Town News

Small Business Spotlight: Fogo Island Castle ltd. 🔨 For years, Fogo Island Castle has been more than just a building materials and hardware store; it has been a major participant in Fogo Island’s growth and development. Founded by Ryan Holmes who managed a hardware store for many years before deciding to take the leap into business ownership, this family-run store has become a trusted resource for contractors, DIY enthusiasts, and homeowners across the island. Ryan’s philosophy is simple: “Work hard, your hard work will pay off. It’s not an easy journey, but it will be worth the struggle.” This mindset, paired with a commitment to integrity, community, and supporting employees, has helped shape Fogo Island Castle into what it is today. Since opening, the store has been more than just a place to buy supplies; it’s become a community hub. From hosting a Kids’ Birdhouse Building Night to sponsoring local athletes like Abigail Payne in provincial hockey, Fogo Island Castle is dedicated to giving back in every way possible. This year alone, they’ve made contributions to various local events and festivals, supported the Seniors’ Garden Party, and awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Shayna Waterman. They even created a ‘Tree of Hope’ initiative to support a less fortunate community member during the holidays. “I’ve learned a lot as a business owner,” shares Ryan. “Slow down, don’t let life slip by, and be good to your employees—they’ll be good to you.” It’s this blend of dedication, hard work, and community spirit that has made Fogo Island Castle more than just a store. It’s a place where relationships are built, projects are brought to life, and island initiatives are supported. Whether you’re taking on a large construction job or a smaller home improvement project, Fogo Island Castle has everything you need, backed by a team that genuinely cares about your success. Stop by, get the materials and advice you need, and see for yourself how this local business is helping build Fogo Island one project at a time.

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Small Business Spotlight: Vitality Hair Salon 💇‍♂️ Vitality Hair Salon has been enhancing the beauty and confidence of Fogo Island residents for nearly three decades. Established in 1996 by local entrepreneur Stephanie Miller, Vitality Hair Salon’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep-rooted commitment to serving the people of Fogo Island. Stephanie began her career at Golden Scissors (Where?), earning her Red Seal Certification before returning home to pursue her own venture. What started as a small operation in the basement of Shoal Bay’s Island Bake Shop quickly flourished. Seizing the opportunity to grow, Stephanie expanded her business to a new location on North Shore Road in Fogo, where she successfully operated both a hair salon and tanning salon for four years. With a growing clientele, Stephanie relocated her salon to the center of the Island—next to Chester Fried Chicken—where she thrived for another impressive 16 years. In 2015, when Stephanie became a mother, she once again adapted her business model to balance her professional and personal life, relocating the salon to her home in Stag Harbour. This move allowed her to maintain the high-quality service her clients have come to expect while creating an environment that fit her family’s needs. Today, Vitality Hair Salon is a hub for creativity and style, offering everything from modern color techniques and barbering to specialized services for special events like weddings and proms. Stephanie’s dedication to staying at the forefront of the industry is evident in the numerous awards and diplomas she has received in hair coloring, extensions, and more. In addition to hairstyling, Vitality Hair Salon also offers a curated selection of professional hair care products, jewelry, hats, wallets, hair accessories, and unique gift items. Stephanie’s expertise and passion for her craft shine through in every service she provides, making her salon a trusted choice for clients both on and off the island. She operates Monday to Friday and every second Saturday, welcoming customers to visit her at 16 Stag Harbour South. “There’s simply no other place I would rather be than on Fogo Island,” says Stephanie. Her commitment to her clients and the community she loves is truly at the heart of Vitality Hair Salon. 💖