Harvey Miedreich | Fashion and Advertising Photographer

This week we are featuring Dustin and Blake. Dustin is the proud owner of a brand new Good Earth Coffee House on 91 street and Ellerslie Road. I must say he has made his new coffee shop a super friendly, relaxing, and comfortable place to hang out… just what a good coffee house needs to be! Dustin also has some great plans for the place, for example, he is working on starting “gallery nights” where he will feature local artists and their work. He also invites local musicians to showcase their talents. One of his staff members actually plays guitar and sings as part of this initiative. I was in there last night hanging out and enjoying an awesome strawberry-mango smoothie (a special combo recommended by the barrista) and one staff member was sitting on the couch playing the guitar and singing away. She was awesome!!  I can’t wait to see what Dustin does next to turn this place into a major artsy hangout on the south side of Edmonton. Moving on to Blake, there are so many things to say about Blake, she is also a photographer and actually rode her bike to my shoot. Her bike happens to be a “Hello Kitty” themed cruiser style bike. Very unique and funky just like Blake! We had a great time hanging out and snapping pictures mostly because she’s always so full of fun and laughter. Did I mention she basically biked up a mountain to come to this shoot! (Thanks for that Blake.)

If you ever want to meet with us to talk about the project, we’ll gladly meet you at Good Earth Summerside and chat it up!! 

Dustin Leclerc

Who is the super hero who impresses you the most?

Oddly enough being a dreamer, I never really got caught up in super heros. If I had to pick though, I’d say the pilot from Duck Tales, Launchpad I think it was? Loyal, willing to try anything and always found a way out regardless of his mistakes.

What was your favorite cartoon as a child?

Curious George.

 If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

In a tent on the coast of Argentina, with a Kayak pulled on shore, packing up to do a multli-day trek into the Andes.

What advice would you have for a entrepreneur just starting out?

First and foremost do something you’re passionate about. Those who think being a successful entrepreneur is all about job flexibility and the high life don’t know what they are getting into. You need to love what you’re doing or you’ll eventually burn out from the hours, stress, and dedication required.

Describe your perfect bite.

 If you can find a sushi chef to make me a large plate of fresh rolls with Tempura Shrimp, Avacado, and Cucumber, topped with smoked salmon and BBQ eel I`d be set for the night!

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment would be making the decision to forget about the preconception of who we should be and what we should do according to the North American mentally of corporate success or getting a professional designation. In turn, allowing me to strive to be myself and follow my dreams chasing a path to a career that blurs the lines between work and play. Resulting in opening a business that reflects my morals, beliefs, and who I am.  

What has been your most significant moment so far?

Picking one is difficult. I can say the moments that have influenced most so far have been the times I truly disconnected from standard life. I think the first of these moments would have been on a trip to Newfoundland a couple years ago where after flying into St. Johns Nfld, myself and a close friend threw our legs over some road bikes and cycled 800km from coast to coast over 6 days no phones, no ipods, just a tent, a couple bikes, no fixed itinerary or camp sites. Then we spent another week in Gros Morne Nationals Park hiking and kayaking. There are two moments that really stuck with me. One was sitting on dock in Rocky Harbour the day we arrived to the North Eastern Coast, without a anyone around us, the sun setting and the waves from the Atlantic rolling in with nothing on our minds but the moment and ultimately feeling that state of Zen and being who you are. The other was taking an unmarked trek up to the top of one of the fjords on our last day, amazed by the expanse of the fjord in one direction, the ocean in the other and two Cariboo standing on a rock off in the distance.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

First day of Gym class in Grade 9. I was walking out of the common shower. I slipped on some water, hit the floor, lost my towel, and slid out into the middle of the change room sprawled on my back, in the buff.

What is in your fridge right now?

Probably a Spinach Salad, a large block of Old Cheddar (wait a small piece left from a large block), some lemonade and a couple pints just in case a friend stops by.

What is one thing people can appreciate about you?

My passion! I give everything 110%, chase my dreams and follow my heart.  

You’re plan is to turn your coffeehouse into a center for the arts on the southside. Tell us more. 

Currently in the city if you want to enjoy part of the arts and cultural scene that exist in Edmonton, you have few options other than to head downtown. With a large growth of young to middle aged families on the South Side of Edmonton we felt there was a void. We wanted to provide that experience close to home without the headaches of parking, traffic, and a long drive. Our vision is not only to create a true coffeehouse environment focused on the community but to create a hub for arts and culture.

We’ve already partnered with one of the most amazing groups of young musicians I’ve met. “Edmonton’s Pure Artists” play here on most Friday nights. Our artwork in the cafe is by local Albertan’s featuring pictures from an artists in Bragg Creek and new pictures to be put up shortly from a photographer in Lacombe, as well as some of our furniture being made by a carpenter in Calgary using recycle wood from barns and railway ties.  Long term we are working on adding an Artists Gala Night every month to bring in local painters, photographers, and other artists to allow them to use our cafe as a place to exhibit their work. Hopefully, providing the artists an outlet to gain exposure, as well as a chance for the community to not only experience some local art but to meet those who have created the art.

What kind of Art.
The common themes you’ll notice are supporting local Albertan artists, focusing on helping expose some of Edmonton’s talent that is on the verge of taking it to the next level, creating a community, and working with those who have similar beliefs in regards to social and environmental responsibility.
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How can we get involved?

The most important thing I need is community support. The only way we can succeed at providing everyone with an art and culture hub is if the community comes and attends the events. Things that will help are to signing up for our e-mail (you can e-mail us at goodearthsummerside@gmail.com), come out to our events, and help spread the word and tell your friends about our vision.

What type of art are you looking for?

The primary types of art that work best in our environment are paintings, photographs and live music. But that doesn’t mean we’ll never stray from those and surprise you with something different. The key is being local and having similar views about social and environmental responsibility.

What is your greatest regret?

I try not to regret things, as long as I make choices chasing my dreams; however I do kind of regret not taking a shorter step walking out of the shower in grade 9.  

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

 
I think this quote from Francois Auguste Rene Chateaubriand sums it best “A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labour and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. he simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself , he always appears to be doing both.”  

What do you most dislike?

Negativity.

What is your motto?

If you never crash you aren’t going fast enough
 

Any Last words?

Thanks! And if any of your readers stop in to the cafe make sure to introduce yourselves to me.

Blake Loates

Be sure to check out Blakes new blog here!

Whats your name ?

Gangster Biker Blake

More gang signs from Blake, except it’s hard to take her seriously with the smile