Author: keepupwithkingston

Kingston’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide and Meal Ideas

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Photo by Zoe Schaeffer on Unsplash

If you follow me on Instagram, I’ve had a Mother’s Day giveaway going for the last week to highlight all of the awesome gifts from local makers. If you entered and didn’t win, still consider checking out one of these awesome businesses for your Mother’s Day gifts. A quick recap:

Afiya Beauty’s Special Mother’s Day Kit: Rose body oil, bath soak, rose facial serum. (FYI, I use their products and love them!)

Cheesecakery + Found and Lost Art: Cheesecakery has teamed up with Found and Lost Art for an adorable jar and card set.

Heel Boy: A gift card for mom to treat herself to a new pair of shoes as the season changes is a perfect gift!

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Black In Kingston, A Year Later

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I am still processing the news of the Derek Chauvin trial. I can say that it’s upsetting how shocked I was that the right thing was done. Finally. I don’t want to jump up and down and scream justice because George Floyd is still dead and one verdict doesn’t equal a change in policy. But it does set a precedent and send a signal to cops that they can be held accountable for their actions. Because that’s what happened. Chauvin was held accountable. After almost a year and several other cases of police brutality. After a trial that tried to humanize the man that was killed to justify his murder instead of vilifying his murderer. Accountability happened.

Photo by Tandem X Visuals on Unsplash

It’s been almost a year since a local officer, Brad Hughes, argued that George Floyd played role in his death by not complying to police. He confidently shared on his Facebook page, “Had every single one of the deceased in the high profile cases in the US not resisted their arrest but instead complied, sat themselves in the cruiser and fought their case in the court room rather then the street, they’d ALL be alive today.” That is simply not true. It’s been proven over and over (Breonna Taylor was asleep in her bed). And a reminder to any devil’s advocates out there that non-compliance should not equal death. His statement was/is absolutely unacceptable, particularly coming from a police officer. It’s unsettling to know that someone who sits in such a power position holds such problematic beliefs. And real change means that he would be publicly reprimanded for those harmful words and given more training on implicit biases.

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Black-Owned: Imperial Cleaning – KFLA

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If you’re familiar with the blog, you know that I started a Black-owned business directory in 2020 to amplify Black voices and entrepreneurship in our community. It’s been so amazing to watch this list grow with so many incredible businesses. To celebrate Black History Month, I want to go a step further and get to know a few of the business owners listed in the directory. Check back weekly to learn about someone new!

Like many of the businesses featured in this series, I learned about Imperial Cleaning last year when they were tagged on the Black-owned business directory. Constanin Mugenga owns Imperial while also working as the Regional Program Admnistrator at Kingston Community Health Centre. Imperial offers services like carpet cleaning, move-in/out cleaning, junk removal and more. Learn more about how Imperial started and about Constantin below.

Tell me a bit about yourself…
I enjoy travelling, golfing, spending time with my family and friends. I love giving back to the community and contributing economically as much as I can to ensure that young people/entrepreneurs regardless where they come from, who they are or how they look, will have opportunities to learn, work and reach their full potential as they are the future. A fun fact about me – I have lived in three different continents (Africa, Asia and North America) and have two master degrees, one of them in Applied Psychology! At Imperial Cleaning-KFLA, we are dedicated to creating clean, safe and healthy environments for both commercial and residential spaces while exceeding clients’ expectations!

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Black-Owned: AA DJs

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If you’re familiar with the blog, you know that I started a Black-owned business directory in 2020 to amplify Black voices and entrepreneurship in our community. It’s been so amazing to watch this list grow with so many incredible businesses. To celebrate Black History Month, I want to go a step further and get to know a few of the business owners listed in the directory. Check back weekly to learn about someone new!

AA DJs was put on my radar because someone tagged them in the Black-Owned Business directory and then I had the opportunity to listen to their set last summer for a few nights at Stone City Ales and I spent my whole meal bopping my head and shrugging my shoulders. Ayanda and his team bring great energy to the space. They also produce a really great photo booth! Find out a little more about AA DJs.


When and why did you start AA DJs?
AA DJs got started in May 2017, because one of my best friends and I saw a need for a new approach to the experience couples got from DJs at weddings. We felt the client experience, overall visual presentation, and music style could be updated and refreshed to better suit the needs of people getting married these days.

Why Kingston? 
The community. We both grew up in Kingston, and it’s always been home for us. What better place to start a business than somewhere surrounded by your friends and family, inside of a city that has so many great small businesses to draw inspiration from? #YGKLove haha.

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Black-Owned: Trendsetter Hair Clinic

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If you’re familiar with the blog, you know that I started a Black-owned business directory in 2020 to amplify Black voices and entrepreneurship in our community. It’s been so amazing to watch this list grow with so many incredible businesses. To celebrate Black History Month, I want to go a step further and get to know a few of the business owners listed in the directory. Check back weekly to learn about someone new!

Paulette Guelph, owner of Trendsetter Hair Clinic, is a long-term small business owner in the Kingston. She’s had the salon for 20 years! Learn a little more about Paulette, her salon and her advice to aspiring business owners.

Tell me about yourself
My name is Paulette Guelph. I am the Master Stylist and Owner of Trendsetter Hair Clinic located at 573 Princess Street, Kingston. Our salon has been serving a diverse, multicultural, unisex clientele for the pass 20 years in Kingston. We specialize in Afro Canadian hair textures, providing a wide range of services including chemical relaxers, braids, hair extensions, keratin treatments, dreadlocks, wigs. Our full complement of services is listed on our website: www.trendsetterhairclinic.com. I enjoy my work as a stylist serving my community, especially the transformational aspect of my work, where I get to bring smiles to people’s faces as they enjoy the effects of my work. This gives me the most satisfaction.

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Black-Owned: JD Physiotherapy Clinics

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If you’re familiar with the blog, you know that I started a Black-owned business directory in 2020 to amplify Black voices and entrepreneurship in our community. It’s been so amazing to watch this list grow with so many incredible businesses. To celebrate Black History Month, I want to go a step further and get to know a few of the business owners listed in the directory. Check back weekly to learn about someone new!

After moving from Ottawa (where he was born and raised) to Kingston six years ago, Jonathan Daniel (JD) opened 3 Physiotherapy clinics (one in Napanee and two in Kingston) within a 4 year span, each called JD Physiotherapy. They are multidisciplinary private practice clinics that offer and array of treatments for all types of conditions and injuries. Each location is staffed with a very knowledgable team and has private treatment rooms to ensure a safe and healthy environment. Learn more about JD’s journey as a business owner and his advice to others.

When and why did you start your private practice?

Owning my own clinic has always been a dream of mine. I wanted to combine my love of Physio with my passion for motivating people to get healthy and live better lives. When I had the opportunity to take over my first clinic I jumped at the chance even though it meant I had to move cities. In July of 2014 I opened up my first JD Physiotherapy Clinic in Napanee ON. By the time 2018 rolled around I had opened two more locations both in Kingston ON. My dreams of running my own clinics had materialized but more importantly, I am able to create jobs for the Kingston community and help change lives in a positive way.

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Black-Owned: Bodies by B, Online Fitness Coaching

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If you’re familiar with the blog, you know that I started a Black-owned business directory in 2020 to amplify Black voices and entrepreneurship in our community. It’s been so amazing to watch this list grow with so many incredible businesses. To celebrate Black History Month, I want to go a step further and get to know a few of the business owners listed in the directory. Check back weekly to learn about someone new!

If you’re looking for fitness inspiration to get moving or a meal plan to help make healthier food choices, Bria Wannamaker (@bbodiesygk) is here for you! I learned about Bria when she was tagged in the Black-owned Business directory. Her page is loaded with positivty and encouragement. Learn about how she changed her business model in response to COVID-19 and what else she’s been up to in lockdown below.


Tell me a bit about yourself…

Hey there! My name Bria Wannamaker and I run an online personal training business, Bodies by B. I’ve always loved fitness (I completed in trampoline and cheerleading for a number of years, competed at the world championships for cheerleading, and coached cheerleading for years) and I’m passionate about helping women who don’t enjoy exercise or who find it boring, or challenging to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines. 

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Black-Owned: Cher-Mere

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If you’re familiar with the blog, you know that I started a Black-owned business directory in 2020 to amplify Black voices and entrepreneurship in our community. It’s been so amazing to watch this list grow with so many incredible businesses. To celebrate Black History Month, I want to go a step further and get to know a few of the business owners listed in the directory. Check back weekly to learn about someone new!

I met Aba years ago at a local event and we’ve been connected ever since. I admire Aba for all of the work she does for our community (she does a lot of volunteer work and is on many, many committees!) while running two spas (and raising four children!)! My favourite items from Cher-Mere are the moisturizing hair products and body oil, they are especially appreciated in winter when everything is dry! This past year Aba has been responsible for the Let’s Talk Kingston series that’s done a wonderful job of breaking down barriers and having honest conversation about the things that impact our community. Learn more about Aba below.

Why did you choose Kingston? 
I came to Kingston to go to Queen’s for an undergrad from Engineering and then along the way I decided to do a Masters and then along the way I started to do a PhD and then along that way I was in a relationship and got pregnant and had four kids and we became Kingstonians officially (laughs). My husband always says “I wanted to go to a big city” and we kind of just ended up here. But we really like it here.

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Valentine’s Day in YGK: Special Menus

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I am not typically into Valentine’s Day but given the circumstances of the last year, I will take any excuse to have a really good meal and celebrate love. And I don’t think Valentine’s Day is reserved for couples! Self-love is just as key, love for a parent or kid, close friend – all of the love! If you’re not in a romantic relationship, don’t skip the opportunity for a treat! I digress haha… Kingston restaurants have really lit it up this year with their Valentine’s Day menus! Even though we are in the green this week, many restaurants are still in the middle of the covid pivot and offering takeout for this weekend. I’ve included a list of menus I’ve come across in the last couple of weeks below (some are takeout and some are dine-in), click on the images/restaurant names for more information from each place listed:

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Black-Owned: ELA Psychological and Counseling Services

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If you’re familiar with the blog, you know that I started a Black-owned business directory in 2020 to amplify Black voices and entrepreneurship in our community. It’s been so amazing to watch this list grow with so many incredible businesses. To celebrate Black History Month, I want to go a step further and get to know a few of the business owners listed in the directory. Check back weekly to learn about someone new! 

E.L. Adams is originally from North Carolina and now has a private practice in Kingston. E.L’s practice is geared toward youth (ages 6-23) in our community to support them with coping mechanisms for mental wellness. I’ve had the pleasure of working with E.L. this year and know from experience that Kingston is incredibly lucky to have him and his services available to our young people. Learn more about E.L. and his advice to aspiring entrepreneurs below.

When and Why did you start your private practice?         
I began my private practice in 2016 to open up professional opportunities. I felt like my current placement offered a lot of varied experiences, but there were still some opportunities that I could not pursue due to limits on time or policies, so I went private to open up more decision making on my end and try different things. 

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