Sisters and great friends, Melissa and Terrah were excited to be raising their young families together. They each have a daughter, whose middle names are Jax and Jena, born just weeks apart. When their one year maternity leave was up after these daughters, they simply weren’t ready to return to their jobs. Babies and motherhood and loving everything about having children was their life. So, they collectively decided that since they love finding quality, unique products for their little ones and both ladies enjoy people, they would create a business together that married these two things! The idea of Jax & Jena was what they decided on and the company was born in 2010.

Jax & Jena is a mobile trunk show service that bring upscale baby and maternity wear to your home, offering modern, busy parents a fun way to shop for quality baby products. The ladies arrive fully stocked with sizes, up to size 4, offering instant gratification to the trunk show participants. Up to size 8 is available for most items by special order, though these do have to be ordered and take a couple of weeks.

Their product line includes Westcoast Baby, My Little Seat, Hatley, Lillibee, Strider, aden + anais, Bink Link, babybellies, Trumpette and other fantastic brands. There are also some lines which are exclusive to Jax & Jena, including Hulu Wuwu, created by a Mom in Hawaii. Melissa and Terrah’s focus is on carrying high quality items that they themselves have tested and would recommend to a friend.

So who throws a Jax & Jena party? Mothers with young children, friends hosting a baby shower, or anyone else with wee ones in their lives. One of Melissa & Terrah’s favourite kinds of parties are Grandma parties. Grandmas and Grandmas-to-be gather together for a fun social time to talk all things grandbabies (as we all know Grandmas love to do!) and shop Jax & Jena for their favourite little ones.

Jax & Jena trunk shows travel all over the Lower Mainland and Melissa and Terrah say their favourite part of the job, besides testing out all of the amazing products, is the flexibility it allows them as mothers and the absolutely fantastic people they meet along the way. Those who are expecting or those who have little ones at home are excited to shop for high quality, beautiful baby items and that’s a great energy to be around.

Online shopping is coming to the Jax & Jena website in the next while – stay tuned!

Terrah & Melissa would love to gift one of our readers a $50 credit toward a Jax & Jena trunk show. Please leave a note to be entered to win! Winner will be chosen at random and announced on November 10, 2011. 

For an additional entry please post the following on Twitter: “I entered to win $50 from @JaxJena + @FVPulse http://ow.ly/7dq8H“

www.JaxJena.com

September is usually a time of organization for us. We clean out the office and get our computers checked out/updated. Last September we visited Express Computers in Langley and we were extremely impressed with their knowledge and service offerings.

Express Computers began in 1996 with just 5 people. After a reorganization in 2005, it has really taken off and now has 5 locations from Surrey to Chilliwack.

We recently met with Owner Darren Layton, who showed us around Express Computers HQ and their central help desk. Our minds were boggled by the live monitoring of remote servers and busy help desk. The moment something is not quite right, they are on it!

From residential computer service, repair and updates to comprehensive corporate networks and licensing, Express Computers is set up to handle it all. Their services are menu oriented, meaning you will find consistency no matter which retail outlet you deal with. Express Computers technicians take a real team approach and as a team can service software issues from afar. They are all certified and trained in different areas, offering clients a comprehensive technical background.

In 2010 the company has grown to 55 employees. With goals to expand further across the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland, you are not too far from one of these great stores. Express Computers is not just a repair, maintenance and retail outlet, they also offer web services (6 designers and web developers on staff), print services and consulting/strategic planning.

Express Computers
www.expresscomputers.com
Locations in Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford and Chilliwack

The only downside of all this fun summer outdoor activity is some very dirty, smelly dogs. Without fail, ours gets out of the lake and runs straight for the biggest mound of dirt he can find. That’s why we were thrilled to find about a fabulous Fraser Valley mobile pet spa: Curbside Canines Mobile Pet Spaw.

Curbside Canines Mobile Pet Spaw, based in Langley, was started one year ago by Owner Christie van Blanken (above with her dog Titan). Looking for an alternative to hectic grooming salons, Christie has put together a clean, full-service mobile pet spa. The 6×8 foot trailer space includes a 5ft long tub (awesome for big dogs) and a hydraulic lift on the grooming table, meaning walk-on access for your dog. Bathing, drying, dematting, nail cliping, hair cuts and, for certain breeds, hand stripping – she does it all! Christie was trained by a master groomer, and therefore knows cuts for specific breeds. Curbside Canines rolls up to your home’s curb, takes your dog inside for an average of 1 to 1.5 hours, and voila – your fur baby is fresh and squeaky clean! All that is required by you is a standard electrical outlet for power.

Curbside Canines Mobile Pet Spaw is a fantastic service for dogs with behavioural problems or dog-aggressive animals. The one-on-one, cage and kennel-free space allows for a calming, stress-free environment.

With professionalism being the most important aspect of Christie’s business goals, you can be rest assured that your dogs will be bathed in fresh water (the tank is refilled daily), with biodegradable cleansing products and clean tools.

From chiquaquas to standard poodles, Curbside Canines Mobile Pet Spaw is a treat for any doggy. Grab your pup, take him for a day of swimming in the lake, scratching his back on the grass and rolling in the mud – then call Christie and treat him to a proper scrub down

www.curbsidecanines.com
Ring: 604.818.2544

It’s Your Move was founded in 2007 by Eric Davis and Carrie Dhensaw.  During one of their own moves, the Surrey couple noted how difficult it was to find boxes to pack with.  They drove all over town collecting a couple of boxes from here, another few from there. Carrie decided she would look into buying some new boxes to use, but was shocked at their cost.  Realizing there must be a better way, this husband & wife team put on their entrepreneurial hats and founded It’s Your Move.

How does it work?  You simply give them a call and the crates and containers are dropped off a couple of weeks before your move, then picked up a couple of weeks after your move, or sooner if you are finished with them.  Easy as that!  One can enjoy a great discount of 25% if you pick up the boxes in North Langley at a convenient location just off Highway 1.

Convenience was what drove Eric & Carrie to create this solution, but not at the expense of the environment.  It’s Your Move supplies its clients with black plastic crates made from post-consumer material.  After 10-12 years, the crates will be returned to the manufacturer to be recycled themselves.  They are also encouraging the use of environmentally-friendly packing supplies such as Geami paper (seen below), rather than traditional bubble wrap (which is also available).  Need a wardrobe box, dolly or door frame protectors?  They’ve got those, too!

The crates supplied by It’s Your Move are really versatile.  Not only are they great for residential moves, legal and letter-size hanging file inserts make it a perfect solution for office moves.  Insert a zap strap or cable lock through the sides and you have a secure system to move your office files.

Carrie did some quick math to determine how many tons of waste would have been produced in 2009, based on MLS stats and average box usage.  Her estimate was 365,380 boxes which is equal to 474,994 pounds or 215.46 tons of boxes in residential moves, just in Surrey/White Rock!  Imagine how much waste could be saved if they’d all use reusable containers. Something to think about, for sure.  And not just for moving, but our everyday consumption.

It’s Your Move supplies moving materials for moves from Chilliwack to Horseshoe Bay.

LOVE what you’re doing Eric & Carrie – keep up the good work

It’s Your Move
www.saynotoboxes.com
Ring: 604.835.PACK

Design by Desire Catering is run by Chef Marcel Pheiffer. Marcel is a Red Seal Chef who has trained in great kitchens throughout Victoria and Vancouver.  A few years ago, he was able to realize his dream of opening his own restaurant/lounge.  Some Abbotsford locals may recognize Marcel from bluStone Bistro & Lounge, which has recently changed hands as Marcel moves on to grow Design By Desire Catering.  Marcel tells us that working in catering, as opposed to being a restaurant Chef, speaks to both of his passions – food and people.

Being a Chef in a busy restaurant kitchen is great, but it’s not where Marcel’s true happiness is. Getting back to the personal touch of the food industry, having the opportunity to work closely with clients and be social in a dinner party or wedding setting, is where his talents really shine.  From organizing the menu to putting the final garnishes on a dish, Marcel enjoys every minute of it.

The food at the dinner party we attended was a complete hit.  The Design by Desire Catering team showed up, took over the kitchen as they prepared scrumptious dishes, served the plated food to every guest and when they left the kitchen was even more spotless than when they arrived.  The food was served on time and the staff was very professional.

And the food, oh the food.  We enjoyed Bocconcini Flat Bread served with roma tomatoes, basil and a balsamic red wine reduction; Lobster Fritters & Seared Scallops with a mango & chili caviar; Roasted Butternut Squash Soup served with a crunchy parmesan crisp; Brie-stuffed chicken with Scallops & Lobster served with yukon gold potatoes, green beans and tri-colour carrots; and a decadent Chocolate Mousse with Truffles.  When all the guests had finished, nobody could move since they gobbled up every last delicious morsel.  It was, simply put, really good food. Fresh seafood and veggies, creative plating, tasty food combinations.  The servings were hearty and it was nicely presented.

Design by Desire Catering services the entire Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland.  With kitchens in both Abbotsford and Vancouver, clients from all over can enjoy the talents of this excellent Fraser Valley catering company.

Keep up the good work, Chef!

From multi-million dollar properties to small retail and residential spaces, Darrell and his team offer custom stucco treatments and interior painting services throughout the Fraser Valley & Lower Mainland.  Decorative Painting & Plastering Concepts exclusively paints with Benjamin Moore products, and all of the finishes they use are environmentally friendly with little to no VOC‘s.  Take a look through the gallery of custom wall treatments and painting projects.  Such talent!

This exceptionally creative entrepreneur brings to the table a great business sense, a strong work ethic, a sense of humour and the undeniable entrepreneurial spirit.  Darrell began his entrepreneurial journey at the young age of 15 with a skateboard branding business!

We wondered how Darrell chose this specialty trade as his career.  When he rented homes as a young man, he would paint and renovate – not something landlords often find with renters.  Changing the look of a room or home with paint or plaster was interesting to Darrell.  He decided to apprentice under a talented artisan in Phoenix, Arizona.  It was there he learned the process and skills of his trade.  After completing a full interior plaster, Darrell knew he’d found his passion.

Darrell shared that his absolute favourite part of running the business is sales.  He loves explaining the unique applications he can create for a client, and then seeing their faces when he delivers on that promise. Darrell now has an apprentice working under him.  He says it’s exciting showing the ropes to an eager newbie, as he was.

You’re one creative guy, Darrell!  Thanks so much for sharing your talents with us.

Decorative Design & Plastering Concepts
www.darrellmorrison.com
Surrey, BC
Ring: 604.628.7855

Today’s featured entrepreneur is one of the most inspiring, positive people we’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.  This woman knocks our socks off, and we’re super thrilled to share her story with you.  Meet Cathy Empey – Boudoir Photographer and Mom to 6 kids under 10 years old!  

Cathy comes by her love for photography honestly.  Her father always took loads of photos and slides when she was a kid.  She even recalls a photo of herself as a toddler, wandering around with Dad’s camera.  But since a photography course in high school, Cathy hadn’t pursued this love until after her sixth baby was born in November 2007.  Just before she gave birth, Cathy had some maternity pics done with her friend who was also due with her sixth – how sweet!!  Cathy recalls how amazing and beautiful she felt during the photo shoot, and how incredible the finished product made her feel.  How could she make other women feel this beautiful and empowered, regardless of what size or shape they were?

Cathy got to work with borrowed photography books and a camera lent to her by the photographer who had taken her amazing photos!  She practiced and practiced, taking photos first of landscapes, then moving onto family and friends.  Cathy hit up google to see if there was a name for what she wanted to accomplish… and there was!  It was called boudoir photography.

Cathy says don’t wait till you lose those last ten or twenty pounds, celebrate you today. Her goal is to create artful pieces that are timeless, tasteful and beautiful – like a little black dress.

When we asked Alli Mansfield what inspired her to start her own business, her reply made us giggle.  She had received a ‘spam’ email from a gift basket company in a far-away land, but for reasons unknown to her she decided to check out their website.  ”Who would want to receive all this… junk, in a straw basket delivered to their door?!” was the reaction she described to us.  Alli was kind of surprised by the offerings, noting that cheese wheels and boxed chocolate almonds weren’t to everyone’s liking.  Perusing the internet she didn’t find much at all that would suit her taste, gift-box-wise.  So for the next few months, Alli kept a journal by her bed and let her creativity flow.  She took note of colours, themes, phrases… all kinds of ideas that came to mind.

Months later, girlygifties was born in South Surrey.  Alli has created a line of fun, fresh, uber-girly-girl gift baskets, all presented in a white hat box with a signature cherry pin. From aprons to clutches, bath products to hand-painted martini glasses, the girlygifties are about as girly as you can get – many with a vintage/retro flavour, a true testament to Alli’s personality and taste.

girlygifties is not yet one year old, making Alli a new kid on the block when it comes to running one’s own business.  We asked Alli what her favourite part of running a business is, thus far.  Besides getting to source out and purchase the most adorable items for the girlygifties, meeting the supportive business community is what stands out to Alli.  She tries to pay this support forward by sourcing items from other small businesses when possible.

Do the ladies in your life love a little flair?  Alli has surely created a girlygifties treasure that they’ll love!  Mommies-to-be might like the Knocked Up girlyboxes, the birthday girls will love these sweet treats, and break away from the rolling pin & recipe book tradition for the bride-to-be in your life.  The Gettin Hitched girlybox is adorable – check it out!  One of the coolest things about these funky gifties is that they can be personalized and customized with specific items or colours. So if you’re interested in putting together something sweet for your girlies, email Alli to see what fun ideas she can put together for you. girlygifties can be shipped anywhere in Canada & the USA, with special free delivery in White Rock, Surrey & Langley.

Alli would love to surprise a funky lady in your life this Valentine’s Day (it’s in 4 weeks already!).  And by surprise, we mean an email from us saying ‘surprise, you won!’ because you know you’ll want to keep it for yourself  This version of the ‘sweet girlybox’ has been put together for one lucky FVP reader – thanks Alli!  Please send an email titled ‘girly’ to win@fraservalleypulse.com if you’d like to be entered into the draw to win.  Winner will be announced on February 1st.

Keep up the good work, Alli!  Your creative spirit has you onto something fabulous.

girlygifties
Shop Online

Every year, we seem to be later and later getting our Christmas lights up.  And when we do, it’s a few sad strings of plain blue lights with a token few missing ones.  It takes us all day, and we end up with a fair number of war wounds along the way. Imagine a company whose mission and job it is to ensure your holiday light displays are bright, crisp, complete and fabulous. That’s exactly what James & Sarah Avender do for a living – how fun!

We’ve heard of companies who will install your own holiday lights on your home, but what James and Sarah offer their clients is so much more… it’s fantastic!  Essentially their clients ‘rent’ a lighting display for the holidays.  It means they can keep on top of the quality of each and every bulb, and ensure they are installing safe, quality bulbs in your display.  Perhaps the best part of their service offering?  They also come and take it all down!  

Besides Christmas lights, James & Sarah also install animated displays and other lighting requests for weddings, Halloween, Chinese New Year and corporate events .  Check out the gallery of their work here on their website.  

How did this dynamic duo create such an exciting career for themselves?  James has over a decade of experience in lighting installation and lift/ladder work, along with many years of electrical education at BCIT.  Sarah brings a strong business background and a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree to the team.  In 2005, they combined their talents and began offering these services. They say it’s a lot of work for a few months each year, but the smiles on their clients faces make it all worth it.

James & Sarah’s lighting specialist services are available from Whistler to Hope, for both residential and commercial properties.  As you can imagine, the holidays are a busy time for them, so call soon to book your holiday light displays!  Whether you are looking for a fairly conservative residential display, or a large property with a desire to go ‘all out’, James & Sarah will put together something to make you the envy of all your neighbours.  

James & Sarah Avender, Lighting Specialists
www.jamesandsarahavender.ca
Ring: 604.818.4370

We have been searching for a local mobile spa service for some time.  How delightful that we have come across Soulful Indulgence, run by South Surrey’s Michelle Wilson!  Soulful Indulgence is ‘wellness in motion’ – a mobile spa and esthetician service.  Michelle and her team will visit your home, office or spa party location to provide relaxation massages, body treatments, manis/pedis, detoxing facials, waxing and many other wellness treatments.  

Michelle is a CIABC Certified Esthetician.  As the Coordinator for Soulful Indulgence, Michelle arranges spa parties for stagettes, bridal showers, girls night in, couples spa treatments and many other events. She also organizes all esthetician services for a strata-owned wellness centre in Surrey, the first of its kind in British Columbia.  After working in the industry for many years, Michelle saw an opportunity to take the fabulous relaxation one feels in a spa directly to the client’s home.  Four years ago she began the mobile services, and has since provided esthetics services for a variety of spa parties – from corporate functions to night club opening nights, from the Fraser Valley to Pender Island!  Parties of six or more receive some excellent deals on services. Email Michelle for a full price list.

We were treated to lavender soy body exfoliation treatments from Soulful Indulgence, who exclusively uses Beauty Through Balance products.  These products are locally produced, and contain no harsh chemicals.  Beauty Through Balance products are made from indigenous ingredients such as Canadian glacial clay and Pacific organic seaweed.  The lavender soy exfoliant was scented with pure essential oils, which smelled fresh and relaxing.  Michelle believes in using high quality products to compliment one’s health, not destroy it with harsh chemicals.  Even the nail polish used by Soulful Indulgence is free of many harsh ingredients found in mainstream products.  Love it!

We are the first ones to sign up for a trip to the spa, but after this experience we are also true supporters of mobile spa services! Soulful Indulgence is available for single service appointments and spa parties throughout the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland.  A new website is in the works, so please visit Soulful Indulgence on Facebook.

Soulful Indulgence, wellness in motion
Ring: 604.542.8988