b'Victoria Leask(continued from page 49) I wake up in the morning and do what I love all day,Despiteherbusy VictoriapursuedherpassionbystudyingInteriorshe commented. It doesnt feel like work. professionalcareer, Decorating at Conestoga College, graduating in 2019. InDespite the challenges of doing business during theVictoriahascontinued 2020, she completed the Kitchen and Bath Design pro- pandemic, Victoria has enjoyed success with clients seek- asanambassadorfor gram at Georgian College. ingherservicesinredesigningandredecoratingtheircharitablework.In She resides at her family home in Utica, where she hasliving spaces. 2018,sheenteredthe her own bedroom, office and living area, which she lov- Im excited to help people with their house renova- MissDurhamRegion ingly redecorated to suit her taste. She works full time astions, and glad that they trust me to do their designs. TheWorld competition and well as running her own business. The founder and leadhome is a safe space. I like to help make the places peoplewon. designer at LV Design Studio, she recently changed thelive an oasis. It was not just about name of the company to House of Albi. Withpeoplebeingathomemoreduetopandemichavingaprettyface, This ambitious young lady gets up at 6 a.m. and workslockdowns,therehasbeengreatinterestinhomeim- she explained. Yes, there until 10 p.m. provements, said Victoria. People have been using thewere fancy gowns and money that they may have otherwise used for travel tophotoshoots,butthe feather their nests. contestants were judged Always thinking design, Victoria at Sourcing some products has been a problem during thehome in her own oasis in Utica. ontheircharitywork. pandemic. Victoria noted that there have been shortagesVictoria calls it, Beauty of resin for bathtubs and foam for sofas, but this innova- with a purpose. The pageant gave me a platform to show tive designer found ways to improvise. She also tries topeople how they can give back to their community. shop Canadian. Networking and public appearances in Uxbridge and Forexample,theresabeautifulrugfromItaly,Port Perry on Canada Day and interviews on radio sta-she said. But you may find a similar beautiful rug intions KX96 and 105.5 provided an opportunity for Victoria Montreal. to continue doing what she does bestinspire others.I redesign everything from switch plates to tile andShe is appreciative of all of her mentors and support-grout to bed frames, sofas and pillows, to the candlesticksers, especially her mom Brenda.on your dining room table, she says. Its all about theHer future goals include growing her business and buy-details to create a welcoming environment. ing a house in Port Perry. And you never know what else Victoria and her mom Brenda at SickKids in 2015, one of manyI love to redesign a traditional space true to its exist- Victoria will come up with to make the world a better place.trips, delivering bracelets, crafts, toys and smiles to the kids. ing architecture and bring in modern pieces. By Lynn Campbell, Focus on ScugogPort Perry & Uxbridge McDonalds raised $36,000 during their annual McHappy Day event. Sandy & Ginger Jackson, owners, presented cheques of $9,000 each to support four local children charities, thanks to the help and generosity of McDonalds customers and loyal staff. Thank you to everyone who participated.From left to right: Ginger Jackson, Allison Currie & Mary-Anne Herrema from JenniferAshleigh Childrens Charities,Chas Harding from Precious Minds , Margaret Ayres BBBS of North Durham. RMHCBack row, Courtney Livy, Uxbridge McDonalds, Dave Hall, Jennifer Langenhuizen, McDonalds Port Perry50 FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2021'