Carrie Laureola
This story was first published in January 2014. In the meantime, Ms Laureola has gone on to make a success out of her business. Carrie Laureola is a true daughter of Leaside who has two passions — art and children. After working for several years as a securities trader for ScotiaMcLeod, the mother of 3-year-old Ryan has decided to open the business of her heart’s desire. Carrie’s school of creative expression, Bamboo Bay, is now freshly installed in the bright offices above the shops at the northeast corner of Millwood Rd. and Bayview Ave. “I have always been interested in art,” she says. Carrie speaks with an earnest appreciation of the way children will find their own sense of style when given the right art materials. She has taken care to stock her classroom with quality paint, paper and crafts. The Bamboo Bay website details the creative programs available for children two to 12. Carrie is also offering an easy get-to-know-you drop-in opportunity on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. in February. Bamboo Bay. The journey to this new career started at Bessborough Public School. A teacher who became a friend was Jane Withers, now retired. Pupil and teacher kept in contact over the years by phone and e-mail. Carrie was surprised and deeply touched to find that when she visited Mrs.Withers, the teacher had kept pieces of Carrie’s art done years before at Bessborough. Even as Carrie pursued psychology and other fields at Waterloo University, the tug of her dream was there. After her hitch with ScotiaMcLeod, she decided to hone up her business skills at Ryerson. Carrie is the third of four daughters. Mom and dad, Yuet Wo and Shek Ming Tse, live in Leaside. They will be remembered by long-time South Bayview residents as the owners of the China Feast restaurant in the north block of the South Bayview business district. Many may long to taste again some of the excellent Cantonese dishes that were served there.
