Neighbour Studio

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Nina Sawaqed, owner of NüStachio, Newmarket’s home for fresh, flavourful nuts, coffee, and tea. ☕🥜✨ Nina shares the story behind her family-run shop, which was built on a simple yet powerful idea: offering high-quality products with genuine, personal service. From perfectly roasted nuts to rich, aromatic coffees an...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Tricia Hulshof welcomes Pat, Anastasia & Kelly from Artistica Ballroom Dance Studio.   Artistica believes dance should be joyful, inviting, and fun, never pretentious or intimidating. In this conversation, Pat, Anastasia and Kelly share how the studio turns learning into play, why community matters on the dance floor, and how they help stu...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Tricia Hulshof sits down with Mark McCartney, an experienced insurance broker with BrokerLink. 🛡️🏠 With years of expertise helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate the world of insurance, Mark brings a practical and people-centred approach to protecting what matters most. From home and auto coverage to specialized policies and r...

Please meet this month's cover feature, Cristiana Fard! If you’ve ever come across the name Cute as a Button Girl, chances are you’ve already smiled before even seeing the products. Behind the pink, bow-topped logo and the adorable brand name is Cristiana, a young entrepreneur who’s been known around Newmarket, and the surrounding area, as the “Cute Button Girl.” At just 6 years old, Cristian...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak welcomes Jennifer Adams and Andrea Interior from Margaret Bahen Hospice and Doane House Hospice.   Jennifer Adams is the Vice-President of Philanthropy , specializing in community engagement, corporate giving, and building meaningful relationships that support compassionate care. With a passion for connecting people and purpose, she...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Jerisha Grant-Hall, Founder and Executive Director of the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA).  A respected community leader, educator, and advocate, Jerisha has been at the forefront of fostering inclusion, representation, and empowerment across York Region and beyond. As the newly appointed Exec...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Real Estate Sales Representative Julien Laurion. 🏡✨ Born and raised in Aurora’s Orchard Heights neighbourhood, Julien has always been deeply connected to his community. After time spent working in hospitality in New York City, he returned home to Canada to put down roots and grow his family in Aurora, a dream he had...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak is joined by Angel Kuang, founder of Inspiration Learning.  Angel’s journey began in Mainland China, where she grew up under the pressure of the Gaokao system, an education model built on memorization and a single life-defining exam. Even then, she believed learning should inspire creativity, curiosity, and confidence. After running...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Ruby Lui-Lina, General Manager at NewRoads Newmarket Toyota, Vice Chair of the Central York Chamber of Commerce, and Secretary Treasurer of the Ontario Toyota Dealers Advertising Association.  Ruby brings a wealth of experience in both business and community leadership. From managing one of Newmarket’s most recognized...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak welcomes Martin Kurek, founder of Summerhill Electric Ltd.  Established in December 2023, Summerhill Electric is a residential electrical service provider based in Newmarket. After starting his career in 2013, Martin gained over a decade of experience working on major projects across Toronto, including CIBC Square, Scotiabank Arena,...

Eat and Drink in Your Neighbourhood is back with a brand new episode! This week, host Christopher Svab is joined by none other than local award-winning baker Marianne Svab.  Marianne has long been known for her talent in the kitchen and her ability to create baked goods that bring both comfort and joy. In this episode, she shares her love of baking through one of her favourites: a moist, flavourfu...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak is joined by Andrea MacLeod, a talented local artist whose work spans fine art and forensic sketch artistry with the RCMP.  From an early age, Andrea was captivated by the human face, often found sketching portraits of family and friends. That passion for capturing detail and expression led her on an incredible journey from creating...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Lanette Ware-Bushfield.  Lanette is a multi-talented force in the world of media, with a career spanning digital media, film, and television. Her work connects across children’s programming, education, entertainment, and fiction, always with a focus on storytelling that inspires and empowers. As a 2025 RBC Women of In...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Nicole Doyle from Rocky Mountain Soap Company.   Proudly Canadian and based in Canmore, Alberta, Rocky Mountain Soap Company has built its reputation on creating all-natural, handcrafted products for everyday wellness. From nourishing soaps and shampoos to rich body butters and bath essentials, every item is thoughtfu...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Carolyn Wilkins from Flowers n’ Things.   Known for offering a wide selection of fresh, beautiful flowers, Flowers n’ Things has been a trusted part of the community for years. Carolyn shares the story behind the shop, her journey into the world of floristry, and the inspiration that goes into creating arrangements th...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak is joined by Chief Ryan Schell, Chief Fire Prevention Officer for the Town of Newmarket. 🔥🚒 Chief Schell has dedicated over two decades to fire prevention and community safety. He began his career in 2001 with the former Aurora Fire Department as a Fire Prevention Inspector, continuing through the creation of Central York Fire Ser...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak is joined by Danielle Gibson of Premiere Mortgage Centre.  When it comes to financing a home in Canada, there are generally two paths: going directly through a bank or working with a licensed mortgage professional. While banks can only offer their own products, mortgage professionals have access to hundreds of options from Canada’s...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Gerrit from First Choice Roofing.   For more than 33 years, First Choice Roofing has proudly served the communities of Newmarket, Aurora, and Bradford, specializing in steel roofing, asphalt roofing, and more. With decades of experience, Gerrit and his team have built a reputation for quality craftsmanship, reliabilit...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Rick Varone, President & General Manager of the Newmarket Hurricanes (OJHL), and Head Coach Dave Demarinis.  For decades, the Newmarket Hurricanes have been a cornerstone of the community, building not only competitive teams in the Ontario Junior Hockey League but also shaping young athletes both on and off the ic...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak welcomes Béla Peter Pfundt,  a talented director, producer, and actor best known for his works Driving Me Crazy and Visitors .  Béla takes us on his journey through the film industry, sharing how he first stepped into acting and eventually expanded into producing and directing. From the spark of an idea to bringing a story to life o...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, Myles sits down with Gillian Freeman from Newmarket and Victim Services.   Gillian is a registered social worker with extensive experience supporting individuals and families through the challenges of family dynamics, trauma, and grief. With compassion and professional insight, she helps people navigate some of life’s most difficult moments and fin...

On this episode of Ancestral Voices: We Belong , host Kim Wheatley welcomes special guest Karen Wolcock. Karen’s journey spans continents, cultures, and careers. Born in Jamaica and raised in Canada, she has carried her heritage with pride while navigating the worlds of music, media, and business. From launching an independent record label as a teenager, to working in radio at Toronto’s Flow 93.5,...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Myles Doak sits down with Paul LePage from Foundation BTS. Foundation BTS is all about taking the stress out of IT for growing businesses. By managing technology behind the scenes, they give owners the freedom to focus on what matters: the business itself. While their services cover many industries, Foundation BTS has built a strong reputation...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, host Tricia sits down with Sarah and Emily, the inspiring duo behind A Bradford Christmas . Back in 2019, at just 14 and 15 years old, Sarah and Emily launched their not-for-profit with the goal of giving back to their community. What started as a small grassroots idea quickly grew into something much bigger: multiple successful fundraisers, countl...

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, Myles is joined by Debbie Fletcher, a dedicated participant in the Terry Fox Run. Debbie has been a constant runner in this Canada-wide event, which brings communities together each year to raise money for cancer research across the nation. In their conversation, Debbie shares what inspires her to keep running year after year, the personal meaning...