Dillboards launched at Youth Entrepreneur Market
By Kathy O'Reilly, North Island Eagle, February 6 2026
There is a new manufacturing company in town.
Ryan Dillabough, 12, attended the Youth Entrepreneur Market Feb. 2 at the Port Hardy Civic Centre to present his new Dillboards by Ryan – finger skateboards.
Ryan handcrafts the boards using 5-ply premium veneer, customized with a set of wheels and trucks.
“I started when I was 11. I bought a kit to make my own fingerboards,” said Ryan, because he was having trouble finding professional ones.
“After they come out of the mold you drill the holes, countersink them, you cut it out, sand it, and then if you want, you can put an image on it,” he said.
Ryan learned how to craft the boards from watching YouTube videos.
“This is kind of my own little business,” said Ryan.
The youth market was his first foray into sales.
“After this, if they all sell and I got a good price, then I’m going to sell them online.”
Photo — Kathy O'Reilly
Ryan Dillabough, 12, attended the Youth Entrepreneur Market Feb. 2 at the Port Hardy Civic Centre to present his new Dillboards by Ryan – finger skateboards.
New salon opens doors
By Kathy O'Reilly, North Island Eagle, February 6 2026
Caterina De Toro and William Melan are the new owners of Hardy Hair & Skincare.
“As of Dec. 1, 2025, we proudly took ownership of Hardy Hair & Skincare, formerly known as Shear Insanity,” said Caterina.
“We are a locally owned and operated salon,” she said. William also owns Melan Construction Ltd., that led the complete renovation of the salon space. Caterina is a licensed skincare specialist and has deep roots in Port Hardy. Both are from multi generational families located on the North Island. “Our commitment to the community shines through in the warm welcome we extend to every customer who enters our salon. We take great pride in delivering exceptional service while creating a safe and inviting atmosphere for everyone.”
Hardy Hair & Skincare is located at #3 7035 Market Street in downtown Port Hardy and is open six days a week. They provide holistic massage, relaxation facials, custom facials, full body waxing and brow and lash services and have expanded to offer hair care, haircuts, hair colour/perms, etc.
“We have two hair stylists Adam Hanuse and Elijah Anderson, and one apprentice hairstylist at the shop.”
For more information follow them on Facebook.
Photo —Kathy O'Reilly​​
Caterina De Toro and William Melan are the new owners of Hardy Hair and Skincare.