Optometrist Dr. Danielle Gordon fell in love instantly with Calgary when she moved here with her husband in 2009. Drawn to the entrepreneurial spirit of Alberta, Gordon decided to open Sphere Optometry, an optometry clinic and optical shop in Westman Village in the southeast community of Mahogany. Sphere Optometry focuses on ocular health and wellness, while also giving back to the community. The shop sells independent handcrafted eyewear, with a portion of every eyewear sale donated to Calgary Reads, which connects books with kids in need. Gordon also launched the Fit to Read Project to raise funds and donate lightly used books to Calgary Reads. “I really love how Calgary Reads has the motivation to create a community where people can read with enthusiasm and joy,” she says.
Here are 10 of Gordon’s favourite things in Calgary
Fish Creek Provincial Park
“I like that we can just hop on our bikes and ride the trails and end up in different communities … As a mom of two, it’s great for little ones, too.”
Añejo
“The tacos are delicious; the margaritas are not-so-shabby [either]. They really did it right, in terms of creating a space where everybody’s primed for a good time and a delicious bite.”
Westman Village
“It’s been fun to watch Westman Village come to life over the past couple of years and to be surrounded by other amazing local businesses like Phi Medical Aesthetics, Diner Deluxe and 5 Vines. I think it’s a hidden gem that Calgary’s just starting to find out about.”
Little Red Reading House by Calgary Reads
“It’s a really special place and [provides] a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy an afternoon of reading with your family.”
Distilled Beauty Bar
“A really interesting marriage of a café-type atmosphere on the front end and a full-scope beauty salon in the back.”
Recess
“Recess shop is a dangerous place for someone like me. I can’t walk out of there empty-handed.”
Laura Brows
“Being in eye care, I also notice eyebrows. You can’t leave here without looking amazing.”
Little Modern Market
“For a city as big as Calgary, there’s huge support for local business. I was first introduced to that at Little Modern Market. I never miss it.”
Alforno Bakery & Café
“Alforno café downtown is a wonderful, beautiful space.”
Junction 9 Yoga & Pilates
“I have not frequented this business for their yoga services, but I have gone there for coffee. It’s a beautiful space. I think it was just so well done.”