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Best Fashion Designer
on November 7, 2019 at 1:00AM
Gold Winner Trevor Silver
Silver Winner Katrina Tuttle
Bronze Winner Lisa Drader Murphy
Trust. Respect. Educate. Value. Trevor Silver—the management student and designer behind tREv Clothing—was striving to live by these principles long before they became the pillars of his brand. Inspired by his “fashionista” mother from a young age, in 2017 Silver found his way into clothing while he was pursuing law school (which inspired his first design, called Balance Success), and it’s been full-steam ahead ever since. “Going to law school, I wanted to be the person I wanted to look up to as a kid. I still don’t know any Black male lawyers from my community. -
Best Fitness Instructor
on November 7, 2019 at 1:00AM
Gold Winner Alan Dalton, Evolve Fitness
Silver Winner Emily Herman, Evolve Fitness
Bronze Winner Amanda Shulba, O2 Wellness
Alan Dalton’s job at Evolve Fitness is “busy and enjoyable and always a little bit different,” he says. The fitness instructor has been with the gym for five years, and being active has always been a huge part of his life. One of his favourite parts is the small-group training he does with folks over 55 years of age. “They’re all so motivated to be there,” he says, “and are just a joyous community to work with.” And with all of Evolve’s clients, Dalton says he’s just trying to make training as accessible as he can for everyone. -
Best Flower Shop
on November 7, 2019 at 1:00AM
Gold Winner My Mother's Bloomers
Silver Winner The Flower Shop
Bronze Winner Janet's Flowers
“We at My Mother’s Bloomers have been pushing petals to the world since 1992, and it is both humbling and overwhelming to think of all the happiness, comfort and joy our efforts and our flowers have provided,” says owner Neville MacKay, whose shop is taking the gold for the third year in a row. “It is an honour to share love through the beauty of flowers.” Air plants, vibrant bouquets, orchids—there are a variety of arrangements to choose from, whether you’re wishing someone a happy birthday or apologizing for screwing up big time. Heck, buy some blooms for yourself. -
Best Gym
on November 7, 2019 at 1:00AM
Gold Winner Evolve Fitness
Silver Winner O2 Wellness
Bronze Winner Zatzman Sportsplex
“The gym is a very scary place for a people who haven’t been, or even people who do go to a big gym with lots of new people,” says Matt Benvie, founder of Evolve Fitness. But Benvie says Evolve’s laid-back and intentionally not-intimidating environment counteracts that feeling and makes people feel welcomed. “The steps we go to to make sure people feel comfortable and to create an atmosphere for all fitness levels, that helps,” he says. It’s continuing to keep doing things the same (like the signature boot camp classes) while “just going a little bit more all in.” -
Best Hair Salon
on November 7, 2019 at 1:00AM
Gold Winner Tidal Hair Lounge
Silver Winner Bowtique Hair & Makeup
Bronze Winner Dime Salon Inc.
“We’re kind of pinching ourselves,” says Lindsay Algee, on speakerphone with her friend and Tidal Hair Lounge co-owner Cara MacInnis. The pair opened the salon in 2016 after years of daydreaming of having their own place: one that was fun, creative and community-centred. “A lot of salons are client-focused, but we wanted a salon that was also focused on our staff. When you have that, it’s easy to make clients feel really good when they come in. What we both hoped for was a team who really loves what they do,” says Algee. Three years later they’re taking home the gold, and sending mad love to their supporters. “None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for our stylists and our clients,” says MacInnis. -
Best Hairstylist
on November 7, 2019 at 1:00AM
Gold Winner Andrew Quinn Chapman, AQC Salon
Silver Winner Lindsay Algee, Tidal Hair Lounge
Bronze Winner Malyssa Burn, Interlude Spa
When Andrew Quinn Chapman left what he describes as “factory salons” seven years ago to launch his own space, it felt like a lot was on the line: “For a time my family wasn’t sure how I was going to turn out,” he told The Coast the last time he won Best Hairstylist, back in 2016. Luckily for him, he turned out to be one of the best hairstylists in the city, returning to gold status after two years away from the crown. The luxe space and collaborative attitude he’s become known for surely all help his case—as does the fact that he often cuts coifs for entire families. -
Best Home Decor Store
on November 7, 2019 at 1:00AM
Gold Winner Kept Gifts & Housewares
Silver Winner The Independent Mercantile Co.
Bronze Winner Inkwell Modern Handmade Boutique & Letterpress Studio
Dartmouth’s Kept has a little bit of everything, but its housewares really enamoured BOH voters this year. “In the face of online shopping and big-box retail, we strive to uphold the forgotten art of the traditional boutique shopping experience,” explains owner Charlotte Jewer. “The number one question I always ask myself when stocking the shop is, ‘Would I use/appreciate/buy this item myself?’ I only choose items that meet that criteria first and foremost. My goal is never just to sell ‘stuff,’ but items that will be treasured and always of good quality.” -
Best Hotel
on November 7, 2019 at 1:00AM
Gold Winner The Prince George Hotel
Silver Winner Oceanstone Seaside Resort
Bronze Winner Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
From movie stars to penguins—yes, real, live penguins from Busch Gardens who stayed at the hotel for an entire week, coming to and fro in their limo—for The Prince George’s food and beverage manager Shawn Lewis, the devil is in the details. It’s planning and delivering the details of someone’s special day, calming them down in stressful moments, making relationships and selling The Prince George experience that all come together to make The Prince George what it is. “We are very lucky that we breed a culture of true hospitality,” says Lewis. -
Best Independent Bookstore
on November 7, 2019 at 1:00AM
Gold Winner Woozles
Silver Winner Venus Envy
Bronze Winner Bookmark
Woozles has been a Halifax staple for 41 years, making it the oldest children’s bookstore in the country. “We love what we do and are continually inspired by our loyal customers and the new folks who manage to find us. Working with young eager readers brightens every day and gives all of us hope for the world,” says Liz Crocker, owner of the bright yellow shop with the green door on Birmingham Street. “When you step inside you will find a wonderful array of books, toys and music along with incredibly knowledgeable staff.” -
Best Indie Gift Shop
on November 7, 2019 at 1:00AM
Gold Winner Black Market Boutique
Silver Winner Kept Gifts & Housewares
Bronze Winner The Independent Mercantile Co.
Long-time manager turned co-owner Lauren Parsons has worked for Black Market Boutique since 2002. Parsons, along with colleague Wiebke Kungl, has been in the process of taking over ownership for the last five years. In that time, it’s been important for them to continue the legacy of original owners Dawn and Dominique Villermet. “We handpick [our stock] each year from different small businesses, people we meet along the way on our travels,” says Parsons. “That really allows us to change it up each year or get more of something we know people love. It also helps keep our prices really amazing.”
