Miss Petite Nova Scotia
Victoria Weir’s New Year’s Wish For The Girls!
STEP IT UP for 2013! Increase Your Profit Line Forget Your Waist Line
Issue 3 January 2013
SCOTIA-WHAT?
ahn-truh-pruh-nur, -noor; Fr. ahn-truh-pruh-nœr) A person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.
(scoh-shah-pruh-nur) A Nova Scotian entrepreneur.
Š Scotia Preneur Publications 2013 www.scotiapreneur.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/scotiapreneurmagazine 1
CONTENTS
#SCOTIAPRENEUR
What’s Inside? Our Cover Girl 3
Independent Online Magazine scotiapreneurs@gmail.com Dartmouth Nova Scotia B2Y 3M6 Canada
W Whha att’’ss H Ha ap pp pe enniinng gN No ow w??
Editorial
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Interviews! 5
Nicole Davis
O OO OPPSS!! II SStta arrtte ed da a BBiizz
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Step it up for 2013! 13
scotiapreneurs@gmail.com
It’s JANUARY!
Number of Small Businesses by Maritime Province
Welcome 2013!
NS 29,966
NB 25,421
NFLD 17,028
Apply Yourself and Conquer 2013 Singing, Sewing & Strutting our Stuff
PEI 5,889
Fierce females working the business! 2
DULY NOTED
Dear Ladies, I would like to wish you all the best in 2013. I challenge you all this year along with any resolutions you have made, to embrace your inner beauty. Step out of your comfort zone and try something you've always wanted to do. As women we often struggle to step out of that comfort zone, typically because we are told that we won’t be good enough, and that designer labels will make us beautiful. True inner beauty, Confidence, grace, love and passion are the most beautiful accessories you can wear and they can't be purchased in a store.
others. I was told before that a beautiful heart will always touch more lives than just a pretty face. This year you can be the inspiration and empower not only yourself, but others around you. Just take a chance, keep true to yourself, and follow your dreams - We are made with a passion in our hearts for the things we are meant to do. Best wishes,
Victoria Weir Miss Petite Nova Scotia 2012-2013
I challenge you to smile more and spread joy to 3
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
JANUARY! So, we got to enjoy another Christmas before embracing the New Year! Several small towns in different parts of the world had to deal with heartbreaking tragedies of which no words can heal; certainly not during the holidays. In honor of this, #Scotiapreneur is sending well wishes to all those affected. Also, reminding those of us who had a Merry Christmas to appreciate every second.
Resolutions – Smesolutions!!!!! LOSE WEIGHT!
PAY OFF CREDIT CARDS!
FIX RELATIONSHIP!
STOP DRINKING SO MUCH COFFEE!
QUIT SMOKING!
SEE PAGE 13 4
INTERVIEWS
was back in Jr. High. I have come such a long way since then.
Singing since a child, Kirsten Olivia first made her voice known in church. Now she performs live for a bevy of events and agencies. This talented songstress from East Preston, Nova Scotia, is currently studying Music Arts in NSCC, and releases her first EP in 2013.
If you could offer inspiring musicians only one piece of advice, what would it be? Never live your life with “what ifs” and never drop anything you love for anyone, even if you love them too.
How has our government (provincial) supported your venture?
What would you be doing right now if you weren’t here? I can’t imagine doing anything but music.
I recently applied for the emerging music business grant to finish recording my soon to be released EP. I haven’t heard back from them yet, but this is the first grant that I have applied for. I’m really grateful that Nova Scotia offers such programs.
What does a day-inthe-life of your band, consist of? Well, I’m a student so a day in my life consists of either going to school or working on something for school. Since I’m in school for music I’m always doing what I love. Either, writing, rehearsing, or creating music in some way.
How have the Nova Scotian people supported your venture? My friends, family and community are very supportive of me and my singing. They often encourage me and allow me to perform at their events. My teachers are also very supportive. Jeff Goodspeed, allows me to perform with him and its Los Primos project and also gets me to work with him as an assistant while he coordinates the Preston Primos a youth band
What’s the biggest thing you struggle within the music industry here? Biggest surprise? I believe that our struggles are often within ourselves. I always struggled with being too timid or shy and had to break away from this by forcing myself to get out there and do what I love; auditioning for plays/musicals. This
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INTERVIEWS
in North Preston, NS. I recently sang backup vocals for my vocal coach, Erin Costello’s most recent album “We can get over” and often sing back-up for her at her live shows.
Which song(s) are you most proud of, or means the most to you? My recently released single “Mr. Opinionated”, produced by Halifax based St Lucian producer Yogidaproducer. It’s a huge accomplishment for me because I’ve been writing for a while but haven’t officially released my originals online before this one.
Would you leave Nova Scotia to help the success of your careers? Yes I would. Nova Scotia is a great place to start your career because it’s so supportive of the arts, but I’d love to pursue my career abroad.
How has being female helped or hindered your progress in the music industry? It did neither. Just trying to be a person with integrity; that’s what gets anyone respect.
How have your motivations changed since you first started singing professionally?
What do you sing in the shower?
Being in school and taking a music business courses that NSCC offers, I understand that there are so many different avenues in the industry that I can pursue besides “singing”. I am also a songwriter and getting into writing for other artists.
Normally, whatever song I heard last. [] CChheecckk oouutt K Kiirrsstteenn’’ss nneew w ssiinnggllee ““M Mrr.. OOppiinniioonnaatteedd””
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OOPS!
“Created my first online store. Offered my products for $30.00 a unit. I read that if you offered a discount for larger orders customers would be enticed. So, for orders over 10 units, I offered each unit at $25.00. And boy did it work! I sold out of my stock in one day! Problem, I had forgotten a zero and sold all my units at $2.50 each. Total fail, major headache.”
“Here is my advice to inspiring entrepreneurs. DON’T DO IT. Go to school, work for the government, or get your rich parents to set you up. Don’t have rich parents? Well, guess you are screwed like me. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
OOPS! I started a business! RRe ea all liiffe e sstta arrtt uup pm miisstta akke ess a annd dm miisshha ap pss sshha arre ed da anno onnyym mo ouussllyy.. “Note to self: The packaging looks really nice and our logo is awesome. But, I doubt people will buy something that doesn’t have the PRODUCT NAME ON THE BOX!”
“Do people laugh at everyone when they say they’re entrepreneurs? Or is it just me?”
“I have no idea what I am doing. I want to burn my books and change my name. I suck at business, especially my own.”
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THE SILVER SPIRAL
4459 County, Main Street, Weymouth Digby NS B0W 3T0 Ph: 902-837-4100 Fax:B0W 902-837-4115 Digby County, NS 3T0 Find on Facebook! Fax: 902-837-4115 Ph: us 902-837-4100 Find us on Facebook! LLe ett uuss H He ellp p YYo ouu o onn YYo ouurr JJo ouurrnne eyy tto o TTo otta all W We elllnne essss O Off M Miinnd d,, BBo od dyy,, a annd d SSp piirriitt!! W We ea arre e SSo ouutthhw we esstt N No ovva a SSc co ottiia a’’ss O ON NLLYY rre esso ouurrc ce eo offffe erriinng g BBiio o--PPuullssa arr RRe efflle exxo og grra ap phh C Chha akkrra a& &A Auurra aA Anna allyyssiiss!! C Co onnssuulltt o onne eo off o ouurr kknno ow wlle ed dg ge ea ab blle ea annd de exxp pe erriie ennc ce ed dp prra ac cttiittiio onne errss tto od da ayy!!
SStta arrtt 22001133 O Offff RRiig ghhtt W Wiitthh O Ouurr :: --H He ea alltthh C Co oa ac chhiinng g --SSp piirriittuua all RRe ea ad diinng gss --RRe eiikkii,, C Crryysstta all RRe eiikkii,, TThhe erra ap pe euuttiic c TTo ouuc chh --G Guuiid de ed d IIm ma ag ge erryy & &M Me ed diitta attiio onn --A Ac cuup puunnc cttuurre e,, M Me erriid diia ann TTa ap pp piinng g --SSo ouunnd d TThhe erra ap pyy,, C Crryysstta all TThhe erra ap pyy,, C Chhrro om ma alliivve eC Co ollo ouurr & & LLiig ghhtt TThhe erra ap pyy --IIo onniic c FFo oo ott D De etto oxxiiffiic ca attiio onn TThhe erra ap pyy --A Alllle errg gyy ((M Muussc clle e RRe essp po onnsse e)) TTe essttiinng g& & EElliim miinna attiio onn C Co om me e iinn a annd dC Chhe ec ckk O Ouutt O Ouurr G Giifftt SShho op p!! 8
INTERVIEWS
and an Independent Arbonne Consultant. Last but not least, I’m a free-lance makeup artist. I’m a busy lady!
What’s the most exciting thing about your field? Completely changing someone’s appearance and making them feel beautiful. I enjoy working my creativity with the different styles of makeup.
Bryana Doyscher, a 27 year old Makeup Artist from Dartmouth, studied at Concepts School of Cosmetology. When she isn’t working private events, she is painting the faces of models for fashion shows.
Do you feel free lance work is growing in Nova Scotia?
What made you want to get into cosmetics?
Absolutely! I have come across many freeI’ve always had a love for makeup. The lance businesses. There’s a lot of free-lance colors and creativity lured me in at a young in the fashion industry such as age. I absolutely adore the photographers, models, “I get to choose the work fashion industry and always MUA’s, hairdressers, etc. that I want and what best wanted to get involved so I Many free-lance workers suits my portfolio and decided to go with what I do tend to have a full-time job best, makeup! experience.” and do free-lance as a side job or hobbie.
Is free lance work preferable? Or are you looking into a contract?
How have the Nova Scotian people supported your venture?
I prefer free-lance as it is more flexible and more convenient to my schedule. I get to choose the work that I want and what best suits my portfolio and experience.
I get a lot of support from my friends, family, co-workers and all the people I have had the pleasure to work with in the fashion industry. I am very grateful to have so many supportive people in my life..
What do you typically tell people when they ask you what you do?
What are your aspirations in this business?
It’s quite the list! I have a full-time job as the Events/Catering Manager at The Red Stag Tavern, where I also serve and bartend. I’m also a makeup artist for Stila Cosmetics
To keep moving up. I want to get involved with as many events as I can in Halifax and start collaborating in bigger cities such as 9
INTERVIEWS
Model: Manon, Erin Woodgate Photography
Montreal, Toronto, New York and Hollywood.
If Hollywood called tomorrow and offered you employment, would you leave NS? It depends on the job offer. I would definitely travel to Hollywood for work. As far as leaving Nova Scotia, I would need an offer that is too good to resist in order to leave home.
What is your favorite style of make up?
My favorite style of makeup is vintage pinup. I love the Betty and Marilyn look.
Pretty much any celebrity would be a dream come true. The list could go on forever. Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj are on the top of my list. They are todays makeup icons and I love their makeup image.
Who is your inspiration? Taryn Manning. She’s a singer, songwriter, actress, DJ, and clothes designer in LA. She has been my mentor for over a decade. I love her hard work and determination to succeed.
If a girl could only have ONE cosmetic item, what should she have? Mascara!! It’s so simply but has huge results.
Do you have a wish list of people to work with?
http://www.facebook.com/bryanadoyschermua 10
INTERVIEWS
Jamie Walters is the creator of “Rawr is I♥U in Monster”; adorable sock creatures made with upcycled materials and fun bobbles. Popular and high in demand Jayme’s sewing up a storm! What lead you to start your own business? I’m a graphic designer during the day, although it is creative occupation there can be some limitations and boundaries. Working on my monsters is a creative outlet to just have fun without any limitations. How did you think of making these adorable little monsters? About 5 years ago I was given a book on sock monsters. I loved creating the ones in the book so much, I decided I wanted to start executing my own designs. They just seem to keep evolving over the years. How have your motivations changed since you first started? When I first started it was completely a hobby and just something creative to do on the weekend. Eventually friends starting seeing them, and the word spread around, I started becoming very busy with orders. Over the last year or so now I’ve decided to take my creature making more serious and registered my own business. It’s been an extremely busy year and I’ve been so happy with the results.
Of all your creations, which is your favorite? I recently completed a monster for a Fundraising event last month with all proceeds going to Movember Canada. She is a Mo-Sista! And has her very own moustache on a stick. Haha. She still is a super favourite right now. I miss her already. What has been your biggest surprise? My biggest surprise has just been the overwhelming amount of support and kind words I hear from people all over the world. It’s just so nice to meet all of these new people and hear how much they actually enjoy my little creations. I truly appreciate it.
When you begin a project, where do you start? Honestly, it’s the total opposite of where I would begin if I was to start a design job. I grab some socks, scissors and just jump right in. I very rarely will do a sketch. 11
INTERVIEWS
What are you planning to do next? I have tons of new ideas for 2013. I’ve had them in my pocket for the last year and cannot wait to get started on them! [] www.rawrcreatures.com www.facebook.com/pcwmonsters www.etsy.com/shop/rawrisiloveyou
What has been the biggest struggle with your work here in Nova Scotia? Not sure I”ve encountered and struggles as of yet, enjoying my time spent on RAWR. How have the Nova Scotian people supported your venture? Local support has been amazing. There are a lot of RAWR Creatures out there living with their Nova Scotian Creature Caretakers. Do you have a lot of close knit support? Any haters? Tons of support! Haven’t encountered a hater, just been a fantastic amount of support. Would you leave Nova Scotia to help the success of your business? No. 12
STEPPING UP 2013
IITT’’SS A AN NEEW W YYEEA ARR!! LLe ett’’ss c ce elle eb brra atte eb byy d drro op pp piinng ga allll tthhe e BB**llllss@ @**tt rre esso olluuttiio onnss a annd d b byy d do oiinng g tthhiinng gss tthha att a ac cttuua alllyy m ma akke e sse ennsse e… … I’m going to diet and get skinny!
Actually, you’re going to starve yourself for two days, then binge on leftover Holiday chocolates and hate yourself. I think what you mean is, you’re going to stop drinking coffee, accumulate major headaches from caffeine withdraw, fall asleep at work, snap at your spouse, and end up fired and in the doghouse. Only to run holes in your sneakers to get to Tim Hortons asap.
I’m going to stop drinking so much coffee so I can sleep better and be more productive!
Let’s step it up for 2013!! 1) Stop counting calories and start counting your money!! Finances are the number one cause of stress for most people. Stress is the number one cause of over eating and weight gain. Get your money in check and your body will follow.
&
2) Rather than abstaining from something in your life, try adding something positive to your life instead. Focusing on your new activity will give you less time for the one you want to give up. 13
INTERVIEWS
Meet Nova Scotia’s Miss Petite, Victoria Weir – and our cover girl! At only 21 years old, this 5’1 brunette beauty is challenging the misconceptions of society’s view on beauty and its pressures on women. “I’m on my final year of my Bachelor of Arts program at Acadia, where I am majoring in Sociology and minoring in Women Gender Studies. I’ve learned so much about feminism… I’ve become passionate about it. And, with my experience in pageants and modeling, it’s something I am not afraid to speak out on.” Victoria made public some photos of herself in a red bathing suit that were part of a pageant’s competition, and caused quite a stir. Her reaction
and purpose was nothing less than role model behaviour.
©Miss Canada Globe Productions 2012
“I want to clear the water! Feminism is about equal rights, not women who don’t like men. Women shouldn’t be judged by their clothing, or lack of! We should be proud of our bodies, regardless of shape or size, and not have to fear rape, judgment, or ridicule.” And that is why she is our cover girl! [] 14
COVER PROPS
A BIG shout out going to the fantastic team who worked on our cover this month!
Tyler Simmonds, Photographer Bryana Doyscher MUA & Model, Victoria Weir
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SHOP LOCAL | CREDITS
♥A big
thank you
goes out to the
following people and organizations that provided stories, interviews, photos, and their time to this publication.
Miss Petite Nova Scotia Victoria Weir Kirsten Olivia Bryana Doyscher Jayme Walters RAWR is I♥U in Monster Jane Shaw The Silver Spiral Tyler Simmonds Photography
If you are near Weymouth, check out
The Silver Spiral – a Mystical Arts & Spiritual Healing Centre. Like them on Facebook!
You can hear Kirsten’s amazing vocal talents in her new single Mr. Opinionated here. Like her on Facebook!
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ŠScotia Preneur Publications 2013 17