North Vancouver’s Bobzaa Dessert Cafe & Bistro

Bobzaa Dessert Cafe & Bistro Manager Vash Vashist

Family Owned and Operated Restaurant

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Bobzaa manager, Vash Vashist and learning more about this wonderful addition to Central Lonsdale in North Vancouver.

M: Bobzaa is a family owned business.  What was the inspiration for the restaurant?

V: We have all worked in the restaurant industry in the last few years. One of my family members has been a chef for the past seven years, I have been a restaurant manager at different restaurants and have the front of house experience and my other family member has more of the fast food experience so we combined our skills and made it our goal to open Bobzaa.

Bobzaa Butter Chicken and Grilled Chicken Bowl
Bobzaa Butter Chicken and Grilled Chicken Bowl Lunch Special

M: How did you decide on the name for Bobzaa?  What does it mean?

V: Initially, we just wanted to open a small bubble tea and pizza place. The name was decided before the location. Then we found this location, but it is pretty big for just bubble tea and pizza so we came up with other menu items as well.

Bobzaa Bubbletea
Bobzaa’s Mango Slushy Bubbletea

The name Bobzaa is a combination of bubble tea and pizza.

M: Who in your family came up with the concept of a dessert cafe with bubble tea, Indian cuisine and brunch favourites? It’s so original.

V: It was a collaboration.

M: When did you open the doors to Bobzaa Dessert Cafe and Bistro?

V: We opened the doors to our restaurant in December 2022.

M: How did you decide on North Vancouver as the location? And why?

V: We live in North Van so we wanted our restaurant close by. Because it is a family business, we did not want to travel far. It’s just a 10 – 15 minute walk from here.

“We combined our skills and made it our goal to open Bobzaa”

M: Has the city and the community been receptive to Bobzaa?

V: It was hard because our goal was to open in three or four months and do the whole budget, but it took us seven months to get our restaurant license. It took forever because of COVID and we had several inspections. Every day we would wake up and go to City Hall to check the status on our license. They told us they did not know how long it was going to take because of COVID.

We invested everything and wanted to open now! We were working 24-7, day and night. It was hard to get the license.

Bobzaa and Nicole Hibert's Mother's Day Event
Bobzaa and Nicole Hibert’s Mother’s Day Event

M: Bobzaa collaborated with Nicole Hiebert, local promoter and artist and I for a Mother’s Day event.  When will the next event be?

V: Well, we are planning. Nicole had the idea of a clothing swap. We want to do something different once a month so that’s our goal.

Bobzaa North Vancouver Family Owned Restaurant
Photo by Bobzaa The Dessert Cafe and Bistro

M: You also do private events.  What do you provide and how long in advance do you need for customers to book the event?

V: We do all the decorations and everything if they choose to have it here at our location, we do full service. So they come here and just enjoy. If they book for their home, we do not decorate but we provide the catering service.

We need at least two weeks notice for customers booking an event.

M: What is your favourite item on the menu? For brunch, lunch and dessert?

V: For brunch I really like the waffles and for drinks my favourite is the Mango Frango. That is what I recommend to everyone. In food, I am a vegetarian, so I like the Potato Pizza. Also really good is the pesto and shrimp pizza. And for dessert, my favourite is the brownie. It’s vegan and gluten-free and you can’t even tell the difference when you taste it.

We only have one type of brownie and everyone has it. But no one can tell that’s it’s vegan.

It has been a long and difficult journey for Vash and her family to open the doors to their beloved Bobzaa. But they persevered and they did it! In the process of opening their North Vancouver restaurant, they have become experts in different industries; designed their own website, built their own tables and have done their own plumbing.

To order delicious dishes from their fusion infused menu, please visit their website and to stay up to date on their upcoming events, follow them on their Instagram page.

16 WEST: Meet the People Behind the North Vancouver Restaurant

16 WEST Patio

The first time I was a guest North Vancouver’s 16 WEST Restaurant was in August 2022, two months after they opened and I loved it! I had a four course meal with wonderful wine pairings.

I recently had the opportunity to interview 16 WEST’s owner and gracious host, Brooke Naito-Campbell.

M: You opened the doors to 16 WEST in the summer of 2022.  What has the first year been like (almost the first year)?

B: 16 WEST opened on June 24, 2022 and the first year has been great.  A gradual organic growth through word of mouth.  Not as busy as we had hoped, but guests from Hachiro would come in so happy and excited saying, “I’m so glad you’re still here!” They weren’t sure what happened to us and they were worried we were gone.

Hachiro Ramen Transformed into 16 WEST

M: I did not get a chance to visit your previous restaurant, Hachiro Ramen.  Besides the cuisine, what has been the main difference in running the two different restaurants?

B: Definitely more experienced servers with wine knowledge.  We have a wine director and sommelier, Brendan Jones on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays who has curated a wine list for us, mainly local BC wines, but we are looking into curating international wines because our guests have been asking.

16 WEST Restaurant Wines
16 WEST Restaurant Wines

M: Was Hachiro the first North Vancouver restaurant you and your brother, Stephen opened? 

B: Yes, Stephen went to Japan and studied how to make ramen before opening Hachiro.  We opened 6 months before COVID hit.  It was really hard.  But I wanted to fight for our restaurant!

Hachiro had become a take-out restaurant.  I wanted to change the menu into more of an izakaya and serve appies and cocktails, but a lot of the guests that came in just wanted a bowl of ramen.

“I am passionate about 16 WEST!”

M: How did 16 WEST come to be?  Was it your idea or was it someone else’s?

B: I had a beautiful restaurant and it made me sad to leave it. So my friends, some employees that were there and I thought, what do we need in North Vancouver? What are we passionate about? What would feed the community?

We first thought of a Spanish tapas but then we thought a menu that’s not tied to one kind of food.  We could serve French, Italian and Spanish.  I love a wine bar and I am passionate about 16 WEST and so is my team.

M: What was your inspiration for the menu?  Did you work together with your head chef or did you leave it to them?

B: Our menu is a collaboration between me and Jorge Camacho.  He is from Dublin’s La Maison. French Bistro.  We work really well together.  Our coffee cake, biscuits and all our desserts are made by his best friend, Andrea Lopez.

16 WEST Head Chef Jorge Camacho and Owner Brooke Naito-Campbell
16 WEST Head Chef Jorge Camacho and Owner Brooke Naito-Campbell

M: What is your favourite dish? (lunch, brunch, dinner)?

B: My favourite for lunch is the meatball sub. It is really good. One of my favourites for brunch is the steak hash, and for dinner the mushroom risotto with seared Hokkaido scallops (they will be on the menu shortly) and the mussels.

M: 16 WEST is now open for brunch on the weekends and lunch on weekdays.  What is the busiest time?  Are there certain times/days we should make a reservation?

B: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday nights and brunch on the weekends are the busiest times.  We always have the bar open for walk-ins and we will be opening the patio soon for the warmer weather and walk-ins. Our patio is also dog-friendly.

Central Lonsdale Community

M: What is the best part of being located in Central Lonsdale?

B: Central Lonsdale needed a cool, hip restaurant.  A hidden gem.  It needed love.  Lower Lonsdale has all the restaurants.  Central Lonsdale is getting developed.  16 WEST is one of the few restaurants with a watering hole.

16 WEST FEATURE WINES
16 WEST FEATURE WINES

M: Being located in the heart of North Vancouver, in Central Lonsdale, do you feel a sense of community?

B: Yes, I feel the sense of community with our guests. We have some who have stayed with us since Hachiro and have become friends. One such guest, Susan brought a friend who asked me if I have ever thought of hosting a drag show. And I had! Thus our drag show brunches was born!

North Vancouver Roots

M: I read that you grew up in North Vancouver.  What area? Where did you go to school?

B: I grew up in Pemberton Heights.  I went to Capilano Elementary from Kindergarten to grade 7 and then high school in Arizona where my mom is from.

M: Did you always know that you would own a business? What did you want to be when you grew up?

B: No, I had no idea. Hahaha…what did I want to be when I grew up? As a kid I wanted to do the usual singing, dancing and as a teen I wanted to be a cosmetologist. I was a hair stylist for a long time before opening the restaurants.

After my daughter was born, I turned to food and hospitality because it was something I was around all my life and am passionate about. My dad was the Executive VP of Okabe Company that used to own Coast Hotels.

And now, my daughter, Mika loves to help me set up on the weekends: lighting candles, setting the tables and even expediting the food orders. She loves it!

16 WEST Gnocchi
16 WEST Gnocchi

M: What would your advice to future entrepreneurs  with dreams of owning their own business be?

B: Owning a restaurant is tough.  Surround yourself with great people.  People that you trust and more experienced than you.  I have learned so much and I am so grateful that we got through COVID.

M: Do you have a philosophy in life or a famous quote you would like to share?

B: This too shall pass.  It’s something I always tell myself and it is true.

16 WEST Hosts Events

M: Is there anything else you would like to share?

B: Right now we are focusing on meaningful events.  We host a realtors luncheon and we have an upcoming women’s networking lunch.

In August we will have a PRIDE event with my husband coming out of retirement to be our DJ and drag queens.  I am also in the beginning stages of organizing a fundraiser for ALS because my dad passed away from the disease.

If you have an idea for an event, please contact Brooke at kitchen@naitohospitality.com. To book a reservation call: 604.988.7561 or book online. If you would like to learn more about Central Lonsdale’s one of a kind wine restaurant and bar, please visit their website and follow them on Instagram.

BC Family Day Long Weekend

Huevos Rancheros

5 Fun Things To Do This Long Weekend

  1. If you are looking for something to do this BC Family Day long weekend, you don’t have to look far. My longtime bff and I just went for an amazing Sunday brunch at Catch 122 in the Shipyards District. Although they were crazy busy when I called, the hostess set us up on their waitlist using the Open Table app.

While I waited for Mona to pick me up, I received a text letting me know that our table was ready. I was able to select an option that said we’re on our way so that the restaurant would save it for us. I’m so grateful for this system because when we arrived the wait was over an hour.

I ordered their Huevos Rancheros and my gf had their Seasonal French Toast. It looked like a huge piece of cake and was so filling that she took half of it home. Both were delicious and our server, Anna provided us with great customer service.

Seasonal French Toast
Delicious French Toast at Catch 122

2. Go to MONOVA (Museum of North Vancouver) at 115 West Esplanade, just steps from Lonsdale Quay and the Seabus station. They have a wonderful Indigenous exhibit, a beautiful gift shop and are hosting a Family Day Event tomorrow from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Amission is free all day long!

When you are a member you will receive a 10% discount on the merchandise in their gift shop as well as your guests admission to the museum. I purchased Northwest Coast artist, Kelly Robinson‘s Raven Transforming small porcelain dish (shown in the photo below) and the matching platter.

Raven Transforming Kelly Robinson Fine Porcelain Dish
Northwest Coast artist, Kelly Robinson’s Raven Transforming fine porcelain dish

3. MONOVA is also hosting a free virtual Coast Salish Wool Weaving Event tomorrow from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The free tickets are available on EventBrite. The museum made it very easy to register for the tickets and pick up the bracelet making supplies. Tsawasiya Spukwas (Alice Guss), MONOVA’s Indigenous Cultural Programmer will be teaching the participants about Coast Salish wool weaving and showing us how to make a wool bracelet. I can’t wait! I registered my Mama and I for the workshop.

MONOVA Coast Salish Wool Weaving Supplies and Event
Coast Salish Wool Weaving Supplies from MONOVA

4. If you love thrift shopping as much as Mona and I, there are 3 shops in Lower Lonsdale that you should check out. First time for both us was Wild Honey Vintage, a curated collection from sisters, Joanie and Sarah. Their boutique is in a cozy space that makes you feel like you’re walking into your friend’s living room.

A block up on Lonsdale, is Hunter and Hare, consignment shop with an assortment of goodies: jewelry, hair accessories, shoes, purses, clothing, candles, essential oils and journals. I didn’t buy anything today, but previously picked up some great barrettes that I wear all the time. If you are following me on Instagram, you’ve seen them. Lol.

Another block up is the Good Stuff Connection thrift shop and clothing program at 154 West 3rd Street. It is operated by North Shore Crisis Services Society, a registered North Vancouver charity that helps women and children escape from domestic violence and abuse.

Mona and I found a lot of great thrifty finds! I bought two pairs of Wild Abandon earrings, terry cloth slippers for Mama, an Ikea bathmat and an R&W scarf. And she got an Alisha Keys CD, black mules and pink jeans.

Wild Abandon Jewelry from the Good Stuff Connection thrift store
Wild Abandon Jewelry from the Good Stuff Connection thrift store

5. And last but not least, a great IG worthy photo background–Fun Alley! It is located right beside Buddha-Full, Lower Lonsdale vegan restaurant.

Fun Alley in LoLo
Fun Alley in LoLo–IG photo must!

The Lunch Lady: Worth the Wait!

Pork Belly & Vermicelli with Spring Rolls

Mama Izumi and I started out our Sunday picking up a pair of Vessis that I found on Facebook Marketplace. Bur we were about to embark on another foodie adventure! Originally, we had discussed going out for Korean, but the FB seller lived near Commercial Drive, so I said, “Let’s go to the Lunch Lady!” and Mamma was like, “Okay!”

The Lunch Lady is nestled in the heart of the Drive at 1046 Commercial Drive in East Vancouver.

Mama is usually game for any kind of restaurant that I suggest. We are foodies and this was our first time which was exciting for both of us. We had tried to dine here before, but the wait for a table was 45 minutes.

Mama Izumi
Mama Izumi – my foodie cohort

Today we were lucky! We found parking right beside the Lunch Lady and although there was a line-up, we arrived 5 minutes before they opened.

An airy space brightly lit, renovated bar and chrome table tops awaited us with a comfortable ambiance, filled with awesome music from artists like Drake. Friendly staff greeted us and served us throughout our meal. We ordered their Beef Pho and Pork Belly with Vermicelli and spring rolls. OMG, the pork belly was full of umami (Japanese for tasty)!

Beef Pho
The Lunch Lady’s Yummy Beef Pho!

Everything was fresh and full of flavour. Mama and I highly recommend the Lunch Lady and will definitely go back.

We would also like to thank Jasmine and all the staff for their attentiveness and great customer service!

Mayumi Izumi - Local Promoter
Mayumi Izumi – Local Promoter, Digital Creator

If you would like to learn more about the Lunch Lady follow them on their Instagram or make reservations on their website.

Thanksgiving — What I am Grateful for

Mayumi's Sunflower (without leaf)

Every morning I wake up, I am grateful for my life and what has entered it. It is true what they say. When you think positively, expect a positive outcome, and are thankful for what you have, you will receive more good things.

I wasn’t always this ray of sunshine. I have experienced depression, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, and insomnia. But I overcame my dark nights of the soul and many hurdles to become the person I am today.

Everything happens for a reason. I believe that I am here to teach and help people — I am a lightworker. People are attracted to the light in me. They confide their personal struggles and heartaches and I, in turn, do what I can to alleviate the situation they’re in.

Unfortunately, this is sometimes to my detriment.

But I don’t regret helping them. It is why I’m here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

New Artist Feature — Argel MDR (Monte de Ramos)

Argel MDR Photo Shoot for EP Release Reign

My MISSION

To motivate and inspire artists, creators and entrepreneurs (in the making) with my Features. To uplift, encourage, promote and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them, and my subscribers.

To provide and build a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of art, a business, or a NEW YOU …

We Met At Capilano University

I first met Argel Monte de Ramos at Capilano University in the Birch Building. He was giving students free Ethical Bean coffee in his role as a CSU (Capilano Students’ Union) Outreach Assistant. I took photos of Argel at the table and asked him if it was alright if I posted them on my Instagram. We started following each other and from there a great friendship began.

I am very excited to announce that Argel’s EP is going to be released in 8 days — on April 28! I had the pleasure of interviewing him to celebrate his success as an emerging artist.

Gifted With Talent

M: When did you first start singing?  How old were you?

A: I started singing when I was three. My parents discovered my talent for music at a young age, and so at the age of three, they signed me up to a be part of our church’s youth gospel choir to hone my skills in singing. 

M: When did you know that you wanted to pursue a career with your gift?

A:  It wasn’t until I came back from my exchange program in the UK that I decided to pursue a career in the performing arts. At that time, I was finishing a Diploma in Arts, mainly taking business classes.

My initial plan was to finish a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. But my passion for the performing arts steered me towards its direction. Aside from pursuing a career in music, I also work for a performing arts school as an Arts Administrator for their community programs.

And I am a producer at Playwrights Theatre Centre’s Early Career Development program. I feel so fortunate to be able to work in the performing arts world.

M: Where are you from? If you moved to Vancouver, why did you move here?

I am from Manila, Philippines. My family and I moved here in 2012 and I have been living in the Metro Vancouver Area for ten years. We moved here to seek a better life and opportunities.

Argel MDRs first video Story We Tell
Argel MDR’s first video, Story We Tell

Argel`s First Ever EP Reign

M: You have an EP that is about to be released at the end of this month.  What was your inspiration for it?  

A: Yes! I am so excited about my first-ever EP! Reign, was inspired by my life as a young Filipino-Canadian immigrant and my journey toward finding a safe space to advocate for myself. It is all about finding our ways to thrive and own who we are; to reign our lives and not care about what other people say about us.

M: How long did it take to write the songs for your EP?

A: Each song had a different timeline. There are four songs in my EP: Reign, Blues, I’ll Rise, and Story We Tell. Reign and Blues took me half an hour to an hour to write. While the other two took me two weeks. It really depended on how busy I was or what I felt at the moment.

Producing the songs took a much longer time, I’ll Rise being the longest at 6 months. The producers and I took a bit of time to decide what genre of music Reign really fits into.

M: What did you study at Capilano University

A I initially started in the Business Administration program but then decided to switch to Musical Theatre. After finishing that program, I enrolled in the Bachelor of Performing Arts program which I completed last September 2021 at Capilano University. 

M: How have the courses that you studied and your program helped launch your career? 

A: It provided me with an opportunity to trust my instincts and hone my skills in singing, dancing, acting, and arts administration. 

M: What would your advice be to future artists with dreams of pursuing a career in singing?  

My advice is to trust your instincts and try to find the courage to tell your story. As an advocate for representation, anti-racism work, and inclusion, I use the art of storytelling, music and performance to get my message across.

Inspiring others through the performing arts is truly beautiful, and so if you are blessed with such skills, it is humbling to see people responding to you. So honestly, do it! There’s no perfect time to do it but now.

M: Do you have a philosophy in life or a famous quote you would like to share with everyone?

A: I believe that people have biases and privileges that need to be acknowledged in order for us to lift each other up and for everyone to feel like they belong. We are all worthy of happiness and success in life.

I truly believe in James Baldwin quote, “it took many years of vomiting up all the filth I’d been taught about myself and half-believed before I was able to walk on the earth as though I had a right to be here.”

In order for us to create space for others, we need to create a space for ourselves. I provided a space for myself by creating original work for music and theatre, and now, I provide a space for others to find inspiration through my stories.

MILESTONES

To learn more about Argel MDR, his SOON to be released EP and his many talents, please visit his website and follow him on Instagram, his Facebook page and YouTube.

Local Small Business Feature Series — Vancouver Waxlings

Vancouver Waxling's Bae & Babe Candles

I recently collaborated with Vancouver Waxlings founder, Margot J. Leviton and five other female-owned local small businesses for a Valentine’s Giveaway on Instagram. Margot’s prizes were the Bae and Babe candles featured in the photo above.

I originally met her through social media–She was offering a sample of her Key Lime Pie Candle. And coincidentally we also have a mutual friend. It is a small world and the pandemic has shown us just how connected we are as one.

M: When did you open your business?

VW: Waxlings was created in April 2020 when I dislocated my shoulder and could no longer see my Vancouver Healer clientele.

M: Did you always want to own your own business?

 VW: I didn’t really think about it. It was hobby that turned into a business.  I’ve had my own massage/healing practice since 2006.

M: Where are you from? If you moved to Vancouver, why did you move here?

VW: I grew up in North Vancouver.

M: What was your inspiration for your business?  

VW: During the COVID-19 shutdown I saw my clients getting very depressed. I thought if I could create scents that would connect them to happy memories–I could help them.

Vancouver Waxlings Founder Margot
Vancouver Waxlings Founder Margot J. Leviton

M: Did you go to university and if you did what did you study/major in?  Which university did you attend?  Would you advise others to pursue a degree before opening their own business?

VW: I went to WCCMT (West Coast College of Massage Therapy). 

No, not these days. You really don’t need one if you have entrepreneurial savvy and can navigate social media.

M: What would your advice to future owners with dreams of owning their own business be?

VW: Go for it. If you have the drive and a great business concept–Just do it!

M: Do you have a philosophy in life or famous quote you would like to share with everyone?

VW: Just. Be. Kind. It. Costs. Nothing.

MILESTONES

Are there any milestones for your business that you would like me to mention in the Feature?

When I landed my first stores Dip Co. Delights and Larry’s Market.

If you would like to learn more about Margot’s yummy Vancouver Waxlings candles, please visit their website, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Local Small Business Feature Series — Oenomel Chocolates’ First Year Anniversary

Oenomel Chocolates Small Business Feature

Welcome to Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC.’s new Small Business Feature Series. Vancouver based, Oenomel Chocolates, is the first business to be featured and just in time to celebrate their first year anniversary.

Oenomel is a Greek word that means sweetness and strength. It’s what Melody hopes her chocolates bring to people.

I met Melody Hu, founder of Oenomel Chocolates on Instagram. I was intrigued by this lovely, ambitious organic chocolatier and started following her profile. She has graciously invited me to her local events but unfortunately, my schedule has not allowed me to attend thus far. My fingers are crossed that I will be able to join her next one!

Melody Hu Founder of Oenomel Chocolates
Melody Hu, Founder of Oenomel Chocolates

M: When did you open your business?

MH: I launched my business on February 24th, 2021. So, in a way, my business is my Valentine. I have so much passion and love for it!

M: Did you always want to own your own business?

MH: I have always dreamt of building a brand that incorporates values, such as craftsmanship, sustainability, and wellness. And using that brand as a tool to create wealth for my loved ones.

M: Where are you from? If you moved to Vancouver, why did you move here?

MH: I was born in China and spent my childhood both in Shenzhen, the Silicon Valley of China, and Auckland, where sheep outnumber humans. I finished high school and got my Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where I studied Neuroscience and started my first venture, a macaroon startup business. And gradually, I fell in love with this city and decided that I wanted to build my business and home here.

M: What was your inspiration for your business? 

MH: I wanted to create a product that incorporates health, wellness, and craftsmanship. I chose chocolates because there are too many sweets that are unhealthy. They tend to be filled with saturated fats and harmful amounts of sugar. I only use natural ingredients and organic, fair-trade chocolates that are sweet and delicious.

Blood Orange & Almond Oenomel Chocolate
Blood Orange & Almond Blood Oenomel Chocolate

M: What did you do before opening your business?

MH: After graduating from UBC, I worked as an intern in a stem cell research company in Vancouver and then in business development for an international law firm in Shenzhen, China. I gained invaluable experience from both jobs.

M: If you were in a different industry, did you enjoy your former career?

Looking back, I did enjoy my former careers. When I worked in the law firm, I had guidance, and learned to work with others in a team. These are lessons that I have brought to start and develop my own company as an entrepreneur.

M: Would you advise others to pursue a degree before opening their own business?

MH: I was glad that I got a degree before opening my own business. University was an experience beyond what I chose for my major. I learned to learn, I gained mentorship from professors who have expertise in their field, and I joined clubs where I made lifelong friends.

University life has a lot to offer if you embrace it. There are many famous successful entrepreneurs who don’t have a post-secondary degree, so it is possible to succeed in business without a degree.

But you should know yourself and know what environment and path are best suited for your career development. And no matter which path you choose, you have to believe in yourself, have confidence, and never give up.

Oenomel Valentine's gourmet truffles and bonbons
Oenomel Valentine’s gourmet truffles and bonbons

M: What would your advice to future owners with dreams of owning their own business be?

MH: See the value in yourself and your business and bring these values to people you wish to serve.

Work hard, understand and love yourself–Do these things well, and extend it to your employees.

Don’t stop learning, don’t be afraid to try new things and fail.

Never give up. There’s always a way to succeed.

M: Do you have a philosophy in life or a famous quote you would like to share with everyone?

MH: “Dream big, start small, begin now.” — Robin Sharma, The 5 AM Club

MILESTONES

Oenomel Chocolates is celebrating its first year anniversary on February 24 and although it is a a startup business, it gives back to the Metro Vancouver community.

In December 2021. Oenomel Chocolate organized a fundraising event and raised 200 CAD for a non-profit organization to distribute food to insecure communities.

Over 20 local musicians, artists, and businesses participated, and over 100 guests joined us for a beautiful Warm Company and Wine Evening. It was an event worth remembering.

In 2022, Oenomel Chocolate continues to support charities with good causes. We will be organizing fundraising events and making donations to charity through the sales of some of our products.

If you would like to learn more about Oenomel products please visit their website and support them by following their on IG and FB.

Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC.’s Services

MAYUMI IZUMI | Content Creator

Building Community

Now more than ever, it is important to stay connected with our neighbours, local small business owners and strengthen our community. The pandemic has caused many businesses to suffer and some to close.

Services

Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC.’s mission is to empower small businesses to shine by offering digitally marketing, social media management, search engine optimization and public relations services.

We have increased local small businesses’ search engine optimization and raised them within the top 5 of Google searches, written over 30 business and restaurant features to highlight their talent, specialty and expertise.

Raisu Restaurant BLUEFIN TUNA DELUXE SEAFOOD BOWL
The Bluefin Tuna Deluxe Sewafood Bowl — Raisu Japanese Restaurant Feature, August 2021
  • Blvd Bistro & Swich Café (Double Feature — same owner)
  • Cahill CPA
  • Coache Collision
  • Creative Inspo
  • Eclipse Awards
  • Fawn Gill Fitness
  • Daisy’s Sandwiches & Such
  • Fit Life Coaching
  • Goodlad Clothing
  • Green Coast Rubbish
  • Henna by Arneet
  • Little Pink Door Boutique
  • QRZones
  • Queen of the Closet
  • Raisu Authentic Japanese Cuisine
  • Tequila Cocina Restaurant

Connecting with Business Owners

The best part of our work is the connections we make with the people behind the businesses and restaurants we feature all across Metro Vancouver.  We carefully select businesses that we truly enjoy whether it is because of the food, product and people or all the above.

We feel privileged to know the inspiring, creative and entrepreneurial individuals that took a chance to follow their dreams, worked hard and succeeded in starting their own businesses.

Kristin Ames of Fit Life Coaching
Kristin Ames of Fit Life Coaching — Interview & Feature, August 2020

There is a spark, a light within these men and women. We are uplifted when we interview them and dig into their stories:

  • Did they always want to own their own business?
  • What was their inspiration?
  • What is their advice to others who want to start their own business?

If you would like to read our upcoming local small business features make sure to subscribe to Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC. and also follow our Lifestyle Ezine on our Instagram and Twitter. To inquire about our services, please email: mayumi@mayumiizumi.com.

North Vancouver Business Feature — Man Up Grooming

I had the pleasure of interviewing Alison Koch, Proprietor of Man Up Grooming. Wow, not many people impress me but she did! Classy, intelligent, forthcoming–a true entrepreneur. I could have talked to her for hours.

What is most interesting to note about Alison is that she is the owner of a barber shop but she does not cut hair herself. She saw a need–a place for men to feel special and pampered and she opened her doors to offer them an assortment of quality services: hair cuts, buzz cuts, beard trims, hot razor shaves and even colour!

The ambiance at Man Up is warm, inviting and dark… It has man cave and western saloon vibes with a long wooden counter.

Man Up Grooming Barber Shop — Man Cave & Care

M: What was your inspiration for Man Up?

A: At the time, men did not have anywhere to go to get a great haircut and be treated with respect and great service.  There were informal barber shops that didn’t offer a hair wash,  a quality drink, appointments or quality environment. 

Men could choose to go to a salon where almost everything was merchandised for women:  feminine colours, feminine smelling products, couches and coffee tables with women’s fashion magazines. These salons were also charging a substantial premium to the barbershops. Therein laid an opportunity!

Man Up Grooming Waiting Area
Man Up Grooming Waiting Area

M: When did you open your business?

A: Spring of 2013.

M: Did you always want to own your own business?

A: In my 20’s I was an employee and then started creating my own employment shortly after that. Yes, I felt comfortable with risk, it gives me energy. 

M: Do you have a philosophy in life that you would like to share with everyone?

A: Never stop pushing hard towards your dream. Just when you think it’s a complete disaster or won’t work, that’s when you drive harder and make it work.  If you give up then don’t even try. I find most people tell me why something won’t work rather than focus on how to make it work. 

I chose three words for each business to keep me focused on my mission statement: respect, style and quality.

— Alison Koch, Man Up Grooming Proprietor
Busy Saturday at Man Up Grooming
Busy Saturday at Man Up Grooming

M: Where are you from? If you moved to Vancouver, why did you move here?

A: I am one of the few born and bred in Vancouver. Lived on the North Shore the majority of my life.

M: What did you do prior to opening your business?

A: Lots. There’s one thing I strongly believe in is that business is business, it doesn’t matter if you are selling ballet shoes or changing car oil.  When an opportunity knocks, take it.  Even if an industry is saturated, you can be successful if you do it differently.  I have found that not knowing anything about an industry can give you an edge to create what has not been done before.

M: If you were in a different industry, did you enjoy your former career?

A: Yes, I must say I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve done. Some were more challenging than others on so many levels, but the constant learning curve is what keeps me driving. I’m proud to say there were only a few  years I was not taking some kind of educational course.  My latest diploma is Animal Sciences as my next big dream is to create an animal sanctuary.

Man Up Grooming Manly Things
Man Up Grooming — Manly things, hair products

M: Did you attend university?  Which university did you attend?  Would you advise others to pursue a degree before opening their own business?

A:  University helps you buy some time to grow up or figure out what you want to do.  Obviously, if you’re going to be a doctor or lawyer or something that requires a degree, then yes.  All others should be given serious consideration if you want to work for yourself.  There were two things that every business have in common–law and accounting. Both disciplines are worth learning as much as you can.

M: What would your advice to future owners with dreams of owning their own business be?

A:  Be realistic, it takes years to establish a successful business.  It also costs twice as much as you think.  Select your mentors carefully and never listen to “you can’t because” statements from your friends and family. 

Some people will tell you that you can’t do it because they cannot envision how to make it work. Others will support you blindly, again not knowing how to do what you are about to conquer. Neither opinion is helpful. 

Ask strangers (because they are not emotionally invested in you) and other successful people (because they have already done it).

MILESTONES

M: Are there any milestones for your business that you would like me to mention in the Feature?

A: I can’t think of any right now, we are waiting for Covid to end so we can have a customer appreciation bash, perhaps we will be able to for our 10 year anniversary in 2023!

If you would like to learn more about Man Up Grooming or book an appointment: please visit their website and Instagram. They are located at 1083 Marine Drive, North Vancouver.