In the heart of the beautiful Elbow Valley Community, a talented handcrafter is bringing artistry and passion to the world of figure skating. Cecilia, a dedicated designer and seamstress, is embarking on a new journey—creating custom figure skating dresses that merge elegance, movement, and personal expression. Her path to this craft is as intricate and layered as the dresses she now designs.

From Architecture to Fabric: A Creative Evolution

Born in 1972 in Viña del Mar, Chile, Cecilia’s creative roots run deep. With a bachelor’s degree in architecture, she developed an appreciation for organic shapes, space, and design. However, her true artistic journey began at home, where she learned the art of sewing from her mother’s friend, Raquelita, a seasoned seamstress. This early exposure opened her eyes to the way fabrics and forms could work together, much like the structures she studied in architecture.

Her love for craftsmanship started with making doll outfits as a child, then evolved into altering her own and friends' clothing during university. Though she never imagined sewing would define her future, it was a passion that remained a constant as she moved across the globe with her husband’s industrial construction career.

A Sewing Machine, A Constant Companion

Over the course of her life, Cecilia has moved nearly 15 times. In every new home, one thing remained unchanged—her sewing machine. It became her way of making each space feel like home, experimenting with everything from children’s clothing and costumes to slipcovers, pillows, curtains, and more. As her skills evolved, so did her interest in specialized sewing techniques, leading her to memory-stuffed animals, garment alterations, and, most recently, spandex costumes.

Discovering the Magic of Figure Skating

Cecilia’s introduction to figure skating came by chance when she was asked to make last-minute alterations for a local skating club. What she found was an enchanting world where strength, determination, and camaraderie were beautifully wrapped in artistry and grace. Watching the sport, particularly at the Olympic level, she was mesmerized by how the dresses enhanced the skaters’ movements, transforming routines into breathtaking performances. It wasn’t long before she felt the urge to try designing her own dresses.

The Craft of Making Skating Dresses

Creating figure skating dresses is far more than just sewing—it’s a meticulous blend of art and technique. A custom-fit dress requires an understanding of color theory, proportion, balance, texture, and movement. Working with spandex presents additional challenges, such as negative ease, appliqué manipulation, and intricate embellishments. While some may think making a dress is a simple task, achieving a flawless result demands knowledge, patience, and dedication.

Cecilia has embraced this challenge wholeheartedly, constantly researching new techniques, materials, and tools. She has also found a supportive online community of fellow dressmakers who share their expertise and passion for the craft. For her, every new dress is a research project, an opportunity to refine her skills and create something truly special.

A Boutique Experience, Not Mass Production

Unlike mass-produced costumes, Cecilia’s designs are deeply personal. She doesn’t aim to create a large collection of ready-made dresses but rather to craft unique pieces tailored to each skater. Her dream is to open a small boutique where skaters can bring their visions to life—where they can share their ideas, collaborate, and walk away with a one-of-a-kind dress that captures their personality and style.

While some may argue that ordering from Amazon is a cheaper alternative, Cecilia understands that a custom costume is more than just fabric and sequins—it’s a cherished keepsake. Many mothers and skaters hold onto these dresses for years, treasuring them as milestones in their skating journeys. The love and effort poured into each design make them more than just outfits; they are tangible memories of dedication and achievement.

A Labor of Love

Cecilia’s work is fueled by passion, creativity, and a deep admiration for the sport of figure skating. As she continues to grow her business, she remains committed to crafting beautiful, high-quality costumes that bring joy to the skaters who wear them. Her journey—from architecture to sewing, from home decor to competitive skating dresses—has been one of transformation and discovery, proving that artistry can take many forms.

To the skaters of the community, Cecilia dedicates her work with love and appreciation. Through every stitch, embellishment, and final fitting, she is honored to be a part of their skating dreams.

All my love to the beautiful skaters of the community!

A Place to Call Home:  Passionate business owners, Pam and Braden Gabert, envisioned more than just a place to grab a quick coffee. Their goal was to create a welcoming haven where both neighbors and visitors alike could feel at home, and experience something beyond the typical coffee shop. When they moved their family to Harmony in 2020, they quickly realized something was missing—a true gathering space for the community to connect year-round. Fueled by their travels, creative ideas, and a great deal of hard work, they brought Common Grounds to life.

Braden’s entrepreneurial drive and Pam’s passion for building strong, meaningful customer relationships, combine their talents to create something truly special—proving that when business and customer care align, success follows.

Here at Common Grounds, families can unite to enjoy hockey games on multiple TVs, sparking moments of joy and connection. Friday nights feature half-price pizza and wine, while Saturdays have evolved into lively beer and burger nights. For those who enjoy a little friendly competition, trivia nights has brought people together for fun and laughter.

Common Grounds also offers private and corporate event hosting, including engagement parties, and catering services, making it a versatile space for any occasion. It’s the perfect pit stop before heading to the mountains or meeting a friend halfway between Cochrane and Calgary.

What truly sets Common Grounds apart is its deep-rooted connection to the community. Every employee is a local resident—people who live, eat, and work right here in the neighborhood. Recently, the team proudly supported a local Springbank hockey tournament, further solidifying their commitment to the community.

As Common Grounds approaches its one-year anniversary in May, they are filled with excitement and gratitude for all their wonderful clients. They are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with the community that has embraced them so warmly.

The people of this vibrant community are passionate about local events, also in May, you will find Common Grounds at the Hues for Humanity event, ready to serve you with a smile under their signature tent.

At its heart, Common Grounds was always about more than just food and drinks—it was about creating a space where neighbors could come together, build connections, and feel a sense of belonging. With each event, each shared meal, and every friendly conversation, Common Grounds continues to fulfill its mission of bringing Springbank closer together—one warm moment at a time.

Let me introduce you to our local Springbank resident and business owner, Manhar Cheema. Her family has been a part of the community over the years, with her children attending the local schools and an actively participating hockey family. Manhar, also known as Mana by her family, has come to realize that the word "Mana" holds significant meaning across a variety of cultures. It is often seen as a universal healing energy.  With this in mind, Manhar founded Mana Health, aiming to combine her background as a pharmacist with her deep passion for helping others. 

Manhar Cheema specializes in empowering women through Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), a highly sought-after field in women's health. With a dedicated focus on addressing the unique needs of women, she offers expert guidance and personalized solutions to help restore balance and optimize well-being. Through her specialized knowledge, Manhar is committed to finding effective, tailored solutions that support women in navigating hormonal changes, also known as the “zone of chaos” and achieving their healthiest selves.

Her mission is to guide clients toward their optimal health. She believes that true wellness requires more than just a prescription—it takes personalized advice, time with an expert, and someone who genuinely cares about their future health. 

Manhar graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 and holds her Additional Prescribing Authorization and Injection Certification from the Alberta College of Pharmacy. She has completed the Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) specialization course from PCCA and has been focusing on women’s menopausal health over the last 5 years. 

Manhar has always had a deep passion for helping others. Her commitment to making a difference continues to grow as she remains actively engaged with numerous charities and community events. Through her dedication, she has successfully organized and supported countless fundraising initiatives, raising significant donations for various causes bringing many community members to participate and attend these initiatives. 

Some of the impactful events she has planned include: Final Freedom Friday events, raising money for the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Family Skate events at SPFAS helping out Brown Bagging for Calgary Kids, and is a dedicated board member for the YWhisper Gala event committee that provides support and empowering women and their families.  More recently, she planned Galentine’s Day Brunch that raised $30,000 for iCanforKids, an organization that empowers families to feed themselves.

Manhar Cheema is dedicated to bringing people together by creating spaces for connection and support within the community. Through her work, she fosters empowerment and unity, helping individuals thrive by sharing knowledge and building a strong network of care.