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Friday,  July 26 , 2024

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Photo of Hope Martinez

Stories by Hope Martinez

Columbian news assistant

Royal Meow Cat Castles owner and craftsman Mark Hircock works on one of his products in his garage workshop.

Working in Clark County: Mark Hircock, Royal Meow Cat Castles

Royal Meow Cat Castles owner and craftsman Mark Hircock works on one of his products in his garage workshop.

June 26, 2023, 6:10am Business

Dedicated cat owners can attest that Clark County’s furry friends deserve the absolute best. For fancy felines in search of the finest furniture, any old cat tree simply won’t do. If one is looking for a cat scratcher fit for a king or queen, look no further than Royal Meow… Read story

Chico's Classic Barbershop owner Raul Barasa, right, cuts the hair of Mike Tomasello, of Vancouver, on May 24. Barasa started cutting hair on a volunteer basis, then turned it into an occupation.

Working in Clark County: Raul Barasa, Chico’s Classic Barbershop

Chico's Classic Barbershop owner Raul Barasa, right, cuts the hair of Mike Tomasello, of Vancouver, on May 24. Barasa started cutting hair on a volunteer basis, then turned it into an occupation.

June 12, 2023, 6:10am Business

Local barber Raul Barasa is a firm believer in the power of second chances. He knows firsthand how something as simple as a fresh shave or a new haircut can have a huge impact on a person’s self-worth. Read story

Rachel Lien, left, and Kelly Johnson are co-owners of the newly opened Hook and Needle yarn and fiber shop in downtown Vancouver.

Working in Clark County: Kelly Johnson and Rachel Lien, Hook and Needle

Rachel Lien, left, and Kelly Johnson are co-owners of the newly opened Hook and Needle yarn and fiber shop in downtown Vancouver.

May 23, 2023, 6:05am Business

With summer fast approaching, it seems the days of sweater weather and fuzzy blankets are behind us until fall. Luckily, fun and creativity is always in season at downtown Vancouver’s premiere craft store, Hook and Needle. Read story

An average 60-minute session at The Pelvic Floor Place includes examining and assessing things like posture, rib cage, breathing, coordination of the pelvic floor, and both internal and external pelvic floor exams.

Working in Clark County: Christina Trautman, The Pelvic Floor Place

An average 60-minute session at The Pelvic Floor Place includes examining and assessing things like posture, rib cage, breathing, coordination of the pelvic floor, and both internal and external pelvic floor exams.

May 8, 2023, 6:05am Business

Avid Columbian readers may recall a profile published in 2020 on Christina Trautman, owner of The Pelvic Floor Place. Trautman was excited to update The Columbian on how much the business has changed and grown. Read story

Juliey Parker works as the kitchen manager at Recovery Cafe Clark County, where she started as a member, then a volunteer.

Working in Clark County: Juliey Parker, Kitchen Manager at the Recovery Cafe

Juliey Parker works as the kitchen manager at Recovery Cafe Clark County, where she started as a member, then a volunteer.

April 26, 2023, 6:05am Business

During hard times, it’s easy to feel as though things will never get better. But positive change can start with something as simple as an understanding ear and a warm meal. Read story

Using melted wax from Crayola brand crayons and silicon molds, Molly Shotwell can create custom crayons in all kinds fun shapes and sizes.

Working in Clark County: Molly Shotwell, Crayon Creations PDX

Using melted wax from Crayola brand crayons and silicon molds, Molly Shotwell can create custom crayons in all kinds fun shapes and sizes.

April 3, 2023, 6:05am Business

For imaginative and creative kids obsessed with coloring books, regular old crayons may not be enough to fulfill their artistic visions. That’s why entrepreneurs such as Molly Shotwell are stepping up to provide a fun, and often rainbow-clad approach, to the world of coloring crayons. Read story

As executive director of Furry Friends, Jenn Hutchman has her paws full. From managing staff, facilitating adoptions, to performing intake medical checkups for the shelter's newest tenants.

Working in Clark County: Jenn Hutchman, Furry Friends

As executive director of Furry Friends, Jenn Hutchman has her paws full. From managing staff, facilitating adoptions, to performing intake medical checkups for the shelter's newest tenants.

March 18, 2023, 6:03am Business

For avid readers of the In Your Neighborhood section of the Sunday paper, the name Furry Friends is likely to ring a bell. Read story

Rhonda Hallstrom is the owner and creator of the interior design brand and home goods store, Hallstrom Home.

Working in Clark County: Rhonda Hallstrom, owner of Hallstrom Home

Rhonda Hallstrom is the owner and creator of the interior design brand and home goods store, Hallstrom Home.

March 4, 2023, 5:59am Business

When it comes to home decor, it’s the little touches and details that can truly reinvent a space. Whether it’s a new set of curtains, a fresh pop of color on the walls, or a simple DIY project to add a bit of handmade love to an old room. Read story

Owner and instructor Krista Davis, center, leads exercise classes at Recoil Bungee Fitness in Vancouver.

Working in Clark County: Krista Davis, Recoil Bungee Fitness

Owner and instructor Krista Davis, center, leads exercise classes at Recoil Bungee Fitness in Vancouver.

February 18, 2023, 6:03am Business

Who says working out can’t be fun? At a newly opened fitness studio in Vancouver, students trade running laps and lifting weights for bungee cords and acrobatics. Read story

Associate facility manager Kendrick Johnsen, left, cattery assistant Aubrey Redfern, center, and owner Denise Saxon, right, are proud to serve Clark County cats like Peanut, top and June at Tiny's Place Luxury Cat Boarding in Hazel Dell.

Working in Clark County: Denise Saxon, Tiny’s Place Cat Boarding

Associate facility manager Kendrick Johnsen, left, cattery assistant Aubrey Redfern, center, and owner Denise Saxon, right, are proud to serve Clark County cats like Peanut, top and June at Tiny's Place Luxury Cat Boarding in Hazel Dell.

February 4, 2023, 6:04am Business

Whether planning for upcoming spring breaks and summer vacations, or just a weekend away, it’s important for cat owners to think about their furry friends’ accommodations while they’re away. Read story