Neighbour Studio

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 risk management, he breaks down how insurance really works—and why having the right broker on your side makes all the difference.

In this conversation, Mark shares his journey in the industry, common questions clients often ask, and tips for making confident, informed decisions about your coverage. Whether you’re buying your first home, renewing a policy, or simply want to better understand your options, this episode offers clarity, insight, and plenty of helpful takeaways.

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, Cristiana had a big idea and an even bigger creative spark. In 2019, after spending a little too much time “pushing her parents’ buttons,” she asked if she could start making her own — literally. With support from her parents, she got her first button-making machine and began creating custom designs for friends. What began as a fun hobby soon blossomed into a growing small business. Cristiana’s signature logo — featuring her silhouette, pink palette, and signature hair bow — was her own concept, brought to life with help from her mom’s design skills. “Pink has always been my favourite colour,” she says, “and I loved wearing bows and big glasses at the time!”

Today, Cute as a Button Girl is proudly run by Cristiana and her mom, Monica, a talented graphic designer. Together, they design and handcraft custom buttons, magnets, charms, zipper pulls, keychains, and even pocket mirrors, bottle openers, and jewelry. Their items can now be found in stores across Canada and the U.S., as well as online through Etsy and Faire.

Her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2022, Cristiana was awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pin in Newmarket, and the following year, she was recognized by Mazda Canada through their “Rising Legends” campaign. She’s also received a “Next Gen” award from the Open for Business Hub in Brampton and was featured by Hire and Fire Your Kids.

Proudly shouting #NWMRKTPROUD, Cristiana and her mom love collaborating with local organizations, including partnering with the Newmarket Food Pantry and Newmarket’s own Rebecca and Joanne (the NWMRKTPROUD team). One of their favourite collaborations to date? A special series with Upper Canada Mall.

From her small studio to the shelves of stores across North America, Cristiana continues to make her mark — one cute button at a time.

Follow her journey on social media at @cutebuttongirl and shop online at cutebuttongirl.etsy.com. Readers can enjoy 25% off a $20 Etsy order with the code NEIGHBOURMEDIA at checkout. #GoodNeighbour

A BIG Neighbour thank you to our November Cover Feature 💛👏💫

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 helps ensure hospice services can continue to thrive across York Region.

Joining her is Andrea Interior, a natural people person and self-starter who excels at creating new initiatives, motivating teams, and driving growth. Guided by her desire to help others, Andrea brings heart and dedication to everything she does in support of the hospice community.

Together, Jennifer and Andrea share the importance of hospice care, how fundraising directly supports patients and families during life’s most vulnerable moments, and the power of community generosity. They also highlight the events, partnerships, and donor stories that make a lasting impact.

This conversation is a reminder that kindness, connection, and support can make all the difference, especially when it matters most.

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 Executive Director of NACCA, a role that marks an exciting new chapter for the organization, she continues to build on a decade of visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to learning and justice.

In this conversation, Jerisha shares the story behind NACCA’s growth, the challenges and triumphs of building a community-driven organization, and her hopes for the future of diversity and equity in Newmarket. She also reflects on what leadership, advocacy, and connection mean in today’s evolving social landscape.

Whether you’re passionate about community work, education, or social change, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together to create lasting impact.

Instagram: @nacca_newmarket 
https://www.instagram.com/nacca_newmarket/?hl=en

Website: https://www.naccacommunity.ca/#/ 

LinkedIn: @naccacommunity
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nacca/

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 always held close. Today, he balances his role as a proud new father with his passion for helping people find or renovate their dream homes.

Julien’s journey is built on both community and commitment. For nearly a decade, he has volunteered with the York Regional Police Auxiliary, giving back to the town that shaped him. He’s also a passionate runner, with over 10 marathons and even an Ironman under his belt, proof of his drive and determination.

Now, through real estate and home renovation, Julien brings that same energy and dedication to helping clients. Whether it’s finding the perfect property or transforming an existing home, he takes pride in delivering results while building relationships that last. Known to many as “Big Tuna,” Julien’s work is all about trust, creativity, and putting his clients’ needs first.

In this episode, Julien shares his story, from his early days in Aurora, to his adventures abroad, to his career in real estate and beyond. It’s a conversation about passion, perseverance, and what it truly means to invest in your community.

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 a successful language training center, Angel set her sights on something bigger. With courage and vision, she moved to Canada to immerse herself in a culture of open dialogue and innovation. What started as part-time tutoring soon grew into a thriving after-school program where students didn’t just succeed academically, but grew as confident leaders.

In 2003, Angel founded Inspiration Learning, and by 2008, she began franchising, empowering women and immigrant families to build businesses through education. Today, what began as one woman’s dream has become a movement transforming students, families, and communities across Canada.

In this episode, Angel shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she overcame, and the lasting impact education can have when it goes beyond test scores.

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 automotive dealerships to playing an active role in local and provincial organizations, she is deeply committed to building strong connections and supporting growth in the community.

In this episode, Ruby shares her journey in the automotive industry, her leadership experiences, and the lessons she’s learned about balancing business, community service, and collaboration. She also highlights the importance of empowering others and fostering relationships that drive both personal and professional success.

Whether you’re interested in business leadership, community building, or simply want to hear the inspiring story of someone shaping both industry and neighbourhood, this episode has something for you.

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, Etobicoke General Hospital, and Toronto Hydro buildings, before deciding to bring his skills and knowledge back home to serve his own community.

As a fully licensed electrical contractor, Martin built Summerhill Electric on quality workmanship, precision, and safety principles. His mission is simple: to deliver trusted electrical services while ensuring every project is completed with care and professionalism.

In this episode, Martin shares his journey from working on large-scale city projects to launching his own business, the lessons he’s learned in the trade, and the values that guide his work today. It’s a conversation about community, craftsmanship, and building something new close to home.

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 forensic sketches for the RCMP to building a body of work as a painter and portrait artist.

In this episode, Andrea shares her artistic path, the balance between precision and creativity, and how her love of nature and humanity continues to inspire her work. Whether behind an easel or a sketchpad, she strives to give “voice” to her subjects, capturing innocence, spirit, and soul in ways that invite viewers to pause, reflect, and connect.

Andrea’s pieces are timeless yet bold, rich in colour and form, and inspired by the wild beauty of nature. As she says herself, her portraits “demand to be examined,” offering a glimpse into what she calls Moments of Humanity.

This conversation explores art, inspiration, and the powerful ways creativity can connect us all.

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, flavourful zucchini cake, and talks about the inspiration and stories behind it.

But that’s just the beginning. Marianne also opens up about her new and exciting baking adventures, from experimenting with fresh ingredients to taking on creative challenges that keep her passion alive. She reflects on what baking means to her, how it connects people, and why sharing food has always been a way to bring community together.

Whether you’re a fellow baker, a food lover, or just someone who enjoys hearing the stories behind homemade creations, this conversation is full of warmth, inspiration, and, of course, a touch of sweetness.

Tune in for an episode that will leave you inspired, and maybe even craving something fresh from the oven!