Vickie’s violin career began in 1985 by assisting in violin and bow repairs being done in the family’s workshop located in their backyard garage. As time and her knowledge progressed, she became involved in customer service, bookkeeping, and inventory control. She eventually found herself giving up a 23-year insurance career to take a full-time interest in the violin trade. What started out as a hobby to Vickie became V.A. Hill Fine Strings Ltd., Calgary’s largest and best-selection violin shop.