy Top | Vince Jeans | Paige Purse | Abro Shoes | Louise et Cie Available at Channer’s www.channers.com

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Ladies’ Style Pants | Current / Elliott Blouse | Equipment Sweater | Alice + Olivia Bag & Footwear | Loeffler Randall Necklace | Chan Luu Available at Saffron Road www.saffronroad.ca Men’s Style Pant & Plaid Top Current Elliott Vest | Theory Watch | Daniel Wellington Sweater | Nudie Jeans Footwear | Frye Available at Saffron Road www.saffronroad.ca

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Ladies’ Style Leather Jacket | Schyia Leather Leggins | Lamarque Available at Moda di Giuliana www.modadigiuliana.com

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Ladies Style Cape with Alpaca Fur | Seventy Cashmere Sweater Princess Goes Hollywood Jeans | James Jeans Available at Moda di Giuliana www.modadigiuliana.com Men’s Style Sport Coat | Empire Shirt | Eterna Jeans | Alberto Belt | Benchcraft Pocket Square | Dion Available at David E. White www.davidewhite.com

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Ladies’ Style Dress | Zadig&Voltaire Boots | Stuart Weitzman Available at Accents & Hangar 9 www.shopaccents.ca www.hangar9.ca

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Ladies’ Style Skirt, Sweater & Front Tassel Boot Dorothee Schumacher Available at Accents & Hangar 9 www.shopaccents.ca www.hangar9.ca Men’s Style Sport Coat | Empire Shirt | Bertigo Jeans | Baldessarini Belt | Benchcraft Pocket Square | Dion Available at David E. White www.davidewhite.com

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MODA DI GUILIANA

Across from the Delta London Armories downtown, it’s your destination women’s clothing store. Moda houses the latest styles from fashion hubs like Montreal, Germany, Italy and France. Featuring exquisite pieces chosen with the customer in mind for a beautiful look.

320 Dundas St. London On. (519) 673-6632 (moda) www.modadigiuliana.com

It’s All in the name - Stelvio.

Italian craftsmanship and class leading performance. Stelvio named after the Stelvio pass — one of the best driving roads in the world. Inspired by this great driving road, Italy’s best engineers and artisans set out to imagine, design and craft a truly Italian SUV. An epitome of excellence, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a new breed of high-performance SUV with the heart and soul of a hero.

Pure adrenaline knows few limits.

Well-equipped for less than you think.

LONDON ALFA ROMEO 980 Wharncliffe Rd S. London On. (519) 649-0975 www.LondonAlfaRomeo.com

Discover More at Alfa Romeo of London

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CHANNER’S

Men’s and ladies’ apparel from all the top global brands. Whether dressing up or dressing down, visit Channer’s for superior quality clothing and accessories.

581 Wonderland Rd.S London On. (519) 472-3470 www.channers.com

BMW LONDON 766 Wharncliffe Road South London On. (519) 685-2277 www.bmwlondon.ca

JOSEPHS CLOTHIERS

The BMW X5 40e.

194 Wellington St. London On. (519) 438-2955 www.josephsclothiers.com

The BMW X5 40e combines purely electric, emission-free driving over short distances and dynamic driving performance with optimum traction.

The xDrive all-wheel drive system guarantees the best-possible road handling and outstanding agility.

A new storefront with a new attitude, Joseph’s Clothiers is more than tuxedos.

Find your suit style and browse through the most diverse selection of men’s suits ever!

Mercedes-Benz resets the bar for the luxury SUV. The GLC is engineered, designed and crafted to raise the bar for midsize SUVs in safety, style and satisfaction.

It’s been honed in the wind tunnel and on the track for a muscular shape and performance to match. Its long wheelbase, wide doors and confident stance add to its stability and spaciousness, elevating driver confidence and passenger comfort.

MERCEDES-BENZ LONDON 35 Southdale Road East London On. (866) 879-0743 www.mblondon.com

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EAT+DRINK

What’s In Your Garden This Fall?

Written By Lucia Di Cesare Registered Holistic Nutritionist www.simplyhealthyliving.ca

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or us in Southern Ontario, summer means great weather filled with endless beach days and plenty of patio nights. It also brings garden vegetables grown in our own backyards, berry picking and trips to farmers’ markets on the weekend.

So as we approach fall, we all begin to lament the end of the dog days of summer and, it seems, our supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fret not, fall gardens can be just as abundantly delicious and equally packed with health benefits!

Known for its exquisitely eye-catching autumn leaves and cooler temperatures, fall produces vegetables with those same magnificent hues. These rich colours, while enticing to look at it, also mean dense nutritional value. In fact, the deeper the shade, the better it is for you.

The orange varieties, like butternut squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and carrots, are particularly high in vitamin A, while the dark leafy greens, like chard and kale, are rich in vitamin C. Finally, growing best in the spring and fall, the deep reddish-purple beet contains a significant amount of vitamin B. Belonging to one of the largest groups of vegetables, squash are extremely diverse in variety and cooking methods. Along with vitamin A, squash also have high quantities of vitamin C, a fair share of protein and they are a great source of anti-oxidants and minerals like magnesium and potassium — all of which help to strengthen your immune system and cardiovascular health. Have you ever tried making butternut squash gnocchi? Normally, gnocchi is an Italian potato dumpling or pasta but by substituting the potato for butternut squash, you substantially increase the nutritional value of this popular dish. You can also bake butternut squash with a touch of cinnamon and simply eat the flesh out of the skin with a spoon. Top it off with some baked beans, grated cheese and a dollop of yogurt and it can easily be the centre star of your meal.

These days who doesn’t love sweet potatoes? High in vitamin A, vitamin C and fibre and rich in potassium, this vegetable packs a punch on the health metre, warding off anxiety, building strong bones and fighting signs of aging. Even though sweet potato is a starchy

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vegetable, it ranks low on the glycemic index, therefore, making it a great energy source that won’t spike your blood sugar. This is such a versatile vegetable, much like white potatoes, that you can roast or mash them, bake as fries or make chips. Try adding them to a Buddha bowl sautéed in coconut oil and served with wilted kale, black beans, avocado and tahini.

Kale has been touted as a super food because it is a great detoxifier, known to be a cancer fighter, and it is loaded with nutrients. Although you can find kale all year long, it is better to consume it in the fall and winter. As it matures in the colder months it becomes less bitter, and unlike most leafy greens, kale can survive our harsh winters. My favourite way to use kale is in pasta dishes. Simply sauté kale with minced garlic, diced onion and some of your favourite vegetables, toss with olive oil and mix with your favourite pasta. That simple and so nutritious.

Because of its bitterness, rapini is a vegetable that you must learn to love, but once you do, you are hooked for life. Rapini is also a cruciferous vegetable like kale, and closely resembles broccoli. Significantly high in vitamin K, rapini is also good source of many vitamins and minerals essential for good health. I love rapini sautéed in garlic, olive oil, a pinch of sea salt and red chili peppers. You will often find rapini cooked this way at Italian meals as a side dish or added to pastas. A great way to fortify any meal.

Beets are one of nature’s candies. They are naturally sweet and loaded with phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. Particularly high in folate (vitamin B), they also include a great variety of minerals and antioxidants. Beets are also known as the liver purifier. Therefore, they are great to add raw to salads, or roast them with an array of root vegetables, like turnip, carrots and potatoes, for a tasty main dish.

So instead of drowning your sorrows in that last bit of sangria because summer is over, remember that fall is the season for not only leather bombers, ankle boots and scarves, it also brings pumpkin spice lattes, butternut squash soup and sweet potato fries…okay, that last one you can eat all year round, but they taste extra good in the fall! VC™

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LONDON’S LIFESTYLE OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE COVERING YOUR VENTURE™

DISCOVER LONDON’S COOLEST OFFICES ARE MORE DADS CHOOSING TO STAY HOME? FOR HUMANITY’S SAKE, STOP HAVING CHILDREN… HAVE PUPPIES OFFICE PARIAH OR SOCIAL BUTTERFLY, WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

THE RETURN OF THE COMMUTER CHRONICLES BUILDING THE BOUDOIR LOUNGE

BY HARTISTREE

FASHION EVOLUTION SAFFRON ROAD

FALL 2017 | ISSUE NO.13 www.venturecover.com DISPLAY CANADA $6.99

WHAT’S IN YOUR GARDEN THIS FALL?

COLOUR: HUE? AND WHY?

YOUR GUIDE TO CANADA’S FALL FOLIAGE WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE AN EDITOR

COOL AND HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL WEARABLE TECH GADGETS

CELEBRATING CANADIAN BOUTIQUE BUSINESS

READ BEYOND THE PAGES AT VENTURECOVER.COM

ENTREPRENEURIAL LANDSCAPE OF CANADA

JILLIAN SUMMERS DEREK SLOAN KELLY SLOAN DANIEL LOPEZ SANJAY AGRAWAL CHRIS COSTELLO DAVID SPINNEY DAMIAN BOX LISA FERGUSON

Meet the CLA. It’s not like the others.

Its 17-inch alloy wheels and studded diamond grille catch your eye first. But the CLA doesn’t shy away from this attention. Gazes linger over curved headlamps, a twin power dome hood and new lower bodywork. Powerful, athletic looks are suitably matched by the CLA 250’s 208-hp 2.0L engine. Full of ambition, the CLA isn’t afraid to go its own way.

The question is, where will you take it?

© 2016 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

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Office Pariah or Social Butterfly?

HQ London Cool Offices The Entrepreneurial Landscape Of Canada Colour: Hue? And Why? Experience Autumn Your Guide To Canada’s Fall Foliage 18 VC™ 150

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Venture Cover™ For Men & Women is published four times a year by Venture Cover Magazine Inc. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without the written consent of the publisher. The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or staff. Volume 4, Issue 13, Fall 2017. Venture Cover™ does not take any responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photography.

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The Oaks Golf Club We all need a little bit of paradise in our lives.

For those interested in joining the Oaks, seeking more information or looking for a tour of the course, please contact General Manager John Schidowka 519-652-1760 ext 1.

1552 Gideon Drive, Delaware, Ontario N0L 1E0 www.oaksgolf.com

LIFESTYLE

Office Pariah or Social Butterfly?

Which One Are You (and how to change it if you want to)

Knowing where you stand in the office pecking order will help make your workday more pleasant — or at least get you less side-eye.

Written By Jess Campbell

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Being an extrovert and enjoying the company of others is great — except when you’re distracting them from getting their work done and keeping yourself from doing yours. If you find yourself gabbing at the water cooler more than working at your desk, it might be time to rein in those chats and get back to it.

THE WORKPLACE SOCIAL STAR If you’re a social butterfly, you actually do know it and this isn’t the first time you’ve been called that, either. Another endearing nickname you’ve heard before is Chatty Cathy, and for good reason.

Everyone in the office can always hear your voice, chatting away about what you have for lunch or your dog or the project you’re supposed to be working on. Sure, you’re friendly and personable — that’s why you’re on the Social Committee, after all. But you’re also constantly handing in projects late and missing deadlines because you’re too busy chatting up the new hire in Accounting to make sure they feel welcome.

PERSONA NON-GRATA It can be a bit more difficult to tell if you’re the social outcast — or jerk — at work. If you’re the office pariah, you’re likely a bit selfabsorbed, which helps you to stay focused and get your work done no matter what the cost (even if it’s stepping over someone else). You’re more likely to play the victim or shift the blame if things go south, which is rare considering you don’t talk to people long enough to form relationships, let alone engage in any office drama or politics.

But this also means no one says hi to you in the morning and you usually eat lunch by yourself.

Let’s be real — it is not required of you to be a social butterfly at work. In fact, you don’t even have to be social, period. You’re at work to work and it’s okay to follow that rule. Work life, however, is a lot easier when you’re comfortable there, and getting to know your coworkers — or at least saying good morning, sincerely — will help that comfort level. Plus, it’ll help them hate you less.

If you’re Chatty Cathy or your work’s resident Shrek (pre- Fiona), there are things you can do to change that label. Stay out of gossip and office drama; get your work done on time but not at the expense of others; and know your strengths and weaknesses, and cop to them.

Work can be a lot more pleasant when we remember to lift each other up —especially since we’re there for a third of our lifetime. VC™

f you work — that is, have paid employment — from about age 18 to about age 65, you’re going to spend between 30 to 35% of your lifetime working. That’s a big chunk of your life spent, for many, doing something you’re not crazy about with people you’re not super excited to spend time with. If you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by a group of people that are awesome, good for you — except you might want to take a look around because they might not think you’re so awesome.

Oftentimes, the people at work that everyone loves to hate don’t even know they’re That Person. (Well okay, if they’re a narcissist, they probably do.) But we all have to deal with That Person at work: the one who’s always gossiping and chatting about the weekend or the one who’s always condescending.

But you, you’re confident that you’re not That Person…right? How do you really know if you’re That Person who your co-workers are loving or loathing?

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HQ CITY

LONDON COOL OFFICES

THE CUBE Dubbed ‘The Cube’, this new home to digital marketing firm, Arcane, features a 100-seat auditorium, café, rooftop patio, games room and underground parking to name just a few. Located on Talbot Street, it dates back to the 1930s as a former industrial building that subsequently housed a number of restaurants over the last few years. The 30,000 sq. ft. collaborative and open workspace to more than 100 employees is a key testament to London’s ongoing downtown revitalization.

BURRIDGE BLOCK Located just steps away from city landmarks such as Budweiser Gardens and the Covent Garden Market, Digital Echidna and Lashbrook Marketing and Public Relations share 12,000 sq. ft. on all four floors of heritage space that has deep London roots. Established in 1881, Burridge Block was designed by London architect William A. Joanes and was once home to a saddle maker. A stellar example of high Victorian style architecture, the interior has been redesigned to feature glass doors, hardwood floors and open concept workspace against the backdrop of original walls made from London’s iconic yellow bricks.

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THE POWER PLANT THE LONDON ROUNDHOUSE Built in 1887 as a Michigan Central Railroad steam locomotive repair shop, this revitalized heritage building sets the standard for innovative renovations to commercial office spaces. The remarkable rebuild of the newly named London Roundhouse is home to two major tech companies, Ellipsis Digital and Engine SevenFour.

The 5,200 sq. ft. space features wood beam ceilings and exposed brick, providing a modern open concept that honours the building’s original history. The Roundhouse has received numerous awards from local, provincial and national organizations for the adaptive re-use of a landmark heritage building.

Split level staircases, 20-foot ceilings, polished concrete floors and numerous large windows have restored what was once a power plant for the London Street Railway Company. Today, this newly repurposed 5,800 sq. ft. space situated along the Thames River is home to document management software maker iCONECT. Originally built in 1892, the building is now known as ‘The Power Plant’ in homage of its historical heritage.

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ENTREPRENEUR

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL LANDSCAPE OF CANADA Written By Jess Campbell

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anada has a rich history in business.

You’ve likely visited, or at least heard of, The Hudson’s Bay Company (The Bay or HBC), which was founded in 1670, making it the oldest commercial business in North America. One could argue that HBC was founded by two of Canada’s earliest entrepreneurs, French traders who saw an opportunity for wealth in the fur trade. Throughout the time before and after Confederation, our nation, as it is today, has been steadily built by the hands of entrepreneurs.

Much of the time, those very people were immigrants to Canada coming with nothing but skills they’d learned in their homelands. Upon coming to Canada, they had a choice: try to find work with someone else who may or may not speak their language (or pay them), or work for themselves using the skills they already had to fill a need within this new, burgeoning market.

Fast-forward a few hundred years and you have a decline in entrepreneurialism in favour of industrialization and commercialization. Post World War II, everyone worked for The Man and was fine to do so; that is, until The Man started paying himself a lot more money than he was paying his employees, inflating the markets exponentially and treating the environment like his personal dumping ground.

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These days, if we can guarantee anything, it’s that nothing is guaranteed. Just because you’ve been at the same company for 20 years, doesn’t mean you won’t get caught in restructuring and be out of work. Just because you have a list of letters behind your name as long as your arm, doesn’t mean anyone will hire you. Just because The Great Depression happened almost 90 years ago, doesn’t mean it can’t happen again (we’re looking at you, 2008).

So, when the economy isn’t exactly stable and steady jobs don’t exist and no one will hire you in the first place, what do you do? You make like the French and become Canada’s newest entrepreneur.

WHAT ARE THE STATISTICS ARE SAYING? At some point in their career, everyone worries about what their next move will be. Gone are the days when a person spends their entire career of 40+ years with one or two companies. Considering today’s job market, where steady income and benefits seem to be ghosting faster than a Tinder match, the decision to start a business seems to be taking over as the norm. According to the report Key Small Business Statistics - June 2016 (KSBS) from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Small Business Branch, 97.9% of Canadian employers are small businesses — that is, those with between 1 and 99 employees (not including selfemployed people). Medium businesses (100 to 499 employees) make up 1.8% of Canadian employers ,while large businesses (500+ employees) make up a whopping 0.3%.

The best types of businesses to start have low barrier to entry, meaning you don’t need a Masters degree or a few million dollars to get it going. But if you’re considering the leap into entrepreneurialism, remember — it’s a big one. Do your due diligence and be sure there’s a market for what you’re planning to offer.

If you’re not entirely ready to make that leap, you’re not alone. It seems that everybody has a side hustle (formerly known as moonlighting). Since the KSBS information doesn’t include side hustle statistics, it’s tough to know how many nine-tofivers are living their true passion — and making a bit of extra cash, hopefully — after hours. The advantage to entering the entrepreneurial world this way, of course, is that you’re able to build a client list while maintaining your existing income and, y’know, not defaulting on your mortgage in the meantime.

WHO IS AHEAD IN THE ENTREPRENEURIAL GAME? Speaking of mortgages, those who are most likely to start their own business are of the age group that have their mortgage paid off already. While people below the age group of 30 to 39 make up

14.7% of small business ownership, it’s the 55 to 64 age bracket who are really making gains in small business, comprising 47.4% of that market (and 51% of the medium sized business market to boot!)

So, the proof is in the (retirement home) pudding: you’re never too old to start your own business.

The younger age groups shouldn’t be discouraged by these statistics, however. A good idea is worth its weight in gold. Just think of Snapchat founders, Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy and Reggie Brown, who were still attending university when they thought of the widely popular app that was privately valued at 18 million dollars earlier this year.

For the gender gap, the entrepreneurship opportunities aren’t quite equal just yet. Male ownership of small and medium size businesses accounts for 64.7%; for the female population, it’s at 15.7% according to the KSBS. So, ladies, if you’ve been sitting on a fantastic business idea, now is a great time to get it rolling.

ARE YOU THE BOSS OF YOU? For most entrepreneurs, the top reasons for starting their business don’t include money and fame (although those would be nice). More likely, they include things like being their own boss, filling a need by providing a great product or service and helping other people. If you do any of these things in your current job, then that’s wonderful for you, but chances are, you’re not checking all of these boxes, especially the ‘be your own boss’ checkbox.

In a 2016 millennial survey, Deloitte found that two out of every three respondents expect to leave their current employer by 2020. This is a global survey of over 7,000 millennials that occurs annually so it is not exactly great news for big business no matter where you’re located. But keeping the respondents might be a lost cause, as the biggest factor (63%) in them leaving, according to the survey, was that their leadership skills weren’t being fully developed by their organization.

Essentially, they weren’t being allowed to grow their boss wings.

WHAT’S THE FASTEST WAY TO GROW YOUR BOSS WINGS? BECOME YOUR OWN BOSS, OF COURSE. According to Business Dictionary, the entrepreneurial spirit is characterized by innovation and risk-taking, and is an essential part of a nation’s ability to succeed in an everchanging and increasingly competitive global marketplace. Whether you love or don’t love your day job, if you see a need that sparks an idea, take the leap because we’re damn lucky that the opportunities in Canada are plenty for those with an entrepreneurial heart. VC™

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BUSINESS

COLOUR:HUE? AND WHY?

Written By Cameron Arksey Senior Creative Lead www.red-rhino.com

The psychology of colour and its influence on human emotion and decision-making is as fascinating as it is controversial. We feel a deep connection to colours from as early as when our parents and teachers start asking, “what’s your favourite colour?” or even earlier in life as we are exposed to clothes and pigmented plastic playthings that caregivers deem appropriate for our gender. The thing is: the innate understanding of the “meaning” of colours leads to a host of pseudoscience and anecdotal evidence that marketing masterminds parlay into theories about its power of persuasion.

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aybe you’ve encountered those rainbow-streaked Pinterest infographics promising a pot of gold in the form of an “emotion guide” by which you should govern your branding decisions – saying things like “yellow means happiness” or “green means money.” You want your audiences to be happy and spend money on your product, so done deal, right? The truth is that colour is too dependent on individual and personal experience to be generalized into feelings or behavioural motivation.

Certain patterns do emerge, however, with respect to judgments made about brands and colours, and research shows that snap decisions are made often based on colour alone. As you can imagine, cultural and societal forces push us to view colours with certain stereotypical lenses; we know that some colours are entrenched with political or gender-based inference, for example. The power of suggestion wielded by the concepts that co-opted them is stronger than the colour values themselves. We, as marketers, can’t always control these external factors, but we do need to be aware of them. We also need to pay special attention to what has

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already been done “in the space” where your brand or product will live. One strategy is to play into the psychological desire to detect differences and foster recognizability. If the competition all uses blue, perhaps you’ll stand out by using red, regardless of what red “means.”

In brand design, a relationship does seem to lie within the suitability and context of the colour being used, so ask yourself, “does the colour fit what I’m trying to communicate?” Colours can influence how audiences view the personality of a brand. When it comes to picking the “right” color, research has found that predicting consumer reaction to colour appropriateness is far more important than the individual colour itself. Some of the biggest tech brands in the world rely on cooler tones like blue and silver, complemented by neutral black and white as a way to convey the simplicity of their product experience — saying something about the brand itself and not about its users. More importantly, their words and imagery support this notion in a way that is infinitely more persuasive than the colour choice. Without this context, one colour is almost meaningless when compared to

another, and there is little to no evidence that a royal, creative, wise purple will influence people’s buying decisions any more than a friendly, cheerful, passionate orange.

It’s the feeling and mood that your brand portrays that play a role in persuasion. It’s important to recognize that colours only come into play when they can be used to match a brand’s desired personality rather than trying to align with stereotypical colour associations.

This is the true basis of genuine, emotional branding; because we process feelings about a product or service in very complex ways beyond just the colours it dons. Is your brand sincere, exciting, competent, sophisticated or rugged?

You can usually narrow down to one of these core dimensions and while you may have an immediate colour association to assign to each of these facets, that obvious connection is lost without the supporting context that gives your brand a truly “colourful” personality. So hue are you, really?

Start with “why” you’re different and what kind of value you offer to your target audiences before picking your palette and that way, you’re sure to be golden. VC™

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SOUTHWOOD DENTAL STUDIO

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TRAVEL

EXPERIENCE AUTUMN- YOUR GUIDE TO CANADA’S FALL FOLIAGE

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s summer grinds to a halt and the cool autumn breeze begins to whistle through the trees, you may find yourself slowly slipping into hermit mode. It can be so easy to reach past the suitcase in your closet, opting instead to pull out the dreaded winter wardrobe. As Canadians, we know better than anyone that winter is coming. But, that does not call for early hibernation.

Autumn is undoubtedly the best season for travel in Canada (sorry, summer people. It just is.) Typically “off-season” for tourists, the autumn months are favoured by travellers seeking cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. While the picturesque fall scenery is most spectacular in the more eastern regions of the country, British Columbia and Alberta remain popular autumn holiday choices due to the various outdoor activities heightened by crisp weather and stunning fall colours.

For the adventurous at heart, camping, hiking and even canoeing remain an option during the autumn months. In fact, many outdoor enthusiasts prefer the scenery and the climate this time of year. For the foodies, museum goers and sightseers, there are plenty of fall related events and festivals scattered across the country. With so much to see and explore, the fall season in Canada is truly the best-kept tourism secret.

ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK, ONTARIO Providing arguably one of the most beautiful displays of fall foliage, Algonquin Provincial Park is an absolute “must see.” Previously closed (and extremely coveted) campsites open up during the cooler months as the threat of bugs decreases. Canoe along the sparkling water in search of Moose, which are plentiful in the area during mating season. Lay out under the stars and fall asleep under the vast sea of twinkling lights — an experience unlike anything found in Canadian cities.

BANFF NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA For those who want less wine and cheese and more lakes and leaves, a back-country vacation in Banff National Park is just what the doctor ordered. Rent a trailer or pitch a tent at Lake Louise Campground! Book an overnight horseback riding trip through the mountains or cycle the area’s many trails. For a delightful treat, book a scenic dinner aboard the Royal Canadian Pacific Train.

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TRAVEL

CHURCHILL, MANITOBA

Have a soft spot for wildlife? Plan a boat excursion and watch the majestic Beluga whales make their way through the local waters. Book a visit in mid-late fall to maximize your chances of spotting a polar bear, or experience the magical Northern Lights with a late November trip. Pro tip: dress warmly. Very warmly.

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO

Sip ice wine, nibble on brie and watch blissfully as the fall leaves blanket the ground in a mass of yellow, orange and red. Tour one of the region’s renowned wineries or leisurely browse the town’s quirky, quaint shops. Indulge in a delicious dinner at the historic restaurant, Cannery, and spend the night in one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s beautiful bed and breakfasts. For a luxurious experience, book a stay at local favourite, Pillar and Post.

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STRATFORD, ONTARIO

With the Stratford Festival running into late October, a day trip to Stratford is the perfect way to experience local culture, embrace the fall weather and support Canadian theatre. For a traditional Stratford experience, pay homage to Shakespeare with a ticket to Twelfth Night.

Wander through open-air art fairs and produce markets before dinner at one of the region’s renowned restaurants. Or, grab a fall inspired latte to sip on as you stroll along the water’s edge, mingling with the area’s many ducks and geese.

TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Not ready to say goodbye to the beach just yet? Grab a wet suit and surf the waves (yes, you read that correctly). While the water will have drastically cooled down since the summer months, it is still warm enough provided you dress appropriately. Local surfers thoroughly enjoy the early autumn season, noting that the waves are brilliant and the water is incredibly refreshing. Witness a few professionals in their element during the Queen of the Peak surfing competition. Alternatively, book a boat tour and catch a glimpse of the grey whales in the area before they migrate south, or hike the trails at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Let’s state the obvious: Canada is a beautiful country. Our rolling green hills, snow peaked mountains and shimmering fresh water lakes are the envy of countries all over the world. It is important that we recognize the sheer brilliance that stands before us. This autumn, take the time to stop and smell the proverbial roses — explore the opportunities our beautiful country has to offer.

Inhale the crisp autumn air, feel the leaves crunch under your feet and truly absorb the beautiful sights, sounds and smells that surround you. VC™ VC™ 2 0 1 7 | V E N T U R E C O V E R . C O M 1 5

VC

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VC 150

Across this vast beautiful nation, Canadians are proudly celebrating 150 years since Confederation.

From Cape Spear in Newfoundland to Boundary Peak in the Yukon, businesses are honouring the anniversary with discounted events, activities, vacations and much more.

Once thought to become the capital of Ontario and known to many as “the big city with a small-town feel,” London businesses boast competitive skills and products you expect to find in larger cities with the genuine hospitality of smaller towns.

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VC 150

ESCAPE ROOM CHRIS COSTELLO

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www.exoduslondon.com

anadians take pride in their beer, and so they should. Touting a high alcohol content and robust flavour, the country produces some of the tastiest beer on the planet. These days, folks are trading in their macro beers to support the craft beer revolution. But it shouldn’t be forgotten that the big three, Molson, Labatt and Carling, carved out the reputation that Canada enjoys today, and it wasn’t without risk, danger and secrecy.

By 1840, London, Ontario housed two successful breweries started by British immigrants: the London Brewery, which later became the John Labatt’s Brewery, and Carling. First built in 1967, thanks to a team of historians, architects and builders — a replica of the former can be found in Fanshawe Pioneer Village.

Designing a story around the brewing history in London provided an immersive revelation of a colourful and scandalous past. Set in the 1920s, Ransom opened this summer. A twist on the escape room experience, the game focused on saving a kidnapped local brewer. Actors used slang from the period such as “scofflaw, all-wet, baloney, bootleg, don’t know from nothin’, I have to go see a man about a dog and now you’re on the trolley.” Items in the game included: barrels, jars, furniture, the “mash”, fermentation barrels and assorted small tools. While not authentic to events in 1920, the “recipe” in the game is based on the brewer’s discovery of India Pale Ale, which revolutionized the brewing industry.

In 1863, it became the best-selling beer for over a century.

INVESTOR

DAVID SPINNEY

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ince King Henry VII’s decision in February of 1498 to invest in John Cabot and his crew’s journey to what would eventually become Canada, our land has seen generations of people trade goods and services in an attempt to increase their riches. Early French and English settlers stockpiled furs and cured fish to trade both with each other and with the first peoples of our land. The scarcity of these resources created value in possessing them — the goods that are harder for us to obtain have more value to whomever possesses them.

This may not resemble the type of investment that began to take place in 1852 when 12 Canadian businessmen founded an association that would later lead to the Toronto Stock Exchange, but these early dealings are what created the framework for an organized market where investors can use their wealth to help build Canadian businesses.

One of the most notable investments in our land took place in 1670, when King Charles of England gave direction for Prince Rupert to form the Hudson’s Bay Company — a fur trading organization that led to the HBC that still exists today. Originally, the Hudson’s Bay Company owned all of what was then known as “Rupert’s Land” — the land that drains into the Hudson’s Bay, accounting for more than 40% of modern Canada’s land. HBC went through a great deal of change in the 347 years that they have been in existence — eventually being sold to an American investment firm in 2008. www.autus.ca 1 8 V E N T U R E C O V E R . C O M | VC ™ 2 0 1 7

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and the crystals: endeavoring to keep the crystals whole and in a pristine state. The mining technique done to harvest the crystals is called hydro-extraction mining, as water is used to dislocate the minerals.

At Sloan Stone Design, we fabricate and install Quartz counter tops used for kitchens, vanities, desk tops, etc. One of our quartz suppliers, Hanwha Surfaces located in London Ontario, follows rigorous quality assurance procedures throughout the entire research, development and manufacturing process. The process begins with a meticulous inspection of all incoming raw materials: color, grade and composition.

These are blended at a ratio of up to 93% natural quartz aggregates with pigments and polymer resins. The material is then transported to our fabrication shop to be precisely cut by our CNC machines, and is finally installed by our professional team into homes across London and surrounding area.

SLOAN KITCHEN TOPS KELLY AND DEREK SLOAN

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uartz is the most common mineral of Earth’s crust. The fine crystals that are found in quartz grow in water-filled holes, bubbles or clefts. It requires a great deal of time and the right conditions concerning pressure, temperature and ground water chemistry. The only mine in Canada, Mine Cristal, was founded in 1989 by Pauline and Gaudry Normand in Bonsecours, Quebec. Mine Cristal is located in the Appalachian Mountains in a pine tree forest with a beautiful view over distant mountains. Today, 32 different varieties of quartz crystals have been cataloged here, estimated to be 300 million years old. The extraction process is done by hand, in a manner which respects both the environment

www.southwooddentalstudio.com

DENTIST

SANJAY AGRAWAL

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he year 2017 is significant for Canadians not only because it’s the 150th anniversary of Confederation, but because it is also 150 years since the formation of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA).

On July 2, 1867, in Cobourg, Ontario, 31 dentists attended a meeting and wrote the Constitution and By-Laws for the ODA. Before the act was created, scientific and technical training in a school did not exist for dentistry. Students would learn basic skills, open their own practice far from any help, and such a rivalry existed that shared learnings were a foreign concept.

Less than a year later, a bill to legislate dentistry became law, which led to the first dental act being passed in the world. What came out this act was the Royal College Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) who developed a set of standards and qualifications for the profession. It became common knowledge to use amalgam (tin, silver and mercury) for cavity fillings, nitrous oxide as an anaesthetic for tooth extraction and vulcanite and porcelain to make dentures.

Along with the implementation of proper schooling, dentistry became a profession not a trade with the language around the service evolving as well. Dentists were to refer to themselves as ‘practitioners with patients who paid fees for operations’ as opposed to ‘workmen with customers who paid prices for jobs’.

www.sloanstonedesign.com

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BARBERSHOP DANIEL LOPEZ

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www.facebook.com/FiveStarBarbersLO

n recent years, the barbershop has seen a revival, and rightly so, considering it is one of the oldest occupations. Its roots trace back thousands of years with barbers being represented on monuments and papyrus from Ancient Egypt. The actual word ‘barber’ comes from the Latin word ‘barba’ meaning ‘beard’.

Barbers were once some of the most distinguished and respected people in society. The earliest tribes believed that hair carried evil spirits so cutting it renewed a clean spirit, and being skilled in the craft was a sacred honour held by priests. For Romans, Greeks and Persians around 300 BC, being groomed showed status because it visibly separated a ‘free’ man from a slave. It was during this time that the communal barbershop, where

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men could discuss politics, philosophy and other matters of the day, was created and popularized. Into the Middle Ages, the job evolved into being a barbersurgeon, which included bloodletting, teeth pulling and bone setting on top of hair cutting, beard trimming and hair design.

Fast-forward to modern-day Canada and a barbershop still offers a hot shave and a comfortable barber’s chair, and it continues to be a haven for men to talk about sports, the economy or unload some baggage.

With a mission to produce the best quality of men’s hair care with precise and specialized techniques and embracing tradition honed over centuries, Five Star Barber is bringing back the barber shop experience for men.

HOME STAGER JILLIAN SUMMERS

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lip through the pages of any home décor magazine or binge-watch HGTV and you’ll notice farmhouse décor is everywhere. Apron sinks in expansive, unpretentious kitchens, warm neutral tones with exposed rustic beams and vintage decorative accents are bringing back this classic country style character.

Traditional farmhouses were about simplicity of living. The name originally referred to their geographical location not their style because they were built on agricultural land. The design and practicality of the farmhouse made its way to Canada in the 1700s by European working-class immigrants who settled in Quebec and Ontario. The houses were functional, easily constructed by hand with the available materials and provided shelter from the harsh winters for farm owners and their workers.

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The modern farmhouse is a spin on the traditional farmhouse, combining contemporary ambiance with classic character. Rough, jaded wood flooring with gouges and scrapes was a defining feature of these historic homes.

Nowadays, the look is achieved by using distressed flooring that integrates hand scraped or wire brushed hardwood, such as refinished barn board.

In terms of exterior design, incorporate white panelling (sometimes known as “board and batten”) and dark coloured window and door trim.

Homeowners looking to take their love of the modern farmhouse beyond simple cosmetic renovations can go one step further with classic-style furniture and architectural details. Shiplap walls, exposed beams, chunkier baseboards and more pronounced window and door trim can all add that farmhouse style.

www.upstaginghomes.com

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ACCENT SHOPPING LISA FERGUSON

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n 1832, John and Anne Marie Birks emigrated to Canada and their son, Henry, was born several years later. As a young boy, Henry attended school for commercial studies. In 1879, after working as a clerk for one of the finest jewellers and watchmakers at the time, Savage and Lyman, he opened the first store of what would later become a commercial empire.

Most likely, you’ve heard of Henry Birks and Sons and maybe you’ve even had the privilege of undoing the brown embroidered ribbon that’s wrapped around the signature blue box (no, they do not sell just the box), but I bet you did not know that founder, Henry Birks, is one of the greatest examples of successful Canadian entrepreneurship. Today, the company has expanded to over 40 stores across Canada and the United States.

Beginning with clockmakers, watchmakers and silversmiths in the 17th century, Canada’s jewellery industry has flourished into a thriving medium for Canadian expression and pride. Biko, Dean Davisson, Rebecca Price and TwoA are only a small handful of the Canadian jewelers that contribute to this hugely profitable export for our country.