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THE BIZ BUZZ: Enso celebrates Nelson milestone, ways to keep the bears away

A newly opened sound studio aims to help the mass of musical talent take their craft to the next level.
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Enso Hair Salon owners David Hernandez (left) and Brian Monroe (right) celebrated a milestone for their downtown business on June 15 with a hair and fashion show for its customers.

For gentlemen interested in a classic fade, slick back, pompadour, crew cut — or a straight razor shave for that truly clean cut feel, Jesse Lockheart is a new, hip barber in town reinventing an classic trade.

He sees the face of barbering being revamped in this modern era where men want to experience the luxury of this “timeless art and craft,” he says. Old-world barbershops are popping up across North America as men seek out the crisp and tidy feel of a good classic shave.

Ironically, Lockheart usually sports a bushy beard and at first glance, it may appear he fits in with the scruffy Nelson-type male. But his facial hair is carefully maintained — something he thinks men will find as enticing as the scene.

The resurgence of vintage and heritage styles go beyond fashion to lifestyle.

A Tom Collins or wooden floors and brick walls in cafes are nouveau — as is stopping in at the barbershop, a traditional meeting place where young and old men get together.

From the Latin word barba or beard, barbers first shaped facial hair with sharpened shells. Later they became the first surgeons using their sterilized equipment to help patients, even perform dentistry.

Lockheart has worked in this age-old trade for four years having studied and learned most of his craft on the floor in Vancouver apprenticing with experienced barbers. Recently returning to his hometown of Nelson with his partner, the barber has set up shop doing what he loves while he awaits the birth of his first child.

Lockheart is working at Found Spa and Salon on Lake Street.

 

Little Miss Gelato isn’t exactly Little Miss anymore. Amy Robillard and Rob Fahie are pleased to announce a change of ownership in one of Nelson’s beloved businesses.

Little Miss Gelato, a local frozen dessert company that makes all-natural gelato and sorbet, has been successfully developed over the past eight years. Earlier this month, Fahie took over from Robillard who will make his first appearance as “Big Mister Gelato” at Friday’s Marketfest in the downtown.

Fahie is new to Nelson coming with his wife Erin Daley who grew up in Nelson. Robillard will be taking time off to travel with her husband.

Little Miss Gelato is available at many locations in Nelson and around the West Kootenays. Contact Little Miss Gelato by e-mail at rob@littlemissgelato.com or by phone at (250)354-7388.

 

A new product that aims to deter bears from getting into garbage is being launched. Brian Sargent of Ainsworth is one of four partners in ZAPS or Zap Animal Protection Systems that uses electricity to keep wildlife away from garbage cans, compost bins or gardens, etc.

Sargent was motivated to create such a product to save animals from becoming habituated to human attractants and suffering as a result.

“If a bear comes into town, it doesn’t last long,” he says. “It just seemed there could be a better way to help protect animals.”

Raccoons, coyotes, ravens, squirrels, deer and even dogs are deterred from getting into trouble by a safe high voltage low amperage shock. The electrical energy pulses through the wires giving whatever touches it a chance to remove itself.

The first product on the market is Jolt, which is cylindrical and can be placed over a garbage can, for example. Sargent believes it’s more effective than other more expensive products on the market. With plastic models, bears can dig into them with their claws and teeth or drag them into the bush, he says.

“They don’t effectively stop bears from coming into people’s yards,” he says. “It’s been documented that bears become de-habituated by the use of electric fences because they just don’t come back to your yard anymore.”

More products are becoming available including decorative electric fencing for gardens and electrified beehive protection. Pre-ordering of the Jolt is available now with delivery expected mid-July. For more information check them out online at zaps.ca

 

A newly opened sound studio aims to help the mass of musical talent take their craft to the next level.

Kootenay Sound Studio is located “behind the green gate” at 533 B on Baker Street. It houses a rehearsal room that’s set up and ready for people to just plug in and play; a control room for recording with a separate drum isolation booth; a lounge and video editing room.

“Everything is pro,” says Greg Walter who was instrumental in setting up Kootenay Mountain Sound, the first recording studio in the Kootenays in 1993. “We want to bring that to people locally so they can compete on a world stage.”

Also on board is Gary Waldie who’s been a tour lighting designer for 34 years with the likes of LMFAO, The Black Eyed Peas and is currently on tour with Michael Buble. DJ Olive or Gregger Asch and David Greaves are working with the crew on audio and/or video.

Handling administration, Bill Stack says it’s a privilege to work alongside this crew.

“It’s incredible the amount of talent in this community,” he says. “We have the gear. We have the people.”

KSS will also arrange clinics and workshops and private lessons. To find out more, check them out on Facebook by searching Kootenay Sound Studios.

 

Enso Hair Design celebrated its 10th year of business in style earlier this month.

The Baker Street salon, owned by Brian Monroe and David Hernandez, celebrated the milestone on June 15 with a hair and fashion show for its customers.

The evening featured Enso customers showing off a variety of hairstyles, including short haircuts, bobs, curls and up-dos. The models were dressed in street fashion-forward styles with clothing from Street Clothes Named Desire, Bia Boro and Cotton Creek Clothing.

Also featured in the fashion show was local designer Syra Emerson, who launched a new line of dresses at the event. As well, there was a live styling demonstration and performances by the talented Enso stylists.

“We wanted to do something fun for client appreciation,” Monroe explained. “There was a big party in the hall after the show, with food and drinks, and dancing — DJ Morning Glory was spinning. It was a fun way to give back to everyone who’s supported us.”

Enso is located above Dominion Cafe on the upper level of a funky Baker Street heritage building. It opened in that location in March 2003, and in 2007 it expanded into a second room, doubling in size. It currently has five stylists, including the two owners.

“We like to say, we have the best job in the world: We get to hang out with our friends and make them more beautiful,” Monroe said. “We’re looking forward to many more years of that.”

 

If you have an item you would like to see in the Biz Buzz, contact Kirsten Hildebrand at reporter3@nelsonstar.com