Horse Sense: Summer Message A Horse Loving Prairie Accountant’s Perspective

By Lorelei Johns, C.A.

Lorelei Johns, C.A.
Greg Huszar Photography

Life is about making memories with those who enrich our lives and help us to accomplish our goals. I enjoy working with non-profits as their Chartered Accountant.

Together,we have travelled the journey of accounting, auditing, assurance and governance.

Life is a balance of doing the things I love to do and spending time with my
friends and family who feeds my soul.My family continues to inspire my way ahead, as does my friend Red, a 5 year-old 590 kilogram gelding who, at times, challenges me and teaches me about building relationships and being the kind of person that I aspire to be.

Since Red and I began this journey together, we have learned from each
other. There have been days when,despite my best intentions to spend
time with Red, other things got in the way, like the weather and other
commitments. When Red and I are able to spend time together, I learn
that having a mutually successful relationship takes time, energy, and
sacrifice.

It’s summer time, and I am looking forward to hitting the trail with my
trusty steed Red. We will build some memories and learn from each other
no doubt. I hope you are able to spend some time under the sun with
those who inspire the way ahead.

Lorelei R. Johns, C.A.
lrjohnsca@accesscomm.ca
www.lrjca.com

Stopping Traffic

Publisher Photo
The White Issue 2012
Greg Huszar Photography
NWL Dress Shop
Hair: Salon 306.
Makeup: Salon 306.

Since becoming the publisher of SKY Magazine in October 2012, my vision has been to take the five year publication above and beyond.  My intention is to produce a publication to "be seen" telling the story of Saskatchewan entrepreneurs to Saskatchewan and beyond.

SKY Magazine promotes people who live and work in  vision, who embody the relentless spirit that is our story.

The other day, someone asked me about how the cover is chosen.  The fact is, it chooses me. I direct it so that it reflects the essence of the person and tells a story in a picture that our readers will find compelling.

My goal for each cover is that it be beautifully executed, truthful, honest, inspiring and intelligent.  We have the best of the best on the job.  SKY Photographer Greg Huszar is a master at capturing the essence of the story and Amber Moon, creates the design that catches your eye.

As the publisher, editor, reporter, information seeker, and director of the process,  my job is create a stage for life to unfold and to be captured on film.  I am fortunate, honoured and truthfully, blown away every single time by what happens in the process when these great people step into the frame.

Katrina Stettner,
Harmony Builders
Summer 2013 Issue
Hair: Parameters
Makeup: Blush Beauty Bar
Greg Huszar Photography 

In the summer issue, featuring Katrina Stettner, co-owner of Harmony Homes Ltd, the story is titled "High Heels, Hard Hats and Harmony". It describes their unique approach to building homes that sparkle.  Katrina says that everyone deserves a home that sparkles.  Harmony Builders is a family run business with a team of about 30 people.

We believe in sparkle too at SKY.  Katrina had her hair done at Parameters, and make up by Blush Beauty Bar.

On the day of the photo shoot in White City, the house was under construction, with the Harmony team literally working around us.

We cleared a pile of sawdust on the floor in order to set up the camera equipment.  The smell of raw wood was in the air. Saws were sawing.  Pipes were clanking.  Katrina, dressed in her own collection, a dress by Alexander McQueen  and Dolce & Gabbana lace heels, walked into the house.

Husband and business partner Matt Rogina handed her a pink hardhat and we were in their world.  As we photographed this moment in time amid sawing, hammering, clamouring and sawdust,  the honesty of the moment was captured, bringing the cover of the summer SKY to life.

This story inspires me on many levels. First, Katrina and Matt are successful entrepeneurs. Their philosophy and their promise is backed by a business model that is both efficient and effective. We got to meet some of their construction crew, (all of whom wear beards like Matt) and they seemed to be having a very good time, loving what they do. And their houses do sparkle, just like Katrina.

Trina Fader,
Trino's Men's Wear
Spring 2013
Hair: Salon 306.
Makeup: Sara Lindsay

In the Spring 2013 Issue, Trina Fader's feature story entitled "The Art of Men's Fashion" is one guts and glamour, because she is a woman who works in a world dominated by men. She talks about how she got started in business, and her philosophy on service and experience. The key to Trina's success story is Trino's appeals to both men who like to shop and women who shop for the men in their lives.  

Photographed in February on possibly one of the coldest days of the year, we went in studio using a special Graflex camera to capture the essence of this historic strength that Trina embodies. Trina is wearing a shirt and tie from her shop, and a woman's pin striped suit.  Her makeup was artfully applied by Sara Lindsay Makeup and hair by Salon 306.

Nadia Williamson,
NWL Dress Shop
The White Issue 2012
Hair:  Salon 306.
Makeup:  Blush Beauty Bar
Greg Huszar Photography

The White Issue is special to me, because this is where it all began for me, with Nadia Williamson as my first cover - entrepreneur.  I have always love NWL as a customer. As Nadia stepped onto the farmer's field in her Pronovias gown on that November day, the now pristine and the soft blue winter sky, she looked to the horizon as we all do.  The sight literally took my breath away.  "Look at that I said. Perfect".  A perfect representation of the free spirit that is Nadia as a teller in our collective story. Nadia's hair was done by Salon 306. and makeup by Blush Beauty Bar. She is also wearing jewelry from Hillberg & Berk.

From cover to cover, page to page,  SKY is about the people, the things they do, and the spirit that carries us through. With each issue, we tell a little more of our story. In doing so, we are building loyalty for our own entrenpreneurs in this province.

In mid August, we are shooting the Fall issue. I guarantee it will stop traffic and make you look at the SKY. 

Be there. Be seen.

Lynn Armstrong, Publisher of SKY Magazine 

President, SKY Publishers Ltd. 

www.myskymag.com

skymagazine@sasktel.net

Summer SKY is here.

I am pleased to tell you that the Summer SKY Magazine is on its way to some 30,000 homes in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Lumsden.

Read about Katrina and Matt, owners of Harmony Builders and their vision to create homes that sparkle.

We are also proud to present a 2 page feature on the designers of Saskatchewan Fashion Week, and their muse.

PrintWest is our "entrepreneurs of the SKY" feature, who are excited about a large format printer that will print a large as 4X8 with continuous feed. So posters, banners . . . you name it. It's possible.

The Summer SKY Gotta Have It page is filled with great places to shop and visit, including Blush Beauty Bar, The Painted Parasol and Red Leaf Boutique, both in Lumsden, as well as Rea Harbus, creator of custom designs by Amaranth Designs.

You will want to visit the 13th Avenue Cathedral area is Regina to experience the ambiance and the atmosphere, and stop in at Seed Sustainable Style and Verve for some funky summer clothes, maybe stop in for your weekly tea fix at Cuppa T and get some home made ice cream while you are there, and for lunch, dinner or Saturday brunch, visit Jasmin at the Creek in Cathedral Bistro for the most unbelievable menu made from scratch just for you.

Shopping is always in big part of SKY, because we all love to shop.  Fallon, owner of Queen V fashion house has some amazing designers in her shop on 4th and Broad in the Old Warehouse District.     Kirk, owner of Kitchen Gear, located in Hillsdale and Northgate Mall in Regina, have the greatest selection of kitchen knives, cookware and gadgets.

Our columnists Ruth Pradzynsky, owner of ARE Law, Lorelei Johns, Barbara March-Burwell of RBC Dominion Security and Lana Sheppard of Checks n Balances offer some food for thought this summer as you ponder life from your cabin or your backyard.

I would like to welcome Children's Wish Foundation to SKY. This issue, read about Halle, a 12 year old girl whose wish is so big it's impossible to dream.  SKY is proud to be a sponsor of the Children's Wish Foundation, and we would like to thank HK Insurance and SGI for co-sponsoring the story in the summer SKY.  We are also pleased to share the Desiree Rattray story, the winner of the Salon 306. Mother of All Makeovers contest.

Last but not least, the summer is the season of air conditioners.  Our own Queen City Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has you covered with a sale this summer.

Get your copy and see you in the fall SKY.

Have a fabulous summer!!

Lynn Armstrong, Publisher 

The Summer SKY is Coming. July 1 - 7.

The Summer SKY is all but wrapped up in a bow and ready to be printed and I am so excited for you to see this issue.  It will be distributed in the first week of July to 32,000 homes in the Regina and Saskatoon area.

I never like to give away too much in advance, but suffice it to say, you will be excited about reading this issue.  You will laugh, cry and be inspired.

I can't wait for you to see it.  Each and every piece is a gem unto itself.  Stay tuned for more and the unveiling of the summer issue.

Feel free to follow SKY Magazine on Facebook and on Twitter @sky_magazine.

Cheers.
See you on the summer side of this side of the SKY.


Lynn Armstrong, Publisher
SKY Publishing Ltd.

Fashionatics: Saskatchewan Fashion Week Part 2 Coming Soon

My closet is a 12 x 14 foot former bedroom that was converted to a small boutique.  The clothes are sorted according by type, colour and style. There are suits for formal / conservative meetings and separates that when combined create a myriad of possibilities. 

Yes, I have clothes with tags, waiting to be worn.  My shoes number over 170, each contained in a clear plastic box. Each day I stand and face my clothes, and I ask myself, what would SKY Magazine wear today.  Who am I meeting? What have I worn in their presence before? What impression do I want to make?  Each season I change my closet over and we begin again.  I hear there are those who make bets as to when they will see me wear the same thing twice.  To those, I say, start a spreadsheet. 

I might be considered a “fashionatic” to some, but I am more of a connoisseur of fashion.  That's why I love this job so much.  I spend my time inside the stores of Regina and Saskatoon, meeting the shop owners who decide what to put on the shelf, imagining what might inspire people. Rarely do I meet the designers, for they are generally tucked away behind their sewing machines, or working another job to pay for their passion to create clothes, jewelry, hats, and even bouquets. 

SKY Magazine is proud to be a media sponsor for Saskatchewan Fashion Week, held May 9 – 11, 2013. I committed to a two part story about Saskatchewan Fashion Week. In the Spring Issue, the story set the stage for the big event, in the hopes that readers would be inspired to come and enjoy the beautiful artistry that graced the stage.

 

Part 2 is about the story behind the show– to focus on the designers who invest their time and money and who expose their imaginations and souls on the catwalk to be judged.  

The People I Meet: Rory Allen, Elvis Impersonator, Singer, Humanitarian, Entrepreneur, Artist

Photo Source:  Rory Allen Facebook Page 

Wow. That's all I can say. I am star struck. Today I had the pleasure of talking with Rory and Lorie Allen at the gym.

You know Rory Allen as Saskatchewan's own Elvis Impersonator.  I walked over and introduced myself and he introduced himself, as if he had to.

I have seen Rory Allen perform many times and he does have a knack for bringing audiences back to the time and place when Elvis was the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

As I chatted with Rory and Lorie, I couldn't help but be interested in their story as Saskatchewan music entrepreneurs.  Theirs is a great story of how music can transcend a person to a different place, spark memories of another time and place or heal a trembling soul.

We often think of entrepreneurs as those people who innovate and create to deliver products and services that feed our physical lives and our businesses.

Musicians, artists, designers and others in the creative industry feed our soul and our culture.  They remind us that we are all connected through a song and a feeling. They are also business people who contribute to our economy, creating employment and opportunity.

Where would we be without their entrepreneurial spirit set to music, told through colour, and or expressed through fashion? I think our land under the sun would be a little less brighter.

Follow Rory Allen Music on Twitter and  Facebook to find out where they are playing.

Saskatchewan Fashion Week: Catwalk Photos - Amaranth Designs

Amaranth Designs owner and creator Rea Harbus is SKY Magazine's first Designer Profile featured in the Spring SKY.  Her story was shared with 32,000 high income homes in the Regina and Saskatoon area and on our blog.  

We promoted her at What Women Want, and we followed her at Saskatchewan Fashion Week.  We are pleased to share our iPhone photos taken that day.  

Amaranth Designs are available now at The Polka Dot Door Designer Collections on 1843 Hamilton Street. Regina, Saskatchewan.