January 6 marks the grand opening of Sweet Beet Station in the old Talent Train Depot. The new owner, Awna Zegzdryn, has been a Talent resident for five years, and involved in food service since she was 15.

In late 2011 local artist Cathy Dorris decided to relocate her art gallery from Ashland to downtown Talent. Shortly after moving, she was hired to teach painting classes for a company known as the Brushed Cork. The recognition and success in her new location inspired her to provide an experience that combines wine and art and in July of 2015 Cathy and Jeff Dorris decided to transform her existing art gallery into an interactive art gallery and wine bar and Kindred Spirits was born. “The community responded very positively and within three months they expanded into the space next door,” Cathy said. “The rest is history.”

People and their pets are barking about a longtime Talent business getting new owners this past summer. Nick and Michelle Morton purchased the Barking Beauty Parlor in August, and are excited about getting to know the community and their customers’ pets.

Kaylee Selee and Stephanie Gomez became the new owners of Rogue Hair Design in May 2016. And the Rogue Valley natives wasted no time putting their touch on the business. “We recently did a full makeover of the salon,” Kaylee said. “We want people to feel relaxed and comfortable while getting their services done.”

Ron Arruda, owner of Arruda Built Construction, has over 27 years experience in the construction industry. “I followed in family tradition and learned the skills from my father, also a General Contractor,” Ron said. “His guidance taught me to be very detail-oriented and meticulous in all of my projects.”

Originally from California, Ron relocated to Oregon in the 80s and has enjoyed living in Talent for the past nine years. “My wife grew up here; and my father-in-law was your local barber at Hairy Larry’s on Talent Avenue for over 30 years. We enjoy the small town ‘vibe,’ but we’re still close enough to get to any and all events that our valley offers, especially all the outdoor adventures for every season.”