People – 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

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

VIDEO: Not just a game: The benefits of esports

Conestoga Esports Hub midway through the Provincial Valorant Tournament held on Sat. March 1, 2025. Photo by Emily McGirr Coaches from Ontario’s secondary schools competing in the provincial Valorant tournament last weekend are passionate about their students’ success. Since they arrived in students’ everyday lives, video games have been seen as a distraction from schoolwork, but these coaches and the esports industry itself are challenging those ideas. According to Statista, … Continued

How Aidan Ruston, aka AJ, built a music empire in Waterloo with ‘The Kitchen KW’

Aiden John Rustin, known to many as AJ, lost himself in the rhythm of his own making. Stretching his arms toward the amplifier, a gentle smile tugged at his lips, a quiet acknowledgment of the music’s power to speak what words could not. It was around 10 p.m at The Kitchen KW studio as the scene unfolded. “The location that we’re at, they don’t let us make noise until 5:30 … 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

FEATURE: Earning her “sunset” by breathing life back into the community

Photos by Rowen Fisler/Spoke Online (Pictured) Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and Conestoga College instructor Pam Hall stands beside a test patient in her classroom at Conestoga College’s Doon Campus in Kitchener, Ont., on Nov. 14, 2024. Almost 40 years ago, a near family tragedy forever changed the trajectory of Pam Hall’s life. When Hall was in the ninth grade, her cousin was born prematurely at just 28 weeks old. The … Continued

Hate crimes surge 94 per cent in Waterloo Region, police say

Hate-motivated crimes in the Waterloo Region increased by 94 per cent last year, according to new data released by the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS). These crimes have significantly increased in the region over the past few years.

AUDIO: Still a long way to go for equality as Conestoga celebrates International Women’s Day

Conestoga College celebrated the special occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8 in its Kitchener Downtown campus. Michaela Angemeer, a queer Canadian poet passionate about sharing healing stories with people and inspiring them to embrace their emotions, joined the event as a guest speaker.

Crossing generations through the canvas with ‘The Proclamation’ exhibition at Kitchener City Hall

Featuring eye-catching artworks based on South Sudanese Shilluk peoples, the exhibit brings abstract designs and striking portraits to life. “I’ve gotten comments on the fact that this is sometimes a scary painting because of how real the eyes look as if there really is a soul behind them,” said artist Chudear Oyual. “It’s comforting knowing that in the creation of my art, my ancestors are with me.”

AUDIO: Conestoga College celebrates Indigenous cultures with its 14th annual Pow Wow

The institution hosts a significant cultural event yearly, celebrating Indigenous traditions with traditional dancers, music, and food. The audience is encouraged to join in on the dancing and food, which creates an opportunity for people of different cultures to come together and learn about each other.

AUDIO: How Conestoga students survive exam season

Exam season is fast approaching, and with that comes student burnout. Thanks to a busy work schedule and social media distractions, it can be harder than ever to focus on studying. Here’s how these Conestoga students keep their cool without failing their classes.

OPINION: Why traditional schooling outperforms homeschooling

Traditional schooling provides children with the opportunity to interact with their peers and develop social skills. This is important for their development and well-being.

REVIEW: Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign dropped the highly anticipated album ‘Vultures’

After multiple delays, Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign released their 16-song collaboration album, “Vultures,’’ across all streaming platforms on Feb. 9, 2024.

Category: People