Best of White Rock

Darin Germyn

Welcome to Best of White Rock, where we celebrate the incredible people and businesses that make our community shine. This channel highlights the movers and shakers of White Rock—local business owners, community leaders, and visionaries who inspire through their work and passion. Our mission is to showcase the stories behind great people and their businesses, encouraging residents to support and connect with the amazing talent in our own backyard. Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant White Rock by fostering community pride and collaboration. Subscribe and join us!

  1. Jul 8

    Allan Turton | Visual Artist

    Most people know the Whale Wall in White Rock.Few people know the artist who has been entrusted with helping preserve one of White Rock's most iconic landmarks.In this episode of Best of White Rock, I sit down with local visual artist Allan Turton to talk about his incredible journey from turning down medical school to becoming one of White Rock's most recognizable artists. We also dive into what it really means to take on the responsibility of restoring the famous Whale Wall, why public art matters, and how community has shaped both his career and his life.In this episode, we discuss:• Why Allan turned down medical school to pursue art• His journey from painting on White Rock Beach to creating large-scale public murals• The story behind being chosen to help restore the iconic Whale Wall• Why preserving a community landmark requires more than artistic talent• The importance of the Wyland Foundation and the legacy behind the Whale Wall• How faith has influenced Allan's life and creative journey• Why public art helps shape the identity of a community• What it takes to build a career as a professional visual artistOne of the things I appreciated most about Allan was his humility. Rather than seeing the Whale Wall as an opportunity to showcase his own work, he sees himself as a steward of something that already belongs to the community. That mindset made this one of my favourite conversations so far.If you enjoy hearing the stories behind the incredible people who make White Rock and South Surrey such a special place to live, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future episodes.Follow Allan Turton:📸 Instagram: @allan.turtonInterested in being featured on Best of White Rock?🚀 Apply here:https://www.bestofwhiterock.ca/get-featuredThinking about buying or selling a home in White Rock or South Surrey?My team and I would love to help.📲 Connect with us:https://www.germyn.ca/connect#WhiteRock #SouthSurrey #WhaleWall #Wyland #PublicArt #MuralArtist #VisualArtist #AllanTurton #BestOfWhiteRock #SupportLocal

  2. Jul 6

    Melanie Huck | Rosemary Heights Counselling

    If you've ever wondered what counselling is really like, or thought it was simply someone sitting across from you listening while you talk, this conversation might completely change your perspective.In this episode of Best of White Rock, I sit down with Melanie Huck, owner of Rosemary Heights Counselling in South Surrey. With more than 20 years of experience as a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Melanie shares what counselling actually looks like, how people heal from trauma, why relationships drift apart, and one thing every single one of us wants, to be truly heard.We also dive into:• The biggest misconceptions about counselling• Why couples therapy isn't just for relationships in crisis• What EMDR therapy is and how it helps people process trauma• How childhood experiences shape the way we see ourselves and others• Why creating emotional safety is the foundation of healing• What it's like helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives• Why connection, not perfection, is what healthy relationships are really aboutThis was one of those conversations that leaves you thinking long after the cameras stop rolling. Whether you're considering counselling yourself, want to strengthen your relationships, or you're simply interested in understanding people a little better, I think you'll get a lot out of this episode.Learn more about Rosemary Heights Counselling:🌐 Website:https://rosemaryheightscounselling.com📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rosemaryheightscounselling/☎️ Phone:(604) 787-5633📍 Office:Unit 213, Building B3388 Rosemary Heights CrescentSouth Surrey, BC📧 Email:office@rosemaryheightscounselling.comIf you enjoy learning about the incredible people and businesses that make White Rock and South Surrey such amazing communities, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future episodes of Best of White Rock.Interested in being featured on Best of White Rock?🚀 Apply here:https://www.bestofwhiterock.ca/get-featuredThinking about buying or selling a home in White Rock or South Surrey?My team and I would love to help.Connect with us:https://www.germyn.ca/connect#WhiteRock #SouthSurrey #Counselling #MentalHealth #Relationships #CouplesTherapy #TraumaRecovery #EMDR #Therapy #RosemaryHeightsCounselling #BestOfWhiteRock

  3. Jul 2

    Amadea Hallwas Weldon | XBa Centre of Dance

    What if someone told you when you were seven years old that you'd never become the thing you dreamed of?That's exactly what happened to Amadea Hallwas Weldon, owner and artistic director of XBa Centre of Dance in South Surrey. Today, she's leading one of the most unique dance studios in Western Canada and helping dancers of all ages discover that talent isn't something you're born with, it's something you build.In this episode of Best of White Rock, we sit down to talk about:• How XBa Centre of Dance got its start• What makes their "Extreme Ballet" approach different• Why dance isn't just for kids• The biggest myths people believe about dance• Why flexibility is a skill, not a requirement• How dance can improve confidence, mental health, and overall well-being• Why it's never too late to start something newWhether you're looking for dance classes for your child, thinking about trying dance yourself, or simply love hearing inspiring local stories, I think you'll really enjoy this conversation.📌 Learn more about XBa Centre of Dance:Website: https://www.xba.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xbadance/If you enjoy learning about the incredible businesses and people that make White Rock and South Surrey such amazing communities, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future episodes.Interested in being featured on Best of White Rock?Apply here:https://www.bestofwhiterock.ca/get-featuredLooking to move to White Rock or South Surrey?My team and I help people buy and sell homes throughout the area, and we'd be happy to help you too.Connect with us:https://www.germyn.ca/connect#WhiteRock #SouthSurrey #Dance #DanceStudio #Ballet #ContemporaryDance #MentalHealth #SmallBusiness #SupportLocal #BestOfWhiteRock #XBaCentreOfDance

  4. Jun 26

    Inder Raj Gill | Those Indian Guys

    Looking for healthy Indian food in South Surrey? This episode might change the way you think about fast casual dining.In this episode of Best of White Rock, I sat down with Inder Raj Gill, co-founder of Those Indian Guys, to hear the incredible story behind one of South Surrey's fastest-growing local restaurants.From studying hospitality in Switzerland to working construction, delivering Uber Eats during the pandemic, and eventually opening a restaurant with a completely different vision for Indian food, Inder's journey is anything but ordinary.We also talk about why Those Indian Guys hired a registered nutritionist before they even opened, how they created a menu that's both flavourful and balanced, why they don't accept tips, and the values that drive everything they do.If you love discovering local businesses, hearing entrepreneurial stories, or you're simply looking for an incredible place to eat in South Surrey, you'll enjoy this conversation.In this episode, we talk about:* How Inder and chef Vineet met while studying hospitality in Switzerland* Why they chose to build a fast casual Indian restaurant instead of a traditional one* The surprising market research Inder gathered while driving for Uber Eats during COVID* Why they hired a registered nutritionist to help design their menu* The philosophy behind serving healthier Indian food without sacrificing flavour* The importance of hospitality and creating an experience, not just serving a meal* Why Those Indian Guys has a no tipping policyVisit Those Indian Guys:📍 1881 152 StreetSurrey, BC V4A 9Y9📞 +1 (778) 552-9558🌐 https://thoseindianguys.com/📧 Inderraj@thoseindianguys.com📸 Instagram: @those_indian_guysIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders making White Rock and South Surrey such an incredible place to live.Have you eaten at Those Indian Guys? Let me know your favourite menu item in the comments!#BestOfWhiteRock #ThoseIndianGuys #SouthSurrey #WhiteRockBC #IndianFood #HealthyEating #SupportLocal #SurreyRestaurants #LocalBusiness #CanadianSmallBusiness

  5. Jun 25

    Rossella | Rossella's Pawesome Care 🐾

    What if your dog isn’t being “bad,” stubborn, or difficult… what if they’re just overwhelmed?In this episode of Best of White Rock, I sat down with Rossella of Rossella’s Pawesome Care to talk about reactive dogs, anxious dogs, and why so many of the behaviours we struggle with as owners are actually our dogs trying to communicate that they don’t feel safe.Rossella shares how her background in psychology, her own lived experience, and years of hands-on work with dogs have shaped the way she approaches training. We talk about the biggest misconceptions people have about reactive dogs, how owners can better understand what their dog is actually trying to say, and why creating safety and trust matters so much more than simply trying to “correct” behaviour.If you’ve ever had a dog that barks at the window, loses it on walks, gets overwhelmed by strangers, or just seems anxious in ways you can’t quite figure out, this conversation is full of helpful perspective.In this episode, we talk about:* What a reactive dog actually is, and what people often get wrong about it* Why barking, lunging, and other big reactions are often signs of fear or overwhelm* How Rossella works with dogs that are sensitive, anxious, or struggling to feel safe* Why owners are such a big part of the training process* The importance of slowing down, reducing stress, and building confidence over time* How small wins can create big changes in a dog’s behaviour and quality of lifeConnect with Rossella’s Pawesome Care:🌐 https://www.rossellaspawesomecare.ca/📧 [pawesome.companion@gmail.com](mailto:pawesome.companion@gmail.com)📸 Instagram: @rossellas_pawesome_careIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders helping shape White Rock and South Surrey.#BestOfWhiteRock #WhiteRockBC #SouthSurrey #DogTrainer #ReactiveDogs #DogTraining #RossellasPawesomeCare #WhiteRockDogs #SouthSurreyDogs #LocalBusinessSpotlight

  6. Jun 24

    George Shami | Sandcastle Fitness

    What does it actually take to help people stick to their health goals, and why do so many gyms get it wrong?In this episode of Best of White Rock, I sat down with George Shami, CEO of Sandcastle Fitness, to talk about what really separates people who succeed with fitness from those who struggle, and how Sandcastle is trying to build a gym experience that actually helps people stay consistent.George shares his own story, from being bullied as a kid and struggling with confidence, to hiring a personal trainer at 18, falling in love with fitness, and eventually building one of South Surrey’s most unique gym communities. We also get into the problem with the traditional gym model, why quick fixes usually fail, and how small habit changes can lead to real long-term results.If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the gym, struggled to stay on track, or wondered what makes a great fitness business different from the rest, this is a good one.In this episode, we talk about:• George’s journey into fitness and personal training• Why most gyms are not built for long-term success• The mindset and habits that actually help people reach their goals• How Sandcastle Fitness has grown by focusing on community, service, and support• What George believes matters most when helping people change their livesConnect with George and Sandcastle Fitness:Sandcastle Fitness📍 200-1938 152 St. Surrey, BC📞 604.337.0074🌐 https://sandcastlefitness.com/Instagram: @24hrsandcastlefitnessGeorge’s Instagram: @gpshamiIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the business owners, entrepreneurs, and local leaders helping shape White Rock and South Surrey.#BestOfWhiteRock #WhiteRockBC #SouthSurrey #SandcastleFitness #GeorgeShami #FitnessJourney #PersonalTraining #SouthSurreyBusiness #WhiteRockBusiness #LocalBusinessSpotlight

  7. Jun 1

    Sarah Martinez | Holistic Business Coach

    Sarah Martinez is a holistic business coach helping entrepreneurs build businesses that actually fit their lives, not the other way around.In this episode of The Best of White Rock, I sat down with Sarah to talk about the challenges many business owners face, including mindset blocks, confidence issues, accountability, and the belief that they're "not ready" to take the next step.We also discuss why so many entrepreneurs get stuck, how personal growth and business growth are often connected, and what it really takes to create a business that feels aligned with your goals, values, and lifestyle.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, uncertain, or frustrated with your progress in business, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what might actually be holding you back.👉 Learn more about Sarah:🌐 https://sarahmartinezcoaching.com/📸 Instagram: @the.holistic.business.coachTo be featured on The Best of White Rock and share your business story with the community:📩 Interested in being featured on The Best of White Rock?🌐 Learn more and apply: https://www.bestofwhiterock.ca/get-featured🎙️ Share your story, showcase your business, and connect with the local communitySubscribe for more interviews with local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who are helping make White Rock and South Surrey great places to live, work, and do business.#WhiteRockBC #SouthSurrey #BusinessCoach #Entrepreneurship #BestOfWhiteRock

  8. May 22

    Playful Palette Foundation

    In this episode of The Best of White Rock, I sit down with the incredible young team behind the Playful Palette Foundation, a youth-led organization helping kids in White Rock and Surrey access arts programs they otherwise could not afford.What started as a simple idea between teenagers has grown into a real movement in the community. From theatre and dance to music and acting, the Playful Palette Foundation is helping young people stay connected to creativity, confidence, and community through the arts.We talked about why arts programs are often overlooked, the challenges young people face trying to keep these programs affordable, and what it was like starting a nonprofit organization at just 15 years old.Honestly, this conversation left me feeling optimistic about the future.These are thoughtful, driven young leaders who saw a problem and decided to do something about it.🎨 Check out the Playful Palette Foundation:https://www.playfulpalettefoundation.com/📸 Follow them on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/playfulpalettefoundation/🌟 If you’d like to support their mission, volunteer, donate, or attend one of their upcoming events, make sure to connect with them directly. 🌟🚀 And if you’re a local business owner, entrepreneur, artist, or community leader with a story worth sharing, apply to be featured on The Best of White Rock:https://bestofwhiterock.ca/get-featured#BestOfWhiteRock #WhiteRockBC #SouthSurrey #PlayfulPaletteFoundation #YouthArts

About

Welcome to Best of White Rock, where we celebrate the incredible people and businesses that make our community shine. This channel highlights the movers and shakers of White Rock—local business owners, community leaders, and visionaries who inspire through their work and passion. Our mission is to showcase the stories behind great people and their businesses, encouraging residents to support and connect with the amazing talent in our own backyard. Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant White Rock by fostering community pride and collaboration. Subscribe and join us!