Shop Local Community Initiative: Specialty Services

The Tri-Cities has so much to offer, from restaurants to great shops, crafters to craft cocktails. We’re missing the places we go to often and are thinking about the owners of these businesses. We decided to get in touch, and spread the love. Find out how you can support local, all while maintaining safety and social distancing.

This week we're spotlighting some of our beloved specialty services! Help us celebrate Naked Cakes Coquitlam, Jars by Jodi, Uptown Dawg, Absolute Bobcat & Excavation, Function Health Club, Bova Interiors, Wild Oak Co. and The Canine Crew!

The Canine Crew

The Canine Crew is a dog walking and training company founded by Christina Grady in September of 2019. The Crew believes in using only science-based, positive reinforcement techniques with both our walking groups and training dogs. We provide private dog walks, group dog hikes, and training to the Tri-City area. We take dogs of all ages and never discriminate against breeds.

How are you and the business doing? 

As a business that is still in its first year, this pandemic has been scary! A lot of misinformation about the risks of pet ownership during this pandemic has been spread, which is a whole other challenge on its own. I have a huge appreciation for my clients who have supported me and given me their kind wishes.

How has COVID-19 impacted your business and how have you adapted?    

With more people working at home, there is a decline in the need for pet care. I am very lucky to have amazing clients who have given me support when they have the means to. And I am happy that I am still able to provide a service that enables essential workers to go to their place of work without having to worry about their dogs at home. I have adapted by going contactless to help slow the spread of the virus. I changed the way that we pick-up and drop-off the dogs at their homes so that I no longer have to enter my client’s homes. As always, I only use my own leashes and the truck is cleaned daily.

How can the community help support you during these times? 

Following, sharing and reviewing us on social media is an easy and quick way to help us out that doesn't cost anything. Our Instagram is @thecaninecrew_ and our Facebook is @caninecrewwalks. Not only does reposting our posts help us connect with future clients – but it also fills your feed with cute dog pictures, win-win! Lastly, if you see me on the trails, feel free to give me a hello! Spreading positivity goes a long way during these tough times. 

Instagram: @thecaninecrew_
Facebook: @caninecrewwalks
Website: www.coquitlamdogwalker.com

Wild Oak Co.

Wild Oak Co. is a private studio in Port Moody, BC with a goal of providing a space for mindful self-care. With a true passion for helping others, my goal is for you to take some “you time” and feel like one of the family. At Wild Oak Co. our treatments are results focussed and customized to your individual needs. I pride myself in client care, working with local companies and being involved in the community.

How are you and the business doing?

Through all of this uncertainty, I’m surprisingly doing quite well on a personal level. I am trying to take things day by day, have self-care and keep myself healthy. Staying connected to friends, family and clients ( who are essentially family) has been a blessing. The business, on the other hand, is mostly halted as I can not see people in close contact. I miss my clients, their laughs, helping them and connecting.

How has COVID-19 impacted your business and how have you adapted?

COVID-19 has impacted my business on a financial level due to not being able to keep our doors open. Oddly enough, with the distance we all have had to take, I've become closer to clients, local small business owners, and the community on a level I never expected. I can truly call so many of them friends and family now. It’s been amazing to watch everyone support one another through all of the uncertainty. Watching each other pivot or change things day by day. 

Wild Oak Co. has adapted by just trying to keep our social presence positive and supportive. I’ve teamed with some amazing local businesses and created Mother’s Day Self-Care Boxes that have turned into birthday and care packages. It has been so incredible to connect to the people behind these amazing handmade products, created with so much love. Partial proceeds from all gift boxes are donated to the Battered Women’s Support Services in Vancouver. Other than that, just taking it day by day and continuing to learn so I can provide the best care possible to my family of clients when I can open again. Hugs for everyone! 

How can the community help support you during these times?

I would say just knowing you’re there is support enough. Remembering that I am here to help in any way I can. This goes for all the local businesses that pour their heart into what they do. I have made a shift to online product purchases for skincare in the meantime. I am aware that so many people don’t have income coming in, so if you do and you need groceries or anything, try to shop at the local small businesses. If you don’t, just connecting and remembering that we miss you! I do offer $20 off your next visit with Wild Oak Co. if you bring a receipt or send a picture of yourself supporting a local small business as well. Can’t wait to see everyone again soon!

Instagram: @wildoakco
Website: www.wildoakco.ca

Bova Interiors

Bova Interiors is an up and coming, full-service interior design studio specializing in commercial and residential interiors. Bova understands that every project is different. Every client is different. Every budget is different. This makes our process and approach to each client unique. Our passion for design and the desire to promote your vision is our driving force! Whether the project is modern, traditional, new construction, tenant improvement, or staging; Bova creates a space with a fresh perspective that uniquely reflects your personality and charm. Bova Interiors is a licensed interior designer in Maple Ridge, BC.

While based in Maple Ridge, Bova Interiors has also completed projects in Surrey, Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, and Langley; with other locations currently in development. Bova is as diverse as their interiors, ranging from singles family homes to corporate offices to dispensaries across Canada. The scope of Bova's projects varies from single room updates to entire space renovations and new construction. Working alongside skilled contractors and craftsmen Bova Interiors continues to embellish each and every project that comes their way.

How are you and the business doing? 

The beginning of the pandemic was definitely scarier than where we are now. Being in construction and skilled trades I was deemed essential so I knew I could continue to take on projects in the meantime. There was not much movement for a while, especially in residential, as everyone was doing home projects and watching a lot of HGTV. Luckily having a strong commercial background I was able to work with construction companies that had projects which were already moving and needed extra hands.

How has COVID-19 impacted your business and how have you adapted? 

I would say that COVID-19 has really pushed me to get more online business and figure out how to market myself to the people who are on social media every day. I know the online world is the way of the future and having to adapt to it now will only help me in the long run.

How can the community help support you during these times?

Referrals. Referrals. Referrals. If you have someone in the construction business, a skilled trade or design. Connect these people, even if its business cards, phone number or website. Knowing who is local and around you will allow your projects to be easier and you never know what kind of opportunity that connection might have.

Instagram: @bovainteriors
Facebook: @bovainteriors
Website: www.bovainteriors.ca

Function Health Club

Welcome to Port Coquitlam CrossFit. A unique blend of CrossFit, Fitness & Endurance, Olympic Lifting, Personal Training and Wellness services in a brand new, state of the art facility located in the heart of the Tri-Cities, in Fremont Village, Port Coquitlam. Port Coquitlam CrossFit offers over 50 classes per week in an incredibly equipped 3,500 square foot gym. We are also proud to be offering Kid Fit and Teen Fit youth fitness programs. If you are looking for CrossFit competitions in Port Coquitlam, stay tuned to our event schedule. Our coaches are active in the community and experienced to give you the best CrossFit in Port Coquitlam programming you have seen! Closely working to achieve your individual goals, whatever they may be.

How are you and the business doing? 

We have had a massive blow to our business. Although we have worked very hard to provide virtual services and maintain our current membership and personal training clients, we have still seen a 65% decrease in revenue. None of our team qualifies for wage subsidy and we have had to lay off 4 team members and reduce hrs for 2 other team members. Both Morgan and I are currently working for no pay and just collecting the CERB. We also have an RMT that subleases from us and has not been able to work for two months now and therefore we don't have that income either. We have one team member who is able to continue working virtually with training clients in a way that has maintained a manageable income though! 

With all of the above on the back end, we are still connecting with our clients and members daily and their experience has been a very positive one. We do have a very supportive community and many of our members are still participating in virtual offerings and paying their monthly dues. The main reason for the decrease in revenue has been due to each members ability to afford the services as COVID19 has impacted their finances. We also typically see an increase in new members between Mar-May as this is the busiest time of year for gyms, but with COVID19 we have not had any new sign-ups.

How has COVID-19 impacted your business and how have you adapted? 

In preparation for opening our doors to members, we have set up 6 stations throughout the gym so that we can limit capacity and provide a safe environment for people to complete their training. Our new membership offering will actually end up being even better than before as all our members will have a more personalized program instead of just attending group classes. Our personal training services have now become much more flexible in nature and since clients had to adapt and try out the virtual option, we now have the feedback and reviews to support the quality of this service.

Aside from the financial impact, the way we provide services has also had to change. We now have all our classes held through Zoom and lent out a lot of our equipment to current paying members. This will be the new class format for many months to come given the social distancing requirements that we feel are very important to comply with, but we will be adding in open gym access on June 1st. Personal training services are also being offered virtually and have been very well received! Many of our clients want to continue with the virtual training even after we open our doors and are excited about the idea of being able to train with us even when they travel!

OLD MEMBERSHIP:

- Unlimited CrossFit Classes and Open Gym Access

NEW MEMBERSHIP:

- Strength Programming through TRUE COACH (online app)

- Unlimited access to the gyms 6 stations via reservation

- Unlimited virtual CrossFit classes

- Bi-weekly program review via personal coach

How can the community help support you during these times? 

The main way the community can support us is to book in for a virtual consult to find out exactly what we can provide for them. Right now, there is a lot of fear of the egym and we want to have the chance to show each person how careful we are being and how many flexible options we have to help them with their health and wellness goals. The fitness industry will be forever changed by this pandemic and I firmly believe that the reason our gym will make it through this is that we have a team of caring and highly educated Coaches that provide COACHING AND GUIDANCE, not just access to a gym.

Instagram: @pococrossfit
Facebook: @portcoquitlamcrossfit
Website: www.functionhealthclub.com

Absolute Bobcat & Excavation

Absolute Bobcat & Excavation is a Port Coquitlam based business that was founded in 2005, it’s focus is land excavation and renovations helping homeowners create the backyard of their dreams.

How are you and the business doing?

Spring is typically our busy season as a lot of people decide to take on yard and landscaping projects, like everyone else we are adapting as things arise. 

How has COVID-19 impacted your business and how have you adapted?

Overall we are lucky to have not seen a huge impact in our business however we are keeping our required distance from customers while discussing projects. With that being said spring is our busy season and a lot of home improvement and landscaping projects are happening during this time. Since people are working from home these days it gives them the opportunity to see their homes in a different light, they've also had more time to spend in their yards and get inspiration for what they’d like to see in it. 

How can the community help support you during these times?

The community can help by always supporting local businesses, in these strange times it shows how strong our communities are when we support one another. If you’re looking into home improvement projects that require excavation and landscaping we would be happy to chat with you about your visions. 

Facebook: @absolutebobcatpoco

Uptown Dawg

At Uptown Dawg, we have created a loving home away from home! Your dawg can enjoy the company of human and pet interaction on a daily basis through exercise, pampering and of course play! Your dawg's happiness and comfort are our number one priority! Our mission is to provide the ultimate experience for your dawg in a safe, clean and fun environment! Our friendly and caring employees provide lots of love and cuddles for each and every dawg and ensure playtime is safe and enjoyable for all, leaving no dawg left out!

How are you and the business doing?

Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, we at Uptown Dawg have been holding together pretty well. We have been lucky enough to be able to stay open with the stability and support from our clients and the community. However times have been tough and our client numbers are down significantly, we have been operating with a much smaller staff day-to-day and our sales are down 50%. Through it all, we are staying positive and will continue to do the best we can to stay open, while maintaining social distancing protocol. 

How has COVID-19 impacted your business and how have you adapted?

COVID-19 has impacted us at Uptown Dawg most dramatically with the drop in our daycare numbers, as well as our bed and breakfast. Along with this our overall sales for products has gone down as well. It is understandable as people are no longer travelling for vacations and are working from home, allowing them the time to spend with their furry loved ones. However to try and adapt to the new normal we have been offering curbside pickup, free delivery and some discounted daycare days which we have found have made things run pretty smoothly for both the staff and our valued clients! 

How can the community help support you during these times?

Community support has a really big impact on how we are able to operate! The best way for our community to support us through these uncertain times is to shop local and bring your pups in for a day of play! If you need a break from them, or you think they need a break from you we are more than happy to accommodate, we even have our pool set up daily for convenient cooldowns! We have been offering curbside pickup and free home delivery services for those living in the Tri-City area in hopes this can give back some of the support we have been experiencing from our communities! We hope some people are able to take advantage of the new offers we have in place and we look forward to seeing both our 2 legged and 4 legged friends in the future! 

Instagram: @uptowndawg
Facebook: @Updawg
Website: www.uptowndawg.com

Jars By Jodi

Jars by Jodi started when my husband and I were newly married and on a limited budget while still wanted to give quality Christmas gifts to our extended family. I ended up googling “quality gifts on a budget” and mason jar mixes popped up. They were a hit! A few years of growth later (...and a couple of kids later...) they're now available for purchase at various markets each year, at a number of local retail stores year-round, as well as for free local pickup at my home in Pitt Meadows, or for shipping Canada-wide.

How are you and the business doing?

I am fortunate to have seen increased growth with my business since the pandemic began. Which is a blessing because my other business (wedding planning) is on an indefinite pause at the moment. With Jars by Jodi, I think the business has grown because people are baking more at home, are looking for unique gifts to ship or deliver to friends, and are indulging in little luxuries to boost their spirit during these times of uncertainty. 

How has COVID-19 impacted your business and how have you adapted?

The biggest impact that COVID-19 has had on my business has been the loss of hands-on support, especially when it comes to my two young kids. I no longer have preschool for my older son, I can't call up a babysitter or grandparent to help me when the workload becomes heavy. And I have chosen not to take my kids into any stores. If I need to do a supply run to Costco or a store that doesn't offer curbside pick up, I have to wait until my husband is home from work to take over with the kids so I can run errands. The good news is that I've found ways to make it work and have created new routines that allow my kids the attention they need while keeping up with orders and work. I will admit that I've seen the early hours of the morning on many occasions these past couple of months. 

How can the community help support you during these times?

The best way that the community can support me is continuing to order mixes, engaging on social media posts, and referring my business to friends or family who might be interested in ordering. I would not be where I am today without community support so thank you to everyone who has chosen to shop local. 

Instagram: @JarsByJodi
Facebook: @JarsByJodi
Website: www.jarsbyjodi.ca

Naked Cakes Coquitlam

Coquitlam based sisters Whitney and Tinisiha have always cooked up a storm in their house, while Whitney is a professional Real Seal Chef and Tinisha a nursing student who has worked in a number of front of house restaurants they have lately been focusing on baking. Since both have been self-isolating since March they took this opportunity to dive into new recipes which has been keeping them busy. They are both excited as they are experiencing a rapid increase in business the last week giving them the opportunity to share their sweets with the community. 

How are you and the business doing?

Naked cakes started launching only a few months ago right before Covid-19 was announced. Although the pandemic was a crisis and communities were in self-isolation and keeping their social distance, we took this opportunity to also self-isolate, demonstrate creativity with our baking and give back to our community, to those who didn’t have access to baked goods. After mid-March, we decided it was time to launch our business with contactless services to provide families with the option of purchasing local fresh cakes and baked goods to help celebrate any occasion during this difficult time. Turns out this pandemic was a blessing for our small and newly launched business and. We have been grateful to contribute to the community and bring joy to happiness to those with birthdays, Mother’s Day, Graduations and anniversaries. 

How has COVID-19 impacted your business and how have you adapted?

When Launching our business our original plan was to order through wholesale companies, due to Covid-19 this hasn’t been easy and nearly impossible to get our hands on specific products and produce. While companies closed we relied on local grocers however, like most we were not prepared to face empty shelves. Our business became desperate to find flour, yeast and specifically cake flour - one of the main ingredients in our recipes. We have continued to stay innovative during this difficult time but it has led us to shortages.

How can the community help support you during these times?

By following our blog on Instagram, Facebook page and staying tuned for seasonal menus and flash sales, this would not only help our business but, also spread joy to others when they are in need of something as small as our mini cupcakes. By following our social media and word of mouth this promotes our business bringing us new clients each week setting Naked Cakes Coquitlam up for success.

Instagram: @naked.cakes.coquitlam
Facebook: @Naked-Cakes-Coquitlam