1. Garage: Tremblay Motors

We discovered Tremblay Motors when we needed a formal vehicle inspection to transfer our car insurance to BC. We quickly learned we had to take our car to a certified, approved garage, and after calling around, we landed here and I am so glad we did. Having a reliable, trustworthy mechanic is something you completely take for granted until you're in a new city.

They were always fast, honest, and completely transparent about any issues and how best to address them. Their pricing was reasonable, but what really won me over happened during a busy winter tire season. They couldn’t fit us in, so they actively recommended another local shop because it was cheaper than what they would have charged for a routine changeover! On top of that, the owners were wonderfully patient with Yuyu running around their waiting area, even gifting her a little unicorn purse that their daughter had outgrown. Yuyu still has that bag and happily plays with it today.

2. Photographer: Perlla Photography

Perlla is one of those rare people you meet and never forget. Joy radiates from her, and she is an exceptionally talented and passionate photographer. When Gabe was born, I wanted newborn photos and didn't know where to turn, so I posted in a local Facebook parents group and was lucky enough to find her. We ended up doing two different photo sessions together. She is fun, incredibly patient with both kids and exhausted newborn parents, and her pricing is more than fair. I am so grateful we have these photos to keep forever.

3. Midwifery: Strathcona Midwifery Collective

I had no idea that midwifery services were so widely available in Vancouver and fully covered by BC medical coverage (which is a different setup from what we're used to with public health nurses back home). What a magical service. My OB suggested I look into it, and I had such a positive experience with the Strathcona team ( shout-out to the Hazel team!). From the day Gabe was born, a member of their team coordinated a home visit, and they were there for every question, check-in, piece of advice and writing me a prescription during the first six weeks postpartum. Having those home visits in the early days was deeply appreciated.

4. Professional Community for Women: YVR Creatives

I love being involved in projects and was really missing being part of a professional community of women building businesses and chasing ideas. So, I did some digging and signed up for one of Christine’s events “The Motherhood Summit .” I didn’t know a single soul when I walked into the full room, but I left inspired and connected. If I had stayed in Vancouver longer, these would have easily become some of "my people." If you’re an ambitious woman looking for a genuine local network, start here.

5. Web Designer: Erin Clayton

For months, I tried to wrestle with Squarespace to design this blog the way I wanted. I was stubbornly adamant that I could figure it all out on my own, until I finally gave in and knew I needed some initial setup help. Erin was fantastic to work with: reliable, punctual, and deeply knowledgeable.

What really stood out was her approach. If she didn’t know how to do something right away, she’d go away, think it through, and come back with some options. But she didn't just quietly do things behind the scenes, she was patient, explaining her process and teaching me how to do things on my own because I wanted to learn. (Just to be clear, anything on this site that doesn’t work or looks a little off is definitely me, not her!) If you ever need website assistance, do yourself a favor and look her up.

6. Baby Gear Donation: BabyGoRound

We bought quite a few items brand new when we arrived in Vancouver for our kids, but children outgrow things in the blink of an eye, and we couldn't reasonably ship everything back across the country when it was time to move home. Finding BabyGoRound was a massive relief. They are clear about what items they accept, and they even coordinated a pickup for essential gear like our bassinet, high chairs, baby bath etc. Any fleeting sentimentality I had about parting with those items was overshadowed by knowing they were going straight to local families who would find them useful.