Cabbagetown is a neighbourhood of beauty, heritage, cultural diversity and inclusion. We are Anita Bostok and Norman Hathaway and we’re proud to contribute this regular feature where you get to know the people and businesses that make Cabbagetown so special. If you’d like to be featured or would like to nominate someone please get in touch.
DUSTIN RUSSELL – Dustin grew up in the Okanagan but, the desire for the “Big City Experience” drew him to Toronto in 2005. Hair and the art of hair is his passion. Drawn to Cabbagetown for its mature and inclusive demographic, he opened Revolt Hair Shop in 2020. His philosophy in life and work is to avoid pretension and encourage his customers to be who they are. He loves helping people express themselves and respecting their differences. He is proud to be aligned with The Dress Code Project, helping those in transition reflect who they want to be and feel good about it.
Revolt Hair Shop 244 Carlton St. 647-748-2020
SONJA SCHARF & KELLY KYLE Photographer Sonja Scharf and framer Kelly Kyle met in 2004. They joined forces becoming partners in life and business, and Akasha Art was born. They have since grown to a team of eight artists specializing in fine art printing, custom framing, consultation, commercial installation, and much more. Sonja and Kelly work non-stop, living what they do – art. Loving the small town in a big city feel, where people know each other, Cabbagetown has been their home for many years. Caring for their two dogs and attending art events round out life for this artistic pair.
Akasha Art 204D Carlton St
NAZRUL SARKER - Nazrul was born on his father’s farm in Bangladesh, where they grew livestock and vegetables. At seven years old, his father died suddenly, leaving him, his mother, four sisters, and two brothers to produce for the local market. Following his brother’s lead, Nazrul came to Canada in 1992, eventually opening Sarker Grocery and Halal Meat importing specialty goods from India, Pakistan, and China. His wife and four daughters, who are completing university, have helped him grow the business. He works 16 hours a day, and what’s most important to him is helping people in need.Sarker Grocery and Halal Meat 423 Parliament St 416-925-3337
GLEN LOUCKS – Born in Chapleau, Ontario, Glen moved to Toronto in 1970, earning an arts degree from the University of Toronto. He later became a Marine Engineer navigating the Great Lakes on lake freighters. His background in piano and guitar inspired Glen to teach music. He joined the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre becoming Executive Director in 2020. CCAC is a registered charity and an integral part of Cabbagetown and St. Jamestown, delivering music lessons to families who can’t afford them. Glen is passionate about the importance of music in community life and is grateful for the faithful support from the people of Cabbagetown.
CCAC 422 Parliament St. 416-925-7222
