Feature – Spoke

From manicures to martinis and student discounts: Velvet Nails is purely polished perfection

“I want people to feel, like, more relaxed. When they have a bad day or a long day at work, they come here and have a drink and just relax,” said Victoria Nguyen about her newest salon, Velvet Nails, located in the Fairway Plaza, Kitchener, Ontario. This salon is not your typical salon: it is the ultimate, tranquil spa experience. They offer manicures, pedicures, massages, relaxing hair washes, laser treatments, … Continued

Hustl Hot Girl Walks – a Conestoga College student’s solution to helping women make friends

Aisley Ellis, a first-year a massage therapy student at Conestoga College, wanted a “low-barrier” way for women to make connections over the summer. So, she started what she calls “Hustl Hot Girl Walks.” An extrovert for as long as she can remember, Ellis said she started the walking group so women could make connections without the pressure of spending a lot of money. She ran the no membership, weekend walking group … Continued

Pumpkins, plaid, and plenty of fun at St. Jacobs Harvest Hoedown!

Fall has officially arrived at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market as they kicked off the season with their fourth annual Harvest Hoedown on September 19th. The festival offered something for everyone – from live music and trivia to line dancing, unique vendors, and even the chance to ride a mechanical bull. Attendees were encouraged to dust off their cowboy boots and show up dressed in country attire. Many were wearing … Continued

Feel the pulse: the beat of live music never dies

The stadium is filled with tens of thousands of strangers. They are shoulder to shoulder, excitement building, and hearts pounding. People of all different ages, genders, races, sexualities, and religions. They are all here for one thing: the art of live music. Suddenly, the lights go out. Screams erupt louder than ever imaginable. Normally, screams of such volume would be cause for chaos. Tonight, they are in joy. The stage … Continued

From passion, to distraction, and eventual fruition: How art moved Trevor Clare

If you asked Trevor Clare six years ago if he could see himself painting nostalgic locations for a living, he probably would have said that’s a “wild” idea. Back then, Clare didn’t see art as a serious hobby, let alone a full-time career. If anything, he saw painting as a way to distract himself from his mental battles. But what Clare didn’t realize was that his digital recreations of iconic … Continued

From clippers to confidence: A place to become

The sound of clippers hums softly in the air, a familiar rhythm as each haircut becomes a quiet act of self-creation. Beneath the warm glow of vintage lights, identities are shaped as gently as the hair falling to the floor, with each snip revealing more of the person beneath. In this space, it’s not just hair being cut – it’s the barriers, fears, and weight of judgment, left behind in … Continued

The leadership and perceptive knowledge of Scott Miller

Scott Miller in his WCDSB office, located on 51 Ardelt Ave, Kitchener. Photo by WRDSB. When Scott Miller decided he’d pursue a career in education, he did so believing it to be a good opportunity to make a difference in the lives of youths and students. Miller wanted to find ways for students to “encounter success and be successful with the belief that once you find success and once you’re … Continued

A hardwood experience with Austin Ernst-Finnie

Austin Ernst-Finnie standing in the Huron Heights Secondary School basketball gym, taken on Nov 25, 2024. Photos by Anashe Mapuranga/Spoke Online Despite playing basketball since he was 14 years-old, Austin Ernst-Finnie didn’t ever see himself becoming a basketball coach. “In the beginning I couldn’t shoot. But it wasn’t until I realized that I was working on shooting for seven years of my life that I could probably end up coaching, … Continued

It’s moving day with the most Elite Services

Hilton Nyamayaro while on the job Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Anashe Mapuranga/Spoke Online When Hilton Nyamayaro founded his company Elite Moving Services Inc., he saw it as an opportunity to have time for himself, his family and travel. “I figured the best way to do this was to have a business that can run by itself and be able to fund my adventures and my lifestyle. And give … Continued

Canadian man struggles to bring family from war-torn Gaza under special immigration visa

“There is just a heart break on every level of this process,” said the Vancouver resident.

Facing seasonal depression? Four fun activities to beat the winter blues in Toronto

Spending time outdoors is a key strategy for reducing seasonal depression, a condition that impacts up to 10 per cent of Canadians during the winter, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

VIDEO: Cambridge kickboxer’s fight cut short due to head clash

Under the tutelage of coach Gail King, kickboxer Nick Zarzycki sought to keep his one fight win streak alive and move to a 3-1 record. However, an unfortunate head clash ended the fight early.

Cambridge council candidate Bobbi Smith is a fresh face looking to make a political splash

Some of Stewart’s campaign issues that she seeks to focus on if elected include the lack of affordable housing, the homelessness crisis, and providing drug addiction support via safe injection sites.

Five gardening tips for beginners

The arrival of spring brings many seasonal delights to Waterloo Region. It signals the end of long Canadian winters, the beginning of warm weather, and many spring activities. One of the most popular, is gardening. Gardening can be daunting for beginners who are not quite sure where to start. For students, the benefits of developing this skill are vast. The height of exam season is now a reality for students … Continued

Category: Feature