Canadian Small Business Women

Connection, Synergy, Community

Lizy Triffo: Canadian Small Business Woman of the Month of March 2016

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Canadian radio and television host Lizy Triffo was born in Chile and raised I Brazil. Entrepreneurship and storytelling were skills that Lizy had expressed interest in at a young age. She always pretend to interview people around her while sticking a fake microphone in their faces.  These clues, however, were not enough of an indication to Lizy when it came to her early career choices.  She studied Dental Hygiene for one year in Brazil and later moved to Regina, Saskatchewan were she earned a job in the telecommunications industry.

Although this career kept her more than financially stable, Lizy felt that she was missing out on her true destiny. What held her back? she would often ask herself. Lizy then realized, “Sometimes people don’t follow their dreams out of fear that they may not be good enough.”

Now, in her early 40’s Lizy has cast all her fears aside and followed her childhood dream. For the past three years The LizyT Radio Show has been a platform for singers, songwriters, coaches, business owner, TV celebrities, child actors and many more. The radio show allows Lizy the platform to report on the latest global and international news and feature music requests by listeners around the globe.

She created a following and a kind of community, each captivating interview starts off with a simple catch phrase created by her husband: “Tell me who you are, what you do, contact info, anything new?” This is all Lizy needs to start a great interview and conversation.

Thus far, interviewing Wedding SOS host Jane Dayus Hinch has been one of Lizy’s fondest moments. When it comes to all her interviews, Lizy says, “I like to give 150% of myself, sometimes it feels like I’ve run a marathon. In the end, it’s not about me, it’s about them.”  This philosophy pushes her to do whatever she can to promote her guests. Perhaps it is this dedication and passion that has allowed her to have over 13,000 listeners worldwide and a Top 20 radio show on Blog Talk Radio. Lizy also was the recipient of the 2015 Absolutely Fabulous Women Community Helper Excellence Award for her commitment in helping charities and non-profits.

Our Q & A with Lizy:

*What inspires you? 

To see my guests flourish and see them have the opportunity to enlighten or inspire my listeners.

*As a small business owner what achievements make you most proud? 

To have been able to take my business from nothing to a great success and not just financially.

*What advice would you give to other aspiring small business owners? 

Never stop trying.

*What new things can we look forward to from your business in the upcoming year? 

Reaching more audiences around the world, especially with my new television show!

 

Connect with Lizy

https://www.facebook.com/LizytRadio/

Stephanie Lowe: Canadian Small Business Woman of the Month of March

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Stephanie Lowe, the founder of Destiny Wellness Centre, is a Registered Kinesiologist, Personal Trainer and Yoga Teacher.   It was during her undergraduate years that she developed her passion for health and fitness while working with Varsity sports teams, the Toronto Track and Field Centre and the York University Fitness Centre. Stephanie also experienced her own transformation during her personal health journey to  successfully lose 70lbs through a balanced regime of healthy eating and exercise.  She designed and taught her first “Women on Weights” Fitness class and has since then continued her passion for empowering women through health & fitness.

It was following her employment with various physiotherapy clinics, Hospitals and Rehabilitation companies that she saw need to provide an environment where people could address their health needs in a Wholistic environment. Many people looking for a fitness program suffer from chronic pain, repetitive strain injuries and the like. People with serious health conditions also have a need for strength and conditioning programs that assist in increasing function following a rehabilitation program; it was here Stephanie decided to bridge the gap. After pursuing a post graduate degree in Clinical Kinesiology and Orthopaedic Assessments, Stephanie was inspired to open the Destiny Wellness Center in 2014 an expansion of her personal training studio opened in 2009.  The clinic is where she is able to merge her passion for fitness (i.e., personal training, yoga and nutrition) with her love for rehabilitation (i.e., exercise therapy, aquatic therapy and therapeutic group classes). The centre also offers massage therapy, naturopathic medicine and other wellness related services.

Stephanie works within the local community providing rehabilitation services to individuals suffering from:

  • musculoskeletal & soft tissue injuries
  • arthritis and diabetes
  • rehabilitation from motor vehicle accidents
  • strokes

These services are delivered in a variety of settings such as in-pool, in-home and in-facility exercise therapy.  Fitness services are promoted via a number of formats including personal training, a Ladies ONLY boot camp, community events, and seminars, DVD’s, online coaching and corporate wellness programs.

Her passion for yoga has inspired Stephanie to create a unique fusion class called YogaCise (a combination of stretching and toning exercises) to help people stay fit using yoga. She also uses yoga and relaxation techniques to facilitate the rehabilitation process in her private Yoga Therapy sessions.

 

Our Q & A with Stephanie 

What inspires you?

I am deeply inspired by the people I work with and the amazing life changing transformations they achieve. I LOVE knowing that I am helping people live healthier more fulfilling lives. The confidence they build, the challenges they overcome… it’s amazing what people can do when they start believing in themselves and start reaching for the things they thought were completely out of their grasp!

I am also  inspired by my passion to serve women. I have always had a special place in my heart for their health needs and personally identify with the weight struggles of younger girls. I feel as women we are up against so many odds and I want to empower them to develop self love, good health, confidence and community. When we come together in love there is little we cannot accomplish.

As a small business owner what achievements make you most proud?

I am most proud of the culture and community that the Destiny Wellness Center has created in our 6 years of business. Our boot campers, yoga students and personal training clients have collected toys and raised funds to assist orphans in Haiti. We sponsored 4 orphans through our YogaThon in Oct 2014! We have also held events to support the Breast Cancer society and other local charities within the Oakville/Mississauga community. It’s wonderful that so many people have been able to develop long lasting friendships while also transforming their health and lives through fitness programs and charity events at Destiny Wellness Centre.

I am also proud to have developed “a voice” in our community. I had the opportunity to hold a 1 year fitness segment on Rogers TV that provided fun fitness solutionsto the community. Short 10 minute routines addressing yoga for pregnancy, family/group fitness, how to stay fit during the holidays and more. In addition, Stephannie has given seminars to hundreds of women and hundreds of teenage girls as a guest speaker on topics of health and fitness in various venues including women’s workshops, local businesses and schools across the GTA.

What advice would you give to other aspiring small business owners?

I would advise to clearly create a “vision” of what you would like your company to look like; and how would you like it to run. All of your processes, efforts and investments should consistently lead you to your end goal, building your vision.

I would also encourage entrepreneurs to enjoy the journey! You will make mistakes along the way, things will certainly go wrong. Take those bumps in the road as learning experiences to build upon instead of viewing them as failures and dead stops.

 

What new things can we look forward to from your business in the upcoming year?

Destiny Wellness Centre holds monthly events for the community that encourage a sense of community and health. Some of these events include a vision board workshop, “Yoga on the Beach, a “Yoga and Wine” charity fundraiser and a Paint night! The vision board workshop help women set a clear vision and purpose for their lives, we incorporate meditation and yoga to prepare for the session. “Yoga on the Beach” is an annual event. We meet along the beach for an afternoon of sun, yoga and relaxation. Our Yoga and wine events feature a guest speaker and we address topics such as fear, forgiveness, menopause; whatever topics I hear are of interest to the Destiny Wellness Community.  The paint night will be a new charity event to raise funds for a microfinance initiative in Haiti for women.

This spring and summer you can expect our usual fun and exciting programs such as our Ladies ONLY Boot Camp, YogaCise (yoga with weights) and the launch of our two new therapeutic classes on Osteoporosis and Maintaining a Healthy Back (therapeutic classes designed specifically for individuals suffering from Osteoporosis and chronic back pain).

Connect with Stephanie

Web: Www.destinywellness.org
Phone:4168187837
Address: 1115 Clarkson rd N, Mississauga

Email:
Info@destinywellness.org
Stephanie@destinyfitness.ca

Social Media:
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Leadership Opportunities

 

Sheralyn

Much has been made recently about two excellent books, “Thrive” and “Lean In,” both written by successful female leaders.  Each highlights in a different way, the importance and value of the role women can and should play in the corporate world.  Regardless of your career choice, women should collectively draw strength and inspiration from these books but it can sometimes be hard to parlay the experiences of a corporate executive into that of a SOHO entrepreneur.  How for example, do we seize opportunities to develop our leadership style, to “lean in” at the table when we have only our dog for company as we work diligently away in our home office?  How do we engage in the “third metric” looking after ourselves, our own health and planning for giving back to our communities when it seems we need every hour of every day just to keep our small business afloat? It might be challenging but leadership opportunities exist where leadership opportunities are sought. In other words, find them! Here’s how you can both “lean in” and “thrive” even while operating your SOHO business.

The first thing you need to do, for the sake of your business and your ability to learn, practice and engage in leadership style behaviours, is join your local Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade.  Typically, fees for doing so are nominal and the benefit exponential.  Not only are you opening the doors of your business to potential customers and referral networking opportunities but you are also affiliating yourself with a known and respected entity in the community.  This official office might also help lend an air of authenticity to your business.  Once a member, it’s up to you to lean in and seize opportunities to become further involved, perhaps by taking on a leadership role in the governing body of the organization or by volunteering for speaking engagements or trade shows where presentations and public speaking may be required. This will provide you with plenty of opportunities to enhance your skills in these areas and to make new contacts and develop new relationships.  Personal growth and business growth will both result from these experiences and each, in turn, provides you with the tools to learn and grow your leadership skills.

While time remains the enemy of us all, with a bit of planning and a little dose of ingenuity and foresight, take on a voluntary role with a community social service agency.  Join the Board of an organization or charity that you already support and believe in or leverage your current business skills and link with an agency that mirrors the type of service your business offers and requires someone with your expertise. These volunteer positions represent networking opportunities, a chance to enhance and grow your personal leadership skill sets and you will be doing a good thing, engaging in your community. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

Many towns and cities also have Small Business Enterprise Centres and these offices often look for Guest Speakers and Experts in the field to come in and provide one hour seminars to program participants.  Again, this is another fantastic way to reach out, share your expertise and learn public speaking skills while engaging in a leadership role. Often these programs are geared to new immigrants and/or young entrepreneurs just starting out who are looking for mentors and the type of sage business advice you have to offer.

Consider your skill sets and what you can give back. How can you package your experiences into an opportunity that benefits both you and your business? There is nothing wrong with offering your services to community organizations in a way that also enhances your business profile. If you need practice with public speaking Toastmasters is an excellent way to learn confidence, speaking skills and further develop your leadership abilities. Give each of these suggestions some serious consideration.  By leaning in, getting involved in your community and taking on a leadership role you will help foster your own personal and professional growth.  Watch your business thrive as a result and Rover will no longer be your only companion in the office!

 

As Owner and Principal partner of “Writing Right For You” Sheralyn is a Communications Strategist – working together with entrepreneurs to maximize profit through effective use of the written word. Looking for web content that works, blog articles that engage or communications strategies that help you get noticed?  Contact Sheralyn today. Sheralyn is also the mother of two children now entering the “terrible and terrific teens” and spends her free time volunteering for several non-profit organizations.

Sheralyn Roman B.A., B.Ed.

Writing Right For You

Communications Strategies that help you GET TO THE POINT!

416-420-9415 Cell/Business

writingrightforyou@gmail.com

LinkedIn / Facebook / www.writingrightforyou.weebly.com

Alicia Vianga – Canadian Small Business Woman of the Month of September 2013

Alicia Vianga

Alicia is a big-hearted entrepreneur who combines her expertise in trend forecasting, bra fitting, and fashion knowledge to give women in Toronto an authentic and educational shopping experience.

Before starting her journey into entrepreneurship and advocating for women who have battled breast cancer, Alicia spent over 19 years in hospitality.  As a catering and sales specialist in the industry she had the opportunity to work for esteemed organizations such as the University of Toronto, Colony Hotel, Hotel Plaza II, and the Marriott Hotel Bloor Yorkville. While she attributes her business savvy to her experiences in the hospitality industry, Alicia knew she was meant to start her own business and fill a niche many women didn’t know existed. This led Alicia to found Premier Jour Lingerie and Swimwear, a boutique that provides its customers with unique lingerie and swimwear as well as certified bra fittings.

Since starting her business Alicia has been sought out for her expert bra fitting skills and knowledge. From befuddled husbands shopping for a loved one, to the readers of her blog for the Huffington Post and Revive Magazine, people are hungry for her specialist opinions. One of Alicia’s biggest and most interactive audiences has been held at Dundas Square where she gave a bra fitting workshop for over 1,000 women.

Alicia and her company Premier Jour have been featured as a pre and post breast augmentation bra fitter on Hollywood’s 10 Best This Week, Entertainment Tonight Canada, CFRB 1010, Rogers Day Time TV, Weddingbells Magazine, Toronto Star, Slice TV’s Plastic Makes Perfect, LOVE INC, Jeanne Beker Post News, SNAP Magazines, and Avenue Magazine. Premier Jour was also voted the Best of the Best Readers Choice Lingerie Boutique in 2012.

Alicia strongly believes in giving back to the community. She is an active board member of the Corso Italia BIA, whose goal is to preserve and promote the beautiful neighbourhood of St. Clair West in Toronto. Alicia also supports non-profit events such as The Jeanne Lottie Pink Bedroom Party, and Covenant House-Celebrate Mom.

Alicia, in conjunction with Premier Jour, was asked to review the official Bra Fitting Guide for a major hospital chain in Toronto. Through this affiliation with the Hospital, Alicia identified a major gap in the health care system; there is no program that provides necessities for women who have battled breast cancer who are financially strained. It was this realization that encouraged Alicia to found After Breast Cancer, a charity aimed at ensuring survivors of breast cancer lacking financial means have access to necessities such as bras and/or prosthesis. Alicia understands that when women move from breast cancer patient to breast cancer survivor, the world is a different place for them.  Obtaining properly fitted prosthesis and bras enables survivors to begin their journey to regain their self confidence and restore their feeling of being whole again.

After Breast Cancer was launched on October 14, 2012 during Breast Cancer Awareness Month at a Toronto Argos Game. The charity has been featured in Toronto Is Awesome, OMNI Television’s Culture Avenue, Samaritan Magazine, Girls of T.O, Urban Moms, CP24 Breakfast, and Global News’ Susan Hay Making a Difference segment.

Along with founding After Breast Cancer, Alicia is also the creator of Bras for Congo, a charitable organization that accepts donated bras which are then given to women in the Congo. Each year, Alicia accepts hundreds of bra donations from the public to distribute to hospitals in the Congo.

Alicia is a socially responsible, passionate, and determined business woman and she lives her life trying to make a difference…one bra at a time.

 

 

Q & A with Alicia

 

*What inspires you?
*As a small business owner, what achievements make you most proud?

As a small business owner, I am most proud of seeing the smiles, and sometimes tears of happiness from my clients face.

As the owner of Premier Jour Lingerie and Swimwear and a Certified Bra Fitter; I know that a bra is not just a item of clothing. The right bra gives a woman hope, it could make her feel whole again, it could make a mother feel alive and renew after nursing her child/ children, it’s a foundation to a woman’s beautiful posture, it’s give a new job seeker confidence and allow her to sit and stand tall. A good bra, give woman relieve from back pain and nick pain.

I am very proud of my charity “After Breast Cancer” because this program changes women’s lives.  It gives them hope. It provides resources that contribute to woman’s Quality of Life (QOL) due to breast cancer. We provide women with no insurance and limited financial resources with bras, camisole and breast prosthesis at no cost to them after breast removal surgery (mastectomy).

Women undergoing breast cancer treatment face many “out of pocket” expenses and the cost of breast cancer to the individual has been well documented.

Through the work of After Breast Cancer, we are beginning to address the aftermath of the devastating blow that breast cancer continues to deliver to our mothers, sisters, friends and their families. We are just beginning to scratch the surface in terms of the support services required to give survivors the whole and meaningful life that they fought so hard to live for.

Our Goal at After Breast Cancer is to help eliminate as much stress from women’s lives as they goes through the healing process of breast cancer, we want our friends/ sisters/ mother to focus on getting well and not worrying about as my survivor friends once said to me… “I just want to feel whole again”
*What advice would you give to other aspiring small business owners?

Do something that you love and most importantly, always give back, because the more you give the more you will receive.  Be kind and loving.

Owing your business could be very rewarding, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment. But having a business takes lots of hard work, sometimes sleepless nights, because you are the accountant, the marketing director and window washer.  Be mindful if you have a family, and don’t ignore them to get rich.  Most of my older mentors tell me that’s their biggest regret.

And most importantly, don’t forget to smile; smile when you are on the phone and smile when you see a new or old client.
*What new things can we look forward to from your business in the upcoming year?

This year, we hope to launch our on line shopping for Premier Jour, we get lots of request from our clients who already know their bra or swimwear sizes and they just want to shop on line.

We look forward to continue building great relationships with the community and our clients.

we are excited at Premier Jour as our “Bras for the Congo” program is growing and this year we hope to ship 2500 bras to women in the Congo, the rape capital of the world.

And we so look forward to the growth of “After Breast Cancer” as we launch our program in two more cities within Canada

 

Contact Alicia at:

 http://pjlingeries.com

Facebook.com/afterbreastcancer
Twitter.com/ABC_program_

 

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