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Andrew Doerksen owns Commonwealth Manufacturing located in the Exchange District. At first glance, a shirt from Commonwealth may seem more expensive than you’re used to seeing elsewhere. But that’s not because their shirts ares overpriced – it’s a result of the dominance of fast-fashion all around us.

Olena Kozel and Erin Ahl have created a modern business with roots in the past. Sherbrook Street’s Public General Store is a place that’s more mercantile than shopping mall.

Mark Turner doesn’t look like the person you may picture when you conjure up an image of a tea room proprietor – and the Amsterdam Tea Room is no dusty cliché either.

The timing wasn’t perfect for Darcy Hannah, but owning her own business turned out to be the perfect fit.

Harman Dhaliwal and Gabrielle
Zoppa have come through the hard times together. When the duo started Spa Botanica six years ago, “we had zero dollars,” said Dhaliwal.

Luke Nolan knows noggins. Whether yours is a small, average, or an orange-on-a-toothpick, Sputnik-sized noggin, his Exchange District shop has a style that will capture your cranium …and your personal style.