Eye on Business

Dale Jones, owner of Sole-itude Reflexology, is celebrating the one-year anniversary of the clinic at 2349 Queen St. E.
“I can’t say enough of all my friends and clients who have helped me build my business,” Jones said. “It is gratifying and fulfilling to be a holistic practitioner and I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to help in your health and healing.”
Sole-itude celebrated by holding an open house, July 11, where members of the public dropped in to find out more about foot reflexology. If you didn’t make it, you can book an appointment by calling 416-451-5042, or visit soleitude.ca.
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Twin brothers Nick and Terry Haros, who have been operating their popular hair salon Twin Image on Danforth since 1999, have recently opened a second location at 1001 Kingston Rd. The brothers acquired their passion for hair from their father Peter, who was one of the first stylists in Toronto to create high-end styling for both men and women. Nick studied at the Vidal Sassoon Academy where he learned the precision cutting that is the legendary stylist’s signature. Terry studied architecture, photography and design and incorporated the concepts into his styling.
Twin Image Beach offers you a salon experience like no other. In addition to expert cut and colour, Twin Image carries a line of environmentally conscious hair products by Kevin Murphy. To book an appointment at the Danforth location at 3104 Danforth, call 416-698-7080, or for the Beach location at 1001 Kingston Rd., call 647-350-8946, or visit them online at twinimagebeach.com.
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Beaches Fitness – the only family-friendly fitness studio in the area – has recently opened at 862 Kingston Rd. Owner Sandra Drygas offers a range of small group classes from pre-natal and Pilates to mom fitness circuit training, and 50 Fitness.
Drygas began studying dance with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School when she was 12. She became a professional dancer and freelance artist and worked in both Toronto and Vancouver up until 2003. She left the world of dance to become a mother, and it was during her pregnancy and recovery that she realized that she was not happy with the various exercises she was given to manage both experiences. That was when she decided to become a personal trainer.
She studied with the people at Goodlife Fitness, and eventually earned her CanFit Pro certificate. In 2008 she opened a fitness studio in her basement to help women of all ages attain their fitness goals. She met so many wonderfully enthusiastic women that she was encouraged to open  her own official studio.
There is such a variety of classes and programs – including a Sunrise Yoga class at 6:30 a.m. – that you have to visit the website – beachesfitness.ca – to check them all out. Or call Sandra at 416-690-0045 to arrange a visit.
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Kingston Road veterinarian Dr. Jonathan Mitelman is celebrating his 10th anniversary at VETSToronto and the Kingston Road Animal Hospital. VETSToronto is a 24-hour pet emergency clinic operated in association with Dr. Morris Samson and the Kingston Road Animal Hospital.
“The nearest after hours/emergency hospital was over 15 km from our neighbourhood,” says Dr. Mitelman. “We wanted to offer our clients and referrals from other veterinarians these services. Prompt and immediate intervention can affect outcome in some emergencies. We now offer on-site minimally invasive ultrasound, endoscopy, laparoscopy, and laser surgery.” Communication with clients has changed over the last several years, and Dr. Mitelman has kept pace.
“Ten years ago client referrals came from face-to-face recommendations,”  he said. “Today new clients have read about us on social media sites. I realized that we needed an active voice online to join in the conversation.”
You can find out more information by calling the Kingston Road Animal Hospital, 1025 Kingston Rd., at 416-690-0625, or visit vetstoronto.com.
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The Waffle Bar at 281 Scarborough Rd. held its grand opening on July 11. Those who came by were treated to delicious sampling of gourmet Belgian waffles. Jan, Valerie and partners originally made their waffles for Toronto hotels and restaurants, but friends persuaded them to finally open a place of their own. Waffles are available to eat-in on the patio, or to-go with toppings such as a rosemary and salt-infused caramel sauce.
The Waffle Bar also carries Greg’s Ice Cream served in their own made-on-site waffle cones. You may have encountered the folks from the Waffle Bar at the Toronto Brick Works Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings as well.
Drop around to 281 Scarborough Rd. and give them a try. For more information call 416-779-0940, or visit the thewafflebar.ca.
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Furballs, the boutique pet store at 1618 Gerrard St. E., at Coxwell, is pleased to present a special visit by Sean Howard, August 18, from noon to 4 p.m. The store, which carries high quality foods for cats and dogs, as well as harnesses, toys and leashes, will be teaming up that day with Howard’s Up With Pup service to offer prizes and a chance to hear more about Howard’s unique training methods. Sean Howard is Canada’s first Pat Miller Certified Trainer.
“As an industry we need to do a better job at combining compassion and critical thinking when it comes to helping dogs and humans communicate positive, rewarding bonds,” says Howard. “Too often trainers are doing what they think is best, but with tools that are out-of-date, untested, or just plain creuel and damaging to the dog. And as an owner it’s hard to know what to do, or who to turn to for help.”
Up With Pup is a dog-friendly and science-based approach to positive reinforcement clicker training and behaviour modification.
For more information call Furballs at 647-352-6066 (furballspetstuff.com) or Sean Howard at 647-272-9361 (upwithpup.com).
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Fred Koops of Overkill has been commissioned to design the uniforms for Canada’s Beach Volleyball Team as they head off to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games in London later in August. People may remember Fred when he ran the popular beach volleyball shop on Queen Street for many years. Overkill has recently gone into partnership with Canuck Stuff, 2161 Midland Ave. One of his associates there is Bronze medalist for the inaugural inclusion of beach volleyball in the 1997 Olympics, Mark Heese. The tradition continues.

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