The Popper

Armel Mzalina — The Flava Factory

What are a few positive things for you that have come out of this pandemic?

‘The things that have come out of this pandemic have been my mental health and physical health. The mental side was a battle with depression and not being able to see where my life was going to be in the next year, so I stayed in contact with my brother figure Mecdy Jean-Pierre, a dancer and guru from Montreal. He taught me how to meditate and gave me lessons to work on. I found peace and consistency in my passion and felt my body getting stronger with every passing day’.

On The Flava Factory

The Flava Factory is a street dance studio in Hintonburg. Its philosophy is to stay true to street dance culture. Instructors see it as their responsibility to seek knowledge, teach, inspire, and inform adults and youth to follow these traditions. They are always welcoming all that want to be a part of their community, whether through dance classes, events, and in studio or external Cyphers/Battles. Instructors have a great relationship with other dancers from across the country, which helps their cause to continue their teachings.

Contact information

Armel Mzalina: Armelmz@gmail.com

FlavaFactory
Tel: (613) 797-9898
Instagram: @thefalavafactory
Facebook: The Flava Factory

 The Tattoo Artist

Julien Detillieux — Railbender

What are a few positive things for you that have come out of this pandemic?

‘Although there have been many challenges throughout this pandemic, it has also given me time. I have had time to be more creative and time to focus on my art. I began painting different surfaces (oars, knifes, large canvases) which has been both different and exciting. I have also had more time to spend with my girlfriend which in turn has made our relationship stronger. In addition, it has been wonderful to see people rallying together to support small local businesses and individuals in need’.

On Railbender Tattoo Studio

Railbender Tattoo Studio is located in Hintonburg, Ottawa and was started by Alex and Marta Neron in 2014. Alex passed away in 2018, less than three years after being diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. Julien had the honour of working and apprenticing under Alex and became the owner of Railbender Tattoo Studio in March 2020. He hopes to continue on Alex’s legacy. Railbender is dedicated to the arts and strives to provide a safe and comfortable environment for everyone. We provide custom artwork and tattoos. All are welcome, weather its your first tattoo or 30th tattoo.

Contact information

Instagram: @rbenderstudio
Facebook: @railbenderstudio
Book an appointment

 The Cobbler Family

Max, Sonia and Nikita — Max’s Shoe Repair & Leatherworks

What are a few positive things that have come out for you from the pandemic?

‘Our customers: We are thankful for all our customers who come to our shop from not only Wellington Village and Hintonburg but also come from far and wide just to support us. The countless emails inquiring about our well-being when businesses were forced to close gave us a sense of hope. Once the province announced the Stage 1 openings, we had so many customers eagerly asking when they could bring in their leather items for repair, as they wanted to support a small family business during this tough time. We are overwhelmed with the huge support of our customers (a.k.a our Cobbler Family) and their kindness.

Our landlord: Another positive outcome is our landlord’s generosity. His sense of encouragement during this difficult period, saying that we are all in this together for the long haul, opened our eyes to how this pandemic brings out the kindness in people. He cares about his tenants, and helped us with our rent for 5 months (without using the rent relief program from the Government). We are grateful to have him as our landlord.

This pandemic really brought out the true colours of people. It was the support of our wonderful, amazing customers who kept us going. Thanks to them we are still open. At the end of the day, we have to have hope and faith that things will get better. We have to believe this.’

On Max’s Shoe Repair & Leatherworks

As a small family business, Max’s Shoe Repair & Leatherworks’ philosophy has always been to treat customers as people, and how they would want to be treated. This why they love what they do. Everyone has a story to tell. (See comments for more on the story behind this small business and their contact information). Max comes from a generation of cobblers. He learnt the trade from his father in Nairobi, Kenya when he was just 16 years old. Back then, there were no machines, so everything was repaired by hand. Max and Sonia immigrated with their two children from England in 2000, and have been in the shoe repair industry since then. Fast forward to today: Max’s daughter, Nikita, decided to follow in her dad’s footsteps and learn the trade. She is called “The Cobbler in Heels” as she is always in high heels. The family is proud of her given she is the first female cobbler in the family.

Max’s family has been in the neighbourhood since 2011, and enjoys being surrounded by other small businesses that support each other.

Contact information

Max’s Shoe Repair & Leatherworks
Tel: (613) 422-0960
Instagram: @maxshoerepair
Website: https://maxsshoerepairandleatherworks.com

 The Martial Arts Instructor

Allyn Takahashi — Takahashi Dojo

What are a few positive things that have come out for you from the pandemic?

‘COVID-19 has resulted in us being distant from one another. It has made me realize the importance of social interaction and keeping busy. Even though we can meet each other online, we still crave seeing each other in person. Look at how much we want to eat and drink together with our family and friends. Look at how much we want to exercise together with like-minded people. COVID-19 will be with us for a long time. When it is over, I plan to meet all my old friends especially those I have not seen in years.

During the Summer, COVID-19 also destroyed our schedules giving many of us too much free time. And so I would say, "No rush, I can do this tomorrow." Strangely, it got difficult to get things done. Suddenly watching TV became important. Free time lost its value. I found that cramming my schedule with activities forced me to be more efficient and to value my free time. The more things I had to do, the more I was able to do. I knew this before, but now I realize its importance.’

On Takahashi Dojo

The school was started in 1969 by Allyn’s parents. The school’s motto is: Judo builds the body, the mind, confidence. The school currently has a number of sensei and teaches various traditional martial arts. While a business, Takahashi Dojo is more of a family dedicated to its vision. Students attend the school for various reasons, and continue attending because of the teachings of discipline, dedication, and respect.

Contact Information

Takahashi Dojo
Tel: (613) 725-3451
Email: takahashidojo1969@gmail.com
Instagram: @takahashidojo