Shilo Verhaegen owner of Ashbury Bridal – Most Unique Business
Kelowna readers choose bridal boutique
Ashbury Bridal is Kelowna’s first bridal and graduation gown consignment boutique and now carries the moniker Most Unique Business, taking top spot in the Best of the Okanagan awards, voted by the readers of Okanagan Life Magazine.
Ashbury provides stunning designer gowns at affordable prices, while offering brides the opportunity to consign their gowns and recoup some of the “dress budget” back. The boutique in downtown Kelowna is eclectic but chic with a warm environment perfect to invite family and friends to enjoy watching you “say yes to the dress.”
Kip Jon Production is known for its fantasy venues to showcase fashion.
In the North Okanagan, readers choose Kip Jon Productions as Most Unique Business. The events company specializes in creating alternate realities and experiences, seeking unique venues that can be transformed into different worlds.
“Our clients seek us out after being at or hearing about one of our events,” says owner Kip Jon who has returned to hometown Vernon to set up shop. “Our creative team has the ability to make the impossible, reality. We live and work with out-of-the-ordinary, cutting-edge and often indescribable concepts.”
With a reputation that stems across North America, Kip Jon now hosts theatrical-based, conceptual parties in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and the Okanagan Valley. The company is also known for it grand spectacular weddings as well as fashion and art showcases.
Summerland shop chosen as Most Unique Business
In the South Okanagan, Summerland’s Soulful Project took top spot. The store’s mission is to help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by purchasing items directly from women artisans and donating a percentage of their profit to fund international education programs. The store donates a portion from each regular priced item to its partners: Free The Children, The Summerland Food Bank and The Global Enrichment Foundation. See more on ethical shops in the Okanagan in our December 2013 issue.
The finalists for Most Unique Business include:
Central Okanagan:
- Doggytopia -2
- Georgie Girl -3
- Turtle Island Gallery -3
North Okanagan:
South Okanagan:
- Terwilligers -2
