Starting a new business in uncertain economic times takes a special kind of entrepreneurial spirit and strength. Look Local chatted with six individuals who have done just that. Their products and services are welcome additions to our community. Let’s all support them!
Silk and Stone | KERR VILLAGE
Silk and Stone sells handmade artisanal crafts by over 60 vendors, ranging in age from 11 to 85. Owner Peri Abdullah has enjoyed the artsy vibe of Kerr Village for years and jumped at the chance to open the shop in mid-March.
“We are getting a lot of comments from customers saying, ‘It’s about time we got a store like this in this area,’” Abdullah says. The shop sells one-of-a-kind items such as candles, jewellery, stationery, crocheted and knitted items, perfumes, soaps and bath products — all Canadian made.
Anagen Hair and Scalp Institute | Burlington
A scalp treatment is like a facial for your head and hair. Since opening Anagen Hair and Scalp Institute in December 2024, Natalie Carvalho has helped clients with conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema. She also offers a “Relaxation Scalp Facial” for those who need to unwind.
Carvalho aims to help people understand that hair loss is not something they have to accept. “A lot of women think they are getting older, starting menopause and that’s why their hair is falling out,” she says, “but it’s a build-up of products over a lifetime on the scalp.” As a nutritionist Carvalho also coaches gut healing and nutrition to support hair growth.
FurrMart | ALDERSHOT
Welcoming his dog Cici into his family in 2023 was the catalyst for Pruthu Trivedi to create FurrMart, a pet supply store. Since opening in December 2024, Trivedi has noticed an increase in people buying Canadian brands.
“Aldershot is a small community,” he says. “Once they know you as a person, that it’s a family store, they are very supportive.” Trivedi gives back with a seniors’ discount, cash back loyalty program, delivery service, and by donating to the Burlington Humane Society.
Pinnacle Pilates and Wellness | BRONTE
Pinnacle Pilates opened in April this year. It’s a family affair operated by sisters Jacki, Alex and Sophie, who all grew up in Oakville. Clients can experience reformer and mat pilates, as well as an infra-red sauna.
“Working with my sisters is amazing,” Jacki says. “We all have our different strengths, and it’s nice to see all of us flourish in our individual parts of the business, and then coming together and making it all work.”
Saints Studio | WATERDOWN
The genesis of Saints Studio is rooted in the passions of music teacher and vocal coach Sze Chen Cheong, a mother of six. The Studio, which opened at the end of April, is an experiential learning centre for children ages 7-16 aiding in the development of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) skills.
Through her children, Cheong sees changes in the educational landscape. “In Canada the government is promoting critical thinking, collaboration and being creative. We need to prepare the future generation for the workforce.”
Toast Event Space BURLINGTON
Open since January this year, Toast is a boutique event space that hosts showers, birthday parties, workshops and corporate events.
“People are looking for a nice spot to go that isn’t the church basement or the Legion,” says Toast creator Sierra Hoyle. She saw a need for something a little more upscale but still reasonably priced.
Hoyle, entertaining, who loves worked tirelessly to renovate the premises and create a vibe that blends mid-century with California style. The venue fits in seamlessly with the quaint cobbled walkways of Village Square in Downtown Burlington. They’re already accepting bookings into 2027!
Local Links:
ANAGEN SCALP
2060 Lakeshore Road #112, Burlington
anagen.ca
FURRMART
91 Plains Road East #2C, Aldershot
furrmart.ca
PINNACLE PILATES AND WELLNESS
2330 Lakeshore Road West Unit 5, Oakville
pinnaclepilates.ca
SAINTS STUDIO
12 Barton Street Level 2, Waterdown
saintsstudio.ca
SILK AND STONE
92 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville
silkandstone.ca
TOAST EVENT SPACE
2045 Pine Street Unit 58, Burlington
toasteventspace.com
BY CYNDI INGLE
