Life In Elmira with Dr Sarah and Dr Thom

50 Episodes! What a blessing this experience has been. We have loved spending time each week getting to know other business owners in our community. Many have asked when we were going to showcase our own business and we figured it's the time!

At Elmira Family Chiropractic, it is our pleasure and our mission to serve and lead as many people as we can toward optimal health expression. We engage our people in true health care – a joint journey between doctor and patient with the common goal of experiencing life to the fullest and we share this journey with newborns, children, teenagers, adults and seniors.

To learn more about us personally and to get in contact with us, check out www.elmirafc.com/050

Woolwich Counselling Centre provides professional counselling services for individuals, couples and families from all walks of life. They have a very reputable child and youth therapy program, with two specifically equipped child and youth therapy rooms.

Their services specifically cover the rural Townships of Woolwich and Wellesley but extend to those in the Region of Waterloo and beyond.

All of their counsellors have Master’s degrees in Social Work, Psychology and Theology and are registered with the College of Social Work, the Association of Marriage and Family Therapy or the Ontario Association for Counsellors, Consultants, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists.

Their fees are geared to income, based on a sliding fee scale and no one is turned away for inability to pay. Incorporated in 1977 as a registered, non-profit charitable organization they are governed by an elected volunteer Board of Directors.

Check out the episode at www.elmirafc.com/049 

Wideman Wicks Co is a husband & wife team who created Wideman Wicks Co. with the goal to make a bit of extra cash. Why not, right?

What started as a random thought in the middle of the night became one of the most rewarding and stretching experiences! They have learned so much in such a short time and have grown more than they ever expected.

Their candles are made with high-quality ingredients to give you peace of mind. Hours of testing and sampling have produced a clean and healthy product that fills the air you breathe with a satisfying aroma - without all the chemicals traditional candles hold.

To learn more and listen to the episode check out www.elmirafc.com/048

Bauman Pallets is a family-run business that makes custom pallet signs and other home decor pieces locally. Originally started by her talented mom, Cassidy has taken over and expanded the business to create lots of new items. All of her work is handmade and hand-painted!

Cassidy was a breath of fresh air to chat with! Her values shine through in who she is and how she presents herself.

Check out the episode at www.elmirafc.com/047 and for Cassidy's contact information. 

Barb Bailey is the Owner/Designer/Jack of All Trades behind The Bailey Baby Boutique Co!

The Bailey Baby Boutique Co started when Barb’s daughter was born; she started drooling at a very young age and Barb was unimpressed with the quality of bibs available to purchase! So she developed a bib that features a layer of completely waterproof fabric: no drool or spit up can soak through, so the sensitive skin and clothing underneath was protected!

With the development of her bibs (while selling to friends and family) she decided to expand my line to include blankets and hats to create matching sets!

Naturally for her, this project took on a life of its own and she began making clothing items. Customers started to request new items and lots of them ended up being added to the shop! Two worlds collided: a degree in fashion design and 10 years of retail experience and she has been fortunate to get the best of both worlds! She so happy and grateful to be able to create custom baby clothes and accessories, and she feels like she has finally found what she meant to do in life!

Living Waters was established in 2004 with the purpose of meeting the needs within the various local churches and communities. In 2017 Living Waters purchased CFR (Canadian Family Resources) located in Newton ON, and relocated and merged the two operations in Elmira, ON in 2018.

Living Waters is now located at 122 Church St W, Elmira ON, where they operate out of their 25,000+ sq ft facility.

With the growing shortage of Christian Bookstores in our community, their goal is to provide high-quality inspirational products that will impact the lives of our customers across North America. Their prayer is that they will be a blessing to each person we encounter, whether it is a customer in-store, online, courier driver, or each other as we strive to do God’s service to His people.

The store – currently over 10,000 sq. ft. of retail space – is diversified with Bibles, books, games, toys, traditional music, giftware, puzzles, teacher supplies and our new category kitchenware. They have recently expanded our product lines to include custom photo books & canvas’ available at www.livingwatersphoto.ca

Derek's contact information can be found at www.elmirafc.com/045

Send-It Archery has created the first-ever backstop capable of stopping arrows up to 390FPS and stopping broadheads and field points. Their products are made in North America (including local machine shops!) and are easy to move and setup. This product will also allow you to shoot archery virtually anywhere and are made of high quality materials. 

But you should also know that you do not have to be involved in archery to enjoy this conversation and get something out of it! I know we sure did!

Their company is a true story of what it can look like to have a new idea based on something a person is very passionate about, then creating a product to sell, including all the honest bumps and big wins along the way.

Geoff has incredible insight and we really enjoyed learning more about his process. Also, I think he has convinced Dr. Thom that it is time to try a new hobby!

Check out the episode at www.elmirafc.com/044 or for all contact information!

With an Emerald Home, you get quality, choice and a custom design.  Their focus is always on giving their clients the most value and listening to what you want.

They understand that building a new home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but most people will have a questions and concerns. That's why at Emerald Homes they don't just build you a home; they consult with you throughout the whole process, and custom design your home specifically for you.

Currently, they have lots available in Southwood Park subdivision in Elmira. As a side note, this is where we are building and may be your neighbour!

Check out the episode at www.elmirafc.com/043 and for Emerald Homes' contact information. 

Christina Young is a certified Style CoachTM and owner of Wear Out There. Wear Out There is not a one-size-fits-all personal styling company. She designed it to be flexible and focused on helping YOU find your true and authentic style once and for all.

Christina is not about style rules but is more focused on embracing a person's favourite features. Some of us are tall, somn, some curvy, some petite. Everyone's personal style is the result of many different factors and can take a little digging to fully uncover.

Once you have curated a sense of your own likes and dislikes though, she believes that you become your best stylist and she will help you to build a wardrobe that works for you, not someone else.

Christina has some awesome free tools that you can check out as well as a guide to capsule wardrobes for professionals or how to organize your wardroom to your lifestyle. Get these links here: www.elmirafc.com/042

Joanna Reaume is the founder of Live Tidy Organizing and the lead professional organizer for the business. As a busy Mom of five, she understands how hard it is to maintain balance and order. She is all about making life easier by eliminating the things that just don’t matter and making space for what does!

Joanna knows that most people desire organized homes, but often lack the time or knowledge to implement the necessary changes. She understands how crazy life can get and she loves to help others achieve freedom from the clutter and streamline life.

At Live Tidy Organizing, their goal is to help each client gain control of out of control spaces. They are passionate about organizing and making your space function the way you want it to.

Check out the episode at www.elmirafc.com/041 and to get in contact with her. 

Rustic Roots Hair Studio is a local hair salon and gift boutique that was opened in 2019 by owner Maria Bambach. Maria is a mom of two and a wife who has been a hairstylist for many years. 

Within her business, he has hired three other stylists. They all strive to help people feel their best while creating a welcoming community in their space.

In the gift boutique, she has many local products available from hair products, jewelry, bags (including some of a&k Designs products who we interviewed on a previous podcast) to natural beauty items as well. She is constantly bringing in new items so it is best to pop by and have a look around.

Learn more about Rustic Roots Hair studio at www.elmirafc.com/040

Jeremy MacDonald and his wife are the proud parents of two children and live in St. Clements, Ontario. With over 15 years of experience growing vegetables, Jeremy is undertaking this New Leaf Market Garden venture, eager to provide fresh and nutritious vegetables for the Kitchener-Waterloo community.

New Leaf Market Garden is an environmentally-friendly farm. They use a handpicked, farming philosophy as the root of their nutritious and fresh produce. Their farm avoids the use of heavy machinery, chemicals, pesticides or genetically modified seed and all of their vegetables are grown in healthy, well-managed soil.

They provide our community with produce that can be purchased at the Elmira farmer’s markets and in shares through our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. By investing in a local farmer, you are keeping the option of eating local alive in our community.

For full show notes and contact information, check out www.elmirafc.com/039

Green Valley Health and Herbs Inc has been part of downtown Elmira for more than 40 years, located on Church Street East. In 2005, the business was acquired by Brendan Davidson who grew up in his mother’s health food store in nearby Guelph.

Green Valley offers its customer’s a wide selection of supplements, herbs, homeopathic remedies, organic dairy, organic meats, wheat and gluten free options, probiotics, dairy free options, juicers, bulk food, health and beauty products, baby supplies and a lifetime of health food industry knowledge. If anything is missing from their shelves, you can inform their knowledgeable staff who will special order what you are looking for.

They happily support local farms and businesses and promote environmentally friendly products and utilities. Beyond trends and gimmicks, Green Valley commits itself to educating the community and helping people live healthier lives.

We loved chatting with store manager, Melissa Leis who has worked for the company for 9 years!

For contact information and to get the episode, go to https://elmirafc.com/038/

Twila Erb, founder/dream of Wild Ginger Coffee, lives in Elmira but has called many places her home. She dreams big and enjoys a lot but one of her favourite things is a good cup of coffee and a good conversation.

After travelling to Africa in 2015, she found herself dreaming about what she could do with her life, all while wanting to do something for women who had been trafficked. In March of 2020, Twila launched her website and business making it possible for people to buy Wild Ginger Coffee which she imports from Burundi.

When you choose to drink Wild Ginger Coffee, she believes your choice matters and it makes a difference in the lives of women trapped in and transitioning out of the sex industry. A great cup of coffee won’t change the world, but they believe our choices can.

Wild Ginger Coffee is not just passionate about great coffee, but they are committed to the betterment of the lives behind every roast.  From farm to cup and beyond.  Every.  Last.  One.  And that, my friend, includes you.  You’re drinking coffee anyway, why not choose coffee that does more than just taste great.

Proceeds from every coffee or bean purchase goes towards organizations helping women who have been trafficked. As Twila mentions in our episode, her coffee doesn’t just taste good. It does good.

For her contact information and to check out the episode, visit https://elmirafc.com/037/

Eby Manor Golden Guernsey milk and cream is produced on their local family farm by 60 registered milking Guernsey cows. Just north of Waterloo, their Waterloo Country farm is also home to many calves and young heifers who have been born on our farm. Each one has a name and is unique in her golden-fawn and white markings, as well as in her personality. Some enjoy being entertained by the cats and kittens. Others want the attention of whoever happens to walk by and like to be patted or hugged. Some even prefer not to interact with anyone.

Eby Manor Golden Guernsey products are available in over 100 stores in Ontario. You can also come right to our farm. Currently Eby Manor is producing 10% cream, cheddar cheese, balkan style yogurt, chocolate milk, 2% milk and whole milk.

Eby Manor Golden Guernsey milk is carefully pasteurized at the lowest allowable temperature to ensure minimal processing and maximum goodness. As also required by law, their milk is fortified with vitamin D and our 2% milk is also fortified with vitamin A.

For more information and contact information check out https://elmirafc.com/036/

Karolina Amos and Anna Truszkowski, two sisters and Elmira residents, created a &k Designs Co as a side business to help them create a travel fund. It all started by creating their classic pouch. From there they have created more items such as fun wrist wraps, scrunchies, masks and headbands.

As part of their business they make sure to donate 10% of all proceeds to a local charity that is close to their heart. As they say, #SewKindness is very important to who they are and how they want their business to be presented in our world.

As part of their business they make sure to donate 10% of all proceeds to a local charity that is close to their heart. As they say, #SewKindness is very important to who they are and how they want their business to be presented in our world.

Check out the episode and their contact information at elmirafc.com/035

In February of 2017, the Chervin group of companies purchased Snider Brothers’ Furniture and renamed it Chervin Furniture and Design. Like every company in the Chervin group, Chervin Furniture and Design operates on the foundational principle of the Golden Rule: 

Do to others as you would have them do to you. 

Their goal is to provide extraordinary furniture with the highest aesthetics and exceptional quality to share with you and your family. Our group of companies constantly strives to improve the quality, construction, and styling while offering excellent value and incomparable service to our customers. 

As a member of the family-run and family-owned Chervin group of companies, Chervin Furniture & Design is in a unique position to make good on our golden rule of service. They believe that our customer-focused approach sets us apart in everything we do.

Steve Baumans’s over-arching responsibility as Showroom Manager is to keep the 17,00 square foot showroom in Elmira running smoothly. That entails a lot of footwork behind-the-scenes, like ensuring well-trained staff is in place, keeping a good variety of products and styles on the floor, and all the other day-to-day things that keep Chervin Furniture & Design humming.

Learn more about Steve and Chervin Furniture & Design here: https://elmirafc.com/034

As the Founder & President of Graf-Martin Communications, Ellen Graf-Martin brings years of experience in marketing, publicity and business development along with ministry and non-profit organization involvement. This experience has served Graf-Martin Communications’ growing list of values-based clients well, providing them with reliably excellent, high-impact, high-value integrating marketing, branding and publicity campaigns.

An avid coffee lover, enthusiastic foodie and creative craft designer born and raised on Vancouver Island, BC, Ellen and her family now live in Elmira. A strong commitment to personal and professional growth and excellence means that Ellen puts her whole heart into whatever she does.

For Ellen's contact information and to learn more, go to https://elmirafc.com/033/

Leroy's Auto Care is a complete automotive maintenance and repair centre. From their courtesy vehicles and shuttle service to their extended hours and maintenance plans, they are dedicated to keeping your car in exceptional condition with minimal disruptions to your routine.

They also believe that there should never be any surprises for their customers when they pick up their vehicle. As part of their mission statement, they will never go ahead with work unless they talk to you first.

Over the years, they have earned a reputation for a high level of experience and customer service - their clients can depend on Leroy's for open and honest communication and expert car care.

Check out the episode or to get the show notes go to: https://elmirafc.com/032

Eby Family Honey is owned by Bob & Laura Eby, along with their children. They continue to grow their apiary with their 1st yard is on the family farm, north of Waterloo, and their 2nd location is at their home in Moorefield.

They keep a close eye on our bees in the spring and fall, so that they can be left alone during the summer days. As Bob will explain in this episode, bees are very self sufficient and amazing workers, but they need to be checked to make sure they have all the nutrition to survive.

Learn more or listen to the episode at elmirafc.com/031