Canadian Small Business Women

Connection, Synergy, Community

Featured Member: Sandra Dawes

Sandra Dawes is a recovering control freak and excuse maker who works with clients struggling with similar issues. She holds an Honors BA, an MBA and a certificate in Dispute Resolution. After the passing of her father and circumstances that followed, she suffered from bouts of depression and sought the help of psychotherapists. Unwilling to seek pharmaceutical assistance to deal with her chronic unhappiness, she was lead on a journey of self-awareness and forgiveness that changed her life in deep and meaningful ways. She published her first book Embrace Your Destiny: 12 Steps to Living the Life You Deserve in 2013. Sandra was added to the Wall of Role Models by the Diversity Advancement Network in July 2016.You can find her blog and learn more about Sandra and the programs and products she offers at www.embraceyourdestiny.ca.

September 2017 Small Business Woman of the Month: Laura Bilotta

For over 15 years, Laura Bilotta has been helping singles find love through the thousands of events she has hosted and with the thousands of matchmaking consultations she has offered through her company, Single In The City. With this, Laura has garnered the title as one of Canada’s top Dating and Relationship Experts.

Her company Single In The City is a frontrunner in the matchmaking and speed dating industry. Her services are made for today’s daters and in fact, Laura and her team pride themselves on taking a hands-on approach to find their clients the best possible match. Single In The City has hosted speed-dating events for over 14 years across the GTA including Toronto, Mississauga, Burlington and Oakville, giving her clients an opportunity to meet other great singles. Single In The City currently boasts an 80% match rate, over 80,000 participants, and over 1700 events.
When Laura is not matching up singles through her events or matchmaking services, she is giving them advice through her weekly radio show on Talk AM 640. She also hosted the Single in the City talk show on Rogers TV for two seasons. The media frequently consults Laura on all matters related to dating and relationships. Her expertise can be found at Elite Daily, Bustle and Global News, as well as many other trusted news outlets and publications.
Due to her passion for helping singles in their quest for love, Laura has recently released her first book, Single in the City: From Hookups & Heartbreaks, to Love & Lifemates: Tales & Tips to Attract Your Perfect Match. Her book is available in-store at Chapters Indigo and at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It has received rave reviews, including that from Sex and Relationship Expert, Jessica O’Reilly, who writes, “If you’re truly ready to push your comfort zone, be honest with yourself and invite love into your life, turn to Laura Bilotta and Single in the City.”
 
In addition to her book, she offers a free guide, Single in the City’s Guide to Surviving a Breakup and Laura also runs a blog on her website offering a range of dating tips.

 

To get in touch with Laura or to keep up-to-date:

www.singleinthecity.ca 

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Jackie Matej

Born December of 1960 in St. Thomas, Ontario, Jackie Matej is one of nine children. At just 7 years old Jackie was diagnosed with Turner syndrome, a rare chromosome disorder that affects only women leaving them with medical conditions such as infertility, heart problems, vision problems, thyroid problems and kidney malformations. Jackie has never let this deter her from achieving her goals and having a rich full life. Jackie graduated from George Brown College with her Food Service Supervision Diploma in 1991. After working at several hospitals in Hamilton, Jackie decided to change career direction.

Jackie has always loved children and opened Wee World Home Daycare in 1994 and has enriched the lives of many children in her care since then just as they have enriched hers. Jackie graduated from Mohawk College in June 2011 with her Early Childhood Education Diploma and has enjoyed doing daycare ever since. In October 2016, Jackie proudly received the Bronze Medal CHCH Business Excellence Award for her work in daycare.

Jackie recently wrote the story of her life with Turner syndrome entitled, Ladders to Climb: My Journey with Turner Syndrome, which was published in December 2016. She hopes to make people more aware of the condition and continues to be involved with the Turner Syndrome Society, raising money and helping any way she can. She also would like to write children’s books some day soon!

 
Photo credit: Jane Webster Photography

Ritu Neb

Ritu is an expressive dance Instructor. Having danced for many years and performed at numerous events across Peel Region, Ritu is well-known for her Expressive style Bollywood Dance.  She teaches both traditional Bollywood expressive style as well as Bollyfit classes. She is able to successfully get people on their feet and have fun.  She is always thrilled to accept any opportunity to perform and reach out to all those who feel shy and less confident about themselves. She is known for inspiring people to get up and dance. Dance is a free expression which she feel very passionate about.

She is known for inspiring people to get up and dance and has performed at many events around GTA

  • Carassauga – festival of cultures
  • Sunshine radio event
  • ABC (Akhand Bharatiya Corporation) Diwali event
  • Diva’s Day Out, ICACI (Indo-Canadian Arts and Culture Initiative)
  • International Yoga Day – Art of Living
  • Diwalirazzmatazz @ celebration square
  • Fundraiser events
  • India Air Force Veterans Community Association
  • Hindu Heritage Centre
  • MS Society Fundraising event
  • Retirement homes and many more events around Mississauga and Brampton.

Ritu has taken classes at various locations:

  • Senior’s Home
  • Evergreen Retirement Home
  • Hindu Heritage Centre for adults
  • Grooves Fitness and Dance studio
  • Peel Multicultural Council,
  • Dance to the Rhythm

Cultural Centre for adults and children who have performed at various events choreographed by her as well. She takes classes at home as well for various age groups and genders (her current students age from 3 to 75).

Objectives of her classes is to let everyone enjoy themselves, express and dance to the fun beats of Bollywood music (South Asian Heritage), where everyone can participate in the open space.

Ritu is working on few projects with various groups. Recent projects involve workshop presentation for Peel Multicultural Council – new Immigrant Seniors Sharing cultural Dance & Music for their physical & Mental Well-being. This project is to support social participation and inclusion of immigrant seniors for their physical and mental wellbeing and to engage seniors in the community through mentoring of other seniors.

ABOUT COMPANY:

At Pure Soul Energy we believe in the expression of feelings through Bollywood dancing. Bollywood dance classes are inspired by authentic cultural moves and presented in a simple and age appropriate way. There is just enough challenge to get students engaged and excited.

We offer private and group lessons in addition to providing choreography for events. Classes are fun for all ages and for dancers of all levels. No experience necessary. Classes are available for adults and children.

We are passionate about helping our students discover their talents and live a fun and healthy lifestyle.

 

OBJECTIVES

Graceful coordination
Balance & posture
Rhythm & Flexibility
Body awareness
Confidence
Interaction with others
Feeling good about themselves

To create a customized fun and innovative educational experience for our students. Students develop their listening skills and enjoy following directions while developing self-discipline, motivation and concentration.

 

“Dance to clear your mind. Dance to feed your body. Dance to touch your soul. Just dance.” Ritu

“A mind, body and soul connection can simply be achieved through dance.” Ritu

“Express yourself through the expression of dance” Ritu

Natalie ‘SUGAR’ Brown

Natalie “Sugar” Brown:

PUGiLiST ( Pu·Gi·List ) ˈpyo͞ojələst/ noun a Boxer, especially a Professional one.

Synonyms: Boxer, Fighter, Prizefighter… Natalie “Sugar” Brown A highly accomplished female pugilist with over 20 years of elite level boxing experience. Natalie’s passion for Boxing has lead to her success as an elite level amateur and a world rated professional boxer.

Natalie started boxing as a teenager in Atlanta, Georgia USA, she is considered a trail blazer due to her many impressive accomplishments, here are a few of her favorites:

  • 2 Time World Silver Medalist
  • 3 Time National Golden Glove Champion
  • Police Athletic League National Champion
  • USA Boxing National Champion
  • First National Champion Jamaican Female Boxer; First and only Female to medal for the country of Jamaica Internationally in Boxing.
  • Member of the USA Boxing Female Olympic Team.

Ranked #2 in the world, Natalie has trained internationally and gained many accomplishments which has made her a noted athlete on a national and international platform. Natalie was inducted into the Georgia Boxing Hall of Fame as well as have been awarded female athlete of the year by the United States Olympic Committee, USA Boxing and also The Jamaican Boxing Board of Control.

As a professional, she has fought world title opposition and has been rated top ten internationally. SUGAR is an active contender and continues to challenge highly rated opposition. Natalie SUGAR Browns’ knowledge and experience as a pugilist provides a solid foundation in the development of her unique athletic programs. She applies her Olympic and Professional education in Boxing to serve her clients in the practical development of Skills Heath and Fitness.

Let SUGAR teach you the “Sweet Science” , her expertise is sure to help in your journey to increase your confidence, fitness conditioning, and overall health.

 

Want to find Natalie?

www.NatalieSUGARBrown.com
Facebook: NatalieSUGARBrown

Instagram: SUGARMs.Toobad

And sign up to train with her here-

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eds013w7e499ed65&llr=whcaqarab

Lisa Maxam-Smith

Lisa began her career in 1996, delivering frontline support to organizations in all areas of human resources, including policy and program development, talent management, performance management, recruitment & selection, and employee relations. Lisa has developed direct experience in a range of industries including software development, information technology, power, utilities, manufacturing and construction.

As a baccalaureate in Human Resources Management with a minor in Human Resources Law from York University, Lisa is also a graduate and went on to complete a post-graduate program from Centennial College, where she has successfully taken another Human Resources Management program. Lisa has also successfully completed a few other courses from Centennial, George Brown and Seneca Colleges. Lisa is currently registered for a certificate in HR Law for HR Professionals at Osgoode.

With this experience and expertise, Lisa Smith offers clients trustworthy, value-added, professional expertise to support them in accomplishing their Human Resources objectives. Her broad base of knowledge and the ability to build strong relationships is invaluable in helping clients to find innovative solutions to HR issues.

Lisa has a dynamic roster of HR consultants who are available on a flexible basis to help you attract, retain and develop the right people and to put effective processes and strategies in place that will grow your business.

Our team is comprised of professionals who possess the necessary combination of education, practical experience and sensitivity to your specific requirements. We are committed to listening to the issues, addressing the concerns, researching current trends and best practices and providing a customized solution that will meet your organization’s ongoing needs.

Contact Lisa: 

Website

Facebook

Phone: 289-842-7181

Jane Cotnam – Featured Member

I am a strong woman.

I am a feminist.

I am a mother.

I am a business owner.

I am a perpetual optimist.

I am a dreamer.

I am a volunteer.

I choose to believe the best in everyone.

I have strong beliefs that I am passionate about.

I love a good debate.

I was born in Montreal, but spent equal time in Mont Tremblant.   French is my first language, but my mom, Liz, knew that my English needed to be better, so she sent me to English high school for my last year.  While in Mont Tremblant I worked every kind of hotel and resort job there was starting at 14, finally becoming a ski instructor, and skiing for my high school.

In the early ‘80’s I moved to Toronto to pursue a career in insurance (following my father), and immediately gravitated to the group benefits side of the business, where I have stayed ever since.  In ’84 I assisted in developing the Canadian Organization of Small Businesses, an association plan that allowed small businesses to have group benefits that had previously been unattainable.  I helped put together the first online billing system for group benefits.   I am proud of being a dedicated independent group benefit plan broker and advisor, and I specialize in groups that are hard to acquire benefits for.

I am a hearing-impaired member of CHS (Canadian Hearing Society) and had the privilege of teaching ASL (American Sign Language) to kindergarten children in a play environment. I am still a member of the CHS Board.  As someone who believes in volunteering, I was also involved in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer Canada (following Liz’s passing) and that lead me to being a Palliative Care Liaison Volunteer, being part of the program and workshops at Credit Valley Hospital. I have also volunteered with my children’s schools as a fundraising chair.

I was introduced to Arbonne in November 2009 and became a consultant after trying the products for only a week.  Arbonne was easy to integrate into my life. It allowed me the time to work in insurance and to continue volunteering. I chose Arbonne for several reasons; it is a safe, botanical product and all their products are vegan and gluten free. Another reason for me is that Arbonne is certified cruelty free. Being someone with 4 rescue dogs, this was extremely important to me. Animal testing is completely unnecessary, and Arbonne understands that. When I started using the products, I immediately loved the results. Whether it is from our anti-ageing skin care line or the nutrition products, Arbonne consistently comes out on top in the market place.

Arbonne’s business design is created to help you succeed. The support offered by your upline and sidelines is inspiring. There is no competition between consultants. It offers an environment of support and recognizes success. Arbonne gives consultants the ability to control their lives the way they want to live. You may be in business for yourself, but you are never by yourself. They offer amazing training for all products and every facet of the business. I love sharing the business with others. It may start off as a secondary income for someone, and quickly become their primary source. It offers people the opportunity to be their own boss, manage their time differently and enables them to live the life they want, not the life they have to. The fact that the products are consumables means that your clients reorder from your own website that Arbonne sets up for each of its consultants. We, as consultants, can cross-border sponsor other business builders. It is a global business, run from the comfort of your own home. We are expanding all the time, and currently we are in Canada, the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Poland and Taiwan. This is a company that is growing globally and the ability to manage my time and have a residual income appeals to me.

The wonderful thing about Arbonne is that it’s not just about great products, it’s also about great people. The Arbonne family is made up of thousands of individuals working to make their dreams come true. Through sales incentives and rewards, travel opportunities, a generous Success Plan and great products, Arbonne offers a unique opportunity that can help make anyone’s vision for the future a reality.

I am always looking for quality individuals who are ready  to earn more income, create a business that is for themselves, or to simply begin a new chapter in life. I am always there to help anyone who starts an Arbonne business. I will help you get to where you want to be with training, support and lots of encouragement. We are always better together!

Body, mind, spirit, friendship, community, earth. Wherever you decide to start, one change leads to another … and then another. Over time, many little changes can equal one total transformation. Arbonne has shown me that.

 

www.janecotnam.arbonne.com

Assiatou Diallo of TAAB Cleaning

assiatou-diallo

Assiatou Diallo was born in Guinea, a small country in West Africa, into a polygamous family of 11 children.  Assi was the last and only girl born with 6 brothers from her father’s side and second born with 4 children (2 girls and 2 Boys) on her mother’s side. She never new her dad, because he passed away when Assiatou was 9 months old.

Assiatou endured many hardships growing up, including being raped at the age of 11 and twice more at the age of 16.  It was clear that the fighting spirit inside her would be required to survive.  Assi did more than just survive…In 1998, she worked in a gas station to support herself while going to school.  When she finished College, she always dreamed of getting out of Guinea and going to Europe, but destiny chose a different path for this young dreamer.

In 2000 she got hired by a German company called Hydroplan, who had a project to build 250 water pumps in rural communities, to access clean water.  This opportunity changed her life. For the next 2 years she started travelling out of the city and country through her work. Her first time to take an airplane was in February 2001, at the age of 25. She got so stressed before getting on the plane, but once again her fighting spirit took control and she went to Gambia for work.

She performed so well that Hydroplan decided to pay for her to take a vacation to Paris (visa, pocket money and so on).  She went to Paris in August 2001 for 3 weeks. She was so culture shocked, when she arrived, that she decided to go back to Guinea after 2 weeks and decided not to be so adventurous, because her experiences did not match the expectations she had for this dream trip.

After her contract with Hydroplan ended, Assi got married in November 2002.  She was excited to start a family with her new husband, but destiny stepped in, once again. After 5 miscarriages and extremely poor health, she decided to go to Germany to study the language and seek medical advice about the difficulties she was experiencing trying to conceive a child.

After living for 1 year in Germany, she went back to Guinea and started all over again. She opened Nayleen Drugstore, where she sold cosmetics and fragrances (Lancome, Chanel, etc). Before moving to Germany, in 2000, she had also registered a cleaning, childcare and security company and was actively networking to develop the business.

In 2003 she went back to Germany, as an au pair, where she lived with a German family for 1 year, taking care of their 2 children, while at the same time acquiring her German Language Certificate.  In 2004, she went back to Paris, where she lived for 1 year.

In 2006, Assi was blessed with a pregnancy that would finally lead to her first child; a beautiful baby boy.  She arrived in Montreal, Canada, in October 2006,

6 months pregnant and looking to start a new life. She knew this was the place for her, because she fell in love with Canada the moment she stepped off the plane.  You can only imagine how difficult it was to be alone and pregnant in a new Country, trying to navigate the bureaucracy of immigration, but she kept fighting and received her Permanent Residency in just 5 months.

Assiatou Diallo was still fighting to make her life better and help others.  A single mother, with a 1 year old son, she got involved in volunteering and went back to school at H.E.C. (an affiliate with the University of Montreal) to study Human Resources. Although she went through depression and stress, she never gave up and decided to move to Toronto.

She came to Toronto and lived in a shelter (transitional housing, Beatrice House) for 2 years. When she arrived in Ontario, she could not speak a single word of English. She decided to go to school for ESL classes at College Boreal and, in just 5 months, got her ESL level 6.  Next, Assi went to do her upgrading with Woodgreen through the Boundless Possibilities for Women Program.

Assi had aspirations of working in the banking industry in Canada and it seemed that her hope was going to become reality when she was promised a position with BMO.  She planned to move out of the shelter, got an apartment and began making plans for her new career, when the job was pulled out from under her due to personnel changes and poor internal communication at the bank.  Another obstacle that would test Assi the fighter.

She was undeterred by this latest disappointment and bounced right back by securing a position at the Centre Francophone de Toronto.  She worked at the non-profit for 4 years as an HR Assistant, Receptionist, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director and Settlement Worker in the schools. Although the work was fulfilling, Assi decided to go on her own, be her own boss, focus on her business and go back to school part time to study Business Management.

Assiatou Diallo is an entrepreneur, mother and avowed feminist. From a young age she has actively participated in initiatives supporting women’s issues. Her current interest is to promote the emancipation and financial independence of women in general and especially women who are victims of domestic and family violence.  She is dedicated to helping others and is very involved in her community. In 2013, she was recognized by the YWCA for her success and delivered a keynote speech at the YWCA Women of Distinctions Awards, in recognition of her positivity and incredible perseverance.

Assiatou is currently the president and CEO of TAAB Cleaning Inc., a commercial and residential cleaning business, which also offers nanny and home babysitting services. She plans to dedicate a part of this community enterprise to support the elderly.

Assiatou Diallo will make it to the top, because she is a fighter, positive, and strongly believes in herself and her own future success.

‘’My vision of entrepreneurship is to inspire others.”

taab-cleaning

TAAB Cleaning Inc. offers various services for many different needs. Whether you are a company or an individual, we can assure you that we will offer the utmost care and professionalism to bring that sparkle and beauty to your space. All of our equipment is highly specialized, making us the perfect solution for any project or circumstance!

Our services:

  • Office cleaning
  • Condominium cleaning
  • Industrial Plant
  • Day porter custodial services
  • Warehouse cleaning
  • Construction clean-up
  • Carpet steaming cleaning
  • Strip and wax
  • Green cleaning

TAAB Cleaning Inc. is confident in its ability to offer the best service anywhere. With that claim we can offer a Service Guarantee to our customers!

“If your request has not been handled adequately, during the next service day you will be entitled to receive the next service for free”

TAAB Cleaning Inc. is the only cleaning company to offer what the competition will not and cannot! Your satisfaction is our motivation!

Contact Assiatou

PHONE: 647 458-7789
E-MAIL: INFO@TAABCLEANING.CA

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