Women in business 2016

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A Special Supplement to

Office: 250.869.0101 Monday - Friday 8:30-5:00 Saturday 10:00-4:00 Sunday Closed Always open online! www.Century21Kelowna.com 251 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna BC V1Y6C2

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ASSURANCE REALTY LTD.

Each Office is independently owned and operated

SMARTER BOLDER FASTER I am proud to be the managing broker for such a capable, productive group of women. As I watch them work with their clients, I am constantly amazed at their ability to solve problems and negotiate challenging scenarios. They are tenacious, hard-working agents, always striving to provide the best possible service to their buyers and sellers. As a small office in the CENTURY 21 system of 400+ offices, we are proud that their efforts put us in the top 30 in Canada.

Myrna Park Broker Owner

If you have real estate needs, call one of our “Smarter, Bolder, Faster: REALTORS® today! PS Our guys are pretty good, too:)

Aaron Moss

Amanda Westrheim

Anne Wolfe

Annette Lipkovits

Danielle Grundy

Dianna Fahrion

Heidi Gross

Jackie Large

Janet Sime

Jes Christian

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Kyla Sartorius

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ASSURANCE REALTY LTD. Sandra Ciolfi

Tanya Marandyuk

Taylor Musseau

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Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016 • Page 3

Local event planner finds massive success with DEVOUR Kelowna Social Magnet Productions event director Holly Dober is the creator of the DEVOUR food festival. Dober has successfully juggled having a family and organizing a smash hit event for the last four years. By MIKE STRAUS Special to the Daily Courier

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ntil recently, Kelowna foodies had to drive down to Vancouver or catch a flight to Calgary if they wanted to experience a world-class food festival. But now, thanks to the hard work and dedication of local event planner Holly Dober, the Okanagan is quickly becoming a foodie hotspot. “DEVOUR is my baby,” she says. “It’s an event I always wanted to create. I’m kind of a foodie myself, and I love a good night out on the town. DEVOUR combines both of those passions and shines a spotlight on a growing industry in the Okanagan.” Dober, originally from the Okanagan, worked as an event planner with the Calgary Stampede for nine years before moving back to Kelowna with her husband and newborn in tow. “I always wanted to produce my own event,” she says, “one that I myself would go to. I’m a mom of three, so my social nights out are few and far between. That means I want them to be great ones. That’s how DEVOUR came about.” Dober characterizes DEVOUR as an all-inclusive social night filled with great food, great drinks, and great friends. Holly Dober “The industry has definitely changed,” she says. “There’s now an appetite – no pun intended – to support local. There’s a demand for more restaurants in Kelowna thanks to the influx of young professionals.” In response to this demand, Dober has worked hard to turn DEVOUR into the Okanagan’s must-attend event of the year – and she’s succeeding. DEVOUR 2015 sold out two weeks before the doors opened, and there’s a good chance Dober will need to move the 2016 event outdoors in order to accommodate more guests. “We’re going to have over 50 businesses represented, everything from restaurants to breweries to wineries to craft cider makers to specialty food places. Tree Brewing will be showcasing food for the first time. 19 Okanagan will be promoting their new restaurant, 91.” For Dober, running DEVOUR means having the freedom to pursue things that matter to her. “Being a woman in business means maintaining flexibility, which this line of work allows me to do. I can work morning, noon, or night, and have a mobile office. And as someone with three young children, that’s huge.” When she’s not planning events, Dober enjoys family sports days and nights out on the town with her husband and friends. She’s also involved in organizing the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Ball fundraiser. DEVOUR 2016 is slated to take place on March 5 at Okanagan College. Tickets are available at DevourKelowna.ca.

Submitted

Holly Dober’s 2015 Daffodil Ball, above, and at the DEVOUR Food Festival, below.

Brenda L. Fischer CFP

Brenda L Fischer is an Edward Jones Financial Advisor who has been helping clients meet their financial goals since 1986. Brenda brings extensive knowledge and depth of experience when preparing her clients financially for all life events. Working with clients, Brenda reviews their current financial situation, what stage of life they are at and the time left to reach their financial goals. Next she develops a financial strategy tailored to a specific client’s need which may include: protection, investment and income generating strategies using insurance, mutual funds, equities, bonds and guaranteed certificates. t d iinvestment t Whether the client is saving for retirement, transitioning into retirement or living in retirement, Brenda takes great care to ensure their financial needs are met, looking for ways to help maximize their savings including the transfer of the estate. Brenda looks forward to meeting with you at BRENDA L. FISCHER, CFP® your earliest convenience for your free portfolio Financial Advisor review. 2690 Pandosy Street Kelowna, BC V1Y 1V6 Please call or stop by anytime. 250-712-0508 Insurance and annuities are offered by Edward Jones Insurance Agency (execept in Québec, Insurance and annuities are offered www.edwardjones.com by Edward Jones Insurance Agency (Québec) Inc. Edward Jones and its advisors are not estate planners and do not provide tax or legal advice. Review your specific situation with your tax advisor and/or legal professional for information regarding, or issues concerning the tax implications of making a particular investment or taking any other action.

Member - Canadian Investor Protection Fund

Kathy York A true hometown gal. Kelowna Born & Raised. My interest in Real Estate and Investing has been a part of my life for a long time. Having the opportunity to help others experience the passion of owning, as a Licensed Real Estate Agent, is very rewarding. Providing excellent service to my clients continues to be my focus. Working together is the key to a successful transaction and choosing a GREAT agent to help is important. Lots of smiles, “thank you”s, hugs and friendships top the list of wonderful memories for me.

Looking for a GREAT Real Estate Agent?

KATHY YORK Kelowna Born & Raised

250.870.1810

Page 4 • Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016

Kelowna fashion designer with natural design talent 10,000 hand-sewn dresses later, Le Reve owner Genessa Jackson says every stitch is done in the hopes of helping women feel great about themselves. By MIKE STRAUS Special to the Daily Courier

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hen Genessa Jackson first started designing clothes, it was a fun way to create a unique Halloween costume and start creating items for her own personal wardrobe. But almost overnight, it became obvious that her talent for fashion design would take her much farther than she ever thought possible. “I had a baby when I was 15, dropped out of school, and never thought I’d become anything. I started sewing my own clothes, and then my friends started wanting them, so I started selling clothes to my friends. Then I got involved in street markets and was earning $500 a day. And when I got involved in the Community Futures program, that’s when I opened the store.” After experiencing early success in Nelson, Jackson and her husband moved to Kelowna to expand the business, and then later tried Calgary. But the exorbitant overhead fees for retail space in the city center were too much to bear, and Jackson moved Le Reve back to Kelowna. Jackson says that the most challenging part of running her business has been juggling her work life and her responsibilities at home. With four children between the ages of three months and 15 years, she is driven to be a successful family breadwinner. “There’s a big financial pressure. I have to provide for everyone. Going straight back to work after having each baby was very hard. I only took a week off work each time – but when you run a business, you don’t get a subsidy.” But with hard work and dedication, Jackson has turned Le Reve into a successful business that is quickly expanding. With a new fashion line in the works, she’s excited for the next step in her business. “I’m going to expand my line all over the world. We’ll have new designs every year. I can’t tease anything because I free cut everything, but it’s going to be a classy and sexy line for women between the ages of 30 and 60. We’ve made 10 different styles so far. It’s all Canadian-made, and the fabrics come from Montreal. It’s also going to be affordable. The prices range from $40 to $300, which is affordable for designer clothing.” Jackson says that the best part of her business is the satisfaction she feels when her customers feel good about themselves. “It’s not about clothing – it’s about confidence. When I sit down at the end of the day and I’m able to say I made women feel great, that’s a good day.”

Lisa Jaffary, B.E B.Ed.

Chartered Professional Accountant

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DEDICATED TO HELPING YOU PLAN, MANAGE, AND SUCCEED Gabriele Banka is an experienced Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified General Accountant (CGA) with more than 30 years experience in various industries. Gabriele is the owner of Banka & Company, CPA which has been in operation for about 10 years providing a full range of accounting services. Gabriele is a member of CPA-BC and CPA-AB enabling her to complete engagements in both provinces. She is a CaseWare qualified instructor which involves training other accountants to use the CaseWare working paper software. She is a member of Okanagan Business Professionals Network (www.obpn.ca). At Banka & Company, CPA our mission statement is to help our clients, Plan, Manage & Succeed. We always accept new clients and appreciate your referrals.

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Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016 • Page 5

Kelowna serial entrepreneur finds 100 Women Who Care Rose Sexsmith, the woman behind Rose’s Pub and Hanna’s Lounge, has started her second philanthropic venture with Kelowna’s 100 Women Who Care chapter. By MIKE STRAUS Special to the Daily Courier

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ith her days as a businesswoman largely behind her, local entrepreneur Rose Sexsmith is greatly enjoying giving back to the Okanagan with a variety of unique charity initiatives. Sexsmith, who founded local eateries Rose’s Pub and Hanna’s Lounge, is also the woman behind the 100 Women Who Care Kelowna chapter, which now has over 200 members. But before starting 100 Women Who Care, she created the Wild Woman, Wise Woman Foundation – and for 12 years, the foundation has held an annual all-woman fundraiser for local charities. “We laughed, we danced, we ate, and we raised money,” Sexsmith says. “But it was a lot of work.

Then one day, my friend Lee Littecoat said, ‘look at this website’ – it was for 100 Women Who Care.” Seeing an opportunity to make charitable giving less demanding on her committee members, Sexsmith created the 100 Women Who Care Kelowna chapter – with the goal in mind of helping more women give back. “When a new member comes on, they commit to meeting four times a year and donating $50 each time. The other chapters donate $100. We chose $50 because we wanted to make the event more accessible for more people. If they can’t make the meeting, they make sure their donation gets to the meeting. Then we have three charities that speak to us for five minutes each.” The organization chooses which charities come to speak by pulling member nominations out of

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a hat. After the charities have presented their cases, the women vote on which one to support and make cheques out to that charity. The other two charities are placed back into the draw for the next event. In the past, 100 Women Who Care has supported organizations like the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, Inn from the Cold, the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs, Arion Therapeutic Farms, and Common Ground. And to date, 100 Women Who Care has given $11,000 to local charities. “It’s up to the members to put the charity names in,” Sexsmith says. “There are so many charities in town. Last time we had Starbright Children’s Development Center, the Karis Society, and UBC Adopt An Athlete. We want the money to stay local.” For Sexsmith, charitable giving starts with grat-

itude. “I feel very blessed. To me, success is being able to give thanks for what I have. To wake up and be glad I woke up.”

Mary Bermudez

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#8 - 1960 Springfield Road 250-868-1417 www.dance-essentials.com

Karen McLennan As a firm believer of everything natural I jumped at the opportunity to own and operate the Kelowna location of Blue Sky Clothing and become part of such an amazing company. We are a local, eco-friendly company designing all natural fiber garments for beautiful women of all shapes and sizes. Whatever your age or lifestyle, our comfortable, breathable, affordable clothing is designed to fit perfectly and look fabulous. Drop in and visit myself, Glenda, and Louanne for some expert, friendly service as we’d love to meet you! Kind to the people who make our clothing Kind to the planet by using natural fiber and dyes Kind to our bodies by making clothes for…….. ALL women XS-4X

101-1447 Ellis St. Kelowna, BC

778-484-2759 www.blueskyclothingco.com

Being back in Kelowna has been a dream come true. The mountains, the lake, the community. I haven’t been anywhere in the world where you can snowboard one day and golf the next, truly joyous! I love my chocolate lab Luc so much, he is truly my furry chocolate angel; I think every dog owner understands that bond. It is because of that bond that I decided to leave my life as a Project Manager to venture into the pet services industry offering a very unique service for dog owners in the Kelowna and surrounding area. This unique service will soon become as common as hiring a landscaper or home cleaning company, all basically to get your time back to do the things that are more important to you in your very busy lives. PooCrew Kelowna is a pet waste management business, “We Clean Up Your Dog’s Contribution To Your Yard, Quickly & Easily”

778-400-5793 3062 Shetland Rd. Kelowna, BC

Page 6 • Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016

Helping you save time with every scoop By MIKE STRAUS Special to the Daily Courier

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or eight years, Mary Bermudez worked in the demanding, high-stress world of land development for a Regina development company. As a project manager, her heavy workload meant she didn’t have as much time for her dog as she would have preferred. “I have a chocolate Lab named Luc, and he’s my world. But I was always working, and one day I decided that I didn’t want to spend my time picking up after him – I’d rather spend time walking him or playing with him. I found someone who came and looked after scooping for me, and it freed up so much time – and my dog was happy because I wasn’t ignoring him as much.” Upon her return to Kelowna, Bermudez decid-

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ed that the Okanagan’s population of on-the-go entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals would benefit from a similar service. And although the business is still in its first year, PooCrew now has dozens of satisfied customers. For Bermudez, starting a business just seemed like a natural decision – and with business experience dating back to her late teens, she was in a great position to enter the market. “I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart. My dad was an entrepreneur, and I learned from him. It’s in my blood. I was always moving from job to job because I didn’t feel challenged. I was looking for ways to live a happy life. I wanted to live on my own schedule.” She says that having women involved in business is critical to promoting equality in all spheres of life.

“It’s important for women to be in business. The challenge is that we’re still living in an old boys’ network, and we have to move beyond that. Our prime minister was asked why he chose to have a gender-balanced cabinet, and his answer was, ‘because it’s 2015.’ (Being a woman in business) sends a message to Canadian women that this world is also about us.” That’s why, for Bermudez, success starts and ends with respect and happiness. Just a genera-

ON THE COVER Donna Mihalcheon, CPA, CA, CIRP Sinéad Scanlon, CPA, CA Trustee in Bankruptcy Senior Manager Partner through a corporation sscanlon@bdo.ca dmihalcheon@bdo.ca

Photo location

Patti Tattersall, CPA, CA Senior Manager ptattersall@bdo.ca

tion ago, the few female entrepreneurs who existed faced considerable opposition and disrespect. For Bermudez, being respected as a person and finding happiness in business are the hallmarks of a good day. Her advice for women in the business world? “If you have a dream, go for it. Don’t let fear stand in your way. No matter what obstacles you come across, there is always a solution.”

Britt Vig, CPA, CA Senior Manager bvig@bdo.ca

Jennifer Jackson, CPA, CGA Manager jmjackson@bdo.ca

A Special Supplement to

From left, Donna McAteer, Okanagan Skincare Centre Melanie Hall-Szyszkiewicz, Investors Group Financial Services Inc. Carina Jean, Retail Store Manager at Sandhill Winery Sharon Black, Sharon Black & Associates Remax Kelowna Gail Kroeker, Kelowna Auction World Lia Lipkovits, Valley Mitsubishi Kathy York, Prudential Kelowna Properties Meagan Bibby, Events Coordinator at Sandhill Winery Leah Thordarson, Co-Owner, Curves West Kelowna Mary Bermudez, PooCrew Kelowna Photo by Gary Nylander

Nadine Westgate Jeanie McLean, CPA, CA Manager jmclean@bdo.ca

Vickie Naumann, CPA, CA Manager vnaumann@bdo.ca

Monica Wirch, CPA, CGA Manager mwirch@bdo.ca

BDO is one of the leading accounting and advisory firms in Canada with our strengths firmly rooted in the communities we serve. Our professionals combine personalized, local advice and service with national resources and experience. We encourage you to connect with any of these talented professional women and put the BDO team to work for you. Assurance | Accounting | Tax | Advisory

As Managing Broker/Owner of the newly rebranded Real Estate Firm, Sage Executive Group Real Estate, it’s an exciting time to be in the industry and moving our well established brokerage of 70 plus astute agents forward. With a new home advantage and flexibility to refocus marketing efforts, Sage is now the Okanagan’s largest locally owned and operated real estate boutique brokerage. With offices in Vernon, Lake Country, Kelowna and West Kelowna we are dedicated to serving the Okanagan Valley. As a community centric brokerage, the Sage team is passionate about delivering high quality service experiences enforced through our unique marketing programs, hand-picked h d i k d agents, t and exceptional agent support. Sage also prides itself on being an active member in the Okanagan community and is committed to giving back through local volunteering and fundraising efforts, sponsorships and more. We live breath and exude the four season Okanagan lifestyle offering a truly local and insightful perspective to this ever-changing real estate market. Embracing the latest technologies with website syndications and platforms providing International connectivity, Sage brings the Okanagan to the world and the world to the Okanagan. Representative of the Okanagan’s entrepreneurial nature and spirit, we offer a full service brokerage and invite you to drop by our centrally located offices. We look forward to serving you.

Contact: 400 – 1631 Dickson Ave, Kelowna 250 763 6700 www.bdo.ca

108-1980 Cooper Road, Kelowna

250-861-5122 www.realestatesage.ca

Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016 • Page 7

Chamber of Commerce CEO a proud advocate for women in business In her capacity with the Chamber of Commerce, Caroline Grover is always striving to find new ways to support women in business.

Theresa Arsenault, Q.C. Business Law | Estate Planning

Susan Connaghan Business Law | Estate Planning

By MIKE STRAUS Special to the Daily Courier

Joni Metherell

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aroline Grover started in business early on in life, getting her first taste of the business world while attending a co-op business college program in Ontario. After 15 years working for national firms in the retail industry, she chose to move into managing business improvement areas and economic development organizations. The one thread that ties her career together? She has never stopped supporting business owners – especially women – in pursuing growth. “I’ve been very fortunate to move to progressively more challenging roles. It’s meant I’ve lived in different communities, which has been a great way to learn more about industry sectors and see how different communities handle similar problems.” Grover credits her success to her ability to stay mobile. She also notes that having the help of a supportive board has been critical to her success – especially when she brought forth unconventional ideas. “What I enjoy about working in business is that in most cases, you can respond quickly to market opportunities. I like nimbleness. It’s also very inspiring to work in an industry where there’s so much innovation.” She says that her experience has given her firsthand knowledge of women’s progress. “In a lot of instances, there’s equity in terms of advancement opportunities. There’s more equity in pay (than there was a generation ago). But there are still a lot of barriers for women, especially businesswomen who want to have a family. You still see very few women executives at top levels

Wills | Trusts | Estates Litigation Employment Law

Monica McParland Family Law

Andrea East Business Law | First Nations

Sandra Hakanson Immigration and Citizenship

in most organizations.” Grover says that when women have responsibilities outside of work, it’s difficult for them to put in the 80 or more hours per week that are generally expected of senior-level executives. Her advice for ambitious women who want to enter the business world? “Reach out to others, and build a strong support network. A lot of times, people who are starting out in business – not just women – can feel isolated. They feel like they have nobody to share their ideas or worries with. But if you know you have a support network that cares about you, it makes a big difference.” And for Grover, being part of that support network is the most rewarding part of her job. “I love hearing from a member that they just got a new contract or met a new client at one of our events. That feels great.”

Melodie Lind Tax Law | Estate Planning Business Law

Taryn Moore Family Law

Vanessa DeDominicis Business Law | Intellectual Property Conveyancing

Ashleigh Baylis Criminal Law

Leneigh Bosdet

Lori Samuels Lori Samuels, a Kelowna - based Financial Advisor with Raymond James since 2005, has over 20 years experience in the investment industry. Lori is dedicated to delivering wealth management advice to clients. Her knowledge, depth of experience and her strong interpersonal skills are significant assets when helping clients determine and achieve their goals. Lori holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Calgary and has successfully completed several courses through the Canadian Securities Institute. She now holds the Chartered Investment Manager CIM® designation and her expertise and professionalism earned her the coveted Fellow of CSI, FCSI®, which is considered the industry’s highest award of distinction, and recognizes leading professionals for their outstanding educational dedication, experience and record of achievement. Lori has volunteered with many organizations over the years and currently volunteers her time with the BCSPCA.

Johnson Legacy Wealth Management 500-1726 Dolphin Ave. Kelowna, BC

Tel: 250-979-2712 WWW.JOHNSONLEGACY.CA

Family Law

Ginger Holmes Criminal Law

Elise Everest Commercial Litigation | Employment Law

Parveen Shergill Litigation

250-762-2108

1665 Ellis Street Kelowna, BC V1Y 2B3 Over 30 lawyers providing effective legal solutions for over 40 years.

www.pushormitchell.com

Page 8 • Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016

Taking the family business to the stars Aura Rose, co-owner of House of Rose Winery, continues family legacy with smooth, fruit-forward wines and fun events. By MIKE STRAUS Special to the Daily Courier

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or House of Rose owner Aura Rose, taking over the family business started as a temporary arrangement and later became a labour of love. “When my father moved to Kelowna, he bought a vineyard and started a winery. I started doing my dad’s books, because I have a business background. But in the early 2000s my dad had a stroke, and I had to start taking on more responsibility.” After a failed attempt to sell the winery, Rose and her husband Wouter van der Hall bought it from Rose’s father on Canada Day of 2009. And as marketers at heart, the pair chose to focus on

building the winery into a world-class brand. “We took a hard look at the branding when we developed our first label. Just after we bought the winery, we were having dinner with about 12 friends. We were drinking a lot of wine, and one friend was getting warm and started taking off layers. We started teasing her about it. Somebody said, ‘you should make a wine called Hot Flash,’ and the next day we woke up and realized it was a great idea.” Rose decided to market Hot Flash as a red wine that women would enjoy, which was a challenging task. She says that most women don’t like the highalcohol, high-tannin nature of red wine. But after a thorough focus group, House of Rose Winery had a delicious red wine with an appeal-

Deborah Gutherie Founded in 1992, Habitat for Humanity Okanagan started as a local, grassroots organization led by a group of dedicated volunteers and with the help of a few local corporate donors built an average of a home per year. Deborah Guthrie, Executive Director considers the Habitat core values of Housing for All, Human Dignity, Partnership and Diversity and Inclusiveness the building bricks of a healthy community. Together with a volunteer Board of Directors, local businesses, community sponsorships, a large active volunteer core and the proceeds from two successful Okanagan ReStores, Habitat Okanagan is helping a growing number of Okanagan families build a better life for them and their family through the Habitat homeownership program. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity Okanagan visit their website or call Deborah.

ing label – and it quickly attracted major attention. “My manager called me and said that there was a man from the States calling asking for us to ship wine there. We finally pulled it out of him that he’s Brooke Shields’ assistant. She was making a movie called Hot Flashes. Shields ended up giving out a bottle of our wine to everyone who worked on the movie.” And although getting the attention of a major celebrity is no doubt good for business, at House of Rose Winery, success is measured not by the dollars earned, but by the memories created. “When we sell out and have people asking when the next vintage is coming out, that’s success. When people ask us when our next season of music nights kicks off, that’s success. When I

get an email from someone saying they loved our wine, that’s success.”

Melissa Epp After finishing law school at Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia Melissa took the opportunity to start her legal practice in Kelowna with Montgomery Miles Law Firm. Melissa’s main areas of interest include business law, real estate, and estate planning. She enjoys assisting clients with anything from starting up a brand new business, buying and selling property, to ensuring a sufficient estate plan is in place. Melissa’s most recent volunteer activities have been with the Kelowna Apple Triathlon and the Sunshine Foundation. Over the years she has also volunteered her time to community organizations that support at risk children and youth. Away from the office, in the winter Melissa can be found snowboarding at Big White. In the summer Melissa can be found hiking at various parks in the Okanagan.

510-1708 Dolphin Ave. Kelowna, BC V1Y 9S4

778-755-4346

T: 250-980-3364 F: 250-868-9011

www.habitatforhumanityokanagan.ca

Margaret & Susan Wort My Mom, Margaret, started the business in 1976 because of her own personal need/desire for “support & comfort!” Her business grew slowly but steadily and in 1992 I joined her. We now boast 5 full time staff in Kelowna and a smaller store in Castlegar. Both stores offer a unique shopping experience! Our accountant raps my knuckles every year end for having too much inventory - but as a gentleman just said - as he saw how pleased his wife was with her purchase - “You can’t sell from an empty store!”

1385 Ellis St. Kelowna, BC

250-763-1473

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Melanie Hall-Szyszkiewicz CFP, EPC, RFP Financial Consultant melanie.hall-szyszkiewicz@ investorsgroup.com

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Amy Allan Amy Allan holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Registered Art Therapist and Yoga Teacher. She has a wide range of experience and has worked with & for non-profits, school districts, women’s shelter’s and the Ministry of Children Family Development. Amy specializes in Trauma, Grief / Loss, Anxiety / Depression, Crisis Intervention and Integrated Case Management. She uses a variety of therapeutic techniques including both Behavioural & Expressive Therapies while working within the realm of Neurobiology, Attachment Theory, Self-Regulation and Mindfulness Practice. In the Okanagan area Amy works as a contracted therapist with Stepping Stones Counselling Group. Email: amya.steppingstones@gmail.com or by voice mail 250-712-6348

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Ana Gauthier Ana holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Counselling. Her work has been based on Applied Behavior Analysis therapy in a variety of settings such as schools, homes, and communities. Ana includes a variety of therapies into her practice with children and families. Ana specializes with young children and works collaboratively with families to achieve wellness and balance. Autism Spectrum Disorders & Developmental Disabilities therapy groups, Play & expressive therapy, Anxiety or issues related to emotional dysregulation, Parentings support and Cognitive behaviour therapy. Ana can be reached at 250-808-1089 Email: ana.steppingstones@gmail.com

Stepping Stones Counselling Group 1369 Richter St., Kelowna

Stepping Stones Counselling Group 200-1974 Moss Crt., Kelowna

Dr. Zoë Sehn

Bonnie McGill M.Ed.

Dr. Zoë Sehn is a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) who offers therapeutic services for people (aged 16+) who are struggling with emotional pain, which impacts how they feel within their daily lives and relationships, and affects their view of the past, present, and future. A primary focus in her therapeutic work is with couples experiencing relationship difficulties, struggling with the demands of parenting, separation, and divorce. She also works with clients who suffer from varied issues, including anxiety, depression, bereavement, and addiction and substance abuse/ misuse, among other issues. Dr. Sehn is currently collaborating with Stepping Stones Counselling Group and is accepting new clients in both Kelowna and Vernon. Dr. Sehn can be reached at 250-300-7776 www.drsehn.ca therapy@drsehn.ca

Bonnie has joined the Stepping Stones Counselling Group’s ASCEND Program to provide Under 6 Autism services to the families of the Okanagan. Bonnie holds a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. Bonnie is a Category A Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) and specializes in working with children between the ages of 0 to 6 years who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Bonnie supports her clients within an Early Intensive Behaviour Intervention Program (EIBI), which provides one on one support for the child. Bonnie has been working with children with Autism for over eight years, and is passionate about supporting both the children and families she works with. Bonnie can be reached at: 250-878-9884 Email: bonnie.steppingstones@gmail.com

Stepping Stones Counselling Group 200-1974 Moss Crt., Kelowna

Page 10 • Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016

Former shelter director to build micro homes BY MIKE STRAUS Special to the Daily Courier

If there’s one thing that Tara Tschritter learned from her six years as the executive director of Inn From the Cold, it’s that the Okanagan is in dire need of affordable housing, for both own-

ers and renters. “I wanted to start a business that aligned with my values, something that benefits the community,� Tschritter says. “I also wanted to start a business that was good for the environment.� When she discovered the micro-home industry, she was sold. As an emerging trend in Europe,

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Tschritter recognized that micro-homes are becoming popular in larger centers in North America, and will soon catch on in smaller cities like Kelowna — both as a means of stopping urban sprawl and helping first-time buyers enter the real estate market. “It’s no longer economically viable for a lot of people to get into mainstream housing,� she says. “These big family homes are great if you have a few kids, but what about students? What about seniors? What about couples without children? Sure, you’ve got the townhouses and the condos, but even those aren’t necessarily affordable for everyone in Kelowna.� These factors led Tschritter and her business partner Allison Ramchuk to create Little House Contracting, which provides the community with beautiful, luxurious micro-homes ranging from 320 to 625 square feet. But make no mistake – Tschritter’s home designs may be small, but they’re by no means low quality. “We maximize the space. We have an intentional patio with indoor-outdoor fireplaces. We have five home schemes and three interior designs to choose from, all inspired by European styles and themes.� Tschritter says that when she first started, she didn’t know what to expect upon entering a traditionally male-dominated industry. “I wasn’t sure what it would look like, being a woman in the contracting industry. But everyone has been incredibly supportive and helpful. From the subtrades to the designers to the suppliers to other builders.�

Allison Ramchuk, left, and Tara Tschritter

Tschritter takes this positive response as evidence being a woman in business – even in a traditionally masculine industry – is now normal. It also provides her with a form of validation that she wants other women entrepreneurs to share: “Believe in yourself and you can do anything you want to do. If you have a dream, go for it.� Little House Contracting’s launch party is on March 11 at Laurel Packinghouse. The sold-out event will feature free wine and cheese provided by The View Winery, exhibition booths for vendors like Sticks + Stones and Mullins Design, and a walkthrough tour of a micro-home. Tschritter and Ramchuk are also planning two open houses for the near future. Details will be at Little House Contracting’s Facebook page.

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Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016 • Page 11

What does it mean to be a mentor? Mentors can serve as trusted confidantes to young people in need of professional guidance, providing the support or advice many need to break into a given industry. While mentoring is most commonly associated with the professional arena, it need not be restricted to corporate environments. When looking to give back to their communities, men and women may not think of mentoring. However, mentoring can be a powerful empowerment and personal development tool, for both mentors and the people being mentored. The following are a handful of tips to foster a successful mentoring relationship. • Ask a lot of questions. Mentors should expect to field a lot of questions, but they also should ask their share of questions. Asking questions

is a good way to challenge people and get them thinking about various scenarios and situations they may find

themselves in. This will help shape the person you’re mentoring into an individual who can anticipate situations

UBCSUO PRESENTS:

BREAKING BOUNDARIES The Students' Union at UBC Okanagan (UBCSUO) is proud to announce one of the most important conferences for women in the Okanagan to date. As a celebration of International Women's Day and with multiple on-campus partners including the UBCO Equity and Inclusion office and student resource centres, we are confident that this event will be an enormous success. Breaking Boundaries is a conference for women, students, and community members to come together to network, collaborate, and inspire one another. Join us on International Women's Day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women in our community and around the world. Our goal for this conference is to facilitate a space where success can be cultivated through networking and mentorship, to create an envi-

and deal with them on his or her own. • Ensure confidentiality. Confidentiality should be of paramount importance in a mentoring relationship. The person you’re mentoring should feel comfortable coming to you with any situation and have your support, as trust is essential to the mentor-mentee relationship. • Stretch a person’s abilities. The goal of a mentor is not to solve all of his or her mentee’s problems. Delegate tasks and provide advice to lead the mentee in the right direction. Encourage a mentee to take on more responsibilities, which can instill confidence and facilitate personal growth. • Enjoy the experience. Mentors benefit from mentoring, which can provide satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment that results

ronment where interaction and connection is encouraged, and to develop a mindset where inspiration and collaboration are at the forefront. We encourage all women in our community to sign up while tickets last or if you can't make it and you'd like to sponsor someone else's, ticket, we encourage that too. EVENT INFORMATION: Venue: Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport When: March 8th, 2016 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM What: International Women's Day Conference UBCSUO, UBCSUO Resources Centre, UBCO Peer Support Network, & UBC Okanagan Equity and Inclusion Office Cost: $34.99 for UBCO Students $54.99 General Admission Website: www.breakingboundariesokanagan.com

Meagan Hughes When I took over Cottage Quilting 3 years ago, I had no idea the impact the store, customers and community would have on me. It has truly been a blessing being a part of the community and showing the strength of women in business. Cottage Quilting is staffed by an amazing female staff, Briana Long, Dianna Kinnunen and Kelli Warkentin. We also have great teachers who work so hard to bring fun and exciting projects for sewers of all levels, skills and interests. We have become a meeting place; a hang-out for women of all ages. We recently won the Rising Star award through the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. We are so proud to be recognized for providing wonderful Comm customer service to our Brother and Bernina Machine customers, our Sewing and Quilting customers and many students who frequent the store. Without our customers we wouldn’t be here! We are continuing to focus on our community work. This year we are proudly supporting HealthInspire Kelowna with our fundraising efforts. We are hosting an auction in April where anyone can come to our event, purchase a variety of items from wall hangings to quilts. The proceeds will stay in our community 100%. Make sure to check out Honor Thy Loved Ones on our website to see how you can contribute. Join our newsletter, like us on facebook, twitter or pinterest. www.cottagequiltingonline.com

110-2000 Spall Road Kelowna, BC

250-860-1120

from knowing you played an integral role in the success of another person. If your career is in a slump, mentoring may provide the breath of fresh air you need to recharge. Mentoring also may give you insight into another person’s life, which can be used in your own personal development. As long as your goal is the success and support of the mentee, mentoring can be a selfless act that touches the lives of others. Formal mentoring programs exist, but mentoring relationships often begin when a less formal connection forms between two people. Should a friend, employee or colleague ask for your assistance in mentoring, embrace this compliment and make the most of your opportunity to aide in the growth of another person.

CONNECT … A BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP OF WOMEN

We support and assist women in business, specifically CONNECT members by actively referring clients to sister members and by encouraging and empowering each other and potential members.

ARLENE PILGRIM

LU-ANNE MARKLAND

FAYE HIGHLAND

RedDoor Wreaths, 1-403-669-7484 luanne.markland@gmail.com

Card Party, 250-764-5422 sfhighland1940@gmail.com

MARLIES WHITE

CHERYL BUTLER

Co-Founder & President of SomaLife 778-755-5700 marlies@somalife.com

Accountant / President Altogether Tax Inc. cbutler@altogethertax.com 778-478-2188

Laurie-Annes Victorian Lace & Linen (Table Linens) lglata@telus.net 250-491-4221 www.laurieannes.com

KAREN BASS

ZONIA ARNOLD

ELEMENTS of Change Shiatsu Massage 250-212-0888 elementsofchange@outlook.com

Manager Watkins Quality Products 250-826-6667 zarnold@shaw.ca

BRENDALYN BELBIN Owner - Norwex “We believe we can make a powerful & positive difference in our homes & environment” bellbin@icloud.com 250-808-9514

Sunset Gourmet Value priced meals for friends and family 250-868-8171 appilgrim@hotmail.com

LYNNE GLATA

BRENDA F ISCHER CFP

LILLIAN CZAPLAN

Edward Jones, Financial Advisor 250-712-0508 brenda.fischer@edwardjones.com

Premier Canadian Properties REALTOR® 250-717-7053 happychappy@shaw.ca

For further information, email blfischer@shaw.ca or call any of our members

Page 12 • Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016

The familiar face of the food bank Special to The Daily Courier

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s the Executive Director for the newly formed Central Okanagan Food Bank, Lenetta Parry is one of the Central Okanagan’s more recognizable faces. Having been involved in “Food Banking” for over a decade, she has been a constant face of compassion, ensuring thousands of people don’t go to bed hungry while cajoling donors, businesses and government to give a little bit more to help our communities most vulnerable. She lives each day with passion and purpose – she dreams big – and she knows that the best way to make a difference is by working together, something at which Parry excels. It is this philosophy that has resulted in strengthened working relationships with many local charitable organizations. The Food Bank provides office space and storage to the Okanagan Fruit Tree Project, Shoe Bank Canada and the Food for Thought Society. They also supply Inn from the Cold’s Chandler House and Stepping Free Recovery House with food to assist their clients. In 2015, the Kelowna Community Food Bank and Westside Community Food Bank joined forces to create the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank. A bold move that has resulted in a stronger, healthier organization focused on improving clients’ lives and donor satisfaction. New partnerships including Paynter’s Fruit Market, Urban Harvest, De Simone Farms, the Farmer’s Market, Incredible Edibles, the Regional District of the Central Okanagan, Okanagan Boys and Girls Club and the Central Okanagan Community Farm have all contributed to the Food Bank’s ability to nearly double its distribution of fresh produce last year. “Together, we can eliminate hunger” says Parry “that is the essence of our Join the Food Movement” campaign. Under Parry’s leadership, the Food Bank staff and volunteers look forward

Tips for juggling work and family Balancing work and family is a juggling act faced by many working parents. Responsibilities to work and family often overlap, and that can make solving the riddle of balancing work and family that much more difficult. Single-income households have decreased dramatically over the last several decades, as escalating costs of living have made it difficult for many families to get by on just one income. But working parents can employ several strategies, both at the office and at home, as they attempt to make the job of juggling commitments to work and family a little less difficult.

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to 2016, as there are many new developments to come… In addition to her role with the Central Okanagan Food Bank, Parry has served as the Co-Chair for the Central Okanagan Food Policy Council, has served as a director for the board of Food Banks British Columbia, is an active volunteer with Westside Daze and a proud Rotarian (Rotary Club of Kelowna). She was recently selected to sit on a Food Banks Canada National Task Force and she is the co-owner of Curves in West Kelowna with her mom, where they just celebrated their 5 year Anniversary. Every month, the Central Okanagan Food Bank helps approximately 4,000 individuals. If you are in need of assistance or wish to make a donation, the Food Bank has two locations: 1265 Ellis Street in Kelowna and 2545 Churchill Road in West Kelowna. For more information, please visit cofoodbank.com

Kristy Towson, B.Comm I have over 11 years of experience lending in the financial industry with many of those years in branch management. I also graduated from University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Business Economics and Law. This has given me the skills and knowledgebase needed to become a successful Mortgage Broker. As a Mortgage Broker, I Make Living Affordable! I have the ability to find the best product and rate for you that will meet your individual needs. Whether you are purchasing, refinancing, or needing either a private, construction, or New to Canada mortgage, I can do it all. I am also licensed as a Reverse Mortgage Specialist. Please visit my website www.ktmortgagebroker.com for more information on the products and services I offer, testimonials and up to date rates. It is my goal to offer outstanding and efficient service along with professional advice to help make living affordable for you!

#203 - 1505 Harvey Ave, Kelowna, BC

778-215-4334 www.ktmortgagebroker.com

AROUND THE OFFICE A major concern many parents have as they attempt to balance work and family is that they are not spending enough time at home with their children or not paying enough attention to their kids or even their spouses when they are home. One way to find more time at home is to inquire about the possibility of working remotely. Advancements in technology that have made it easier to remotely communicate with clients and coworkers has led to an influx of work-fromhome employees. While working from home does not mean workloads will diminish, it does save men and women the time they would spend commuting to and from work, and that translates to more time at home with the family. If working remotely full-time is not a possibility, men and women can ask if it’s possible to do so one or two days a week, as such a schedule will still provide more time at home. Men and women working to achieve a greater balance between work and family also can examine how willing they are to take on additional work. While coworkers love a

team player willing to pitch in, routinely accepting extra work can drastically cut into the time men and women have to do their own jobs as well as the time they have to spend with their families. Helping coworkers out in a pinch is fine, but men and women should resist any urges to take on more than they can reasonably handle. AT HOME Men and women also can take steps at home to create a better balance between work and family. Working parents who want the time they have with their children each night to be more substantive can turn off their devices upon arriving home from work. Devices such as smartphones and tablets keep working professionals attached to their offices, and many men and women are tempted to check work emails or answer phone calls and voicemails even when they have left the office for the day. Parents should resist that temptation so their families know their focus is on them and not back at the office. Another way to create a greater balance between work and family life is to make more efficient use of time at home. For example, rather than spending an hour each night making dinner, working parents can use a slow cooker so family meals are ready the moment everyone arrives home at night. That frees up time the family can spend together and gives working parents one less thing to do when they arrive home. Working parents looking get more quality time with their families also can cut back on the time families spend watching television each night. Limit television time to an hour or two each night, using the extra time to connect with one another. Many working parents strive to create a greater balance between work and family. While doing so is not always easy, men and women can employ strategies at work and at home to make the challenge a little less complicated.

Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016 • Page 13

Update your skills in a secure job industry T

he last several years have seen a series of economic ups and downs. Managing careers amid such instability has been challenging for many individuals, but professionals looking for more security can take steps to find careers that promise more long-term stability. Focusing a job search on industries that have shown strong growth and the ability to ride out waves of economic turmoil can tip the odds in your favor. Certain industries have better long-term employment outlooks than others, and men and women looking for more stability should consider these industries when pondering their next career moves. Accounting Thanks to ever-changing financial policies and greater scrutiny placed on lending prac-

tices and bookkeeping, accounting jobs remain solid career choices. Jobs in accounting can range from entry-level to more advanced (and more lucrative) positions requiring certification or a secondary education. Medicine Financial health does not safeguard people against illness, and health services are needed regardless of the state of the economy. That makes medical careers some of the most coveted and stable around. Healthcare professions can be lucrative, and careers in medicine are not restricted to doctors or nurses. Clinicians, medical imaging personnel and medical laboratory technicians also are needed. The United States Department of Labor lists services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, home healthcare services and other health practition-

Suzanne Van Rycke Sue opened Lights ON ‌ Banks a little over two years ago with her business partner Tim Karila after several years in sales with Custom DĂŠcor Lighting and then managing the Robinson Lighting store in Kelowna for 13 years. The move to ownership was challenging, personally taking on the expanded roles of buyer and financial manager. But the risk was worth it, as the little lighting showroom on Banks Road has exceeded all expectations by becoming the “go-toâ€? provider of up-scale lighting fixtures in the Okanagan. Sue grew up in Newfoundland, married her husband Rob 34 years ago in Calgary and has two grown children - Pam, who now lives in Ontario, and Dan, who works at Lights ON as her Customer Support Specialist. She is well-known for her residential lighting expertise and her attention to detail that ensures her customers get “just the right lookâ€? for their new home or renovation.

427 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2

250-448-4808 www.LightsOnBanks.com

CARLA FISHER

president

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS,

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er positions among the fastest-growing career opportunities. Computer Systems Computer systems analysts and programming experts are highly coveted in today’s digital world. Many company operations are completely overseen by relatively autonomous computer systems. As technology keeps changing, employees who are able to stay abreast of the changes will only grow more valuable. Builders With more money injected into the economy, homes and businesses can once again resume growth. Laborers with skills in construction, masonry and residential building, and structure contractors can count on steady employment. Environment Clean-energy and other environmental jobs may currently make up a small percentage of

employment, but reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate jobs in this sector are growing much faster than other fields, including healthcare. Workers ready to get in on the ground level may benefit from opportunities for advancement and the stability of working in a field that figures to grow considerably over the next several decades. Green jobs include work that is primarily involved in the production of green goods and services, such as renewable energy, pollution reduction and recycling. Green jobs also are those that involve education and training related to environmental compliance. Entering the job market for the first time or reentering it with a new career direction can be intimidating. Focusing education and skills on careers that are proven winners can be the security and confidence boost professionals need.

Sharon Black’s Objective is Simple:

What are you looking for in a Real Estate Professional? We strive to bring you value through personalized service.

S

haron is passionate about Real Estate and about the value she brings to the table, not only in years of experience, but as a Certified Negotiating Expert, an Accredited Staging Professional and a Relocation Expert.

As a long time RE/MAX agent and REALTORÂŽ, Sharon has received many rave reviews and many outstanding awards. The most exciting award, the most fulfilling moment, is the Thank You and Happy Smile from her client!

personal ‡ passionate ‡ proven 5H D O ( V W D W H & R Q V X O W D Q W ‡ V K D U R Q E O D F N # U H P D [ Q H W w w w. s h a r o n b l a c k . c a ‡ 2 5 0 . 8 7 8 . 5 5 3 3 +DUYH\ $YHQXH .HORZQD %& 9 < * ‡ (DFK RIILFH LV LQGHSHQGHQWO\ RZQHG DQG RSHUDWHG

Page 14 • Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016

Library CEO looking forward to interesting times ahead

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all manages Canada’s 16th largest library system, with over 100,000 active users and branches stretching from Golden to Osoyoos. “It’s an interesting time to work in libraries” says Hall. “We’ve got a mix of traditional uses still going strong, like early literacy programs, lending books, ebooks, movies and so on, but then we also have this growing role in technology training, community programming, and supporting people’s creativity… Sometimes the demand is overwhelming – like with some recent sessions our downtown Kelowna staff started running on using mobile devices. We could easily fill those three times over. The way people learn is changing, so libraries are evolving, too. We’re looking at how our services and spaces can change to reflect all the new ways people want to use them, and more than ever, we’re looking at the ways we can partner with other agencies to respond to community needs”.

One of the interesting parts of her job is working with the massive regional board, which is composed of 25 elected officials from communities up and down the valley. “Working with local government people is different – they understand governance better than most volunteer boards”. Hall credits two strong board chairs, past chair Carol Zanon of West Kelowna and current chair Catherine Lord of Vernon with helping to steer the library in a new direction. “These are strong women – you are not going to lead a regional board of 25 local government politicians and keep meetings on track without significant backbone”. Hall encourages younger women thinking about career choices to think about libraries, nonprofits and local government. “It’s a privilege to be able to work in an organization that not only shares but furthers your values. As the child of single mom and part of the working poor, I only

got where I am today because I had access to the wealth of knowledge in the public library and in public schools. Giving equitable opportunity to learn is fundamental to our society, and our entire staff is committed to that. We have seen many of our staff recognized by their communities for outstanding public service over the past two years – that’s the kind of people they are”. Public libraries also have a great track record of providing leadership roles for women. “I have the joy of working with an amazing senior team at the library, and more than half of them are women” says Hall. Hall arrived in Kelowna to head up the ORL in 2013. Previous roles included Director of Public Library Planning for the Province of Saskatchewan, Director of the Chinook Regional Library, and Director of the Powell River Public Library. She holds a Master’s degree in Information Studies from the University of Toronto, and a

Submitted

BFA with distinction from the University of Victoria. She has sailed from Spain to Victoria on a tallship and loves to fish and snorkel.

Terry Simpson For the past five years Terry Simpson has had the pleasure of bringing exciting, leading edge, contemporary furnishings and home décor to Kelowna. Terry has now been in her new space for 16 months and is looking forward to a very busy year at Lexi & Lake Home. She still has all the great lines including Martha Sturdy and Designers Guild. Come by and see the fabulous new spring and summer product at Lexi & Lake Home!

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Jaime M. Boyle Jaime was born and raised in Prince Rupert, BC. After obtaining her BA from UVic she moved to Australia to travel and surf; while there she completed her law degree. She relocated to Kelowna in 2007 and focused her law practice in the areas of commercial and residential real estate, estate planning, probate and business law. In these areas she works collaboratively with clients’ and other professional advisors to create and implement comprehensive solutions for individual or business succession needs and wealth protection. She advises clients on lending and real estate transactions. Her involvement in a wide variety of transactions includes the development of commercial real estate, financing the acquisition of businesses including share purchases and asset purchase transactions, re-financing, real property matters including statutory rights-of-way, restrictive covenants and easements, transactions acting for both landlords and tenants in leasing of office, commercial and industrial premises and first time home buyers. Her clients include iindividuals di id di id l off allll ages and d businesses large and small. She strives to provide excellent legal services in a cost effective and timely manner. In the community Jaime was a Kelowna Chambers Top 40 Under 40, is an acting executive of the Canadian Bar Association (BC Branch), vice-president of the Kelowna Bar Association, on the Kelowna Chambers Young People in Business Committee and Launch Connector, she participates in the local High Schools’ Job Shadow program and mentors law students at TRU, a member of the Rotary Club of Kelowna, director of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Foundation, CHAB Committee, among other association involvement. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, boyfriend, 2½ year old Weimaraner and friends, taking in what the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer. She enjoys running, cycling, hiking, wakeboarding, snowboarding, skating, wine touring, gardening, cooking, weight training and riding her Harley Davidson Rocker. She welcomes the opportunity to meet you and discuss your personal or business legal requirements and thanks all her current clients for their business and referrals.

270 Highway 33 W, Kelowna, BC V1X 1X7

250-491-0206

womensenterprise.ca 1.800.643.7014 @businesswomenbc | Facebook.com/wecbc

Supported by: Western Economic Diversification Canada

Kelowna: 250•762•3435 103-3001 Tutt Street Kelowna, BC V1Y 2H4 www.wellsgraytours.com

Experience the Wells Gray difference… Experience the world! Terri Wirtz, Office Manager in Kelowna Kerrie Niemeier, Director of Sales & Marketing Terri and Kerrie are your Group Travel experts. They make travel easy, affordable and life enriching, creating your forever memories. Are you ready? It’s time to explore, experience and enjoy the world. Whether you are looking for a BC tour, international travel, or cruises, Wells Gray Tours is the company for you. Our goal is to be British Columbia’s best provider of quality packaged travel to some of the most exciting North American and international destinations. Wells Gray Tours is a well established reputable tour company with 40 years in business and five locations to personally serve our clients. Our staff is dedicated to presenting travel experiences that are unique, stress-free, fascinating and active in an affordable, reliable and flexible manner. We want you to explore, experience and enjoy the world worry-free and on your own terms.

We Plan. You Pack. No Worries.

Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016 • Page 15

Quietly exterting her influence in the Central Okanagan

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kanagan College Professor Kerry Rempel is one of those individuals who quietly exerts a tremendous influence on the Central Okanagan in ways that may escape the notice of many. A College employee since 2004, she teaches in the College’s highly-regarded School of Business, and has influenced thousands of students with her focus on strategic planning, non-profit management, entrepreneurship, and training and development. But more than that, she has brought her expertise into play for a whole host of non-profit and private sector groups and agencies in the Okanagan and beyond. Most recently, Rempel took a one-year hiatus from teaching to lead Okanagan College as it developed a strategic plan for the next five years. That was a daunting task, admits Rempel. “We have more than 1,000 employees, more than 19,000 students, and communities who have a very real interest in where Okanagan College is going,” she says. “And everyone is very passionate about the

College, which makes the task more difficult but also more rewarding.” The Board of Governors recently adopted the new strategic plan, Toward 2020, which is available at okanagan.bc.ca/toward2020. “This was probably the most complex strategic plan development process I’ve been involved with,” says Rempel – which says a lot, given the client list her CV includes. “We’re very fortunate to have someone such as Kerry working for us,” says Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton. “It was a tremendous advantage to have someone with her depth of experience and skill set to facilitate development of our strategic plan. She knows the organization and at the same time is the personification of our mission statement. She really does help transform lives and communities.” Organizations such as the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, the Southern Interior Construction Association, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, the United Way of the South Central Okanagan, Project

Darlene Pappas Darlene Pappas co-owner of 1st Class Auto Glass & Upholstery Ltd. In West Kelowna has been in the Automotive Glass Industry for over 17 years. She is an expert at finding those hard to find parts and doesn’t stop until all avenues have been travelled. Her main focus besides your Vehicle is Customer Service. Their business in fact is Old School – Where you the Customer are Valued. 1st Class Auto Glass is Glass Express so you do not have to go to ICBC to claim, everything is done right from their office. They service all Private Insurance Companies also. They carry mainly OEM Equivalent Automotive Glass not off shore, FREE PICK UP AND DELIVERY of Vehicles from Home or Work, Early and d late late hours hours availa aavailable ailab b for you also. Darlene’s husband Dean also does Automotive and Marine Upholstery and was trained many years ago from the best of the best. Convertible Tops are his specialty and he can redo or make from scratch a new boat top if you need one. No matter what you need when it comes to your vehicle give Darlene and Dean a call at 250-769-4877, drop them a email at first@firstclassglass.ca or come in and see them at 2710 Kyle Road in West Kelowna. ICBC Glass Express • Free Pick Up and Delivery Full Automotive Upholstery - From Carpet to Headliners and Tops Full Marine Upholstery - From Deck to Top

Literacy, and the Kelowna Child Care Society have benefited from Rempel’s expertise as a consultant. Her work as a volunteer extends her reach into the life of the community. Currently, she is a director of the Central Okanagan Foundation, is part of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy Project Review Committee, and is a member of the Central Okanagan Foundation’s Grants Advisory Committee for the City of Kelowna. She has served as a volunteer and worked with a host of other organizations as well, from the Okanagan College Alumni Association to the John Howard Society, from Junior Achievement of British Columbia to the Elizabeth Fry Society. At the same time, she’s sharing her expertise and knowledge across an array of organizations, she’s also focused on being a mom. “Family is first in my mind, but one of the important things I can do as a parent is set an example of how we can contribute to our community, help our neighbors, and find value in what we do.”

Submitted

Karen Girouard

& Jessica Thomas This mother/daughter duo provides professional bookkeeping and personal income tax services We take great pride in our work and always strive to provide excellent customer service. We believe in building strong relationships with our clients in order to provide them with quality financial information that they can use in making business decisions. Dynamic Accounting has been in business for over 25 years with 12 of those years in West Kelowna.

2710 Kyle Road West Kelowna, BC

3674 Old Okanagan Highway West Kelowna, BC

250-769-4877

778-754-1344

www.firstclassglass.ca

www.DynamicAcct.com

Mary Anthes Photography has been a part of my life since I was a teenager. After selling our medical diagnostic business in 1996, my husband and I moved to the Okanagan from Ontario and retired early. We then started travelling the world, taking photography courses and tours from professional photographers. We both became passionate about photography. While many people travel and get out in nature because they enjoy it, we do both because we enjoy photography. Last year, we saw an opportunity to share our love of photography. We purchased a Learn Photography Canada franchise for the Okanagan valley and started Learn Photography Kelowna. We teach courses in Penticton, West Kelowna, Kelowna, and Vernon. Our goal at Learn Photography Kelowna is to help people understand and feel comfortable with their camera, which we believe will spark a passion for photography (if it’s not already there). We believe everyone can take fantastic photos and learn to capture those special moments. We’re also confident you can have fun during the learning process. Our programs are unique. We teach in the field, not in a classroom. Classes are one day, not stretched over weeks. You don’t need to take notes, we provide them. You work with your camera virtually all day. Two instructors per class of a maximum of four participants means lots of one-on-one coaching. And to top it all off, lunch in a nice restaurant is included! Teaching classes in the Okanagan valley has been a real treat; we’ve become tourists in our own town and appreciate how beautiful it really is. It’s been gratifying for us to see participants discover their cities as well, visiting tourist icons, and photographing them in unique ways. Our greatest reward is watching participants become proficient with their cameras and excited about photography.

Email: kelowna@cameracourses.ca

250-868-7321 cameracourses.ca/kelowna

Page 16 • Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016

OBE: Building your business confidence early, very early Serving Kelowna & the Okanagan Valley for over 100 years

HEIDI TAYLOR ▼▼

Partner ▼▼▼

Family Law Corporate and Commercial Litigation Foreclosure and Builders Liens Estate and Employment Law Real Estate

ERIN CRAM

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Associate

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Family Law Corporate and Commercial Litigation Estate Litigation

AMANDA HAUGAN ▼▼▼

Associate Wills, Estates and Trusts Real Estate and Strata Law Corporate and Commercial Law

NANCY LING

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Wills, Trusts, Estates and Incapacity Planning Estate Administration Real Estate and Land Development

Corporate Transactions and Business Law

GILLIAN M. DOUGANS ▼▼ ▼▼▼

Lawyer & Mediator Personal Injury Employment Law Commercial Litigation Mediation Elder Law

For an initial appointment call 250.762.4222 or visit www.fhplawyers.com

By SARAH BAUER Special to the Daily Courier

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et me just come right out and say it: networking is terrifying. It demands an enormous amount of confidence in who you are and what you bring to the table. And as we all know, nobody (except maybe Rihanna), has this kind of confidence all the time. Especially at seven in the morning, which is when the Okanagan Business Excellence (OBE) referral group meets every Wednesday at the West Kelowna Yacht Club. Not surprisingly, the challenge turns people away. Who you are left with attending the networking organizations are often the most tenacious, disciplined and interesting business people of their community. Doesn’t that sound like who you want to be? Okanagan Business Excellence is the ultimate diving board into the unnerving pool of networking in West Kelowna. Membership is affordable (half the cost of an BNI annual membership), pretentiousness is null, and its mission is as focused on the economic prosperity and well-being of the community as it is for its members. The early-morning timing of the meeting is beneficial; members leave around 8:15 feeling fired up for the rest of the day, humming on Blenz coffee and the yacht club’s lakefront

sunrise view. Not to say this makes standing up and pitching to a room of upwards of 60 prominent businesspeople any easier, but it does give you lots of practice in a welcoming and inspiring environment. I say inspiring because of the people. People like Leah Thordasen of Curves in West Kelowna, who is also the championing organizer of Westside Daze. Thordasen brings radiance and grace to her involvement with the OBE, and has a particular knack for making new members feel welcome. And people like Robert Bruce of Rainbow Painting, who probably has a long list of things he’d rather do before public speaking, but gives it a good shot when called upon. Paul Hergott, Dave Manns, Desmond Dubroskay and Joe Maciel; these guys are inspiring because they started the group in 1999, along with alumni member Bob Knoblick, like a rebel crew of professionals seeking an alternative to more costly, commercialized networking organizations. More than 15 years later, OBE upholds a thriving membership and long-standing charity initiatives including its annual golf tournament, which funds a mortgage payment for the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank. Going for it, whether its starting a new business or non-profit, or just standing up to pitch your idea, takes guts, but somebody has to do it, or else none of us would move forward. You should do it. Come to an OBE meeting; guests are welcome every Wednesday at 7 a.m. at West Kelowna Yacht Club. Come for the support, for the learning and for the chance to push yourself to become the business person you know you can be. As women in business, we need to exercise that confidence muscle as much as possible, and make peace with the possibility of falling flat on our faces (it’s really, really unlikely you will). And yes, come for the referrals, too.

Sherri Paiement Sherri is the Executive Officer of the Canadian Home Builders Association of the Okanagan. This year Sherri organized the most successful Tommie Awards to date on January 30th, 2016 with just under 600 guests celebrating Building Excellence and a record number of entries. Throughout the year she works closely with the Residential Building and Development Industry along with Cities and municipalities, advocating on all three levels of government. Sherri works with the CHBA Provincial and National Offices receiving the honor of Executive Officer of the Year for 2013. Sherri has been working hard with the CHBA National office on the 2016 National Conference at the Delta Grand on May 4-6th, 2016 which will host 700 delegates of developers and builders from all over Canada. The vision and commitment of the Home Builder’s Association, is providing a strong and positive role for the housing industry and to support the business success of their members and provide professional, affordable, choice and quality for all Canadians. “I’m reminded everyday by our members; who work hard to build strong communities which is the backbone of the Okanagan and continues to move our City forward. They say home is where the heart is and our members put their heart into every home they build”.

Canadian Home Builders’ Association of the Okanagan

250.861.3988 www.chbaokanagan.ca

Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016 • Page 17

Communities can celebrate local businesses O

wning a business is the goal of many • Spread the word. Word-of-mouth advertising would-be entrepreneurs. Being your own is effective. A respected member of the commuboss has certain perks, including making nity who shares a good experience with a local your own hours and not having to report to anybusiness may propel others to patronize the busione but yourself. ness. Speak up when you feel a business owner But owning a business is a lot of work, espehas provided an exceptional level of service. cially for new business owners trying to get their Recommend a company to friends and neighbors. businesses off the ground. According to You also may want to review a business via onBloomberg, eight out of 10 entrepreneurs who line rating websites such as Yelp or Angie’s List. start businesses fail within 18 months of opening • Attend grand openings. Each community is their doors. The Small Business Association inunique, and often the vibe of a community is dedicates the numbers are not so dire, saying 30 perfined by the businesses that call that community cent of new businesses fail in the first two years home. Attend grand openings to show you are inof operation; 50 percent during the first five years; vested in the quality and vitality of your commuand 66 percent during the first 10. nity. When others see a business doing well, they Local businesses face an uphill battle to surmay be more inclined to shop there as well. vive, but there are many things residents can do • Apply for work. Another way to support a to support these valuable additions to their comlocal business is to work for one. Small local busimunities. nesses employ millions of people across the coun• Shop locally. Shopping locally not only sup- Small businesses benefit communities by boosting the local economy. try, and many foster great working environments. ports local businesses, but it also contributes to the In addition, small businesses are known for their local economy. Shopping locally keeps money in the community, which can benefit everyone. customer service, and employees often become experts in their products and services because of Shopping locally produces a trickle-down effect, as local businesses that are thriving may patron- the hands-on experience they gain while working for small businesses. ize other local businesses, and so on. This, in turn, helps grow other businesses in the community, Supporting and celebrating local businesses can instill a sense of community pride and benefit the making it a nicer place to live and work. local economy in a myriad of ways.

Simple ways to fight back against fatigued eyes yestrain affects people from all walks of life. Many professionals suffer eyestrain as a result of too many hours spent staring at computer screens. The same can be said for children, who might spend hours doing homework on their computers before hitting the couch for a few spirited rounds of video games. Whatever the cause of your eyestrain, it’s important that people recognize they are not defenseless against this common foe. But before you can combat eyestrain, it’s best to confirm that your vision troubles are the result of eyestrain and not something more serious. Eye doctors can provide such confirmation, but you can also be on the lookout for common symptoms of eyestrain.

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Professionals working at their desks, truck drivers spending long, uninterrupted hours on the road and students working on schoolwork can attest that time tends to fly once they get in a zone. While landing in that zone can lead to increased productivity, the Mayo Clinic notes that the following are some symptoms of eyestrain that can pop up when eyes are overused. • Sore, tired, burning, or itching eyes • Abnormally watery eyes • Abnormally dry eyes • Blurred or double vision • Headache • Increased sensitivity to light • Feeling that you cannot keep your eyes open

Symptoms of eyestrain Perhaps the most common side effect of eyestrain is how annoying it can feel.

How to address eyestrain If you remain uncertain about what is causing your vision troubles, consult your eye

doctor. If eyestrain is the culprit, then there are some ways to remedy your problems. • Adjust lighting. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that reducing glare from the screen can reduce symptoms of eyestrain. If necessary, use a screen filter when staring at a computer screen. When you will be spending long hours at a desk, the Mayo Clinic suggests lighting your work area with a shaded light positioned in front of you. Such an arrangement can prevent light from shining directly into your eyes. • Take frequent breaks. Another way to combat eyestrain is to take frequent breaks from whatever your eyes are focusing on. When sitting at your desk, look away from your monitor. The Mayo Clinic notes that Penny A. Pearson

Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury, Mediation & Arbitration

Jody K. Pihl

Wills and Estate Planning

Adjusting the lighting around their work areas is one way for women and men to reduce computer-related eyestrain.

looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes can provide the respite your eyes need. • Make yourself cry (artificially). Artifical tears are a proactive way to combat eyestrain. The AAO notes that artificial tears, which are over-the-counter products that can be found at many pharmacies, can refresh dry eyes. But artificial tears also can be used to prevent eyes from drying out. Even if your eyes feel normal, a few drops of artificial tears can keep them lubricated and prevent the onset of eyestrain. Speak with your eye doctor about which artificial tears to use, as all products are not the same and you may need to follow specific instructions depending on your eyes. Learn more about eyestrain at www.aao.org. Bree R. Hankins

Personal Injury, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law

Courtney M. MacRae

Corporate, Real Estate, and Wills & Estates Law

There’s a reason it’s called Lady Justice. www.pihl.ca

300 - 1465 Ellis St. Kelowna | 250.762.5434

Page 18 • Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016

Maintain your productivity when working from home

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elecommuting has grown more and more common over the last decade. Thanks in large part to advancements in technology that make it easier than ever before to connect remotely with coworkers, telecommuting is now something more and more companies are embracing. According to Global Workplace Analytics, a consulting and research firm that focuses on emerging workplace strategies, the total telework growth from 2011 to 2012, the most recent year for which statistics are available, was 3.8 percent. But those figures don’t tell the entire story, as the rise of telecommuters increased considerably since 2006, when the number of teleworkers grew by 26 percent over the year prior. Telecommuting can pay dividends for workers and businesses alike. Workers benefit from telecommuting in a variety of ways. Working parents find telecommuting drastically cuts back on or even eliminates childcare costs, saving them thousands of dollars per year. Working from home also saves workers’ vehicles from the everyday wear and tear of driving to and from work, potentially adding years to a vehicle’s life expectancy. Businesses also benefit from allowing employees to work remotely. Small businesses may need less office space if many of their employees work from home, saving them substantial amounts of money in rent. In addition, businesses who allow workers to telecommute may not need to spend as much on computers and other tools for their employees, as many telecommuters use their own personal computers when working from home. While telecommuting can benefit employee and employer, the success of such an arrangement depends largely on the employees who will be working from home. Men and women who work from home often find they have more freedom at home than they did when working in an office, and how they handle that freedom will go a long way toward determining how successful they are at telecommuting. The following are a handful of strategies telecommuters can employ

to ensure their work-from-home experiment is a productive success. • Stick to a schedule. Workers who still commute to work adhere to a schedule, and so should telecommuters. Sticking to a schedule will allow you to maintain the same level of productivity you aspired to when working in the office, and a schedule will ensure your personal life does not encroach on your professional life. • Let others know your schedule. Though you’re now working from home, your schedule likely has not changed. You may be able to sleep in a little later because you no longer have to commute, but your workday is likely still eight hours. Once you have established your schedule, let others in your household, whether it’s a spouse, your children or roommates, know when you will be working on a daily basis. This reduces the likelihood that your housemates will distract you or walk into your office while you’re on a video chat or conference call with colleagues or clients. • Ask for a work phone. Many companies who allow employees to telecommute will provide a phone for such workers. This phone is linked to the same network workers use in the office, and it’s a wholly separate line from your personal lines at home. It’s important that telecommuters keep a separate phone solely for work so their personal and professional messages do not get mixed up, which can make it more difficult for men and women to do their jobs. • Use the technology at your disposal. One of the ways technology has made it easier to work from home is by providing a number of ways workers can stay in constant and instant contact with their coworkers. But such technology is only useful if telecommuters make it work for them. Video conferencing allows telecommuters to conduct “face-to-face” meetings with coworkers, while instant messaging is a valuable tool to stay in touch with coworkers who you work with directly. Use these programs to your advantage, and you’ll notice you’re not only more productive but also still able to maintain a personal connection with your coworkers.

ENCOMPASS

Factors to consider when planning a home office As technology has made working remotely easier, more and more professionals are working from home. Working from home can help working parents save money on childcare costs and help all workers avoid rush hour traffic jams and the costs of commuting to and from the office. The right working environment is essential for men and women who work from home. An environment that’s conducive to work can help people increase their productivity and make their employers more likely to allow more employees to work from home. Professionals who are new to working from home may find it takes some time before they can create the perfect working environment, but the following are a few factors to consider when planning a home office. SPACE One of the disadvantages to working from home is that remote workers don’t have access to the same level of equipment as in the main office, such as color copiers or scanners. If you want to include even scaled-down versions of such equipment in your office, you will need ample space. In addition, less spacious home offices can feel too tight and enclosed, making workers uncomfortable and less enthusiastic about working every day. Pick a spot in your home that affords room for your equipment and the ability to move around so you don’t feel cramped throughout the workday. LIGHTING Lighting is another factor remote workers must consider when they’re planning their home offices.

Natural light can provide an energetic boost and improve your mood, so choose a room in your home that gets lots of sunlight during the day. Many professionals who work remotely do so from the basements of their homes, which can make it difficult to rely on natural light. If the basement is the only location in your home that can fit a home office, look for lighting sources that replicate daylight so you are not working in dark quarters. Speak with your physician about how to arrange lighting to reduce eyestrain caused by staring at a computer. CONNECTIVITY Connectivity also must be considered when planning a home office. While wireless Internet has made Internet dead zones less problematic, certain areas or rooms in your home may still be touch-and-go with regard to Internet connectivity. Such areas should be avoided when choosing a room for your home office, as it can be difficult to remain productive if your connection to your office’s external server is compromised. Find an area where wireless connection is always strong. DISTRACTIONS While your home might be empty for much of the day, you don’t want to be distracted when the kids come home from school or when your spouse or roommate arrives home from work. Avoid putting your home office too close to popular hangout areas in your home, such as the kitchen and the living room. Instead, choose a room where you have lots of privacy so you can focus on your work and won’t be routinely interrupted. Working from home can pay numerous dividends, but professionals who telework must put careful thought into the rooms or areas of their homes where they plan to work.

Benefits & HR Solutions Inc.

ENCOMPASS

Benefits & HR Solutions Inc. employs a team of service-oriented staff who specialize in the areas of: Employee Group Benefits Health and Wellness Initiatives Group Retirement Planning Human Resources Consulting Their extensive experience, education and knowledge help to support our clients. We value their significant contribution and dedication as we continue to maintain an industry leading 98% client satisfaction level. ENCOMPASS is an independent, full service benefits brokerage firm with over 30 years serving the Okanagan business community. Working closely with clients, they design and implement customized and cost-effective HR, employee benefits and group retirement savings plans. ENCOMPASS has relationships with all Canadian insurance carriers to find and negotiate the best insurance coverage and rates for clients. The entire team will help surround, cover and protect your employees for the benefit of your business.

Experience the benefits of ENCOMPASS!

ENCOMPASS

Benefits & HR Solutions Inc. 100 – 215 Lawrence Ave • Kelowna, BC • V1Y 5H2 P: (250) 763-6464 • www.encompassbenefits.com

We are pleased to introduce (from left to right): Lin Klick –Service Representative Corrie Omand – Employee Benefits & Pension Consultant Carol Lynn Spruce – Account Manager Kristy Winther – Senior Service Rep & Pension Specialist Cathleen Loge – Project Manager Elizabeth Croteau – Office Manager Carole Kormendy – Senior Service Representative Dianna Syrnyk – Senior Service Representative Megan Kitson –Service Representative Martina Heilmeier – Senior Service Representative (absent) Terri Eriksen – Employee Benefits, Pension & HR Consultant (absent)

Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016 • Page 19

Thriving on the independence of entrepreneurship When Style Boutique founder Senia Duceac immigrated to Canada, she brought her love of European fashion with her – and introduced Kelowna to the Old World’s high-quality luxury fashions. By MIKE STRAUS Special to the Daily Courier

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or over a decade, Senia Duceac has been selling a diverse array of fashions out of her boutique women’s clothing store on Bernard Avenue. And at Style Boutique, the name of the game is Europe. “I specialize mostly in high-quality European designers,” Duceac says. “I chose the European designers because I’m from Europe. I also have some Canadian designers, but I wanted to showcase some European Flair.” Duceac has been a passionate fashion enthusiast since her youth, but it wasn’t until 2004

that she made the leap into the fashion business full-time. The former accountant quickly learned the industry ropes and started bringing in the latest and greatest products, with lots of variety. “My goal is to bring in the latest styles of European clothing. Every season we get new colours and styles. We’re between seasons right now – we’re just clearing out the winter items (to make room for spring).” Duceac notes that being in business is highly demanding, and not everyone has what it takes to build a successful business. “You have to put a lot of time into it. From the outside it always looks easy, but you have

to be very dedicated to what you do.” Duceac says that although running a successful business is a struggle, the entrepreneur lifestyle is worth it. Her flexible schedule has allowed her to take up a variety of hobbies, including hiking, skiing, and cooking. And for Duceac, owning a business is a source of confidence. The most inspiring part of her business, she says, is keeping a steady base of satisfied customers. Plus, with some major plans in the works, Duceac is eager for spring to arrive. “I usually have two big fashion shows every

year – one in the spring and one in the fall. It’s a cancer fundraiser. We sell tickets here at the store, usually about 200 each year.” This year’s event is slated for May 15, 2016, at the Kelowna Golf & Country Club. Ticket prices are still being finalized, but tickets will be available for purchase at Style Boutique. Past events have included fun door prizes, refreshments, and well-known local guest speakers. All proceeds go to the Order of the Eastern Star, which supplies cancer dressings to patients across BC free of charge.

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Kelli has been a part of Kelowna Motors as a finance manager for two years. She enjoys helping people get into the vehicle they love, while providing affordable finance options. Being able to help people with challenging credit situations is also very rewarding to her.

Sheri has been on the sales team of Kelowna Motors for the past 16 years. Her compassion and understanding go a long way in this business and make it a fun and exciting experience while purchasing a new or used vehicle.

Come in and let Kelli and Sheri show you that car buying can be enjoyable!!

In this business we know what comes first … “YOU”!! So stop by and see why we make a difference at Kelowna Motors.

WE SELL MAZDAS... WHAT DO YOU DRIVE? *See dealer for details

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KELOWNA MOTORS 2560 Enterprise Way

EST. 1945

DL #5432

Page 20 • Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016

Helping women look and feel beautiful Sandra Rush, owner of Cameo Facials, says that her training as a massage therapist, aesthetician, and acupressure therapist allows her to give busy women a refreshed, youthful glow. By MIKE STRAUS Special to the Daily Courier

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hen Sandra Rush first became a certified massage therapist, her training took her to unexpected places. Namely, stables. Rush was educated as a certified massage therapist for horses, and later Sandra Rush transferred her skills over to humans when she discovered craniosacral acupressure.

This unique blend of modern science and Eastern tradition uses varying degrees of pressure to increase blood circulation, promote healing, and create relaxation not just in the problem area, but also in the whole body. “I started Cameo Facials & Therapeutic Massage because I wanted to incorporate more services into my business. I incorporate Chinese theory because I’ve worked for an acupuncture doctor for 15 years. Craniosacral acupressure and facials are my specialties. I now offer my signature craniosacral acupressure massage when you get a facial.” Rush also offers a unique Chinese cupping

Okanagan Skin Care Centre is a full-service skin care clinic. The Centre provides effective treatments and discreet, professional care in a safe and comfortable environment. It’s the only clinic in the Okanagan affiliated with Dr. Brian Peterson - Plastic Surgeon and the Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists. Our all-female team of dedicated Registered Nurses/Skin Care Specialists include: KELLY ROCKVAM, R.N./DIRECTOR I have been director of the Okanagan Skin Care Centre for over 17 years and I am still happily treating clients for skin conditions and anti-aging concerns. It has always been my pleasure to serve them. DENITA ANDERSON. R.N./NURSE COORDINATOR My goal is to empower my clients to feel and look their best. I believe I achieve this by recommending combination therapy utilizing all the products and services we offer. SANDY PORTER, R.N. The reason I love my job is because I love my clients. I enjoy them sharing their lives with me and in turn helping them with their skin concerns. KIMBERLY SAWATZKY, R.N. I’ve always felt that the most rewarding part of my job is when a client comes back to the clinic and says “I feel like a better version of myself from my treatments here!” I am fulfilled to know I’ve met their needs. ANNE JENSEN, R.N. My job is fulfilling as I witness how happy people are when they see improvement in their skin. By utilizing our various treatments and skin care products I assist in achieving their skin care goals

250.868.9290

www.okanaganskincare.ca

304-3320 Richter St. Kelowna, B.C. VlW 4V5

treatment to break up scar tissue, increase circulation, and pull muscles into more relaxed positions in ways that are difficult to achieve independently. Rush says that when she first started Cameo Facials, she struggled with getting the word out. Her specialized training and unique services aren’t easily explained in conventional advertising – which is why most of her clients come to her through word of mouth. “The trust has to be there first. A lot of women will come in for a massage first and then a facial. In this industry, if you’re going to touch someone’s face, they’d better trust you.” She notes that Cameo Facials’ mission is to help women feel and look amazing, and encourage them to take time for themselves – all while pampering them. “Sometimes, we get comfortable in life. I got stuck because I wanted to be able to give more, but I didn’t know how to take time out for me. Women today tell me they don’t give themselves the time and opportunity or pamper themselves, or they don’t feel like they deserve it – but if they take care of themselves, they can give more.” Rush says that the next evolution of Cameo Facials is coming in the near future, and will likely involve a variety of new services. She also plans to expand the business, and continue to offer her trademark monthly specials. “February is my facial with rosehip essential oils and aromatherapy special,” she says. “So women can get a great scalp, neck, and shoulder massage with rosehip essential oil, plus aromatherapy treatment, with their dermabrasion facial.”

Submitted

Tanya Bakala Tanya Bakala’s passion for dance is unmistakable. As a young girl, who immigrated with her parents from the former Czechoslovakia, Tanya Bakala was granted a bursary at the National Ballet School in Toronto. After dancing professionally in Europe she later furthered her dance training and career by studying to be a teacher, again returning to this most prestigious professional ballet school in Canada. She trained there with master teachers from around the world. She studied pedagogy, child psychology, anatomy for prevention of injuries, history of ballet, music, and choreography. Ms. Bakala was also fortunate enough to have a musical theater dance/singing career prior to retiring from a full time professional dance career and focusing on passing on her knowledge and expertise. As a child performer in Toronto at the National Ballet School she was honored to be able to share the stage with the great ballerinas Karen Kain and Veronika Tennant in The National Ballet of Canada’s version of the Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Also h havi hav aving ing th the he rare rare op oppor port por rtuni tu it of watching the great Rudolph Nureyev dance live (one of the most famous male tun tu having opportunity dancers in our history), the young aspiring ballerina Ms Bakala was affected by this great dancer for life! Now it is her passion to inspire all who cross her path to follow their dreams and believe in themselves. Presently Tanya Bakala is the director and founder of the Mission Dance Centre and Company. She now helps other students to realize their dreams at MDC with encouraging support and by providing scholarships when families need financial support. MDC has two distinct programs: one for the recreational and the other for those aspiring to become professional dancers. The recreational program includes classes for children as young as 3 and for adults as old as 73! She believes that the dream to dance is not only reserved for the young but for anyone at any age who wishes to experience the joy and passion for dance. She has recently created a high performance program and continues to teach many of those classes herself. She considers herself very blessed to have a highly qualified staff from the professional dance world. Mission Dance welcomes all students who have a passion and joy for dance. Although it is a huge bonus for Miss Bakala when students are successful enough to make it as professional dancers she’s most interested in the life journey of each student. She is excited to encourage students to follow their dreams, regardless of what they choose to pursue in life.

We have 2 convenient locations: In the Mission and Downtown

250-215-0203

missiondancecentre.com

Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016 • Page 21

At Your Fingertips

About Sandhill Winery...

L

ocated in the heart of downtown Kelowna, Sandhill Winery is a local treasure with a storied past. The original site of Calona Winery, est. 1932, the refurbished tasting room at 1125 Richter Street is a sleek and modern building with a focus on the beloved Master Winemaker, Howard Soon. Sandhill wines are centered around the concept of single vineyard winemaking: one distinct vineyard, one distinct wine experience. Sandhill single vineyard wines are made with grapes grown exclusively at one distinct vineyard. Each of the vineyards - Sandhill Estate, King Family, Phantom Creek, Vanessa Vineyard, Hidden Terrace and Osprey Ridge - has its own unique combination of geography, microclimate, and human touch. These influences harmonize to provide a truly distinct, one-of-a-kind wine experience in every glass. This commitment to purity of place is more difficult than blending. But it's worth it. We invite you to learn more about the vineyards and the distinct experience that is unique to Sandhill Single Vineyard Wines. Visit our connecting tasting rooms to see what we're currently pouring. Our daily wine tasting offerings include the largest portfolio of Sandhill wines, including our rare and difficult to find Small Lots collection.

Nails & Esthetics Salon Thank you to all supporting clientele for helping us in being such a successful salon since 2001. All esthetiscians and nail technicians are fully qualified which is important in this trade. We all love what we do and it definitely shows! Come in for our pedicure special that runs from the 1st-6th every month for $40. Also visit our website with FB & Instagram to keep up with other changing specials! Watch for grad specials. Thank you Jory Tetting for my awesome website. Avoid dissapointment and book your next appointment! 102-2000 Enterprise Way Kelowna, BC

250-762-6833 atyourfingertipskelowna.com

110 Years Representing the Okanagan Business Community and Encouraging Leadership by Women

Karen Hawes, Incoming Vice-Chair, BC Chamber of Commerce; Two-term Past president, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce www.kelownachamber.org for details about our Women’s Leadership Network, Pinnacle & Inspire Series

Tracey Boorman Tracey offers a seamless and positive experience. “The best part of my job is meeting new people and helping them through the stressful experience of moving” says real estate agent Tracey Boorman. “My goal is to make the whole process a seamless and positive experience.” “I love seeing the buyers walk into a house and feel like this is the house for them. Seeing that joy on their faces and helping them find their perfect home, is a big part of why I do what I do.” Included Boorman does is staging and photography to help prospective I l d d iin what h t B buyers visualize themselves in a seller’s home. “Your home is your haven and when we’re talking with sellers we’re not selling a home, we’re selling a house.” Boorman says. “One of the services I offer is access to a professional stager: someone who will help depersonalize the house so that other people can picture themselves living there. Believe it or not, when you’re selling a home, it makes a huge difference.” “Consulting is a huge part of what I do. It’s all about customer service. We’re there 24 hours a day.”

Caroline Grover, CEO, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce

Your Health... Your Way

THE

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Do you have “normal” test results, but s ll not feel you’re in “op mal” health? Dr. De Pieri offers a variety of tes ng op ons with conven onal and complimentary therapies for hormone balancing, thyroid and adrenal health.

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Page 22 • Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016

Game-changing research with world class tech L Jen Visona Jen’s 14+ Consignments Fashions and Accessories is an independent store owned and operated by Jen Visona since 2012. The store will be celebrating its 4th year Anniversary this coming May and our customers are growing in numbers because we love to empower them in making the right fashion decisions with their clothes and accessories. We enjoy providing you with excellent customer service that is our daily goal. We value your business and we offer our honest service to show you our appreciation for visiting us. Our store is a vibrant, bright, clean environment creating a warm, fun, friendly atmosphere for all who walk thru our doors. We hope to see you soon. Please join us on Facebook to keep up with our current news.

JEN’S 14+ CONSIGNMENT FASHIONS AND ACCESSORIES GALORE

130-1889 Springfield Road

778-484-5070 www.jens14plus.com

mentors along the way made it easier. “The advice I would give to someone starting out, is to be confident and not be afraid to stand up for yourself. I learned much too late in my career, from my leadership coach, Amy, that as you strive to always be better, be sure to draw from your strengths instead of focusing on your weakness.” As a mother of two young boys, Sill has sometimes struggled to maintain a work-life balance, especially as her job requires frequent travel and long days. Being away from her children is the hardest part. “It broke my heart once to hear my youngest refuse to talk to me on the phone since I had not been home the night before to cuddle with him.” Times for women in business have changed. While visiting her grandma, Sill woke her husband at 4 a.m. to help take care of their newborn. She was then scolded by her grandma who said “Your husband is a hard working man and provider. How dare you wake him. Your child is your responsibility.” For Sill, her role as a business woman means being respected and confident, and being able to contribute in a way that women were never able to before. “You can have a family and a career – you don’t have to make an either-or choice.” It helps to have an incredibly supportive husband at home, she adds. What Sill loves about her job is the diversity and constant challenges. She considers it a successful day if she’s either taught someone something or she learned something….or if her son is willing to talk to her on the phone when she’s away.

LIFE-CHANGING DEBT SOLUTIONS

Colleen Brown

“You have options. Let’s find the one that works best for you.”

Colleen is widely recognized as one of the Okanagan’s leading print professionals. With over 25 years experience in the industry, she is an invaluable asset to both Westkey and her clients. Westkey has had a presence in the valley for 30 years, offering full production and manufacturing at its Kelowna facility as well as other locations throughout BC and Alberta. This enables Colleen to provide quick turn-around at the highest quality on all facets of your print requirements. Whether it’s a short run of business cards, banners, signs, or a larger more complex print project, Colleen is the perfect fit to manage and handle all aspects of your print strategy.

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indsay Sill is a mother, competitive athlete, and the Executive Director of an organization that supports “super computers” located at universities from British Columbia to Manitoba and over 3,000 of Canada’s top researchers. Super computers is the old term, meaning any type of computing equipment bigger than a personal desktop computer, explains Sill. As the Executive Director of WestGrid, a regional partner of the national Compute Canada, Sill helps researchers use these computers to tackle big questions ranging from automobile crash testing to climate change modelling to drug design. One of the perks of Sill’s job is the ability to make a measurable difference and help improve the lives of Canadians. Some research is literally a gamble. “Last year we worked with a researcher who developed the first computer No-Limit Texas Hold’em program to beat a human player.” That poker research has important implications for Artificial Intelligence, notes Sill, with applications in national security and even diabetes research. “When things happen in a pattern, you can draw conclusions and try to predict what’s going to happen next. With a background in biology, I know how complex research can be. Knowing that I can help researchers save time or improve their ability to solve problems — that’s what I love about my job.” Sill started her career with WestGrid as a project coordinator. Getting to the top of the organization took hard work and sacrifice, but having

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Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016 • Page 23

Store owners celebrating 40 years in business Fashion Foundations owners Margaret and Susan Wort credit their business’ success to great staff, advanced knowledge, and an emphasis on service. By MIKE STRAUS Special to the Daily Courier

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Left: Margaret Wort. Right: Susan Wort.

hen Margaret Wort started Fashion Foundations 40 years ago, her goal was to create a lingerie shop that combines quality, hard-to-find products with expert knowledge.

“When I first started this business, I went door to door selling bras. My mentor’s advice was ‘telephone, telegraph, tell a woman’, and I’ve been telling women for 40 years.” Wort says that the key to her success was in starting off small. She bought inventory as she needed it, and she paid all of her business expenses out of her profits – she never took on debt to sustain her business. Later, Margaret’s daughter Susan joined the family business, and they diversified Fashion Foundations’ offerings – a trend that continues to this day. “Size and style selections are improving,” says Susan. “There are bras in a 28 back now. That was unheard of several years ago.” Fashion Foundations also offers post-mastectomy lingerie and swimwear, as well as three staff members who are certified mastectomy patient fitters. “There’s too much misinformation out there,” Margaret says. “There’s a product out there that’s designed to be a prosthetic. It’s free, but it doesn’t balance the weight.” That’s why Margaret and Susan work hard to provide women with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Susan notes:“Informing women about the benefits available through PharmaCare is a challenge. I had one woman come in with a thousand dollars in cash that she had saved for her first post-mastectomy fitting. But the total cost to her was just $25 after PharmaCare benefits. Also, some people think that the mastectomy inserts are too heavy or fall out – but that’s a sign that the bra doesn’t fit right. You’re supposed to fit the woman first and then the prosthetics.” The mother-daughter team loves turning the garment-shopping experience into a fun trip. “I was at the dentist recently, and she said her mother was afraid to come in to the store because she’d just had a double mastectomy,” says Margaret. “But when she left the store, she was so happy. That’s satisfying.” Margaret says that for her, being a woman in business means being disciplined. “The opportunities are unlimited now, but you need to give up a lot of your personal life. You work before you play. The finances aren’t always there at the beginning. Grow slowly and wisely.”

Deanna Stone Deanna moved to Kelowna in 2008 to start her career in law after completing her Bachelor of Law degree at the University of Alberta. Deanna focused her practice in the areas of Estate Planning, Real Estate, and Business Law. She enjoys establishing personal connections with her clients and assisting them with big life moments including buying and selling their homes, starting new businesses or growing existing ones. Deanna’s practice also includes employment law, strata property law and First Nations land transactions. Deanna is actively involved in the community as a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Okanagan, Ringette Canada, the Kelowna Apple Triathlon, and the Kelowna Bar Association. When not at work, she enjoys spending her winter weekends up at Big White. In the summer she can be found on the biking trails or on the lake soaking up the beautiful Okanagan sunshine.

510-1708 Dolphin Ave. Kelowna, BC V1Y 9S4

T: 250-980-3362 F: 250-868-9011 The Daily Courier has been dedicated to helping businesses grow for more than 110 years. Being responsible for the delivery of over 71,000 papers valleywide is a promise we literally “deliver”. Circulation Manager, Stephanie Goodban and District Manager, Rachel Carleton, along with their dedicated team, pride themselves on identifying clients’ needs, finding solutions, hiring new carriers and making sure that customers receive top level customer service, along with their daily newspaper. Being a carrier can bring you some extra income, regular exercise and all the benefits fresh air has to offer.

Join our Carrier Force or Subscribe Today!! Call (250) 763-4000 Email: csr@ok.bc.ca

Valley Newspaper Group

Page 24 • Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016

Healthy habits to combat stress S

tress has an immediate and potentially long-term effect on the human body. Though it’s a natural response to both good and bad experiences, stress, when chronic, can produce a host of negative consequences that greatly diminish one’s quality of life. Combatting stress can sometimes be difficult, as the causes of stress are never too far away for many adults. In its 2015 “Stress in AmericaTM: Paying With Our Health” survey, the American Psychological Association found that money is the top cause of stress for Americans. The survey was conducted on behalf of the APA by Harris Poll, which asked more than 3,000 participants about their issues with stress. Sixty-four percent said money was a somewhat or very significant source of stress,

and that number was even higher for parents (77 percent). Survey respondents also noted that work is a significant source of stress. Few adults can imagine a life that does not include financial- or work-related stress. But there are ways to combat stress that can benefit people’s long-term health and improve their present-day quality of life. • Develop a support network. Speaking about problems with trusted friends and family members can be an effective way to combat stress. The APA study found that participants who reported having an emotional support network reported lower stress levels than those who had no such networks to rely on. Try to overcome any reticence you might have about speaking about your stress to a close friend or trusted relative on those days when stress seems over-

Photo by Metro Creative Connection

Daily exercise is an effective way to combat stress.

Meet Elaina Kohlhauser, Production Manager. With over 20 years in the newspaper business Elaina brought a broad range of experience when she joined the Daily Courier team. With a variety of skills it can be said that Elaina can just about do it all. Starting out as a graphic designer Elaina quickly established that she was no “one trick pony”. Her understanding of the technology and diversity of equipment that goes into creating a daily newspaper allowed her to rise to her current position and return to the valley she called home for most of her life. While she manages the day to day printing all of our publications as well as our commercial press division she continues to impress with her ability to do whatever needs to be done.

Valley Newspaper Group

whelming. • Get more exercise. Routine exercise is another healthy way to combat stress. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, studies have shown that exercise can reduce fatigue, improve alertness and concentration and enhance overall cognitive function. Those are considerable benefits to people dealing with elevated levels of stress, which can contribute to both physical and mental fatigue and negatively impact one’s ability to concentrate. Studies also have shown that regular exercise can decrease tension, which tends to increase as stress levels rise, and elevate and help to stabilize mood, which often decreases as stress levels increase. • Don’t lean on alcohol after stressful days. Many people respond to stressful days by consuming alcohol. While alcohol helps some people forget a stressful day, it also produces psychological and physiological side effects that can compound the effects of the very stress drinkers are looking to relieve. People who drink to alleviate stress may only be doing more harm with each drink, so find a way to cope with stress that has a more positive impact on both your body and mind than that produced by alcohol. • Breathe deeply. The American Institute of Stress notes that focused breathing is a relaxation response that stimulates the nervous system and promotes a sense of calmness. Deep breathing can combat stress, lower blood pressure and draw your attention away from those things that are causing your stress. Visit www.stress.org to learn about deep breathing exercises. Stress if a fact of life for many people. But while stress may be inevitable, it can be overcome.

Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016 • Page 25

Job hunting tips for young women Young women preparing to enter the workforce may discover a job market that’s difficult to crack. Getting a foot in the door in your desired field is not always easy, but young women looking to land that first job out of college can consider the following tips to help them take that all-important first step toward a rewarding career. • Decide on a path. Blindly searching for work or any old job is a recipe for an aimless search that likely won’t land you a job you enjoy. Choose what it is that you want to do and who you hope to do it for, and then you can proceed with a more refined search that does not include you spending time pursuing positions you don’t want. • Don’t be afraid to seek advice. Once you determine some companies you may want to work for, don’t be afraid to seek advice from people who already work for those companies. Even if

such businesses don’t have any current openings, you might be able to schedule informational meetings. Treat such meetings like you would a job interview, asking questions about the industry and what you can do to get your foot in the door. Once such meetings have concluded, send a handwritten thank-you note to the person who took time out of their day to give you the informational meeting. • Learn from each job interview. Many people, especially young people just starting out, go through many job interviews before finally landing a job. Each interview is not just an opportunity to land a job or hone your interviewing skills, but also a chance to learn what employers are looking for. Many interviews for entry-level jobs are similar regardless of the industry, so make note of your responses that went over well and those that might need a little more work. • Be prepared to explain why you should be hired. Job seekers should be able to explain both their enthusiasm for the job and why they are right for that job. Keep your description of your capabilities concise, but don’t be afraid to confidently state why you are the best possible candidate. • Look for volunteering opportunities. After you have targeted a field you want to work in, you may find that there are few paying opportunities within that field. But you might be able to volunteer or even pursue an internship if you only recently graduated from college. Volunteering or accepting an unpaid internship is a great way to start making some contacts and gaining some legitimate experience, and working for free might just indicate to prospective employers that you are serious about pursuing a particular career and not just landing a job. Young women may be met with a difficult job market upon graduating from college. But there are ways to make job hunts easier and land the job of your dreams.

Meet Dawn Storey… In 2015, Dawn oversaw and directed the management of over 38 million flyers! Her experience and attention to detail contributes greatly to fulfilling our company promises to our flyer clients. One of our keys to success is ensuring that our editorial, advertising and flyers make it to the doorsteps of our readers. We take pride in our FDSA accreditation as well as our dedicated and loyal employees like Dawn who work hard every day to literally “deliver” on our promises.

Valley Newspaper Group

Kelowna Toyota will be celebrating 46 years in business this April! The staff at Kelowna Toyota, many whom have been coming to work for decades, know our product well and have aligned themselves with the Toyota attitude of “Make Things Better”. This philosophy is evident in all aspects of the dealership, from sales and leasing, to service and customer care The success of Kelowna Toyota is in part the dedicated staff who are consistently providing knowledgeable and quality service. They are all here to make your experience at kelowna Toyota as enjoyable and stress free as possible. From LEFT to RIGHT: tor) • Debbie (Service Advisor) ase and Sales Co-ordina ) • Cary (Service Advisor) (Le y dre Au • ) ing tail Rachael (De • Casey (Service Advisor Accounts Receivable) e) abl Pay nts cou (Ac Sandy • LaDonna (Receptionist/rk/Appointment Co-ordinator) ) isor Adv t duc (Pro Shayna • Shanna (Warranty Cle or) trat inis Adm g ntin tionist) Chelsea (Accou Missing: Rachel (Recep

We would like to extend a huge “Thank You” to you, our customers, for your continued support over our 46 years in Kelowna. Our customers make our growth possible.

KELOWNA TOYOTA .COM COMMUNITY DRIVEN

1200 Leathead Road 250•491•2475 www.kelownatoyota.com

Page 26 • Focus on Business Women of the Okanagan 2016

Finding success in work-life balance Dr. Mandy Wong of the Restore Vein & Skin Centre provides patients with confidence, proven medicine, and – most importantly – empathy.

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or Dr. Mandy Wong, results and expertise aren’t just buzzwords – they’re the foundational values on which she’s built a thriving business. “I’ve been doing this for 15 years. (I decided to open my own clinic because) I want to make sure everything we do is something we’re experts in. We get bombarded by salespeople who want us to buy their technology. If you don’t do your research, you might buy something that doesn’t work.” Dr. Wong feels a strong connection to her patient base, given that she fits into the demographic she aims to treat.

“I’m 48, and although I see what my skin is doing, I feel young at heart. Most women feel young at heart, but don’t always look the way they feel. I help women look the best they can for their age.” She notes that being in business requires integrity, particularly when one offers various kinds of services that can come into conflict, such as medical and aesthetic procedures. “You have to draw a very clear line between the two worlds. In business, your integrity is the most important thing. If you do what’s best for your patients, the financial rewards will come later.” And although running a vein and skin treatment centre no doubt comes with a heavy workload, Dr. Wong is proof that women can succeed in business and still have a personal life – or perhaps even that the latter is a necessary condition for the former.

Lia Lipkovits Once again, another year has gone by. I hope your year was filled with happiness, health and prosperity. Many of you may have purchased a new or pre-owned vehicle last year. Did you check out a Mitsubishi? If you had I’m sure you have purchased one. Mitsubishi is a Japanese brand that is affordable, reliable and dependable. This is why they are the only manufacturer (in the world) that offers a 10 year/160,000 km Powertrain warranty. In today’s economy every dollar counts. If you are looking for a vehicle that gives you the best bang for your buck, then look no further. I would like to invite you to come in to Valley Mitsubishi, ask for Lia and allow me to show you the new 2016 Outlander AWC. Perhaps you would like to check out the new look on the 2016 RVR (our smallest SUV)? Did you know that the Lancer also comes in an All Wheel Drive? If you are looking for a compact car that has amazing fuel economy, I would encourage you to test drive the 2017 Mirage. The Mirage now comes in a sedan (body style) as well as the ever popular hatchback. A Mitsubishi is easy to maintain and fun to drive. Try one for yourself. I did and I bought one. I love my car. I would like to thank all my precious clients for another successful year and look forward to meeting you in the near future.

“I have a million hobbies. I enjoy gardening. I knit, I sew, and I love to cook. But the number one thing I love to do is learn. I’m always going to conferences and seminars.” Dr. Wong’s passion for learning also manifests in a passion for sharing knowledge, and to that end, she’s planning the next evolution of Restore. “We have a beautiful website – I’m going to be posting videos and a blog up there to educate my audience. We’re also opening our surgical suite, and we’ll be able to treat cataracts and varicose veins without surgical stripping.”

But at Restore, the new technology is just a means to an end – giving patients safe, proven, satisfying results. Says Dr. Wong: “A good day is when a patient tells me they’re happy.”

Leanne Mattar Letaya Salon manager Leanne Mattar has been a hairdresser for over 10 years. Her talent has taken her from small town St. Albert, Alberta, throughout Canada from Toronto, to Vancouver, and now to Kelowna. Her hair journey starts in St. Albert, Alberta where she apprenticed at her family’s hair salon. From there she spread her wings and started expanding her knowledge by working in the trendiest salons in Edmonton, and by 2009 Leanne found herself working at high end Yaletown Vancouver salons where she had the honor of working on various Canadian celebrities and Olympic athletes. There was only one more big city Leanne felt she needed to learn from, and decided to the journey to North York, Toronto, where she expanded her knowledge even further. “Learning and growing is the biggest part of being a successful hair stylist” says Mattar about her growth and experiences. That proved true when she traveled all the way to Mexico to attend high profile Destination Education training from celebrity stylists and teachers. Leanne came to Kelowna to share her hair information with her clientele. She is humbled to be back with her family, and has big plans for the future in Kelowna in the Hair and Beauty Industry. You can follow some of her latest work on Instagram at: letayasalon_by_leanne Or follow us on Facebook at: Letaya Salon.

103-330 Hwy. 33 Kelowna, BC

250-765-7400 Meet Krista Frasz, Director of Advertising and Catherine Kennedy, Advertising Manager of Special Projects. Together, they bring over 30 years of newspaper experience to the advertising management team. With continued passion for print they work with and alongside a dedicated sales team to ensure your advertising dollar continues to bring results. With multiple print and online solutions, the sales team at the Kelowna Daily Courier will continue to infuse your advertising message with fresh new ideas and targeted placement on the back of a reliable product that has been serving this community for over 110 years. Call today, we’d love to help!

Catherine Kennedy 250.470.0785

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