The Lucknow Sentinel, 1993-02-03, Page 8Page 8 — Lucknow Sentinel, Wednesday, February 3, 1993
From the city to the country...
Sandra Harmer - Designer
From the city to the country was a monumental change in
lifestyle that Sandra Harmer welcomed. However, Sandra
says, "After permanent residence in West Wawanosh for 10
months, I decided I loved being at home, but I missed
doing what I did best in Toronto." What she does best is
space -planning and re -designing either existing spaces or
designing new ones.
In June of 1992, Sandra and her partner, Bob Smyth,
decided to close their kitchen showroom in Toronto. As
well as being a designer, Bob is the installer/builder for the
business.
The decision was made to convert the "slaughter or kill -
house" on their property to an upscale kitchen,, bath and
renovation showroom to be known as Cedar Lane Design.
Unfortunately, conversion was not possible so Sandra, Bob
and his sons built the new showroom, which blends in with
the majestic trees on the property, themselves.
"We realize that driving to seek out materials is a fact of
life when you live in the country," says Sandra. "Cedar
Lane Design will be . a `one-stop shopping' showroom
offering everything needed in a renovation project. We'll
offer design,cabinets, flooring, tiles, appliances, interior
decorating services and , installation. "In other words,
Sandra says, "we offer the complete service package"
One of the challenges Sandra faces in this business is'that
most men have a built-in scepticism when it comes to
discussing contracting and installation with a woman. On
the other hand, Sandra says, "Women seem to enjoy
working with another woman when planning kitchens and
bathrooms, Experience is the best teacher in this industry
and 12 years in the .Nigh -pressure atmosphere of Toronto
taught me a lot!"
Sandra is excited about Cedar Lane Design being man-
aged from their home. "I think a lot of women have' started
their own businesses for the sane reason that I did - a
desire to be at home and fulfil their own domestic duties
and still be able' to fulfil -their own desire for a meaningful
career. On top of that, we contribute to the family bank
account. Who can exist on one income anymore?"
Looking to the future, Sandra sees the Huron Shore
becoming an extremely popular oasis for city people to
vacation in or commute from. "Cedar Lane Design will
offer the type of materials they are accustomed to seeing in
the larger centres. We are carrying two lines of cabinetry so
that we can offer everything from a lower end `builder -line'
to more exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime cabinets, namely
Downsview and Niagara Artcraft, as well. as German Inte-
grated Appliances by Miele."
When visiting Cedar Lane Design's official opening,
scheduled for late spring, take note ofthe windlass domi-
nating the west wall. It was the only piece of history they
were able to salvage from the old kill -house.
Cedar -Lane
E SIGN
RR2 Auburn., Ontario
Sandra Harmer - Bob Smith
Designers
. (519) 529-1125
J
L
Client
l ' nt service takes precedence...
As Manager of Personal Banking,
Lillian Abbott, says "Client service
Liles precedence with us. My staff
is knowledgeable, client -focused,
and responsive to our clients' finan-
cial needs. Mixed with a friendly,
caring atmosphere, we operate as an
efficient team."
And efficient team work, revolv-
ing around retail banking services,
deposit accounts, RRSPs, loans and
mortgages, is what the Royal Bank
has been offering the Ripley area
for approximately 80 years.
Lillian says the financial sector
experiences many changes, includ-
ing staff complement, hours of
business, . types of service, and
service delivery. "The future of this
industry depends on growth, and
that will be accomplished by man-
aging the changes which come our
way.
"The Royal is very receptive to
client needs for products and ser-
vices. We are always searching for
ways to be cost effective in delivery
of these services, hence our net-
work of banking machines and
electronic banking." Lillian has
found that while some are receptive
to electronic banking, others still
prefer the staff contact. .
Being in business presents Lillian
with opportunities for personal
growth and independence. She gets
a personal sense of satisfaction
knowing she helps her clients rec-
ognize and achieve their financial
goals, such as, investing in their
future with RRSPs.
The challenges of balancing the
traditional responsibilities of family
and the work place exist. "The bank
recognizes these responsibilities,
provides support systems, but ulti-
mately the woman has to be,able to
reach a compromise between family
and the job. Having family support
is' key."
As a working mom, Lillian
appreciates the support of her two
daughters, as she pursues her bank-
ing career and her interest in local
politics through her position as a
Lucknow Village councillor. She
found that completion of the AMCT
course several years ago has
benefitted her in her first year on
council.
"Sometimes there doesn't seem to
be enqugh hours in my day, but the
rewards . are worthwhile," Lillian
says.
Start ,your periodic contributions NOW!
ROYAL BANK
RIPLEY 395-3101
People make her business enjoyable...
• Delores Cross, owner of the
Lucknow Cut and Curl, says people
are what make her business enjoy-
able. "If someone feels great when
they walk out my door, then I too
feel great."
Delores has been a hairstylist for
28 years. She trained at Bruno's
Beauty Salon in Toronto, and for
the first 12 years of her career
worked in that city. Moving to the
area ,and opening chershop in
Lucknow, she was immediately
charmed with the people who she
says "were a lot friendlier."
During her career, Delores has
noticed dramatic changes in clien-
tele. They are more educated now
regarding the contents in a product,
the PH balance etc., and therefore
demand information about what she
is using on their hair. She regularly
attends courses to keep herself up-
to-date on the latest products and
styles.
Another change is the fact that
men now frequent what was in
.earlier years considered , the
women's domain. A barber course
when she was training provided the
basics on men's cuts. Today, a
large percentage of men want their
hair styled and pay much, more
attention to this aspect of personal
grooming.
Hairstyles have made a complete
circle. The French roll from years
ago is now popular but called the
French twist.
Manicuring no longer simply
revolves around grooming the nails.
Delores Cross
Today, anyone can have long, beau-
tiful nails thanks to the introduction
of acrylic, tips..
Styling, colouring, and perming
are only a few of the aspects of her
business. Delores also acts as a
consultant for brides and their wed-
ding parties, giving advice as to
hair styles suitable for the veil or
headpiece chosen, and experiment-
ing with different styles prior to the
big day.
This mother of two grown daugh-
ters no longer contends with the
difficulties of balancing home life
and career. However, she said, "I
do remember the stress and con-
gratulate all women who successful-
ly do both."
bickiiow Cut and Curl
623 Campbell Street
LU HNOW 528-2914