For Donna Howard, helping people has always come first.
Long before she became the face behind Halifax Happy Hours, Howard spent years caring for others as a registered nurse. The profession taught her the importance of connection, community and well-being, which are values that continue to guide her work today.
“I think being a registered nurse, I see the importance for people to get out in the community and be social,” Howard says. “Whether it’s going to the Saturday morning market or going for a happy hour with some friends or colleagues after work, having that experience and time as an outlet really benefits your health.”
That belief became even more personal following a serious motor vehicle accident in 2016. The accident left Howard with significant injuries and led to two back surgeries over a four-year recovery period.
After rehabilitation, Howard made the difficult decision to step away from bedside nursing and pursue a new path. During that transition, she launched Halifax Happy Hours, a platform dedicated to helping Nova Scotians discover local restaurants, events, deals and experiences.
“I was always known as Donna’s Deals,” Howard says with a laugh. “When the time afforded it, that’s when Halifax Happy Hours started.”
Although she was entering a completely different industry, Howard found that many of the skills she developed as a nurse translated directly into her new venture.
“Building relationships, dealing with different personalities, time management and attention to detail are all the things that I used in my nursing career. I was able to transfer these to the Halifax Happy Hours platform, and that’s part of what made it successful,” she says.
Today, Halifax Happy Hours has grown into one of Nova Scotia’s recognizable lifestyle platforms, reaching more than 20,400 local followers across social media.
Howard credits that growth to consistency and a genuine commitment to supporting local businesses.
“I call it pounding the pavement,” she says. “Getting out, being involved in festivals, going to local bars and restaurants, attending events and showing up. I’ve just shown up consistently.”
At its core, Halifax Happy Hours was built to help small businesses thrive.
“These people are hardworking individuals who’ve taken a risk,” Howard says. “They’ve put their heart and soul into opening a business for us to enjoy. They don’t necessarily have the revenue to spend on advertising, so being able to spotlight them and increase their visibility is really important.”
That commitment to community support has led to partnerships with local businesses and major events across the province, including the Halifax Music Festival.
This year marks Howard’s second partnership with the festival. Through a collaboration with Halifax Music Festival, Halifax Happy Hours is giving one lucky winner and their guest the chance to attend The Chicks at the Garrison Grounds on June 26.
For Howard, the giveaway is about more than simply handing out concert tickets.
“It’s one of the biggest events that happens in the city,” she says. “People come not just from Halifax, but from all over Atlantic Canada. It helps support the community, strengthen the community and brings revenue to local businesses.”
The partnership aligns closely with Howard’s broader mission of encouraging people to get out, explore their communities and support local establishments.
Among the businesses that have partnered with Halifax Happy Hours is Red Swan Pizza in Dartmouth.
Yash Vegar, franchise owner of the restaurant, says Howard’s platform has helped introduce local consumers to businesses they may not have otherwise discovered.
“A lot of people don’t know that we exist here and they haven’t even tried our food,” he says. “We want to reach those people through Donna.”
Vegar believes Howard’s focus on affordability and local discovery resonates strongly with consumers.
“I think her content is more leaned into deals, where people can find good food and save some money at the same time,” he says. “Our brand is self-explanatory. We do lots of deals.”
As Halifax Happy Hours continues to grow, Howard says her focus remains unchanged.
“My vision is simple,” she says. “To become Nova Scotia’s most trusted guide for food, drinks, deals, events and experiences.”
But beyond the followers, partnerships and promotions, Howard says the platform has always been about helping people connect with their communities.
“Halifax Happy Hours was never about me,” she says. “It’s always been about helping people discover and support local businesses while finding great value, great experiences and new reasons to fall in love with Nova Scotia.”
