How to find your Decor Soulmate!

Part 2

This summer, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tina Hamlin Beer, the owner of Coast Consignment and decor soulmate matchmaker. Coast has been a long-time cherished business on the North Shore, serving its customers and matching them with their decor soulmates for 21 years. Tina’s father, Richard Beer started the business under the name, Coast Canada in 2004 and distributed antiques from his homeland in England. They rebranded the business as Coast Consignment in 2008.

What are your plans for Coast’s future?

Our plans for Coast’s future is to ensure the longevity of this company, to continue to keep it a family owned business with our long term team of employees. They are fantastic and know the business inside and out. We hope to expand our offerings, continue to renovate and hopefully stay in the same location that we are at now.

We love your energy. We love to have you in the store and we think our customer service is what sets us apart; we appreciate each and every one of our customers and our consignment clients. Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today!

Manager, Carly Montgomery has been with Coast Consignment for 15 years, since she graduated from BCIT’s Interior Design Program in 2010

We want to grow and prosper and give back to the community. We’re trying to set up a North Shore Design District with a long term parking lot, goals of beautification of our community with more greenery, and street banners. There are lots of things that we, as a company, want to do: to continue to be a contributing member of the community, to offer an amazing collection of curated goods to help you make your home, office, and cabin as beautiful as can be, and a place that you want to spend time at.

There are days when being a small business owner comes with many challenges, especially in the last several years, not only did we go through a pandemic, but we’ve gone through economic turmoil after economic turmoil. This has made things very difficult to continue to stay in a business for a small business. And so we work really hard to ensure our longevity by being quick to pivot and make changes to ensure that we make the smart and right decisions to stay in business.

We need our clients and customers to continue their loyalty and their patronage and tell their friends and family about us.

It isn’t always easy, because we’re not only a retailer, but a service industry, serving our consignment clients and providing professional appraisals for our appraisal clients, and ensuring that we give the best customer service. But as long as we’re willing to make fast and quick changes and pivot on the spot, I think we can ensure our long term success. We need our clients and customers to continue their loyalty and their patronage and tell their friends and family about us.

Coast Consignment decor soulmates from prints, paintings to sculptures and pottery. — Coast Consignment carries many pieces of art from prints, paintings to sculptures and pottery.

Word of mouth is so powerful, and it’s been one of our best ways of marketing. We get our best clients from word of mouth and from my previous real estate career, knowing and working with many of North Shore’s and Vancouver’s most successful realtors has ensured that I have a good pipeline to homes that are being sold and downsized, especially fine homes and the fine items in those homes and estates.

I am so glad that that’s your future plans. Recently, I told one of my neighbors about Coast Consignment, and I urged her, even just go and have a look, it’s so awesome there!

Thank you. Our showroom is like a gallery. You are going into a store that has pieces that will fit any budget. Priced anywhere from $5 to $10,000 and it’s a pleasant place to go. Our staff are friendly. They make you feel welcome. The more people that come, even if only some of them are buying, the more energy it creates. And then other people start buying. To see people enjoying our showroom, that’s what makes me happy.

How to consign

What is the first step for someone thinking about consigning?

The first step for consigning is to figure out what items are not serving you anymore and let them go. Once you know which items you aren’t going to be keeping, whether it be that you want to change your interior design, or you’re downsizing, find out as much information that you have available. This especially applies if you are dealing with a family or friends’ estate,

Coast decor soulmate paintings and dining room vignette — Buddha authenticity and certification information available with purchase

If you have purchase receipts or information that someone’s left you about it, you can see or know what the brand name is, and potentially the age, check their physical condition. Once you have all of that information, take photos and email those photos to us or text them, and we can take a look at them and let you know which items are good for consignment. We will also let know which are in demand in the current market, and we will let you know what we can take. And then we prepare a valuation for you.

Is there anything that you would not accept into the showroom?

That is a great question, because I would say that 75% of the items out there are not saleable in the current market. There are many items that we consider to have negative value. Those are items that there is no demand for. The style and physical condition is poor and their quality is poor.

They may be too large. Or they may be too heavy, such as an upright piano. You can barely give them away, and most of them can’t be given away. Unfortunately, many of them end up in the landfill, which is a waste of ivory and excellent, excellent rare woods.

What are some of your picks?

Tina with one of her decor soulmates - blue and white porcelain vase — Tina shows us some of her picks in Coast Consignment’s two-floor showroom

How has the industry changed over the last 10 – 20 years?

That’s another great question. The industry has changed a lot. So in the past, people were antiquing. In the 80s and the 90s, I used to see that in movies. One of my favorite movies was Baby Boom, it was all about the antiquers from New York City that would go up to Vermont and antique.

Here in Vancouver, we had a very big antique industry. In Victoria, Fort Street was the antique row, and people loved their antiques. You saw them in homes all over Metro Vancouver. The antique business weakened drastically about 20 years ago and has continually gotten weaker as trends have changed and globalization has allowed us to have a lot more choices of furniture, and fast furniture, very similar to fast fashion available to us. So, consignment has changed from antique pieces to consigning more contemporary items.

Our plans for Coast’s future is to ensure the longevity of this company, to continue to keep it as a family owned business, with our long term team of employees who are fantastic and know the business inside and out

I think the selection of previously loved items that you can buy has expanded exponentially. Not only that, you can buy them in different ways. Not only are there auction houses and consignment houses like ours, the thrift store and resale markets have exploded. There are large curated collections online with companies like Kingsley Bate, 1stDibs, Chairish. There’s also Facebook Marketplace, which seems to have taken over Craigslist and Kijiji.

Of course, there are risks with buying items online through other people, but also there are lots of great deals out there. What we found is that the sophistication of consignment companies for clothing and furniture has really increased with demand and for what people are looking for. Shopping at consignment companies for furniture and fashion, means you’re going to have a curated collection that’s been selected ahead of time for quality, excellent physical condition, uniqueness, interest, design, esthetic and more.

Tina’s pick from Coast Consignment’s showroom

If you missed it, please read Part 1 of How to find your Decor Soulmate!

To see more of Coast Consignment’s beautiful pieces, please visit their North Vancouver showroom at 171 Pemberton Avenue or view their listings.

September 20, 2025September 22, 2025

How to find your Decor Soulmate!

Metallic vases and necklace on wooden table

Part 1 The secret to our success is ensuring that your experience here is top notch, even if you are coming in just to browse and you don’t have the budget to buy anything right now, you are always welcome

The company celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, when did you become involved with the family business?

So, 2008 was a huge year of change for me. My father, who started the company, asked me if I could join the family company. At the time, I was working as a senior tax analyst for Bell Canada, and I was in my seventh year of my career doing that, specializing in telecommunications, tax on linear assets, fiber optic assets. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to join the family company, because compensation wise, it wasn’t going to pay me what I was making.

I had recently got engaged to my longtime boyfriend, and we decided to move to Squamish, where he was policing, and we bought a house up there, and so I knew I also wanted some flexibility, to be able to come back and forth to the city if there were issues with the Sea to Sky Highway or weather.

Decor soulmates showroom Coast Consignment — Coast Consignment 171 Pemberton Ave, North Vancouver, BC

I also knew that my dad really needed me at the company, and that my corporate background and my interest in these things would be an asset to the company, so I decided to take the plunge and join the company. It was fortuitous because my fiancé and I did get married a few months later in the summer, and unfortunately, a few weeks after we got married, my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

That was my job from then on, and the rest was history as they say… It hasn’t been easy. Mayumi, no, it’s been tough.

My father passed away five months later on Christmas Eve, but when he was diagnosed in July, essentially that was his last day ever coming into the showroom, and from that day on I started running the company and becoming the appraiser and so following that, I received my certification as a Certified Personal Property Appraiser, and I took over the back end of the business and doing all the appraisals, working with my mom and my brother and our team.

Wow, I just got a chill. They say things happen for a reason. Was it after your career as a realtor that you acquired your certification in appraisal?

The certification I have is through the CPPAG, its the Canadian Personal Property Appraisal Group. I also do a lot of continuing education through the American Society of Appraisers. And I’m working at getting my American certification as well. That takes years of building up specific courses and credits, and I’m working on that.

At the same time that I got my certification, I also finished my Diploma in Public Administration through UVic, because when I was working as a tax analyst, I was doing an enormous amount of lobbying on behalf of the telecommunications industry, and so I thought that I would get involved more in lobbying and and provincial and federal politics. Many of the things that I learned from that diploma have been excellent for management of a small business and human resources management.

Tina Hamlin Beer at Coast with some of her picks and decor soulmates — Tina Hamilin Beer at Coast with with some of her picks and decor soulmates

Can you explain the appraisal process for someone who does not know where to start?

Insurance, charity, sold for current market – auction, consignment. Depends on the scope, right? The appraisal processes depend on why you’re appraising an asset. Are you appraising it for insurance purposes? Or are you appraising it to be distributed amongst friends and family? Is it for taxation purposes?

For charitable contributions? Are you appraising it to be sold in the current market? And then how do you plan on selling it? Through auction, through consignment, yourself, in a home that’s already being sold with the furniture? So the appraisal process depends on many different factors, and a professional appraiser will ask you several questions to determine what kind of appraisal and the scope of the appraisal.

What would your advice be to someone on a budget who would like to brighten up their home and find their decor soulmates?

I feel that now more than ever, there are so many opportunities to purchase items for your home on a budget without having to buy new items. Thrifting, of course, is a really big one. Knowing what areas of your home you’re looking to brighten up will help you be able to nail down the kind of items you might want to be shopping for, but easy and inexpensive ways to brighten up your home are with pieces of artwork, originals, prints, a small sculpture, a vase with whatever in season, flowers or greenery may be around you. You don’t have to buy that from a florist. Those are things that you can pick up. Fresh flowers are always a budget friendly way to brighten up your home, always.

Decor soulmates neon yellow vase & Indigenous plate and turquoise blue tall & short vases — Incorporating Tina’s advice with some brightly coloured pieces to brighten your home

Now more than ever, there are so many opportunities to purchase items for your home on a budget without having to buy new items

My best advice on that is to stick to one kind of flower. When tulips are in season, just buy a bunch of tulips in one color. Cut the stems. You don’t need a lot of stem to come out of the vase. Keep them short, but those kinds of things will brighten up your home quickly.

Throw pillows, as well as throw blankets, are another way to brighten up your home, and you can buy those new or used. Look for high quality down filled if you’re not allergic to down and you’re not vegan, makes for a more comfortable but there’s lots of good down alternatives. Look for cotton fabric, silk fabric, embroidered wool or a combination of those.

Pastel pieces from Coast Consignment. Large and small poufs, pink coffee table & floor mat, leather sofa. — More of Tina’s advice add throw pillows, poufs and side tables

Good advice. What are some essential pieces or must haves?

The first thing that I would look to get is to ensure that you have enough places to keep and store items that you want to see, so small side tables and a good cocktail coffee table are an excellent investment. I always say, if you can buy one that has either a shelf underneath or a drawer or a combination thereof, that will have a place for you to put playing cards or matches, lighters, you know, small pamphlets or things that you need to have around closely.

And then I think fabulous table lamps. I can’t express enough how important lighting is in your home. If you have pot lights or fluorescents in your ceilings, and you don’t have the budget to change those, using table lamps and floor lamps is a really budget friendly way to incorporate a sophisticated look.

I’m passionate about design, architecture, textiles, wall coverings, artwork

To set a beautiful ambiance, especially for entertaining or even just relaxing, a meeting, having several choices of lighting in your home in terms of brightness or dimness is an awesome thing to start with in your home. And to ensure that you have those special places where you may want to sit in a comfy chair and read a book or browse your phone with great lighting and a place to rest your tea or coffee or a cocktail.

Cozy blue and white gingham Bergere armchair

What is the best part of being in the consignment business?

The best part of being in the consignment business is the amazing things that I see. Almost every day, I see an item that I haven’t seen before. It’s amazing what people have collected over the years and what kinds of items end up from other parts of the world, and many of those pieces came in the 1800s and early 20th century. So those things must have quite a story of how they traveled here and what they’ve seen and what they’ve lived through.

I’m passionate about design, architecture, textiles, wall coverings, artwork and so for me, the best part of this business is being able to work with those kinds of items every single day.

What is the secret to Coast’s success?

The secret to our success is ensuring that your experience here is top notch, even if you are coming in just to browse and you don’t have the budget to buy anything right now, you are always welcome.

We hope that you can consider this a place that you can come to relax and get inspired and have ideas, even if you’re not buying. We love your energy. We love to have you in the store and we think our customer service is what sets us apart, because we do appreciate each and every one of our customers and our consignment clients. Without you, we wouldn’t be what we are today.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of How to find your Decor Soulmate with Tina Hamlin Beer coming soon!

If you would like to learn more about Coast Consignment, please visit their website, their listings and Instagram.

If you enjoyed this business feature, please leave a comment or to read more business features read Puca’s Pack: Animal Academy.

November 13, 2023November 13, 2023

Puca’s Pack: Animal Academy

I met Xicalli, owner of Puca’s Pack, animal academy and rescue society, in August when I was dog sitting my fur nephew, Osric. He was the adorable boxer you read about in my last blog. I brought him to the dog park at Harbourside Seawall in North Vancouver and Xicalli asked me if I had an extra poop bag because the park’s dispenser had run out. We struck up a conversation and followed each other on Instagram.

And it was that day that I offered to feature Puca’s Pack because I love supporting local small businesses, especially ones that are non-profit and help others. I also wanted to help Xicalli spread the word that there are animals that need your help, your love and a home.

M: When did you open Puca’s Pack?

X: I opened Puca’s Pack almost four years ago when I took in my first rescue dogs in December of 2019 and became an official not-for-profit rescue in January of 2020.

M: What was your inspiration?

X: I rescued the first two dogs, Stella and Lodden from a property in Prince George. Unfortunately, their owner was going to have them euthanized because they were too much to handle. Both dogs struggled with aggression. I struggled to train them for a year before finding my savior/mentor.

And in the first year of having them, I reached out to countless trainers, but no one was willing to help me. I had dogs with bite histories and were too large (120+ lbs) for most trainers to work with. I eventually found Dean Audet, the owner of The Great Canadian Dog Academy in Kamloops.

Puca’s Pack Behaviour Modification Specialist

I immediately booked myself for a three month intensive training program. I lived in Kamloops getting daily hands-on experience with Dog Psychology Training, Service Dog Training, Hunting Training, Scent Work and Rehabilitation. After I completed the program, I received a Behaviour Modification Specialist certificate and immediately picked up my first seven rescue dogs from Our Last Hope Animal Rescue, and I’ve never looked back.

“I’ve been an avid animal lover, my entire life.”

M: Where did the name of your business come from? Was Puca the name of one of your dogs?

X: When I started my rescue, I wanted to have a fun name, unfortunately, all the clever punny names I came up with were taken. Puca (pronounced poo-ka) is my middle name and it means Shapeshifter which felt quite fitting for a pack of misfits needing rehabilitation.

M: How long have you been working with dogs?

X: I’ve been an avid animal lover, my entire life. Professionally, I’ve only been working with dogs since September of 2019.

Dog Academy PUca's Pack — Osric and one of Puca’s Pack’s dogs playing at Harbourside Seawall

M: What do you like most about your business?

X: It’s challenging, it’s rewarding, it’s everything in between. Every day I learn something new about myself. The moment I found animal rescue, was the moment I found myself. Being able to rehabilitate an animal and find a loving home, or find the path of least resistance within its own home, is one of the most heartwarming experiences in the world.

And my passion has always been to help others, whether they have 2 feet or 4 feet. Working with animals has taught me more about myself than any other life experiences I’ve had. It’s my life’s mission to help animals and people find peace on this earth.

M: What is the most challenging part of your dog academy?

X: Training their owners.

New Dog Parent Do’s and Don’ts from Puca’s Pack

M: What advice would you give to new dog parents? (Some top do’s and don’ts)

X: Structure, structure, structure. Owning a dog is a privilege, especially if you have one that has challenges, as it will teach you about yourself. The biggest problem I see in owners is not giving their dogs rules and boundaries. They need to stay in a balanced state of mind. Be confident in your training abilities, set rules, boundaries, nurture the calm, and be patient.

Foster Parent Program

M: You have a foster parent program for your rescues. What is involved? How can someone become a foster parent to a pup?

X: It’s very simple, if you see one of our dogs that you are interested in fostering, or would like to foster in the future, all you need to do is reach out. You can contact us via text, email, or by filling out a foster application on our website. We will then schedule a call, or meet in person, to determine which dog is most suited for you.

When we find an appropriate foster dog for you, we will then go through basic dog psychology and training techniques for when the dog first enters your home. We will go over do’s and don’ts, and we will be there every step of the way.

M: How can someone adopt a pet? How long does it take? How much does it cost?

X: Cost of adoption vary based upon age. Our costs can all be found on our website at the bottom of our adoptable‘s page. We pay for their collars, leashes, food, vaccinations, spays/neuters, and any other medical care that comes with the dog. Some dogs have extreme transportation costs before getting into our care, and our adoption fee helps us stay in business by covering a portion of those costs.

Adopting a Dog is Simple

If you see a dog on our page that you feel is an appropriate match for you, you can text, call, email us or fill out an application on our website. Adopting a dog is actually quite simple. We will schedule a phone call to go over your application, and figure out whether you and the dog will be a good match.

After we’ve approved your application, we will proceed with a meet and greet, some training, and you can take your new family member home. Puca’s Pack will be there to support you through the transition period of bringing a dog into your home. If you don’t see your dream pup, don’t fret! You can always fill out an application even if there is no current dog right for you. We can leave your application open and contact you when the right dog comes along.

Fundraisers and Donations Only Sources of Funding

M: Puca’s Pack is a non-profit organization. Are you able to get any government grants or funding? Is there anything the community can do to help?

X: Currently, fundraisers and donations are our only sources of funding. I started this rescue four years ago, and we paid the majority of our costs out of pocket. We have looked into government grants but have struggled to get any funding as they cater to charities, not not-for-profit.

Puca’s Pack provides countless services including pet sitting, boarding, dog walking, and training, all the revenue from these services go directly to our rescue. None of our staff or volunteers are paid. We provide all services out of the goodness of our hearts to help this rescue stay afloat.

If you would like to find out more information please follow them on their Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or their website. And if you would like to adopt a dog, foster one, or make a donation you can reach out to them call/text Xicalli (pronounced Sh-kay-lee) at (778) 918-5991.

June 22, 2023June 22, 2023

Queen’s Academy of The Arts – Small Business Feature

Queen’s Academy of the Arts is a local small business that offers musical theatre programs for children between the ages of 4 to 12 online and in person in Burnaby and Coquitlam. There are after school classes, summer camps and music lessons (voice, guitar and piano) all available on a sliding scale.

I first met Queen at a Capilano Students’ Union (CSU) event at Capilano University. She is a Musical Theatre Diploma graduate, currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the university and the founder and instructor of Queen’s Academy of The Arts.

M: When did you open your business?

Q: I began offering free musical theatre classes in 2013 and registered as a business; Queen’s Academy of The Arts in 2020.

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

Q: I started teaching classes to kids as a passion project and I discovered that teaching and running a business could be a future career. It combines what I love; teaching and working with kids, and the performing arts.

Queen's Academy Fall 2019 Musical Theatre Class — Queen’s Academy Fall 2019 Musical Theatre Class

Queen’s Academy was born

M: What was your inspiration for your business?

Q: Since I was little, I’ve loved to perform. My mom put me in classes, but I knew they were too expensive for us, so I withdrew. Only, that didn’t stop me, instead it gave me the inspiration and drive to run my own business.

M: When did you start teaching children?

Q: At age 12, I began offering free musical theatre classes to feed my passion for the arts. And eight years later launched my business. I believe all kids deserve the opportunity to enrich their lives through the arts. But I know some families face difficulties or financial barriers. This is why I have made my program more affordable than competitors and I have also created an inclusive sponsorship program to make classes more accessible.

Queen's Academy Spring 2019 Musical Theatre Show — Queen’s Academy Spring 2019 Musical Theatre Show

Accessible Musical Theatre Programs

M: Did you grow up in Vancouver?

Q: I have lived in the Lower Mainland and Burnaby since I was a kid! It is my passion to bring families together through Queen’s Academy and make performing arts accessible to create connection and community.

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

Q: I began running my business teaching my children’s programs while pursuing a Musical Theatre Diploma and Bachelors of Arts Degree at Capilano University. Pursuing an education in the field that my company specializes in has helped me obtain the skills to feel confident in the field. I would advise you to do what will lead you to the most success.

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

Q: As long as you are passionate and determined anything is possible!

If you would like to know more about Queen’s Academy of the Arts and their musical theatre programs, voice and music lessons, please visit their website and follow their Instagram.

May 28, 2023May 28, 2023

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 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.

March 29, 2023March 29, 2023

16 WEST: Meet the People Behind the North Vancouver Restaurant

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

February 26, 2022March 28, 2022

Local Small Business Feature Series — Vancouver Waxlings

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 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.

December 7, 2021January 27, 2022

Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC.’s Services

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

Some of the Businesses We Featured

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 — 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.

August 21, 2021August 21, 2021

Local Restaurant Feature — Raisu Authentic Japanese Cuisine

Mama Izumi and I went on a Foodie Adventure recently and had the pleasure of dining at Raisu Restaurant in the heart of Kitsilano, where all of our foodie desires were satiated with their authentic Japanese cuisine.

I have been eating sushi since I was I was a little girl and they have the freshest, most delicious sashimi I’ve ever had. We shared the Raisu Lunch Meal Special.

You can choose 2 out of these 4 items:

Chef’s choice of sashimi (3 kinds), deep fried dishes (2 kinds), today’s meat dish, and today’s grilled fish.

Their lunch special also includes rice, miso soup, small dish, homemade pickles and salad.

We also feasted on their Bluefin Tuna Deluxe Seafood Bowl. And although we were stuffed full of yuminess we ordered their Yuzu Parfiat and Souffle Cheesecake for dessert.

Mama and I highly recommend Raisu to fans of sushi, sashimi, and Japanese food!

Raisu's Desserts — Yuzu Parfait & Souffle Cheesecake

I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about the people behind Raisu. I had the opportunity to interview their Assistant Manager, Yumi Takeshita.

Exclusive Interview with Raisu’s Assistant Manager

M: When did Raisu first open for business? Who is the founder?

Y: Raisu opened on July 2, 2016 as a sister restaurant to Kingyo Izukaya, Suika Snackbar, and Rajio Public House. All 4 restaurants are under the Tamaru Shoten Marketing Corp umbrella.

Minoru Tamaru began Kingyo about 10 years ago because he wanted to introduce people in Vancouver to Izakaya culture and provide authentic Japanese meals.

Raisu Restaurant Japanese Cuisine — Raisu is located at 2340 W 4th in Kitsilano

Inspiration for Opening Raisu and Providing Authentic Japanese Cuisine

M: What was Minoru’s inspiration for Raisu? Is he the sole owner or does he have business partners?

Y: Yes, he is doing this business by himself. Raisu’s concept is 80’s Japanese culture and Teishoku (balanced meal set).

M: Yumi, where are you originally from? If you moved to Vancouver, why did you move here?

Y: I am from Japan and I hoped to live abroad when I there. I had heard Vancouver is the best city to live and I was interested what the Japanese culture was like here too.

M: What did you do prior to working at Raisu?

Y: I worked for 8 years at Coca-Cola bottlers in Fukuoka prefecture, in Japan. I was sales person, sales office administrator and HR. When I came here in Vancouver, I worked at JAPADOG as a manager, and went to college, worked as an accountant at an agency for Japanese students who want to study in Canada.

Then now I am working at Raisu. I have been working here 3 years and I am assistant manager fortunately since April. All my job experiences are now with food.

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

Y: Yes, absolutely. I enjoyed working every occasion. There are a lot of good things to know and learn. If it does not relate between each industry, I can find relations and there is no waste time that I have experienced.

Is University Important for Future Business Owners?

M: Did you go to university? If so, what did you study? Which university did you attend? Would you advise others to pursue a degree before opening their own business?

Y: Yes, I graduated Seinan Gakuin University in Fukuoka, Japan, and I earned a Bachelor of Law Degree.

I might recommend to pursue, but if they have clear future vision, that is no need to. However it is very worth time to pursue something and make friends before doing business. I think it is very important at that term.

M: Do you have any interest to own your own business?

Y: Yes I do, but I need to learn about business more, so I start working at Raisu.

Yumi’s Philosophy

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

Y: Live everyday happily, that makes your future happy!

This is my philosophy to live but I am not sure there is similar quote in English.

MILESTONES

Raisu just celebrated it’s 5 Year Anniversary July 2^nd 2021.

Go in to congratulate them in person at 2340 West 4th Street or learn more about Raisu visit their website. You also have the option to order online and follow them on Instagram.

May 14, 2021May 17, 2021

Local Business Feature — Eclipse Awards International is Celebrating 23 Years in Business

I first met Toby Barazzuol, Owner and Founder of Eclipse Awards at Tillicum Elementary school in East Vancouver. He was in grade 2 and I was in grade 1. We had a few mutual friends and played on the jungle gyms in our neighbourhood. He moved away and then I didn’t see him again until we were in high school in North Vancouver — We were reacquainted by mutual friends that attended Windsor Secondary with him.

And now he’s running a successful company that is celebrating its 23rd year in business!

M: When did you open Eclipse Awards?

T: We opened the doors for the very first time at Eclipse Awards on April 1, 1998.

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

T: Since I was a kid, I always dreamed of starting some kind of business that would help people. My parents were both teachers with no real interest in business, so I think they sometimes wondered where I came from.

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

T: I was born and raised in Vancouver! In fact, we used to live upstairs of the Stanley Park Teahouse when my parents first started their family (my grandparents ran the restaurant there for many years). At age 5, we moved to the rainforests of North Vancouver, which is where I grew up and currently live. I love it here!

Toby Barrazuol & his children — Toby Barazzuol & his children in North Vancouver, BC

M: What was your inspiration for Eclipse?

T: I used to work at a small company and my boss had a side business making crystal awards and trophies. So I learned how to design awards, and sandblast them to bring them to life, and found that I really enjoyed using my hands to make things.

But after attending dozens of award ceremonies to watch our awards being presented, I began to notice that most award recipients were overcome with happiness, often crying tears of joy upon being recognized and appreciated. It was always such a positive, powerful and uplifting experience that I decided I wanted to help bring more of that into the world.

Customized Awards by Eclipse Awards Internationals — Eclipse Awards International create beautiful customized awards

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

T: The small company I used to work for would build log homes and ship them to Japan. They were almost like puzzles, with each log numbered and reassembled on site overseas.

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

T: I enjoyed that earlier role because it taught me the skills to run my own business, but I wasn’t passionate about exporting log homes.

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

T: I went to Sauder Business School at UBC and majored in marketing and sociology. If you’re interested in starting your own business, a college or university degree is certainly helpful, though I wouldn’t say it’s required.

In terms of running a business, I don’t think school prepares you with practical knowledge or skills. However, it does teach you how to solve problems, communicate, and work with others, which are all important skills for running a business. You might be successful in starting a business without a degree, but I think your chances improve a lot with some education.

You Are Awesome Award by Eclipse Awards International — You Are Awesome Award by Eclipse Awards

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

T: Start a business if it’s something you love and believe in, not because you think it will make you rich. You will need to draw on your passion to get you through the challenging times of the first 3-5 years. If you are passionate about your work, do the things you promise to do, and treat people well, then the money will start to flow.

But spoiler alert.. if you think that owning your own business is the path to more free time, it’s actually the opposite.

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

T: “Energy flows where your attention goes.”

“Recognize. Empower. Repeat.”

We Rise By Lifting Others Quote by Robert Ingersoll — “We Rise By Lifting Others” a quote by Robert Ingersoll that’s very fitting for Eclipse Awards, a business that “Recognizes. Empowers. [and] Repeats”.

MILESTONES

2012: Eclipse Awards is the 8th company in BC to become a Living Wage Employer.

2012/13: Eclipse Awards is recognized as BC’s Best Employer by Small Business BC

2014: Eclipse Awards is recognized as BC’s Best Green Business by Small Business BC

To learn more about Eclipse follow their Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, you can also visit their website, Eclipse Awards – Maker of Fine Awards, Plaques, and Trophies.