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Boss Ladies of the Limestone City: Dr. Aba Bowles-Mortley of Cher Mère Spa

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I chat with Dr. Aba Bowles-Mortley, owner of Cher Mère spa. Aba is a Queen’s alumna (undergrad, masters and Phd) who — like many — made Kingston her home with her husband (and eventually four children). She grew up in Trinidad where her family owns five spas and make their own products.

Aba is truly integrated in our community, volunteering for Youth Diversion as well as Hundred Women Who Care. When I sit down with her at Coffeeco she seems to know every other passerby and greets them with a wide grin and a “How are you?!”.

Learn about her Kingston experience and a few realities of raising mixed race children in a town with little diversity. Continue reading →

Boss Ladies of the Limestone City: Steph Hogeboom of Taylor Clark Photography

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Five years ago, Steph Hogeboom, found herself living in Kingston after falling in love with and marrying a Kingstonian. In that short time the native of Ajax has done what many take double that time to accomplish, she has established her own successful photography business that has taken her overseas to capture her clients’ milestone.  She’s now sharing the lessons she’s learned with local aspiring entrepreneurs through an intimate six participant workshop called Gather. 

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Steph is the epitome of what I consider to be a “Boss Lady”! She pushes herself while encouraging others, she’s incredibly talented and she’s kind. If you have yet to see the moments she captures between doe-eyed couples and brand new adoring parents, check out her website here.

We recently sat down for a chat, read why she loves being a business owner in Kingston, what she loves about our special community and how she plans on guiding future creative entrepreneurs. Continue reading →

Why I am Proud to Call Kingston Home

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It’s been just over a year since I moved back to my hometown and about a year since I started Keep up with Kingston.

Each day I am reminded of why I chose Kingston. I’ve had so many conversations with fellow Kingstonians who have just recently swapped the big city life for the slow pace of this beautiful community.

I don’t know how I didn’t see it before but the more I get involved with our community the more I find a common thread of kindness, hospitality and enthusiasm for this waterfront gem.  Continue reading →

Boss Ladies of the Limestone City: Ali Houde-Shulman of Queen Street Chiropractic

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Meet Ali. Ali is a chiropractor who runs Queen Street Chiropractic clinic as well as Limestone Laser. She lived in Toronto for many years and loves the big city but eventually – like many young people – decided to set her roots down in Kingston three years ago and take over her parent’s business. She serves clients that have been visiting the clinic since she was a child – I think that dynamic of a family-owned business is so special. See below for our chat and learn about how chiropractors heal and why Ali loves being a business owner in Kingston. Continue reading →

A+ For Atomica

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IMG_5536Atomica. This dimly-lit, wooden-oven pizza spot is one of my favourite places in town for a number of reasons (which I will explain shortly). That’s why I suggested it for a dinner date last week with a few of my favourite Kingston lifestyle bloggers – check out these talented ladies! Chelsey of With Love and Wild Photography, Nikki of Niche Photography, Brooke of Just Add Stripes  and Steph of Taylor Clark Photography joined me for a delicious meal and our visit confirmed why I love Atomica so much. Continue reading →

My Blissful Facial at the Annex Spa

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My first experience at The Annex Spa is a successful one that leaves me relaxed and looking rested.the_annex_spaWhen I get an email notification for my 60 minute customized facial, I say to my husband, “what can she possibly do to my face for an entire hour?”

I have been invited by one of The Annex Spa’s aesthetician’s Heidi for a facial and I am pretty excited. Who doesn’t love a spa treatment? Continue reading →