Shawn Standley is wading into the business world again with Caviar Dreams Scuba Instruction and Dive Charters.
Caviar Dreams is a new business in Port Alberni with PADI certified SCUBA Instructors providing dive training from beginner to assistant instructor courses as well as many dive specialties such as wreck, deep, night diving, and many more. They take you out on their 24-foot boat with a head (washroom) and heated cabin, to discover the beautiful underwater world of the Alberni Inlet and Barkley Sound.
Shawn and his wife Rebecca opened Full of Beans Play Café on Argyle Street earlier this year.
For more information on Caviar Dreams check them out on Facebook or call 250-735-4889.
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Silver Tiger Tattoo has a new owner and a new name for the new year. Tattoo artist Rachel Rose has purchased the shop on Third Avenue and is renaming it Ocean Valley Ink. She plans a grand opening for February.
Rose is an artist from Ontario who has been tattooing since she was 19 and has completed her apprenticeship. She is also a photographer and painter. To see some of her work, drop into Main Artery’s Gallery at Harbour Quay where Rose has an exhibit this month.
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All Mex’d Up Taco Shop at Harbour Quay is also getting a new owner in the new year. After nine years, owner Judy Walker has sold the business to Matt Dunk, a chef who resides here in Port Alberni with his young family. The shop is closed until early February.
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Movie Mania said goodbye to a beloved staff member last week as Shadow, one of the store cats for 15 years and beloved pet of owner Maryann Rumney died. Local customers of the store, and Shadow’s fans have donated almost $600 toward his vet bills.
Maryann has made a commemorative collage to her beloved pet. Stop by the store on China Creek Road (across from Quality Foods) to view and give a little extra love to remaining shop cat Fender. See more about Shadow and Fender on the Movie Mania Facebook page.
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Everything Bagel is the new shop at Victoria Quay offering breakfast and lunch. The bagels are made fresh daily and ingredients are locally sourced and carefully selected. The menu includes daily soups, a wide selection of sandwiches, salads and of course fresh bagels and coffee. They are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 3 pm.
Find them on Facebook or call 778-421-0612.
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Haven Living is moving to Uptown, taking over the corner of Argyle and Third (previously Uncle Argyles). The building gives Haven Living 500 more square feet, that will allow for a larger manufacturing kitchen for Haven Living’s own signature skin care products and provide better visibility in the community.
“This building will be undergoing a massive renovation, timeline of completion to be determined as we go,” says owner Desja Walker in an update on the company website.
The new shop will have an amended name, Haven Living & Neighbourhood Mercantile. And it will have some new people too.
“The new shop space will boast an incredible array of local Port Alberni artisans in one way or another,” says Walker.
“Within the space will be a large workshop area.”
Local artisans who are looking to teach classes of their own will be able to rent space. “We want to create a space that opens up the door to inspire our community,” says Walker.
Her partner, Jamie Del Rio, is taking over the refinished, salvaged furniture side of things.
Rob Gentleman of Green Earth Wood Works has been working on the building’s interior re-design, and he will also move his custom furniture business into the Mercantile.
Tashia Potter of Great Central Social Co. is also moving into the building, and will have a studio space to focus on photography and digital media.
For more on Haven Living, stop by the current store on Adelaide Street, check out progress of the new building on Argyle or go online to havenliving.ca.
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Congratulations to Aaron Colyn of Twin City Brewing, whose business has been named one of the Top 10 Most Anticipated craft breweries opening in 2017 by The Growler. The Growler is the guidebook to craft beer in B.C.
Twin City Brewing, located on Margaret Street is hoping to open their doors in February.
Check out Twin City Brewing at twincitybrewing.ca or on Facebook.
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Congratulations are also in order for three newly certified general accountant (CGA) students from Port Alberni. Rosalyn Cole, Alison Mackenzie Hoy, and Carla Neville graduated at a convocation ceremony in Vancouver in November.
To qualify as a CPA, CGA, students must have a university degree or equivalent, 24 months of practical work experience at a professional level, and complete courses through the CGA Program. Students must also pass a comprehensive national final exam to earn their designation.
Teresa Bird is the Alberni Valley News publisher. Do you have a Business Beat tip for her? E-mail her at publisher@albernivalleynews.com