Women in Business Kelowna 2011 by Kelowna CapitalNews

19th ANNUAL

SALUTE TO

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Women

Business

2011

N.C. Derriksan and Son Enterprises Extending appreciation and a heartfelt thank you to our favourite business women featured. N.C. Derriksan and Son would like to salute all the business women of the Okanagan.

Sarah Vestner SARAH VESTNER, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO GRAND CHIEF NOLL C. DERRIKSAN AT N.C. DERRIKSAN AND SON ENTERPRISES. Sarah brings to this position over 30 years of experience in the field of land and property development, specializing in development application processes, by-law interpretation and enforcement.

Sherri Chapman SHERRI CHAPMAN IS THE OWNER OF PLATINUM PERSONNEL. As a long time Kelowna resident (30+ years), during which she has been witness to the vast changes and growth in the Okanagan. Platinum has been in business for 12 years and services clients seeking employees throughout the Okanagan Valley encompassing all industries and occupations. Platinum Personnel first started providing exclusive recruitment services to N.C. Derriksan and Son Enterprises 10 years ago and has been fulfilling the staffing requirements of the company by effectively understanding the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and business philosophy ever since.

Jocelynn Wells JOCELYNN WELLS, REGIONAL MANAGER OF THE CENTRAL OKANAGAN FOR VALLEY FIRST. Jocelynn has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry and is based out of Kelowna. Valley First is located in various communities in the Okanagan and is proud to serve the people in them for all their financial needs.

N.C. Derriksan and Son Enterprises promotes advancement for women in the leading professions of the Okanagan Business Community.

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A3

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RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Insurance products are offered through RBC DS Financial Services Inc., a subsidiary of RBC Dominion Securities Inc. When providing life insurance products, Investment Advisors are acting as Insurance Representatives of RBC DS Financial Services Inc. RBC DS Financial Services Inc. is licensed as a financial services firm in the province of Quebec. ®Registered trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. RBC Dominion Securities is a registered trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. ©Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

A4 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

What’s inside… PAGE 5 } Growth in small business continuing in the Okanagan

PAGE 13 } Couple work together on bed and spa product shop

PAGE 6 } Sharon Peterson heads up the Central Okanagan Y PAGE 7 } Social networking pays off for Aura Beauty sibling owners PAGE 8 } Encouragement from parents inspired Sharon Bond PAGE 10 } Poultry processing business overcomes regulation hurdles PAGE 11 } Lawyer finds her niche in the business world PAGE 12 } Accessible financing for women to start a business still difficult to obtain.

PAGE 15 } Meet the woman who oversees UBCO’s key contribution to tourism industry—room accommodations 18 } A business degree

PAGE is invaluable asset, says UBCO’s senior manager of alumni and community relationships PAGE 20 } Support team important for founder of Chaibaba tea shop PAGE 22 } Starting a scrapbooking business during a recession was a scary leap of faith

PAGE 25 } Staying ahead of the ‘green curve’ led to new business opportunity

PAGE 36 } Business school provides grounding for challenges of running your own business

PAGE 26 } Kelowna’s downtown offers exciting new career option for Kelowna woman

PAGE 37 } Mother and daughter passionate about their business that provides important fashion asset for women

PAGE 29 } Spa that started it all in Kelowna still thriving today PAGE 30 } Passion for the restaurant business helps overcome the demanding hours PAGE 31 } Meet the new executive director of Westbank Chamber of Commerce PAGE 34 } Knitting courses attract a varied social dynamic for yarn shop owner

PAGE 39 } Love of food and fine dining helps inspire new magazine PAGE 40 } Helping provide a voice for local construction industry PAGE 42 } Managing the Okanagan library system is constantly evolving challenge PAGE 50 } Fridge magnet firm adjusts to rising Loonie

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ON THE COVER of Women In Business: (back row, from left) Tracy Hutton, Lori Welbourne, Julia Krause, Agatha Soros, Tamara Stone, Deborah Guthrie, Wendy McLeod; (front row, from left) Annette Lipkovits, Jolene McFarlane, Lori Johnson, and Diane Bold.

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Aesthetics has always been very important to Annette Jones—a bit of a passion, really. “Having good skin and helping others understand just what they can do to keep their skin healthy and young is a passion of mine,” she said. Jones, who has 12 years experience in the industry, joined Kelowna Vein and Aesthetics last year. Over the years, she’s seen many changes and technological advances in the industry, merging spa and clinical aesthetics. “Lasers are advancing and there is so much more that we can oﬀer people. It is absolutely wonderful,” said Jones. “I absolutely love helping people achieve what they need to make them happy and feel wonderful,” said Jones. “There is great satisfaction in that.” Jones, 50, graduated with honours from the Alberta Academy of Aesthetics in 1998, after retiring from the Canadian Forces. After working in two spas in Alberta, Jones began moving into medical aesthetics and started working with lasers for hair removal and radio frequency machines for cellulite treatments in 2004. In 2006, Jones moved to Kelowna and worked at O Spa and Interior Laser and then with at Eveline Charles Beauty before being hired at Kelowna Vein and Aesthetic Solutions part-way through last year. Outside of work, Jones, a married mother of one adult son, is passionate about running and is training for her third marathon.

Suite 200, 1626 Richter Street (downtown beside Safeway) Kelowna, BC ¶ 250.868.3070 ¶ www.kelownaveinaesthetics.ca

Small business stats robust in the Okanagan Bobbi-Sue Menard

ing optimism and initiative. In part, that is because there are not a whole bunch of large employers in the valley.” Businesses which started during a recesThe public refrain about business in the sion are more robust, as Douglas said owners Okanagan is the valley has its own microand entrepreneurs tend to pay more attention cosm business climate—demographics have a higher than average number of retirees, real to the hard facts and make decisions more clearly to cope with the difficult realities and estate prices are driven by outsiders desiring to live here, and the ‘Sunshine tax’ has an im- toned down expectations created by a recession. pact on labour wages. The recession also created the need for The statistics about business start-ups and workers to develop their own employment entrepreneurs show some surprising trends. by starting their own business, In the Okanagan, small busiDouglas noted. ness ownership has gone up. Across the province, There has been a 10 per cent Douglas says the demand for increase in businesses startWEC loans is up considerups. At the same time, bankWE ARE SHOWING ably, both in number and qualruptcies declined 43 per cent OPTIMISM AND ity. The breakdown tends to be over the previous 12 months INITIATIVE. IN half the loans WEC approves across B.C. PART, THAT IS are for expansion and purchase While those numbers are of existing businesses, the not direct comparators, they BECAUSE THERE other half are for start ups. do show trend lines that should ARE NOT A WHOLE “We have had more debe heartening for those startBUNCH OF LARGE mand of late for expansion ing new businesses, says LaurEMPLOYERS IN THE loans,” said Douglas. el Douglas. The longer term demoDouglas is chief executive VALLEY. graphic trend points to a shortofficer of the Women’s EnterLaurel Douglas, CEO age of labour, and no employer prise Centre in Kelowna. Women’s looking to expand can rest on The WEC makes start-up Enterprise Centre their laurels, Douglas said. and purchase loans to women “Businesses looking to across the province, and as grow will have to work harder to such the centre closely follows the economic statistics and trends in the business keep their employees,” she said. Douglas suggests there are society chancommunity. ges, besides the recession, influencing people “Things are leveling out after the turwho take the plunge into business. moil,” said Douglas, referring the sudden Older workers are starting businesses for economic downturn that dates back two a change in lifestyle while women who go years. on a one-year maternity leave have the time Douglas said it has been her experience to ponder the merits of opening up their own that entrepreneurs are optimists by definition. While she might be slightly more jaded, shop. Douglas said the Internet continues to Douglas said the stats show people are feelfacilitate entrepreneurship and innovation. ing more positive about the economic outSpecific application development is only one look both in the Okanagan and the province. example of how the business world has seen From 2007 to 2009, there was a nine per cent growth rate for new business in the Oka- new opportunities arise from technology advancement. “As entrepreneurship grows so nagan, despite the recession. Only three redoes its appeal and familiarity. For a long gions in the province had seen similar positive growth during that time frame. The prov- time, we saw people would work for a company for up to 15 years before they might feel incial growth rate was 2.9 per cent growth in disenfranchised. Now that time frame seems the net change in the number of businesses. “The Okanagan was three times the prov- to be shorter. People feel like they want more incial average,” said Douglas. “We are show- freedom earlier.” CONTRIBUTOR

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A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A5

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A6 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Helping to bring our community together Bobbi-Sue Menard CONTRIBUTOR

One of the largest organizations in Kelowna is the YMCA/YWCA of the Central Okanagan. Chief executive officer Sharon Peterson says the organization has experienced “a lot of really rapid growth.” There are now 200 fulland part-time staff members, 130 volunteers and more locations than most people realize, including the YMCA in Rutland, the Youth Employment Centre downtown, the contract to operate the H2O

Aquatic Centre and multiple after school care facilities. The YMCA/YWCA completed a recent $5 million capital campaign to fund the construction of a gymnasium and facility expansion for the Rutland YMCA facility. Peterson went to work for the Yellowknife YMCA in 1981. Asked to develop an human resources program for the Y, Peterson had to find the grant money to run the program and pay her wages. It turned out to be the right job to start her career towards becoming CEO of the

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Yellowknife YMCA, where she worked prior to accepting the same leadership role in Kelowna. The evident affection Peterson holds for the organization she has served for decades emerges when she describes the relationship the YMCA has with the community. “When we have a capital campaign we are raising money by raising friends. We want to serve the community and be able to come together,” Peterson says.

Q & A WITH SHARON PETERSON

Did you have any mentors? My first job was in Edmonton, a mail clerk for Ward Air. I reported to Max Ward’s secretary and she would give me the letters of the day. I would have to research each complaint and draft a response. She wanted to teach me how to make decisions. I learned about problem solving, I learned about service. I moved to Yellowknife and eventually became the CEO of the YMCA there, on a return visit to Edmonton, I

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SHARON PETERSON has helped oversee a successful campaign to raise $5 million for the capital cost to expand the RutlandYMCA/YWCA facility. went to her and said, ‘Guess what? You made me a CEO.’ I still think of my first boss at the YMCA in Yellowknife. She would talk about problems with me. She would verbally work through problems and connect gears and share her thought process with me. She was working out how to solve problems. I think of her when faced with a problem today. What do you do in your downtime?

I love to read and I love to garden. I’ve got a granddaughter who I love and I mentor my oldest daughter in her business. My second daughter is in Brisbane and I miss her like crazy. What do you do when things go wrong at work? “I plan for the worst case, I always think, ‘What if?’ I like action not wallowing. Well, if I didn’t expect it to go wrong I might wallow a little bit, less than half a day and then move to solve the

problem. How do you manage growth? We are a charity I work with an involved and dedicated board of directors. There is strategic planning every five years and we get a vision of what needs to happen next. What keeps your work fresh? We do have a lot of new staff, but our leadership team makes life easier. My job is pleasant, not stressful.

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Social networking pays off for new spa owners

Aura Beauty launched a year ago and has fueled its growth with a savvy mix of social marketing and hard work. The company offers at home spa parties. Private in-home groups can enjoy manicures and pedicures from trained staff. And corporate parties and fundraising events have also worked for driving business to Aura Beauty. Co-owners Lindsay Goertzen and her brother Jeffrey Bunn started the company together. Goertzen needed a new career after a critical illness and long recuperation left her looking for a change of pace from her first career as a paramedic. Meanwhile, her brother had recently graduated from Okanagan College with a business degree. “Jeff and I funded the start-up costs for the company and got startCONTRIBUTED ed,” said Goertzen. Twitter has been a key method for A SAAVY social marketing campaign and hard work have helped establish Aura Beauty as a successful spa building the Aura Beauty business. Goertzen maintains two comput- since it was launched a year ago. er screens at her home office, one for regular work and one to keep track of the company, obviously I had been to a spa and her Twitter feed. “Twitter doesn’t direnjoyed the services. But you don’t know how ectly relate to your sales…but I’ve had opporhard the job is until you watch the girls worktunities come my way that I couldn’t have had ing. They work incredibly hard and are so proany other way but through social media.” fessional. How did you make the change in focus Q & A WITH LINDSAY GOERTZEN from paramedic to mobile spa owner? How did you get the most out of social Here in B.C. being a paramedic just has no media? pay. I loved the job very much…it was sad to Twitter changed my life. We had a Falet it go. cebook page when a friend told me to go on I had wanted to be a paramedic since high Twitter. It really is about talking to people. I school. But I needed to find something that schedule it into my day. It is real and personal, I am putting myself out there and people re- worked for me, and this is a business where I spond to that. It is no different than standing in can still care for people. As the owner of a mobile spa, how do front of people. you relax? How did you find staff? Balance is the biggest key. I would throw We offer a flexible working environment. We have parties during the day and evening, so myself right into this and do it all the time if I didn’t make balance important. I like to run, I we work with professionals who might want really enjoy reading, I travel and camp in the to have and extra job. We have lots of stay-atsummer. home moms who are trained and looking to What is it like to start a business with keep working a little and get out of the house. family? What has been the biggest surprise in I could not have done this on my own. Jeff the first year? is my younger brother, but I look up to him. He The events have really been big for us. I does the admin and the planning. also thought I knew about spa when I started

Dr. Katie So Dr. Katie So received her dental degree from New York University in 2005. After graduation, she completed a one-year residency program in Las Vegas specializing in IV Sedation. After residency, she and her husband chose to settle in Kelowna to enjoy the family friendly environment and picturesque surroundings. Dr. Katie So joined Dr. Richard Kobayashi in 2006 and subsequently acquired the practice in 2010. She is devoted to providing comprehensive and high quality care to patients. Her philosophy is to build long term caring relationships with patients. For those who may be less than excited about a dental visit, IV Sedation is a safe and effective procedure to alleviate their anxieties. We offer services in extractions, endodontics, hygiene services, crown and bridge, implants and all other aspects of general dentistry. We welcome new patients. In her spare time, Dr. Katie So loves to spend quality time with her family - most of all her little boy, Liam.

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A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A7

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A8 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

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ANNETTE LIPKOVITS Licensed REALTOR® | annette.lipkovits@century21.ca Annette was born & raised in Kelowna and is married to a local firefighter. They take advantage of Kelowna’s 4-season playground enjoying local lakes in the summer & mountains in the winter. Annette has been involved in the Real Estate industry building & selling homes for the past 25 years.

CAROL BACON Licensed REALTOR® | carol.bacon@century21.ca Carol Bacon is a fresh face to real estate in Kelowna, she owns a welding company with her amazing husband, taking care of the financial side of the business. As a CEA she has worked for many years with special needs students. Carol has four beautiful children.

CHRISTINA GREBINSKI Licensed REALTOR® | christina.grebinski@century21.ca Having been raised in the Kelowna area, Christina has a unique knowledge of its communities and hidden treasures as well as an intuitive feel for its real estate market. After a few years of travelling Christina came home four years ago and began her real estate career. She enjoys golf, bikram yoga and live music!

FAYE JONES Licensed REALTOR® | faye.jones@century21.ca Faye has been licensed for 3 1/2 years and has been involved in real estate for over a decade with her husband, Chad, a local builder. Together, they are heavily involved with their 2 children and with Kelowna Minor Hockey.

KIM WALDHERR Licensed REALTOR® | kim.waldherr@century21.ca Kim has lived in Kelowna for the past 15 years after moving from Saskatoon. She has been a realtor for the past 5 plus years assisting in residential and recreational real estate transactions. Kim enjoys skiing at Big White, golf, boating and visiting the wineries.

LISA MOLDENHAUER Licensed REALTOR® | lisa.moldenhauer@century21.ca Lisa’s family has enjoyed the Okanagan lifestyle since 1995 and can’t imagine living anywhere else. With a busy family life involving sports and cultural events and an active real estate career, Lisa says “it just doesn’t get any better!”

MONIKA HOLST Licensed REALTOR® | monika.holst@century21.ca Monika began her real estate career in 1995 in Victoria, BC & moved to Kelowna in 2003. She is a member of KWIB & Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. Monika has 2 grown children enjoys skiing & riding her motorcycle.

NANCY ROBIDEAU Licensed REALTOR® | nancy.robideau@century21.ca Nancy started her real estate career 8 years ago in Edmonton and made the move to the Okanagan 3½ years ago. She has been enjoying the beaches & warm weather ever since. She thrives on spending time with family, friends and the people she meets in her real estate career.

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Encouragement from parents proves inspiring Finding the right start to your business can be elusive. Sharon Bond, owner of Kekuli Café on Louie Drive in Westbank, wrote multiple business plans in the 1990s that never took off. Bond operated small businesses out of her home, but never took the plunge for a larger enterprise. That all changed in 2005, when on a whim, Bond invested in a kiosk to sell bannock at Westside Daze. That experiment led her to uncover the business opportunity to help open her own restaurant. Bond said it was a spur of the moment decision to set up shop at Westside Daze. “We went out and in a single day spent about $1,000 and set up shop,” recalled Bond. “We did well.” The Westside Daze experience led to Bond setting up a regular kiosk at Vista Ridge Car Wash. It might not seem like an obvious location choice, but the experience was valuable, ,says Bond. “We did great market research there. We would tell people about the dream of a café, and four years later we had a business plan, found financing and opened up.” Kekuli Café Aboriginal Food & Catering serves bannock, “Indian tacos,” and Three Sisters soup. In 2010, Bond received the British Columbia Aboriginal Business of the Year for the category of 10 or more employees. There have been several inquiries to her about licensing or franchises, while Bond is keeping careful track of what works and what doesn’t as she prepares to try to repeat her business concept success in other communities.

Q & A WITH SHARON BOND

How did you find financing? It is really hard to deal with the local banks. I had a lot of small businesses, but when I needed a loan, they said they would try, but nothing came through. They don’t really work with you. I eventually went to All Nations Trust, who will work with companies that are at least 51 per cent

CONTRIBUTED BY LYDIA ROSS/NATURAL EYE PHOTOGRAPHY

SHARON BOND is the owner of the Kekuli Café in

West Kelowna.

aboriginal people owned. Why is a business plan important? I wrote so many business plans that never went anywhere. I think, in part, that is because I wasn’t old enough to follow through the right way. For this business, we have made it to a year and a half and are still following the plan and we’ve exceeded our goals. Who inspired you? I was inspired by my mom and dad. I grew up in Lower Nicola, an unincorporated community near Merritt. We had a garden and really great food, my parents loved to cook. My dad did inspire me a lot. He passed away July 1, 2008. Every day he would come to the kiosk and sit, watch the business and say to me, ‘Sharon you need a bigger place.’ On July 1, 2009, we signed the papers on this place, I made good for dad. He’s been with us every step of the way. What is like to be an Aboriginal woman in business?

“You don’t hear of too many other aboriginal women in the restaurant business. Being open about aboriginal, we have great support from First Nations up and down the valley. We have a great customer base of people who love aboriginal food. I joined the Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia board, because we want to be a part of Aboriginal tourism. Tourists want something Aboriginal to do. How did you find staff and what is it like to work with family? My son, who is 16, worked here for a while, he’s a good hard working boy. My fiancée Darren and I have worked together for seven years, he does a lot of the cooking and helped run the kiosk. I hire anybody who wants to work and has the qualities I need. We have a great combination of people with diverse visible minorities from Guam and Jamaica. I laugh because Darren is my Ukrainian. Diversity brings harmony.

Creating a vision for your business Why do you want to go into business? Is it to follow your passion, take control of your life and career, achieve influence and success, or become financially independent? How would a business help you achieve that? How do you expect things to look three years down the road? There are many things to consider when creating a vision for your business. Will you be

a sole proprietor or will you take on a partner? Will you run your business out of your home or should you consider a retail location? Visioning the details of your business is the best place to get started. The Women’s Enterprise Centre is one potential resource that can help structure your transition to entrepreneurship. For more information see the website www.womenenterprisecentre.ca.

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A9

Mission statement helps denes your purpose Laura Stack CONTRIBUTOR

“Effective visions prepare for the future but honour the past.” —Tom Peters Do you have a set course in your life, an established direction, outlined with purposeful thought? Or are you simply a boat floating on the water with a broken rudder, able to be pushed whichever way the wind blows, governed by the tides and external forces? Productive people have given a great deal of thought and time to planning their courses of action and life goals. Their daily, weekly, and monthly activities all roll up to a mission statement, life goals, long-term and shortterm goals, and project plans. To be the guide of your own life, you have to get a hold of the rudder. Much like a corporate mission statement, your personal mission statement defines who you are, what you’re all about, and why you’re here. Why do you need a personal mission statement? • It helps you make difficult decisions when faced with the myriad of choices life presents to you • It helps you realize how very little time you truly have to accomplish the important things in your life • It helps you recognize when you’re off course and steers you back in the right direction Life is precious, and time is short. The best engineer cannot create more time, and the best scientist cannot invent more time. We all have the exact same amount of time—24 hours a day, 168 hours every week, 86,400 seconds every day. Once it’s gone, you can’t

get it back. You cannot accumulate time or borrow tomorrow’s time. Since it feels like we have plenty of time left, we take for granted our 86,400 seconds every day. *** The main objective of a personal mission statement is to define what’s important to you. Many people say “this is important,” and “that is important,” but how do you narrow it down to what’s truly important in your life? I like to use the following visualization: Scenario A: Picture a thick, banded-steel cable about two feet in circumference and 100 feet long, stretched out across the floor. You are standing at one end, and I’m on the other. I call out to you, “I’ll give you $100 if you can step onto the cable and walk across it like a balance beam over to me without falling off onto the floor.” Would you try it? Sure! Most people would. Why? Basically, it involves a fairly low risk with a relatively high payoff for the effort required. It could be fun and a little challenging. Scenario B: Now we’re going to suspend the cable just a “bit,” spanning a chasm, with a little tram that travels across the cable. Except you don’t get to ride the tram. You are standing on one end of the chasm, and I’m on the other side of the chasm, with the cable suspended between us. I yell out, “Hey! If you can cross the cable like a balance beam without falling off into the river below, I’ll give you $100!” There is no way anyone in his or her right mind would attempt that. The risk is too high for the reward involved. So let’s up the ante. Would

you cross it for $250,000? No? How about a million dollars? How much would I have to offer you? What if I let you crawl across on your belly? For some of you, the reward would never be high enough to risk your life. Scenario C: Let’s add a little wind (maybe, oh, a slight 60 km/phr breeze) and a tad of rain to make the cable a bit slick. I’m on one side of the chasm, and you’re on the other. In my arms, I hold your child hostage. I yell, “If you don’t cross the chasm in two minutes, I’m throwing your child in the river.” Would you come now? Of course you would! Despite the incredibly high risk to your own life, that child is so priceless to you that you’d risk your own life to save another. Perhaps if you don’t have children, it could be your parents, your significant other, or your friend. Clearly, that person is a core value in your life. What other things exist like that in your life? What principles, values, or character traits are most important to you, such that if I were to rip it out of your life and throw it into the chasm, you would be willing to cross the bridge to save it? What things are so integral to who you are that you cannot imagine existing without them? *** Holding that visualization in your mind, read through the following list of values below. They may be important to you; they may not be. Go though the list, and this first time, circle any and all of the values that you’d cross the bridge for. Add any to the bottom that aren’t listed here that are important to you. Values list: Peace

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Integrity Power Wealth Joy Influence Happiness Love Justice Success Recognition Spirituality Friendship Family Career Fame Truth Status Authenticity Wisdom Acceptance Health Go back through the items you’ve circled and narrow it down to only six. Which items are more important to you than the others? Place a star next to your top six values.

Now picture this: You’ve got those six items lined up with you on the side of the chasm. I have the ability to make you choose between them. You’ve got to throw three away. What things would go? If all you had left in your life were three values, what would they be? Cross out three of the six, so that your top three values are remaining. Lastly, rank order your top three values. Which one would go first? Label that #3. Which one would go second? Label that #2. So if all you had in your life were one single thing, that would be remaining until the end. Label that #1. You have just listed the top three most important things in your life. Rewrite your top three values in order on the blanks below. Then

for each principle, write a definition, a statement of what it means to you to be successful in that area. You’ve just created a personal mission statement for your life. Think of it as your constitution. It will become your benchmark, your standard of excellence. Then you can get your behaviour in line with your mission. You will measure yourself against it. Continuously ask yourself if an activity is moving toward your mission in life. It’s been said that “true character is the ability to carry out a goal long after the mood in which it was created has passed.” That’s when the real challenge begins. Laura Stack is a consultant on employee productivity and workplace issues, and author of “Leave The Office Earlier.”

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A10 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Determination keeps poultry processor going The first day Peggy Thompson processed birds at her mobile abattoir, Okanagan Poultry Processing, was May 2, 2008. Thompson had put in six months of work on meeting regulatory compliance standards set out by multiple provincial and federal government departments before she could open up her business. The staggering number of arbitrary rules, groups of bureaucrats and their obtuse predilection to not consult between departments has had a defining impact on

Thompson’s business. In 2008, the provincial government introduced provincewide regulation that had the effect of shutting down almost every single small meat processor in B.C. The Okanagan Valley was hard hit as small meat processors who served small producers could not afford to adjust to the new regulations. One by one, the small producers shut down. For years, Thompson had lived on a farm and she still had many friends in agriculture.

Okanagan Poultry Processing was born of necessity and has kept going says Thompson for a simple reason: “I am just a really stubborn bitch. It hasn’t been patience that has kept me going, just darn cussedness.” In the launch year 2008, Thompson’s phone rang off the hook. Today, she has two employees, and has had to make the decision to turn some producers down. But yet another set of new regulations will reduce Thompson’s seasonal work week from seven days

“Financing was hard. I was a single mom and a renter who didn’t own anything…for the banks, a slaughterhouse has a big red flag because of all the government regulation.”

—Peggy Thompson, owner of Okanagan Poultry Processing

Sheri Dickson I have been a part of the Kelowna Motors team for the past 11 years, and am proud to be one of the few women salespeople in the Kelowna automotive industry. Kelowna Motors is a great dealership to work at and it shows in their quality and pride not only in the award winning Mazda line up, but also in the history of the dealership. The dealership that has been owned by the August family and been a part of the Kelowna community for 66 years. I am here to assist and inform you in all aspects of your vehicle purchase, while striving to create the best buying experience possible. I pride myself in staying up to date on product knowledge and offering great customer service. I strive to build a relationship with the customer not only during the purchase of the vehicle but long after. Honesty and commitment are my goals to making your buying experience, whether new or used, enjoyable and fun! I am proud to have been recognized for over 10 years by the Mazda Master Sales. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of my customers, and did you know we have an excellent Owner Loyalty Program on all new Mazda’s. If you are in the market for a new Mazda or a pre-owned vehicle, please call or stop in and see me. You can also check out our website www.kelownamotors.com

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On A Brighter Note A syndicated columnist, Lori Welbourne writes weekly articles about the everyday, always telling her stories from a positive perspective. The Capital News was the first newspaper to publish “On a Brighter Note” two years ago and Lori is eternally grateful for that opportunity. Her column now appears in newspapers throughout BC and in the United States. Working with her talented and accomplished cartoonist Jim Hunt who illustrates for her column as well as Mad Magazine, which Lori grew up reading, she has written a series of children’s picture books that will be launched later this year. Based on her own kids, the adventures of “Sam and Daisy” will be nothing like Mad Magazine. Subscriptions to OnaBrighterNote.ca are free.

down to five this year, as she will have to figure out how to make the business viable with the 28 per cent reduction in capacity. “I am choosing to remain positive. I just won’t let it get me down.”

Q & A WITH PEGGY THOMPSON

What inspired you about the opportunity? I’m not beheading chickens for fun. It is a service to friends and farmers. I believe in eating local, the 100 mile diet and community. I really believe in farming, I want to see it be a part of the valley. Before this I had a cleaning company. Did you have any background in agriculture? Years ago when the children were little, I had a job as a tenant farmer. It was the perfect deal as a single mom, it allowed me to stay home, but I had to make sure we had farm status. I had my own chickens. How did the timing work for starting your business? Some processors kept going until September of 2007, I opened in 2008. Farmers hadn’t abandoned their flocks. How did you get financing? Financing was hard. I was a single mom and a renter who didn’t own anything. I went everywhere. For the banks a slaughterhouse has a big red flag because of all the government regulation. The Women’s Enterprise Centre was great, they were the only place that would even speak to me. Why are you the only

CONTRIBUTED

PEGGY THOMPSON has and continues to deal with

government regulation adversity in operating her mobile abattoir poultry processing business. business in the Okanagan Valley? I’ve had people come and talk to me about what I do and consider opening up their own shop. When I hand them some of the regulations and it is six inches of paper, they are staggered when I tell them it is only the start. Interested people walk away before they begin. If I had known how tough this

would be I wouldn’t have started. Does agriculture have a future in the Okanagan? There is more demand for local product than producers can supply. Yet there are so many of our orchards gone. I don’t want to see another block of condos on Agricultural Land Reserve land.

Cougar Night In Canada Lori Welbourne’s other passion is in the field of visual entertainment. She is currently co-writing and producing a half-hour skit comedy with her new business partner, Tami Bjornson called “Cougar Night in Canada.” The task of creating a hit show might sound like a crazy risk to some, but for these two middle aged moms who alternate between feeling blessed, burdened or buzzed, there’s no other choice but to follow their dreams. Tune in to follow their progress with their “Making of” video segments which showcase some of the dysfunction and ridiculousness experienced during their creative process. Along with these video shorts, they also write daily “Broad Blogs” about whatever’s on their mind on that particular day and invite people to weigh in with their opinions. They don’t care if you agree with them or not, they just want to get conversations started. Will their business succeed brilliantly or fail miserably? Their psychic says it’ll do one of the two, their therapist says it’s worth a go and their families say get a real job. Whatever happens, the ladies have made a pact just like Thelma and Louise.

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Process of serving a client proves satisfying Business lawyer Andrea East joined Pushor Mitchell LLP as an associate three years ago. East dove into business law while articling with a firm in Vancouver. Her practice in Kelowna focuses on commercial transactions, working with First Nations and businesses doing business with First Nations or on First Nation lands. East did her undergrad studies in ancient history at the University of Victoria, and then pursued her law degree at UBC. East was finishing the third year of her undergrad degree when she started looking for what she would do next. “I settled on law. I love reading, research, arguing, so law seemed right. I studied, took the (entrance) exam and got in a year early at UBC.” She followed UBC with a year of clerking for the B.C. Supreme Court, working for several judges. “The B.C. Supreme Courts are the trial courts. I got to spend a lot of time inside the courtroom. It was a wonderful opportunity and fantastic experience. I was able to find out that I didn’t want to be in a courtroom for my career.” With business law, East enjoys sitting down with clients, defining the issues and creating a solution. “I like to figure out the transaction and get it onto paper in a clear way.” East is also a huge fan of Canadian music. When the opportunity came up to be a part of the BreakOut West committee last fall, she jumped at the chance. She helped organize the family day, Mini BreakOut West, so children could experience live music and the rising Canadian talent that was showcased in Kelowna for the award festival.

Q & A WITH ANDREA EAST

How do you balance work and family life? I have a two-year-old daughter. I don’t fthink it is ever easy for anyone being a working parent. I come home for dinner, try not to do many evening events and have time with her. What was surprising to you about being a lawyer? I spend a lot of time on the phone. A lot of what lawyers do for marketing

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A11

Investors Group Financial Services Inc M Melanie Hall-Szyszkiewicz, Ha CF EPC CFP, Division Director Div

Karen Erickson, CFP, CSA

Division Director

Anna-Marie Rasmussen, A

BC BComm, CFP, CLU, Ch RHU ChFC, As Associate Consultant

Stacy Hadden, CFP

CONTRIBUTED

Senior Financial Consultant

BEING A CLERK for the B.C Supreme Court judges convinced Andrea East that being a criminal lawyer wasn’t her preferred area of legal expertise to pursue.

is networking and getting out and meeting people. I’ve met lots of professionals from all walks of life. I am a bit shy, but I’ve learned to get past that. The face to face meeting is so important. How should business owners approach their relationship with their lawyer? Business law is about making sure you protect the client’s interests. You need to figure out the issues and what you need to make a binding agreement, how to get from point A to point B. The result depends on how complicated the situation is. I have done documents that are two pages, a front and back. But I have also done documents that are 100 pages long. What keeps you inspired about practicing business law? The process of sitting down and figuring out what needs to be done. Do you sit on any boards in the community? I have been on the board of Community Futures for two and a half years.

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A12 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Still tough going for women in business world Bobbi-Sue Menard

tive action to solve them,” asserts Young. The intertwined business, economic and regulatory environment has systemic issues around the access to capital. Young argues that disproportionately affects women in a negative way. “It is easy for some people in business to say, ‘Government should not meddle in business.’ But it is more accurate to say that government should be creating an environment to make business start-up easy.” If you are under 34 yearsold, youth business programs make it relatively easy to access small loans from several different and often government backed business loan vendors and programs, Young

CONTRIBUTOR

Statistically, women are more successful at launching a business because of their gender characteristics says a Kelowna trepreneur, business columnist and investment broker. Joel Young says the willingness to plan, attend to details and seeming innate drive in many women to challenge themselves all seem to contribute to this statistical phenomenon. But when it comes to financing, Young says the buck stops short of accessibility for women despite their record of success. “There are still barriers to financing for women and it is going to collective, collabora-

‘‘

…GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT TO MAKE BUSINESS START-UP EASY. Joel Young

says, citing one resource example being the Canadian Youth Business Foundation. Young says finding loan programs and business startup friendly lenders is a part of the battle. “We need to create and environment to fully educate people in terms of the tools that are available.” During the 1980s, Young

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overcome systemic cultural conventions that do not embrace women in business leadership roles. The results can be seen in the low absolute and proportionate number of women in leadership positions and on the boards of major corporations in Canada, he points out. “We still aren’t there, the corporate, political and professional world is still led by men,” says Young. The Internet and hightech world are a sector with massive change right now, yet Young says women are staying away in droves. While change presents a big opportunity and the large social component of the online world is enticing, the work of development and advancing new technology is

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Doreen C. Smith, CFP Doreen is a designated Certified Financial Planner with Capri Wealth Management in Kelowna. She has also passed the Canadian Securities course and is licensed for life and disability insurance. Doreen offers her clients a large selection of investment and life insurance options through Capri Wealth Management, the largest and most respected, independently owned, financial planning firm in the Okanagan. Doreen specializes in independent advice and guidance involving a complete personalized financial plan of saving and investing, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning and taxation. Doreen writes a regular financial column in Wednesday’s business section of the Capital News called “Fiscal Fitness.” She covers a wide range of topics for her readers. Doreen is active in the community both professionally and on a volunteer basis. Doreen can be reached at 250-869-3825 or 1-800-670-1877. Capri Wealth Management is located at 100 - 1500 Hardy Street, Kelowna BC V1Y 8H2.

was working for the federal government. He was asked once to provide briefing notes on the development of the Women’s Enterprise Centre. “I am a big advocate for the Women’s Enterprise Centre. It provides legitimate services.” Women not only face barriers to financing, says Young, but they must also

statistically a male dominated enterprise, Young says. “Women are not yet embracing the Internet and tech,” says Young. A different approach to teaching and enabling women would allow the very valuable attributes of women to come out and flourish, he argues. “I am fanatical about leadership and teaching leadership principles. Women aren’t culturally raised to be aggressive about leadership. “We need to teach young girls and women they can strive to be the very best.”

Stepping out of the home ofce to deal with other priorities Lisa Kanarek

have a home office because she wouldn’t be able to stop working. When you work from home, you don’t have far to go when you get the urge to get one more project finished. When you stop working, really stop. Close the door to your office and concentrate on your family. 3. Don’t eat lunch at your desk. When you take a lunch break, leave your office and eat in another part of your home. Physically removing yourself from your work will help to clear your mind. 4. Schedule regular “dates” with your spouse and children. A freelance artist I know blocks out every Wednesday afternoon to spend with her husband. They play golf or tennis or go out to lunch. They both know that every Wednesday afternoon is their time to play, no matter what else is going on during the rest of the week. 5. Take at least one week-

CONTRIBUTOR

When you work from home, you’re constantly forced to switch mentally from work mode to family mode within minutes. You need to strike a balance between your professional and personal lives, because they happen in the same place. Below are 10 ways to find that balance: 1. Minimize distractions. Some people say, “I could never work out of my home because I would have too many distractions.” As a rule, minimize trips to the kitchen to get something to eat (except at mealtimes), don’t turn on the television, and don’t let yourself get sidetracked by personal activities such as cleaning the house or doing laundry. 2. Know when to stop working. A good friend once told me that she could never

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day off per month to play. At the beginning of each month, schedule a day when you’re going to stay out of your office and do something else. This would be an ideal day to catch up on reading, see a movie you’ve wanted to see, or just enjoy the outdoors. Let your voice mail take your calls. 6. Make a list of fun things you’ve always wanted to do, and then start doing them. Look online for activities and upcoming attractions. If you’ve lived in the same city for years, consider taking a guided tour of the town. You’ll learn more about your city in a few hours than you have in several years. 7. Use your office for business-related activities only. Instead of going to your office to read your favourite magazine or new mystery, go somewhere else in your home. This will keep you in the mind-set that your office is for business and the rest of your home is for your personal life. 8. Don’t use other parts of your home for business on a regular basis. If you have a favourite chair where you sit and read or watch television, don’t use it for work. 9. Include your spouse in your business. Even though you may work in unrelated fields, it’s always good to get an outside point of view. Your spouse may be able to offer a solution to a problem you’ve had on your mind for days. 10. If you and your spouse work together, avoid talking about business after hours. I know many successful business partners who are also married. They attribute their ability to work and live together to taking the focus off of their work after hours.

Building up a business with your spouse September 2008 might be remembered by many as a time of tumbling stock markets prices and an economic recession. But for Chantelle Funk, it was the month she and her husband opened Intellibed Sleep and Spa in West Kelowna. Prior to the economic turbulence of that autumn, Funk and her husband had set out careful plans. “We knew Intellibed Canada wanted a distributor in the Okanagan. We loved the beds and the idea of being in business. So we moved here from Calgary to open the business,” Funk said. In Calgary, Funk was a fundraiser for Bow Valley College. In many ways, the move helped free up Funk to work on the business when she arrived in West Kelowna. Since coming to the Okanagan, Funk has deliberately joined networking groups and willingly ‘stepped out’ into the community to build bridges. With two young boys at

home, Funk also pens a parenting column for the Castanet website. “I wanted to share my experiences as a mother. I wanted to find out if I was the only one going through what I was going through.”

Q & A WITH CHANTELLE FUNK

What is it like to work with your spouse in a new business? We found that we are quite compatible. I do the accounting, books, admin, PR and he handles the sales. How did you deal with the economic situation being beyond your control? I was nervous because of the stock market crash, it was not the best time to start a high end mattress company. We had committed our whole life to the venture. I pretty pleased to still be here. Sometimes you jump out of the boat to see if you sink or swim. Why did you commit to this particular product?

We sleep on an Intellibed. I was in a car accident 11 years ago and have to be careful about what type of bed I sleep on. I like the quality of the product and how it helps people. What about family and childcare? Our two boys are now three years old and four and a half years old. When we moved here the youngest was six months old. At first, it was just business and children. My parents followed us out here and we’ve been lucky to have their support. How did you approach marketing and PR? Twitter and Facebook haven’t been a defining element in sales but social media needs to be there. It engages with the community. We do a lot of advertising.” Do you have any spare time? We go skating and hiking with the kids, maybe run around the parks.

Finding a home-based niche Lesley Spencer Pyle CONTRIBUTOR

The small-business market has traditionally been populated by corner stores and family-owned businesses. For women with an entrepreneurial streak, small-business opportunities have always been abundant. It’s turning ideas into profitable enterprises that takes dedication and hard work. From stylists and bakers to bookkeepers and designers,

women have played an important role in the small-business marketplace. Today, women continue to influence their communities and the business world as a whole by launching successful, home-based companies. The economic downturn has been a catalyst for homebusiness growth. Take Indianapolis-based writer Emily Suess, for example. “In my case, my home writing business began because I simply needed the

money to make ends meet,” she said. “In tough economic times, people become increasingly resourceful about how they market their talents and skills.” Home-based businesses are proving again that necessity really does bring about innovation. For a couple of reasons, home-based opportunities have become popular as a result of the recession. First, See Niche 14

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A13

CONTRIBUTED

CHANTELLE FUNK and her husband opened Intellibed Sleep and Spa in West Kelowna.

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Kathy York An Another fantastic year! Thank you again for all your support. I continue to enjoy my career as a licensed Real su Estate Agent. Es Living and working in the Okanagan is a blessing. The Li continued support of my friends, family and clients is greatly appreciated. Those who my dedication, positive attitude and professionalism Th h hhave experienced i have not been disappointed. For the smile that keeps on giving, pick up the phone and make the call. I would love to hear from you! Your Kelowna Born and Raised Real Estate Agent

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www.kathyyork.ca kathyyork@shaw.ca

A14 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Internet networking creates business opportunity The Internet is transforming how mothers connect with each other. That opened up a business opportunity for Jen Sencar, who has brought the online meet-up website and off line networking group Mom Café to the Okanagan. Mom Café, based out of Vancouver, offers online forums, information and community to mothers who sign become members. Mom Café hosts live events, designed to appeal mothers working moms who are in various stages of connection with their careers from mat leave to balancing teenagers demands for time with a job. Sencar found Mom Café on Facebook while she was on mat leave with her 15-monthold baby, Aiden.

Sencar contacted the head office and after a series of meetings, made the decision to launch in the Okanagan. “Women have the ability to be mom and be in business. But they need to be both people at the same time,” said Sencar. A former lawyer, Sencar chose to return to work near full-time with a day off to work on Mom Café. She is working with the Mom Café business plan of marketing online to grow membership and building awareness of the local ticketed events. “Word of mouth is huge,” she said “We have a lot of Mom-prenuers who come out.” The format of the events is perfect for working mothers, a morning meeting with

a latte, breakfast and childcare while the mom has the opportunity to listen to an inspiring speaker. Sencar hopes Mom Café will help lighten the load of working motherhood a little for each Mom Café member, especially because their task is huge. “Being a mom is the most challenging thing I have ever done.”

Q&A WITH JEN SENCAR

What is your education background? I have an undergrad and law degree from University of Saskatchewan. Saskatoon is my home town. I articled at Pihl & Associates and worked for five years in personal injury and employment litigation before moving on. Do you serve on any

Deborah Guthrie De Deborah Guthrie is the Executive Director of the Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA). URBA is the driver of the Uptown Bu Rutland Business Improvement Area. Ru Deborah is the public voice of URBA, but she is only one of the De 15 dedicated board members who work together with Rutland the City of Kelowna to ensure Rutland neighbourhoods continue to community groups and th vibrant, diverse and safe U Uptown Rutland Business community. have a vibrant The Uptown Rutland business district is becoming, with Deborah’s and URBA’s contribution, a thriving hub where people come for their daily needs and special occasions and enjoy the many characteristics of a convenient and efficient town centre. The URBA motto “Together We Grow” is more than a tagline. People in the Rutland community are coming together to communicate and share their ideas about their vision for the Uptown Rutland Business Community . The URBA Scarecrow Festival, the Car Show and Outdoor Movie Night are great community events. URBA Uptown After Hours bring the businesses together for networking opportunities. Deborah personifies the ideal of “Together We Grow” with her commitment to hard work and inclusivity. For more information about Business Improvement Areas, visit www.BIA.BC.ca.

250-451-9861 (office) 250-470-8236 (cell.) 200 - 160 Dougall Road S. info@uptownrutland.com www.uptownrutland.com

Linda Szerepi

community boards? I was the president of the Junior Chamber. What is it like to start a business with an infant at home? I am different now. I do still crave achieving. I have found that juggling is the hardest thing. When you see your children and family you want to spend as much time as possible with them, but you still

want to make sure you are yourself. I call it the Great Expectation. I am hoping that at Mom Café can help make things more realistic.” Do you have a business plan for growth? I own the rights to Mom Café for the whole Okanagan. I am looking to host events in Vernon and other markets. The company has a business plan, right now my goal is to do an event and ask people

what they liked. That will help me move forward. How is being a parent in business changed your priorities? I have always been responsible, even too much. A gift my son is giving me is I don’t necessarily have to be responsible for those extra things to the same level. Seeing my son smile reminds me that the measurement has to be re-adjusted.

Home-based business options Niche from 13

technology makes communication effortless and affordable for entrepreneurs. In addition, a number of large businesses have downsized—resulting in a growing number of contracting opportunities for professionals. Freelance writers aren’t the only people succeeding in the home-based market. A wide range of businesses are able to thrive in today’s economy. Here are some homebased opportunities that look good for 2011.

CATERING SERVICES

Catering services are ideal for the home-based marketplace. After all, when will those hard-working entrepreneurs find time to prepare meals for themselves and their families? Food preparation and delivery are hot right now, and they can bring in extra cash or sustain a household. From family mealtime to Thanksgiving meals and parties, the demand for catering remains high. Home-based catering and bakery businesses are expected to do well in 2011 because these services are al-

ways in demand. People get married and throw parties in every economy, although they might cut down on the cost during a downturn.

EVENT PLANNING

Weddings, birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, anniversaries, corporate holiday events —all of these things require a great deal of effort to coordinate. Event consultants can save the day, and earn a decent living. If you’re organized and know how to throw a good party, you can launch an event-planning business from the comfort of your own home without a lot of startup capital. Event planners will be in demand in 2011 for the same reason as catering services. In fact, networking among caterers and event planners can be good for both businesses.

VIRTUAL ASSISTANT

With a growing number of websites dedicated to helping independent professionals connect with virtual assistants, you really don’t need much more than a reliable internet connection and a home computer to start working from home.

Virtual assistants often work on a part-time basis for several business professionals, helping them with everything from travel arrangements to bookkeeping. These kinds of homebusiness opportunities are ideal for moonlighters looking for extra cash to help pay the bills. As the number of virtual offices increases in 2011, so will the need for qualified virtual assistants.

ONLINE RETAILERS

From pet clothing to handcrafted jewelry and unique paintings, you can sell just about anything online. Small, home-based merchandisers can operate successfully thanks to sites such as Amazon, Etsy and Ebay. At a time where the missteps of large corporations have left the public mistrusting big names, home-based artisans can take advantage. The possibilities for home-business opportunities are practically limitless, and the home-based market is expected to continue growing as the economy takes its time recovering. Lesley Spencer Pyle is the founder and president of HomeBasedWorkingMoms.com.

Gabriele Banka

I started creating Dare to Dream almost fourteen years ago. The idea was to do something that I love while helping people improve their life by supplying products and services that are especially for them. We carry something for everyone, including jewellery, crystals, new age and self-help books, CDs and DVDs.

Ga Gabriele Banka holds a Diploma of Accounting, is a Ce Certified General Accountant with an Applied Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting and Computer Sc Science Major. She is Sage Simply Accounting Certified and tthe owner of Banka & Company Inc.

We offer services like Reiki, Shamanic and Crystal Healing, Massage, Thai Foot Reflexology and Psychic Readings. Classes are available in Reiki, Shamanic Healing, Intuitive Arts, Personal and Spiritual Development, Meditation, as well as Crystals and Gemstones.

Inc is a full fu service Accounting firm providing payroll, bookkeeping, Banka & Company Inc. accounting, tax and assurance services customized for the individual client. We service small to medium businesses in many different industry segments such as construction, engineering, small manufacturing, retail, aerospace, property management and food services.

I have enjoyed meeting and getting to know those of you who have come into the store over the years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my customers for supporting me and allowing me to help you or to introduce you to the world of crystals, Feng Shui and everything else that is part of Dare to Dream. I welcome others to come and experience all that we have to offer. Come in to relax, learn, grow spiritually and heal physically, emotionally and mentally.

E TO DREAM R DA Body, Mind & Spirit Centre

#33-2070 Harvey Avenue 250-712-9295 www.kelownadaretodream.cjb.net

Gabriele also writes a bi-weekly column for the Capital News. Banka & Company Inc.’s mission is to help our clients Plan, Manage and Succeed whatever their business or personal endeavors. For more information please visit our website: www.bankaco.com or email info@bankaco.com

BANKA & COMPANY INC.

#105-565 Bernard Ave. Kelowna, BC 250-763-4528

Forging a new identity for the UBCO campus While tourism is a visible, high-profile industry base in Kelowna, the support role played by UBC Okanagan may be harder for local residents to detect But the summer accommodation provided at the Kelowna campus plays a vital part in the travel plans of thousands of people each season. Conference attendees, youth groups, athletes, summer camp participants, travelling students and people familiar with staying on campus have all called UBCO home for their stay in Kelowna. Suzanne Nazareno manages conferences and accommodation at the UBC Okanagan campus. The yearly schedule is daunting. Months of planning culminate in rapid transitions from students in residence to a summer hotel with a 1,500 beds and back again. Large groups swoop through; over 50 groups have already been booked for 2012. The hotel is primarily staffed by UBCO students on their summer job, and 24-hour check-in service is available. Nazareno’s role is at the nexus of the dynamic interaction between the growing UBCO campus and one of the largest hotel venues in Kelowna. The constant construction at the university has had ballerinas in training walking past dump trucks to get to their summer classes. The location is surrounded by nature and has ex-

‘‘

THIS YEAR WE ARE MOVING ONLINE AND INTO SOCIAL MEDIA. WE WILL BE TRYING EXPEDIA AS AN EXPERIMENT. IT IS ALWAYS HARD TO GET THE MESSAGE OUT. Suzanne Nazareno

tensive walking trails, guests can enjoy the unique culture of a university campus. The overnight room rates are incredibly competitive. The public is completely welcome from single travelers to family reunions. Nazareno manages the business with an eye to augmenting the campus housing budget. Residences are built through student rents and hospitality. “The revenues we bring in help keep housing costs down for students,” she said. Nazareno moved to Kelowna specifically to take on the manager of conferences and accommodation role at UBCO. “A big part of the decision was Kelowna itself,” she said, after years of working on the Burnaby campus of Simon Fraser University.

Q & A WITH SUZANNE NAZARENO

How do you build a busi-

ness that is open to the public 3 1/2 months per year? Our first job is to support our faculty and academic conferences. Everyone can stay on campus. We do market into Alberta, are involved with Tourism Kelowna and Thompson Okanagan Tourism. This year we are moving online and into social media. We will be trying Expedia as an experiment. It is always hard to get the message out. How do you understand your product? We don’t profess to be the Four Seasons, we serve a basic need. We do have housekeeping and a variety of rooms but are not totally a hotel, although we pay the same hotel tax as in town. We are a unique place. What is it like to run an enterprise on a university campus? The university supports us. We get cooperation from other areas of the campus. Our own community is constantly engaging with us. You organize events and offer some unexpected services for guests. What is your summer team of students and staff capable of? Everyone is welcome to stay on campus. We have had family reunions and hosted family barbeques. We’ve had wedding parties, families and sports teams playing at tournaments in town.

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A15

CONTRIBUTED

AS MANAGER of conferences and accommodations at UBC Okanagan, Suzanne Nazareno has an important role to play in Kelowna’s summer tourism industry.

“CONNECT

...a business networking group for women” Brenda Fischer CFP Br Edward Jones Edw

Financial Advisor Fina

250-712-0508 250

Lynne Glata

LAVISH ACCESSORIES

Great handbags, scarves & jewellery

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Lillian Czaplan

Premier Canadian Properties

“What I am looking for is not out there; it is in me.”

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Zonia Arnold

– Helen Keller

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Amanda Corkin

JJudy Kerr Ju

Independent Distributor Inde USANA Health Services USA

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www.judykerr.usana.com ww

Amanda is celebrating her second year as the owner of Central Spa. She has been in the industry for ten years, five of those owning her own day spa. Esthetics has always been her focus, and she believes that esthetic treatments are much more than pampering. They have a huge influence on your health, balancing stress levels, and addressing issues within the body that are simple to fix with a healing touch. i ithi th Each year Amanda goes to the ESI spa show in Vancouver to educate herself on new techniques developing in the industry, taking away valuable knowledge to benefit her staff, clients and business. Being a working boss she strives to grow her business by adding new treatments, and offering specials on her website each month. The Monthly specials introduce her existing and new clients to something new! A high priority for Amanda is to create a peaceful and friendly atmosphere for clients, some say Central Spa is like a second home where they come to relax once a month or more! Amanda is a Kelowna native who understands her client’s needs. At Central Spa, she takes pride in using all natural, Canadian made skin care products and mineral makeup. For further information please check out the Central Spa brochure at www.centralsalonkelowna.com

#2-110 Hollywood Rd. S. 250.712.0233

Sharon Purdy Chi Weaver Shiatsu

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“We support and ass assist women in business, specifically CONNECT ONNECT members by actively referring clients to sister members, and by encouraging and empowering each other and potential members. For further information, go to www.connectkelowna.org or call any of the above members.”

A16 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Social networking is not the only tool you need Susan Friedmann CONTRIBUTOR

More than half of all Americans between the ages of 15 and 34 consider themselves active social network users. They regularly visit wellknown social networking sites, such as MySpace or Facebook, or log onto specialty social networks, like Ravelry (devoted to the fiber arts) or GroupRecipes (for the foodie set). While industry research tells us that television watching is declining, especially among this age group, social network use is on the rise: average users spend seven to eight hours a week online. This time spent on social networks clearly affects buying decisions. An estimated 40 per

cent of all social networkers say they use social networking sites to learn more about brands or products they like, according to GreenBiz. com, with 28 per cent saying they’ve had a brand or product recommended to them by a friend. The message is clear. Strategic use of social networking can help a company grow. It’s an effective use of target marketing, reaching out to one’s customers where they are. However, in order to capitalize on social networking’s power, you have to do it right. Execution is everything. Make no mistake. Every time you log onto Facebook, MySpace, or other social networking platform, you’re representing your company in a very visible arena. The world is, quite literal-

ly, watching. There are five common mistakes nichepreneurs make when it comes to social networking. Here’s what they are, and more importantly, how to avoid them:

MISTAKE #1: DISMISSING SOCIAL NETWORKING AS “JUST A FAD”

Social networking may have emerged as a phenomenon only recently, but it is a manifestation of something as old as time—word of mouth! Customers value the opinions of colleagues, relatives, peers and friends above almost anything else. This has been true for generations. Social networking has merely expanded the definition of friend. Technology has made it easier to communicate with

FREEDOM 55 FINANCIAL Grace Edison

www.facebook.com/people/Grace-Edison/503750575 ext. 259

Roberta McIntyre, PFP

www.robertamcintyre.com ext. 224

Maureen O’Hanley Doucette, B.A.

more people than ever before —a person could have hundreds of friends they’ve never once met in person. That’s a power and a privilege that no one is going to let just fade away.

MISTAKE #2: MISTAKING SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR ADVERTISING

Social networking is a form of relationship marketing. It works best when you view it as an opportunity to build your brand, a prime platform to let your customer base know who you are and what you represent. At the same time, you’ve got a fantastic chance to learn about your customers. If you actually stop and read what they post, you’ll learn a tremendous amount about who your customers are and what’s important to them. Where else do you get your customer’s pure, unvarnished opinions served up to you on a silver platter? Don’t spoil this prime market research opportunity with unwelcome advertising. It’s fine to let people know you’re in business, but that can’t be the only thing you bring to the conversation.

MISTAKE #3: FAILING TO CONNECT ONLINE INTERACTION WITH REAL WORLD CONSEQUENCES

This mistake is often a generational problem. Nichepreneurs who grew up before the Internet was such an omnipresent force can have a

hard time understanding how words on a computer screen can have real consequences on the every day course of business. Compounding the problem is the fun, freewheeling atmosphere prevalent on many social networking platforms. It’s easy to forget the potential results when the commentary’s flying fast and furious. However, your words can come back and haunt you later. Remember—it all counts! The days where an organization can dismiss poor behaviour with “It’s just the Internet” are long gone.

MISTAKE #4: USING SOCK PUPPETS

Sock puppets is the term applied to social networking accounts that are created with the intent of hiding the poster’s true identity. Individuals often create sock puppets in an effort to avoid the real life consequences discussed in mistake number three! Sock puppets can be used to boost, support, or defend a company’s position. Conversely, they can be used to tear down, disparage, or make negative commentary about a competitor’s organization, products, or services. Either way, it is a bad idea! Many denizens of social networks are incredibly techsavvy, and it won’t take them long at all to discover who is really behind a string of negative or hostile commentary. Exposure can be a public

relations nightmare. Honesty is the best policy. Either be willing to own your commentary, by posting under your own identity, or don’t say them at all!

MISTAKE #5: OVERESTIMATING SOCIAL NETWORKING’S ROLE

Social networking is powerful. It is influential. It is, in many cases, free to participate in. However, it is not the end all, be all solution to your marketing needs. While it is tempting to try to solve many of your marketing challenges with social networking, it is important to remember that social networking is a tool, not the only tool. Use social networking efforts to augment your existing marketing efforts. There are small, start up companies that market themselves solely via social networking. However, this is a selflimiting strategy: even if you reach every single person on that network, you’re still missing out on a large number of potential customers who never log on. Keep your perspective. Social networking might not eat into your budget, but it does take time. Realize that at best, social networking can significantly augment and enhance your marketing and promotional efforts—but it will never wholly replace it. Susan Friedmann is an author and niche marketing consultant.

“This time spent on social networks clearly affects buying decisions. An estimated 40 per cent of all social networkers say they use social networking sites to learn more about brands or products they like.”

www.maureenohanley.com ext. 248

KGH Auxiliary

Katrina Patterson, CFP, CLU, FMA www.katrinapatterson.ca ext. 223

Carolyn Veeder www.carolynveeder.com ext. 250

“Our professional advisors can help you achieve your financial goals”

406 - 1708 Dolphin Ave. Kelowna, BC V1Y 9S4 P: 250.763.1114 F: 250.763.2214

Th Kelowna General Hospital Auxiliary operates The th the General’s Snackery, Gift Shoppe and Perking Lo Lot in the lobby area of the hospital. Pictured he here are some of the buyers for the 3 venues noted above. The Auxilia Auxiliary’s volunteers also operate the Ward Cart, an engraving business, vending machines as well as creating creatin one of a kind, handmade crafts. In addition, they produce beautiful fresh flower arrangements for delivery within w the hospital. These business ventures are operated in the same manner as businesses in the private sector. The Executive Committee and 275 + volunteers generate more than a million dollars per year. The KGH Auxiliary is a volunteer organization with a Mission Statement that reflects our mandate: “to raise funds for the purchase of lifesaving medical equipment and furnishings while continuing to enhance the care and comfort of KGH patients”. This fiscal year, the KGH Auxiliary will provide in excess of $500,000 toward fulfilling this mandate. Nancy Wells, our Business Enterprise Manager, is the only person on staff in a paid position. Nancy and the Auxiliary work as a well coordinated team that constantly strives to increase sales in order to raise more funds to assist with the needs of the hospital and those who require hospital care.

If you are interested in joining a winning team that does great things for our community, contact Nancy Wells at 250.862.4300, ext. 7497 or email Nancy.Wells@interiorhealth.ca

Please visit us on-line at www.kghauxiliary.com

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A17

Karyn Kraemer Ka s family law practice involves advocating for her clients Karyn’ using us cooperative means to resolve disputes, and where necessary, litigation. Whether a client requires a cohabitation agreement lit or a divorce (or anything in between) Karyn recognizes that these are delicate and difficult decisions. Her goal is to help clients the understand their legal rights righ and guide them through the family process. Karyn taught high school French and English for several years before entering the practice of law. This background has led her to explore various ways to settle disputes outside of court. To that end, she is a member of the Okanagan Collaborative Family Law Group. Karyn sits on the executive committee for the Family Law subsection of the Canadian Bar Association. She is also a supporter of the Kelowna Family YM/YWCA and a member of the Community Cabinet for the Strong Kids Campaign. Karyn and her husband Matthew are avid travellers and love exploring cities all over the world.

Jennifer Thorne Jen Jennifer is a long-time resident of Kelowna who joined the firm after aft pursuing her post-secondary education in Alberta. Jennifer is a member of the firm’s litigation department, focusing her practice on criminal defence and civil litigation. Since being pr called to the British Columbia bar in 2008, Jennifer’s practice cal has allowed her to gain significant courtroom and trial experience, particularly in the area of signific criminall llaw. While at Law School, Jennifer worked with Student Legal Services of Edmonton, providing legal services to students and low-income individuals in the community. She also served on the editorial board of the Alberta Law Review for two years. Today, Jennifer is a member of the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia and the Kelowna Bar Association. She is also an active member of the Canadian Bar Association, serving on the executive committees of the local Criminal Law and Young Lawyers subsections. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband, Andrew, and entertaining friends.

Email: kkraemer@doakshirreff.com Direct Line: (250) 979-2561

Email: jthorne@doakshirreff.com Direct Line: (250) 979-2559

Kate Snowsell

Nancy Johnson

Kat was born and raised in the Kelowna area, completing elementary, Kate high hig school and her undergraduate studies here. She began her career with w Doak Shirreff as a summer student in 2008, and then joined the firm fir after completing her Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Alberta. Since being called to the bar in 2009, Kate focuses her practice primarily oon wills and estates, real estate and civil litigation. While at law school Kate volunteered with Student Legal Services of Edmonton, Civil Division, and was an active member of the Faculty of Law’s student-run newspaper, the Canons of Construction. Professionally, Kate is a member of the Kelowna Bar Association and the Canadian Bar Association. She also devotes time to providing pro bono legal assistance to the Kelowna Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. When not at the office Kate enjoys the numerous outdoor activities the Okanagan has to offer. She also likes travelling, trying new local restaurants, and spending time with her husband, family and friends. Email: ksnowsell@doakshirreff.com Direct Line: (250) 979-2566

Keri Grenier Ke takes pride in providing high quality professional services to Keri all her clients. She strives to take the stress out of legal matters, and an helps her clients feel comfortable by keeping them informed throughout the legal process. th In her personal perso injury and employment law practice, Keri’s compassionate manner makes her easy to talk tto and a client favourite. Keri has successfully represented both individuals and large companies in court. This intimate understanding of both perspectives enables her to provide knowledgeable advice to every client, no matter which side they are on, and achieve the best possible results. Keri is a working mother of three, a member of the BC Trial Lawyer’s Association, A Member of the BC Brain Injury Association, and a member of the Association for the Benefit of Children with Disabilities. Email: kgrenier@doakshirreff.com Direct Line: (250) 979-2512

Na Nancy has a unique ability to make her clients feel at ease. She practises family law exclusively and understands that family law pr matters can be very stressful and difficult for people, for many m reasons. She supports her clients by explaining the law and the various re dispute resolution options available in easy to understand terms. dis She helps her clients know eexactly what is involved at each step of the process, and what the cost / benefit are of their decisions. Her overarching goal is to shield her family law b fi implications i li i clients from the expense, stress, and uncertainty of going to court whenever possible. When court is necessary, Nancy is a capable advocate who works vigorously to advance her client’s interests. Nancy moved with her husband to the Okanagan in 1994, looking for better weather and great skiing - both of which she has enjoyed. Nancy is a Certified Family Mediator and a founding member of the Okanagan Collaborative Family Law Group. Email: njohnson@doakshirreff.com Direct Line: (250) 979-2553

Christy Lovig A long-time Kelowna resident, Christy brings a wide range of experience from her many years of entrepreneurial ventures, ex including new business creation and development, public in relations, investor relations, marketing communications and real re estate development. This experience enables Christy to provide est her business clients, from small to large, with valuable insight and guidance in a variety off corporate and d commercial i l matters. Christy’s practice also encompasses real estate law, employment law, and wills and estates. Her objective is to obtain cost-effective results and find creative and durable solutions to difficult problems for her clients. In her spare time, Christy is an avid marathon runner and cyclist who loves to spend time with her husband, Trent, at the family ranch, accompanied by their horses and their giant dogs, Duke and Kona. Email: clovig@doakshirreff.com Direct Line: (250) 979-2552

A18 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Business degree can be an invaluable asset Bobbi-Sue Menard CONTRIBUTOR

A business degree from a university can be a valuable asset in the business world. Not only will the holder of such a degree be able to read a balance sheet, the university experience has a breadth of learning that enables critical thinking. Brenda Tournier is the senior manager of alumni and community relations at UBC

Okanagan. Tournier holds an MBA, and has previously been a small business owner, worked at Women’s Enterprise Centre, and has taught business courses at Okanagan College. Tournier has also seen many UBC graduates with a business degree go on to great success in the business world, while in her role with the alumni office. “A business degree is helpful. You not only learn

how to read a balance sheet but you also learn about strategy,” said Tournier. Tournier suggests embracing the strategic side of business can be key for women who view themselves as ‘doers’ first.’ “For a business to grow beyond the point where you are doing everything you need to be a strategist,” she explained. “There are stages of growth in a business, and you

“At university, you gain some key skills. The ability to write is learned at university. Being able to communicate effectively in writing is so important in business”

—Brenda Tournier, senior manager, alumni and community relations, UBC Okanagan CONTRIBUTE

Maxine DeHart Maxine DeHart is the Director of Sales for the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre. She has been with the hotel for over 25 years in various positions. She has also been the Kelowna Capital News Business Columnist for 14 years, writing the popular weekly business column “Straight from DeHart.” She is married to local fellow Chris DeHart who was born and raised in Kelowna. w named after Chris’ father Victor and DeHart Avenue (downtown) was named DeHart Road was after Chris’ uncle Frank who was the youngest Mayor ever of Kelowna. Maxine has been very active in Kelowna for the past 25 years, sitting on various boards and committee’s including the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce - Vice President; The United Way; Kelowna General Hospital Foundation; Central Okanagan Child Development Association; the Premier’s Regional Committee and many others related to the hotel and tourism industry. Maxine was a founding member of Project Literacy, the Kelowna Gospel Mission 30K Club, the Kelowna Exceptional Service Under the Sun Program and has been Honourary Chair of many other projects and committee’s in the City. She has received several awards being The United Way Award of Distinction; Toastmasters International Communications and Leadership Award; YM/YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Community Leadership and Enhancement; the Commemorative Medal - Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; Community Citizen of the Year, The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce President’s Award and most recently the Mayor’s Spirit of Kelowna Award. She is currently on the National Board of the RCMP Foundation in Ottawa, the Certiﬁed Management Accountants Association of B.C. in Vancouver and a Director on Board of the Return of the Peregrine Falcon Society in Kelowna.

BEFORE TAKING on her current role at UBC Okanagan, Brenda Tournier was a small business owner, worked for the Women’s Enterprise Centre and taught business courses at Okanagan College. need to stop being the doer and become the strategist and make the next changes that come.” A business degree from UBC gives students a core of business skills, but Tournier says those skills are only a part of the university degree package. “At university, you gain some key skills. The ability to write is learned at university. Being able to communicate effectively in writing is so important in business,” she said. “You also gain the abil-

ity to learn and think critically. The general knowledge of the world you learn at university helps set a foundation.” The university experience can enhance a degree in unexpected ways. Your cohort at school becomes the first set of business contacts and connections you make. Many people take those connections out into the business world, says Tournier. “To make the most of a degree while on campus you don’t have to be an extrovert.

“You can get involved with clubs, volunteer, course unions, athletics all make a world of difference to your experience.” An MBA in the business world has become important for people looking to reach the top leadership and executive roles in many corporations. “An MBA makes you more marketable in the business world,” said Tournier. “It can potentially set you apart to employers, and you know you have certain tools.”

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”

max@rpbhotels.com

Deborah Stewart CE, CPE, CLT

Elfi Eadess RT, CLT

Owned and operated by Deborah Stewart, Custom Laser Hair Removal specializes exclusively in permanent laser hair removal using LightSheer Diode XC and d EC laser technology and electrolysis, providing the best possible ble results to both men and women of all ethnic backgrounds for permanent hair removal on virtually any part of the body! Deborah obtained her credentials as Certified Esthetician and Certified Professional Electrologist in 1990 and expanded her permanent hair removal credentials in 2004 when she obtained designation as Certified Laser Technician. She has been providing permanent laser hair removal in Kelowna since 2004 and in March 2008 opened Custom Laser Hair Removal, providing both male and female clients with successful, expert, professional treatments. Her extensive skin care background compliments and enhances the safety and efficacy of both laser hair removal and electrolysis treatments for unsurpassed results time and time again. Colleague and fellow Certified Laser Technician Elfi Eades RT, has over 13 years experience in the laser hair removal industry with 23 years in the health care field. Combined with Deborah Stewart, the clinic brings attention to detail in a relaxed, friendly, confidential and warm atmosphere. The clinic offers custom requests to ensure that your needs are met to the highest standard. Deborah and Elfi aspire to continue to respond to increased demand for permanent hair removal for both men and women of all ethnic backgrounds.

CUSTOM

LASER HAIR

R E M O VA L

213-1511 Sutherland Ave., (Above Lee’s Music)

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Marie Whiting M Marie has over 33 years of nursing experience with Interior Health. Her career has included working in Community, He Residential and Acute Care nursing. She has been practicing Re diabetic and advanced foot care in the community for 15 di years. M Marie has also been using her vast knowledge to teach advanced foot care to nursin nursing students at Okanagan College. Marie does all foot care including diabetic, callous and corn care and consulting with clients on proper footwear. She can assess your feet and is a certified compression stocking fitter. Keeping your feet healthy can prevent unnecessary complications that may arise from improper nail cutting, or neglected maintenance of the feet. Regular maintenance and foot care done by a qualified professional such as a Marie will help keep your feet at their best. Consultations can be booked by appointment:

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A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A19

Don’t let negatives of reality deter your vision Caterina Rando CONTRIBUTOR

As we look at bringing your business to the next level, you need to ask yourself a very important question: Do you have a vision, a technicolour snapshot, in your mind of what your ideal life looks like? If not, create one. Not a goal; goals come later. Visions are more powerful than goals because visions have an emotional component.

CONTRIBUTED

ALONG WITH setting goals, creating a vision is a necessary step to success.

When you see a picture, it evokes emotion—involving your heart, not just your head. This is far more powerful than only writing down an idea. For example, if you were to say, “I want a bigger house,” that is a good goal. However, that simple statement by itself is not significant—not strong enough to get you to figure out everything you need to do, to support you through sacrifice, to get you to take risks, to have you learn new skills to overcome your “friends” telling you to forget about it. If, instead, you create a compelling vision

in which you see yourself standing in front of your yellow house with a two-car garage on a sunny street lined with trees, with a rose garden in front and a lemon tree and hammock in the back, and with a chef’s kitchen and master bedroom with a view of the ocean, you now have an idea that is not only in your head; it is in your heart, too. That is where the motivation happens; that is where your desire lives, and that is where you will connect with your internal power— the power that will pull you through all the challenges you have to address to create your compelling vision. Do not let the busyness and immediate needs of your life prevent you from stopping to create what you want your life to look like at this time next year. Follow these steps to create your compelling vision, and watch it work for you. 1. Get clear about your compelling vision. Write it down on paper; be specific, use visual language. 2. Share it with someone else. Ask them if they can see the snapshot. If they cannot, you are being too vague. 3. Read your vision every day and continue to clarify it when new ideas come in. 4. Create a physical image—a drawing, a real photograph, or a collage—that represents your vision. Put that vision where you will see it every day. 5. Create an action plan to realize your vision, and take even some small action every day. 6. Get the help you need. You do not have to do it alone. Once you have your vision, ask yourself: Are you more committed to your compelling vision, or are you more committed to your current situation? Our reality interferes with our vision because we see what is not ideal around us—and that is far more vivid than a vision of what we desire that still lies only in our head and heart. That is why it is important to follow these steps and spend time with your vision every day, gradually bringing it more and more into focus and finally into reality. Caterina Rando is also the success centre director for the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance and contributing author to Build it Big: 101 Secrets of Top Direct Selling Experts.

Romany Runnalls The best part about my business is saving people tens of thousands of dollars and my service is free! I have been a Broker with The Mortgage Group for 14 years and owner of my franchise since 2003. We turn the tables on banks, making them compete for your business by offering the lowest rates and fastest service. Interest rates and mortgage programs change frequently. It is my full time job to stay on top of all options available. I not only find the best interest rate, but also the most suitable mortgage for my clients’ own unique situations. I educate customers about mortgages and the process of purchasing or refinancing so they feel confident in their mortgage. Clients learn to optimize their credit ratings, save thousands in interest and pay off their mortgages quickly. Clients also appreciate that I remain a reliable resource, long after the mortgage has funded and the banks pay my fee!

Phone 250-862-1794 Toll free phone 1-800-884-4101 romany@aquariusmortgages.com www.aquariusmortgages.com “One percent of gross revenue donated to a Canadian environmental charity”

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Jane Hoffman & Kristy Huber After more than two decades of landmark achievements, Jane Hoffman has established herself as Kelowna’s most respected and successful luxury real estate agent. Over the years Jane has shared with her clients her personal connection & fascination with the lake and has built an astounding track record of selling waterfront homes. Instrumental in Jane’s success is her team of eight experienced & talented professionals. This powerhouse group is lead by Jane’s trusted business partner, Kristy Huber, who has worked side by side with Jane for the past 17 years. Key components to the Hoffman team success are dedication to quality of service, excellent communication skills, unparalleled product & client knowledge, and the ability to “match the right buyer with the right seller”. While staying at the top of the Kelowna real estate market requires an immense ongoing personal commitment, Jane & Kristy wouldn’t have it any other way…when it comes down to it, these women are successful because they love their jobs and put their clients’ best interests first. Visit Jane’s website at www.janehoffman.com for your guide to fine homes. The website is a wealth of valuable knowledge as well as provides detailed listing information & photos of all of her listings.

www.janehoffman.com • info@janehoffman.com 250-860-7500 • 14-1470 Harvey Ave. Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 9K8

A20 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Support team important for founder of Chaibaba tea shop Following your passion doesn’t have to be straight line. Chaibaba ‘fine and fun loose leaf tea’ was the route Tina Prichard chose to express her creative side. Prichard loves design and branding, and while a tea house might not be the obvious choice to pursue those interests, Chaibaba has become a testing ground for many of Prichard’s creative ideas. Chaibaba opened its doors 4 1/2 years ago.

“I wanted to create a brand and an environment,” said Prichard. “I learned about business by jumping in.” At the time, Prichard was 30 years-old, her daughter was 11 and the market was rolling into its rapidly approaching peak prior to the recession. Chaibaba is located in downtown Kelowna’s Cultural District, a little bit off the beaten path. “Before the recession there were a lot of plans for the area, then everything got cancelled,” Prichard said.

“It did effect business a lot. But we survived, recovered and are rebuilding. “Then the construction of 2010 happened and made us completely inaccessible during our summer season. We survived that, too. “Hopefully we will recover some traffic. I am looking forward to a great 2011.” Prichard has been able to put systems and staff in place that free her up from some of the chores associated with running a business that she dislikes.

“I wanted to create a brand and an environment. I learned about business by jumping in. “

—Tina Prichard, owner of Chaibaba fine & fun loose leaf tea

Patti Tennessy Patti and her husband, Mike, moved to the Okanagan Valley 2 1/2 years ago and they’ve fallen in love with the beauty, joy and passion of the area. And that is about how to describe Patti in her business of ten years, MotionWorks Fitness! Patti keeps her participants energetically charged with: Pa Nia Technique® (a dance/fitness fusion combining the martial arts, dance arts & healing arts), Yoga-Fit and Body Challenge weight training programs. All diverse and unique in their own way, these classes are offered in Kelowna, West Kelowna and in Peachland. How can you live a purposeful, healthy and inspired life? It’s NEVER too late to get fit with Patti’s personable style and engaging teaching techniques. Join in with MotionWorks Fitness programs and discover how empowering it is to live life to its fullest... ”through movement we find health.” Fitness Specialist Certified: BCRPA Fitness Instructor/Yoga-Fit Instructor • Black Belt Nia Technique Instructor Former Can-Fit-Pro Nutrition & Wellness Specialist

250-768-1001

www.motionworksfitnesskelowna.com tennessy@telus.net

Amanda Haugan Lawyer FH FH&P Lawyers is a mid-size Okanagan Valley law firm pr providing a range of legal services to commercial and pr private clients. The broad experience of the firm’s senior la lawyers and a team-based approach allow the firm to handle a wide range of complex legal issues efficiently and effectively. Amanda joined FH&P Lawyers as an Articled Student in August 2009 and was called to the British Columbia Bar in May 2010. As an associate, Amanda provides support to the firm’s senior lawyers on a wide variety of matters, while developing a general practice with a focus on Wills & Estates and Litigation.

2nd Floor, 215 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna BC Tel: 250-762-4222 • Fax: 250-762-8616

“Having a team has changed my world. Without a team behind you, it is overwhelming to constantly have to do the things you are not good at. My goal is to delegate.” Last year, Prichard revisited her enthusiasm for design and returned to school for a year. Now, her new business venture, Ily Creative, has been launched. “I’ll continue to nurture Chaibaba, I have a long-term vision for the store. It is very close to turn-key and almost ready to sell licensing for the concept.”

Q& A WITH TINA PRICHARD

How did you find financing? I had an angel investor who I have a loan with. Family life? I love my daughter Zoe, she’s so cool. Choosing to be an entrepreneur, a single mom and everything…you know that is not going to be easy. How do you find balance? As an entrepreneur you are really busy, I would work 24/7. I do trail running and yoga. I eat a 70 per cent raw food diet, with whole foods and organics. I do like to travel so I work hardcore for three months then take 10 days off. Zoe and I like to go for coffee, so I’ll admit I have one Americano a day.

CONTRIBUTOR/KEVIN TROWBRIDGE

TINA PRICHARD says making mistakes in business is how you learn and grow as an entrepreneur. Do you love tea? I really do like tea. On staff I have a master tea blender who creates teas for Chaibaba. We source teas from multiple suppliers around the world. I worked with consultants and did a lot of research to find the right teas. What are your most important lessons learned about owning a business? You have to make mis-

take to learn and grow, mistakes are fun. Be prepared for those mistakes. There is a process of distancing yourself from the business and allowing it to be its own entity. That relieves a little pressure, distance means it doesn’t become all about you. If it does become about you that is not a fun loop to be in.

“Luck is not chance, it’s toil; fortune’s expensive smile is earned.”

– Emily Dickinson

Heidi A. Taylor Lawyer He Taylor focuses her practice on working with clients in the Heidi following areas: fo • Private and commercial clients requiring litigation and dispute P resolution services, including commercial litigation, debtor/ r creditor remedies and family law. c • Property developers, investors, lenders and individuals in the purchase, development, P t d l i t financing and sale of real estate. Heidi has represented clients at all levels of Court in British Columbia, including the Provincial Court, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. Her many community activities include being President of the Kelowna Bar Association, Past Chairperson of the Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society and an active member of the UBC Alumni Chapter.

2nd Floor, 215 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna BC

Direct: 250-869-6043

Tel: 250-762-4222 • Fax: 250-762-8616 Direct: 250-869-6014

Email: ahaugan@fhplawyers.com Email: info@fhplawyers.com

Email: htaylor@fhplawyers.com Email: info@fhplawyers.com

Website: w w w.f hplaw yers .com • w w w.okanaganelderlaw.com

Website: www.f hplawyers.com • www.okanaganelderlaw.com

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A21

Vacuum & Sewing Machines Ltd.

Lori Findlay-Mead Lori FindlayMead, of F i n d l ay ’s Vacuum & Sewing Machines in Orchard Plaza, has been in business for 21 years. A secondgeneration owner, Lori took over the reins from her father, Doug Findlay, who founded Findlay’s over 35 years ago. “I grew up in Vancouver B.C. and as a young adult, I worked for nearly 10 years as a nurse’s aide at Holy Family Hospital. Although I enjoyed it, by 1989 I was looking for a change and moved my son Si�n and daughter Natasha to Kelowna. Shortly after the move, I started working for my father. Within a couple of years I went from barely any sewing experience, to starting Kelowna’s first Janome

club and co-managing the business,” said Lori. In 1996 she became president of Findlay’s Vacuum & Sewing Machines Ltd. and has never looked back. Infusing her family business with family values, Lori works hard at always making her customers feel at home while shopping in her store. “There is no one size fits all; I love helping people find the right machine for their particular needs.” She adds that “With so much competition out there you have to carve your niche in a way that makes you stand out from the rest. It is equally as important to me to not only sell a machine, but also offer great after sales support for my customers. That is why every sewing machine, serger, embroidery & quilting machine sold in my store comes with

life-time free private instruction. As a sewer myself, I understand how we can go through waves of sewing or quilting & then nothing for a while. We can forget things we have learned in the past. With offering life-time free lessons, you can be confident we will always be available to help.” Findlay’s in Orchard Plaza also offers on site service for all makes and models of sewing machines and vacuums, carrying a wide array of parts and notions. If Lori doesn’t have what you are looking for, she is more than happy to try and find it for you. Giving back to the community is also important to Lori: • For more than eight years, she has donated her store space and machines to an enthusiastic group of ladies that sew quilts for local charities. • After Lori’s own successful battle with breast cancer in 2005, she was inspired to start a “Findlay’s Sewing in Orchard Plaza” team of her own, to help raise funds for CIBC’s Run for the Cure. “Each year our team grows bigger,

as more & more people want to give their support. It is really heartwarming!” When you first walk into Lori’s shop, you are immediately hit with inspiration, by all of the embroidery, quilting and sewing projects that are proudly displayed everywhere! Looking to take a class? Findlay’s offer classes from beginner to intermediate sewing, quilting, fibre art, designer jeans, memory quilts, serger workshops and more! In 2006, Lori was excited to be adding quilting fabric to her store, and now is one of the few shops in town that also offers long arm quilting services.

From Sewing Machines, to Vacuums, to Fabric, to Classes, to Service… Findlay’s in Orchard Plaza has it all!

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A22 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Scrapbooking world opens up business dream Ever After Scrapbooking & Paper Crafts did not get its name as a clever play on words for preserving photos in scrapbooks. Amanda Kazakoff chose the name of her business because owning her paper crafts business is her dream come true. Ever After opened in Cannery Lane, located in downtown Kelowna’s Cultural District in 2008, the week the stock markets crashed. “Oh my gosh, what did we do, I thought. It was scary,” recalled Kazakoff.

Near the end of 2010 Ever After marked its successful start by moving into its new larger space at the corner of Banks and Leckie. Kazakoff says one in four households have a paper crafter in residence. The market is large and paper crafters are known for their passionate enthusiasm, she notes. Kazakoff says she is one of those crafter enthusiasts. “Paper crafting is my guilty pleasure. I’m from Vancouver and grew up in a multi-cultural community, paper crafting was all around

me.” The store is Kazakoff’s first business. She was looking for the right thing to do after seven grueling years of physiotherapy, three to five days a week. “I was a pedestrian hit by a car. It changed my life forever. After the accident and recovery, I needed something happy. This store is my happy ever after.”

Q & A WITH AMANDA KAZAKOFF

Did you have a business plan?

CONTRIBUTED

PRESERVING FAMILY history in the form of a scrapbook has become a very popular pastime. I had a “field of dreams” moment about the store. I had worked from home a little with a home sales stamp-

ing company. With my husband, we said, “Hey let’s open a store.” It has been a lot of hard work one day at a time. Did you have a mentor? I met my husband six months after my accident and we’ve been together for 11 years. He is so supportive, he helps out a ton at the store and he has another full-time job. How does a retail craft paper store stay in business? Scrapbooking and paper crafting stores are a destination. We have done a huge amount of advertising. You would be amazed at the word of mouth. Paper crafters talk to each other. When were in Cannery Lane we would have people search us out because their friend had told them about us. How do compete against big box retailers? We have great customer service. We also have creative flow, I make samples

that are all around the store, we have classes, and staff is knowledgeable. We also have amazing selection. There are over 1,000 types of patterned paper on the racks and another 1,000 types of solid.We have products from Japan. When you have those things people are loyal. Have there been difficulties? It is not easy to own your own retail business. We have two staff and it took two years to get comfortable with a great team. I am really happy right now. What has gone well? We have had a big increase since the move to the new location. Availability of parking, traffic going by have all helped, we finally have signage and the store is all on one floor. I felt at home right away when we moved here. Have you learned any valuable lessons? You can’t be afraid to say what you want and go after it.

KELOWNA TOYOTA Kelowna Toyota will be celebrating 41 years in business this April! The staﬀ at Kelowna Toyota, many whom have been coming to work for decades, know the product incredibly 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 largely in part to the dedicated staﬀ who are consistently providing knowledgeable and quality service. They are all there to make your experience at Kelowna Toyota as enjoyable and stress free as possible. onna (reception) itney (service dept) • LaD (leasing) y dre Sandy (accounting) • Wh Au • t) ry (service dep Shanna (service dept) • Ca er) Corrine (accounting manag

KELOWNA

We would like to extend a huge “Thank You” to you, our customers, for your continued support over our 40 years in Kelowna. Our customers make our growth possible.

At Kelowna Toyota our aim is to “Make Things Better”

TOYOTA

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A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A23

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A24 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

How to get by with a little help from your friends Kim Lysik Di Santi

schedule, going into 2011 at this point. Truly, taking care of my son is first. On my list of things to do for myself, I have 12 personal items to do within the next 30 days. On For 43 years, I was a career woman, masmy work stuff: I have 38 tasks to accomplish ter of my fate and my daily schedule. I used by the end of the year. On volunteer commitfour different to-do lists. I was organized. I ments, I have 15 tasks to complete by the end got things done and loved (still do) the feel of of the year. crossing things off my list. I have to harness the drive that tells me to Then at age 43, I was blessed with the get everything done at once. I need to set realbirth of my son Zachary, and everything istic timetables. changed. I have to know what tasks I shouldn’t take The myth that I was ‘Wonder Woman’ on. That means learning to say no or, “Thank goes back at least as far as my 16th birthyou for thinking of me. I’m not day party. We played the game available right now.” “Guess the Name Taped on I need to delegate more to Your Back.” my virtual assistant. But frankMy mom personalized ly, being really well-organized these for me and my friends. I NEED TO LOWER is a prerequisite to delegating. The name she taped to my back You see my current dilemma. was ‘Wonder Woman.’ The MY EXPECTATIONS I have come to rely more concept stuck. OF MYSELF. NOT on my friends and neighbours. My nickname from some EVERYTHING CAN If I’m late getting to the bus of my cousins is “Kimmie the BE PERFECT OR stop in the afternoon, one of Human Challenge Eater.” This my neighbours will walk Zachshould give you an idea of the EXACTLY THE WAY ary home. We have an unwritkind of feedback I’ve received I WANT IT TO BE. ten pact. from those close to me. I need to ask my husband Here’s the dirty little seto take on more of the ‘Mother Lode.’ In order cret behind living up to those kinds of expectto do that, I need to be really specific and tell ations: It is much easier for me to say “I’ll do my husband exactly what is needed. That’s the it” than it is for me to ask “Can you help me?” best way for him to help. There, I said it. I need to lower my expectations of myself. And I know I am not the only one. So Not everything can be perfect or exactly the many of us think we need to go it alone. Well, way I want it to be. Can you relate? we can’t. When all else fails, I call my mom! As I We all need to know when to ask for help. am writing this column, my mom is preparing I reached that point just after Zachary started to drive from Michigan to Virginia with her 75school. pound dog, her 25-pound cat and my longtime Him being in school has opened up a whole new world of opportunities to volunteer. good friend Paula. Paula will fly to Michigan and then from I receive at least five fliers a week asking Michigan back home to help my mom and her me to volunteer for some project at his school. pets drive safely both ways. Now that’s a good I can’t say yes to everything. I’ve had to friend. prioritize. So in order to reconnect with my My mom (and dog and cat) will stay for sanity, I have taken some time to look at what three weeks and help out. She will also remind is on my to-do lists. me that even ‘Human Challenge Eaters’ can, As I said, I have four lists: on occasion, walk away and leave a challenge • Things I need to do for Zachary and our for someone else. She’ll remind me daily, if home necessary—whatever it takes. • Things I need to do for myself Kim Lysik Di Santi is a wife, mother, sis• My work stuff ter, daughter, pet owner, friend, confidante and • My volunteer commitments On my list of things to do for Zachary, I’m cheerleader to her clients, as well as executive coach and president of Total Strategy, based in in good shape. I have all his activities listed on Reston, Va. my calendar and have worked them into my CONTRIBUTOR

Theresa Arsenault The ~ Busi Business Law ~ Estate Planning

Susan Connaghan

~ Business Law ~ Estate Planning

Joni Metherell Jon

~Wills ~ Trusts ~ Estates Litigation~Employment Law

Lisa Holmes Wyatt ~ Family Law

Andrea East An ~ Busi Business Law

Melodie Hope

~ TTax Ta Law ~ Estate Planning ~ Business Law

Taryn Moore Tar ~ Fam Family Law

Vanessa DeDominicis Vane

~ BBusiness Law ~ Intellectual Property

Ashleigh Baylis Ash

‘‘

~ Family Fam Law ~ Criminal Law

Una Gabie

~ Real Es Estate ~ Business Law~ Estate Planning

Deanna Stone

~ Estate Planning ~ Real Estate

Jessica Campbell

~ Civil Litigation ~ Real Estate Litigation

L T H W T U

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Judy Levine Judy Levine is the proud and successful owner of the Okanagan Sunshine Savings Coupon Book which started in May of 2007. Judy started her business with the concern for the economy, wanting to help businesses survive and thrive as well as the public to t save money and live a little. The book first started with a distribution of 12,990 homes which was delivered through the newspaper and now, 10 issues later, has grown to a distribution of 40,000 to each individual home in Kelowna through Canada Post, as well as online coupons. Judy is very proud of her book as it has such a great variety of savings containing something for everyone from fine-dining, recreation, specialty shops, automotive and home renovation services. Her book is fresh and exciting as you will find something interesting and different in each issue. Condo/Apartment residents can also find the book at local businesses in Kelowna such as Costco, RONA, Kelowna Actors Studio, Yama’s Restaurant and Chopped Leaf. Look for the Spring issue of the Okanagan Sunshine Savings Coupon Book in your mailbox mid March.

C: 250-859-9078 • W: 250-860-2031 www.okanagansunshinesavings.com

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A25

Getting ahead of the ‘going green’ curve

Service with a smile

When Suzanne Wood moved to Kelowna six years ago, she had closed up shop on her successful advertising and marketing business and was looking for a new challenge. “I was going to wait to find something that motivated me,” said Wood. Working with environmentally friendly products fit the bill. In 2007, Wood found the right partner and launched S2

Want your customers to have a better experience? Instead of trying to train your employees to smile, just hire happy people. Apparently, you don’t have to be an expert in reading faces to tell the difference between a real smile and a “social smile.” The latter is what facial coding experts call the smile we use when it is socially appropriate to smile but we aren’t really filled with delight. In a social smile, we form a smile with our mouth but far fewer facial muscles are engaged. In his new book About Face, Dan Hill (who actually is an expert in facial coding) writes about a study where participants watched previously videotaped interactions that, unknown to them, had been staged between a hotel check-in clerk and a wouldbe guest. The variable was that for some check-in enactments the actress playing the clerk was invited to feel, then project, genuinely positive feelings toward the guest (true smiles). In other cases, the actress was instead told she had to smile (social smiles). Observers of the respective videos find the service performed with a truer smile far more satisfying. Another test found that restaurant patrons who felt that the servers displayed genuine positive emotions (i.e., true smiles) were far more satisfied with the service they had received. A candidate who doesn’t display genuine positive emotions during a job interview likely won’t in a customer service situation either.

Innovative Products Group, an LED light company that works on residential and commercial products. S2IPG is not a retailer. Instead, the company is a distributorship to lighting retailers and designers while consulting on commercial projects such as hospitals, universities, jewelry stores and even Kelowna’s Stuart Park. The company was able to move quickly into the marketplace with exclusive rights to

many of the products they import. Wood has benefitted from working closely with manufacturers and in turn has worked on educating businesses about the long-term benefits and return on investment in LED lighting. Wood ran a creative enterprise for years, and switching to a technical product still has some overlap. “I like working with the quality of light, which mixes with my creative background. In quality light we see objects in their truest form.”

Q & A WITH SUZANNE WOOD

What inspires you? I love green technology and how unique it is. I want to promote something that makes a difference.

This is the second business you have launched, why did you pursue this path? When I started my advertising agency, I wanted to be independent. I worked hard and loved it. I love working with people. I worked with big companies that were willing to work with a small agency. What is you secret to success in business? If you are realistic, and you have to be honest, people will come back to you. What was difficult about starting S2IPG? We did a lot of education and training of consumers. We did lots of trade shows, showing businesses the benefits…we anticipated no quick sale and worked to build the longevity of the company. It would have been fantastic if there had been that quick

sale, but we weren’t relying on it. Why did you position the company to not go into retail? I had a hunch the market was going to get flooded with LED companies in retail. The idea is to be and energy efficiency solutions provider. We wanted to be an innovative light brand, without the LED limit. In some situations we suggest induction lighting. How did you market the business? We created the brand, our identity and then started talking to like minded people. We went to trade shows, started building a mailing list, did “lunch and learns” with engineers, then we added in newsletters, catalogues and the website.

Cassandra Tompkins The Woman’s Place Fitness Centre is celebrating its 30th year he helping women become healthy and fit. TWP has recently op opened its new 2000 sq. ft. group fitness studio and an additional sp room with new spin bikes. Memberships are flexible for spin to s busy women with no initiation fee, no contracts and today’ holiday and medical medica holds. Dues include all group fitness classes (over 70 a week zumba yoga, yoga pilates, pilates cycle, step, kickbox, sculpt, bellyfit, bootcamp and more), day including zumba, lockers, towel service, complimentary filtered water, coffee, tea, and much more. Additional services offered are child minding, personal training, sport specific clinics, nutritional counseling, weight loss plans and full spa services including massage and esthetics. TWP is your one-stop for a healthy mind, body and soul. Finish your visit to TWP with a relaxing, rejuvenating session in the far infra-red sauna or pamper yourself with a massage or mani/pedi. Always evolving, ever changing….. CONTRIBUTED

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SUZANNE WOOD switched from operating a marketing

business to changing her focus to green technology, specifically LED lighting products,

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Financial Advisor

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A26 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

City’s downtown offered exciting new career path The appropriate time to make a departure in your path can be obvious. Peggy Athans knew it was now or never when she made the switch after working for 21 years in the wine industry to her new role as the executive director of the Downtown Kelowna Association. Athans career in the B.C. wine industry is a master class of experience. She started at Andres Wines in Port Moody doing winery tours. She worked her way up in the company before being tapped to launch the import business for Australian wine giant, Southcorp Wines. “I started with no cell

Peggy Athans phone, no card, no office,” recalls Athans. She left behind a team of 28 reps properly outfitted and beating sales targets. The B.C. Wine Institute was Athans next stop. As

the executive director for five years, she answered to the board, lobbied government and implemented sweeping industry change. Prior to joining the DKA, Athans was at Cedar Creek Winery. “Don’t get me wrong. I loved what I did. But I had to decide either be in the wine industry forever or go on a new journey,” she said. “This position came up and Kelowna has so much potential. If I can be a little part of that potential coming true that would bring me satisfaction. “I love being in downtown Kelowna, it is a pretty amazing spot.”

“I love being in downtown Kelowna, it is a pretty amazing spot.”

—Peggy Athans, executive director of the Downtown Kelowna Association

Dr. Lina Jung Do you or your child wake with a sore jaw or unexplained head he pain? Do you grind you teeth? Do you snore or wake up suddenly at night? Are headaches or ear pain a routine part pa of your day? Have you been in a motor vehicle accident causing caus injury to the jaw? These are commonly associated with temporomandibular disorders disorder (TMD) and obstructive sleep apnea. At Winfield Dental Centre, Dr. Lina Jung uses a proven process for the diagnoses and/ or treatment of TMJ and sleep apnea without surgery. Our practice is focused on improving the quality of life for children and adults suffering from TMD and sleep apnea. We use the latest technological advances and provide non-surgical therapies and treatment options. Dr. Jung is also the Oral Oncology/Dental General Consultant at the BC Cancer Agency and is an active member of the research team.

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CONTRIBUTED

WORKING to encourage business growth in Kelowna’s downtown core is one of the tasks now facing Peggy Athans, the new executive director of the Kelowna Downtown Association.

Q & A WITH PEGGY ATHANS

How did you mix demanding career and family? My late husband, Greg Athans, would say to me, “Little one, you can do whatever you set your mind to.” Whenever work would go to the next level and I would be freaking out, Greg would be there. It is tough as a single mom, you have to work on balance. My daughter is 17 and she inspires me, she is very wise for her age, but it has been a challenge to find balance, you

need to leave enough in your tank. How did being an elite athlete when you were young impact your life? I was on the Canadian ski team and was a freestyle skier. Like every athlete, I wanted to be a P.E. teacher, but you need to be passionate to teach and I found that wasn’t for me. I wanted to try sports marketing but it was difficult to get a position in sports, I kept looking until I picked up the phone and got my first job. What are some of your most valuable lessons learned?

Working at a non-profit with members who had various points of view, I learned patience and to keep my eye on the end goal. Working with a voluntary trade association, hard work pays off. Have you had any mentors? While I was building the wine import team I reported to the North American head office in Monterrey. The gentleman I reported to was a wonderful person, he taught me that if I was going to open my mouth to complain, then I had better have a solution in the next sentence.

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Barb and Jenn are a mother-daughter team, who after planning a wedding for Barb’s older daughter & Jenn’s sister, saw the need for a stress-fr planning oasis. stress-free In April 2009 they opened The Wedding Café on Pandosy. Their vision is now a reality helping an average of 40 couples each month! They are passionate about helping their couples have a stress-free planning experience. They know all of their Vendors and are able to offer couples who come in with answers to their questions about their Vendors. Information about venues, favors, décor and more, along with the latest wedding magazines and books can be found in the library. The café is welcoming to everyone. You don’t need to be planning a wedding to enjoy their paninis, salads, Cherry Hill Coffee and Big City Cupcakes. Guests leave comments such as “It’s great energy in here” and “This is a beautiful space.”

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A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A27

Survival rate of new ventures on the upswing Jennifer Wang & Kara Ohngren CONTRIBUTORS

It’s hard to believe, but according to the learned folks at the National Bureau of Economic Research, the economy’s been in recovery since June 2009. Unfortunately, a big reason for the stagnation so far has been, well, you. Tons of people—-71 per cent says a recent survey by Discover Small Business Watch—are waiting for economic indicators to rise before they’re willing to hire and spend. But waiting around is ill-advised, maintains Eric Jackson, innovation specialist and vice-president of research and development at Gap International, a global management consulting firm in Philadelphia. “The world is screaming for innovation, and companies can capitalize on the resources they already have to spark the next possibilities.” Which brings us to some good news: Some of you are probably already on it. Resource constraints are stimulating great business practices, and the survival rate of new ventures in some sectors is on the upswing. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor found that a mere 1.4 per cent of minorityowned businesses closed down last year, compared with 2.9 per cent in 2008; and Sageworks, a North Carolina-based research firm, says that small-business profit margins are at a five-year high (6.2 per cent on every dollar of sales) because of savvy cost-cutting practices. Hiring may have stalled, but guess who’ll be first in line to scoop up new employees when revenues pick up. So forget about the dire predictions about tdouble-dip recession, dismal unemployment and the drop-offs in entrepreneurial activity in favor of this idea: Since the financial crisis laid waste to business as usual, the world is brimming with potential.

The economic future will be populated by the movers and shakers, who even now are poised for greatness. Just ask Socrates, who doled out this gem more than two millennia ago: “Let him that would move the world, first move himself.” Would-be retirees are taking over the workforce, too. A recent study by the Centre for Work-Life Policy found that 62 per cent of working boomers expect to stay in the labour force for at least nine more years, and that by 2020, 80 per cent of North American-born workers will be older than 50. Some experts even expect a boom in entrepreneurship as health care reform takes effect. “What this means is that boomers will have a lot of power,” said Stephen Sweet, a lead researcher at Boston College’s Sloan Center on Aging and Work. As boomers age toward retirement, employers will have to consider alternative work arrangements and other ways to accommodate them. The impending takeover is “on everyone’s radar,” he says. Besides, these days, being old doesn’t automatically mean you lose cool points. Last fall, American University offered a class on boomers, complete with a festival showing movies like The Graduate and The Big Chill. And as proof that it takes more than sunshine and souped-up golf carts to keep retirees happy, Florida took only one spot in a recent CNN list of Top 25 best places to retire in the U.S. (The top three were university towns in North Carolina, New Hampshire and Kentucky.) And the clincher: Hollywood got in on the cool retirees movement with the fall action flick Red, which stars Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren and Morgan Freeman as four retired and extremely dangerous (RED, get it?) ex-CIA agents—-think The Bourne Identity, but funny, and with old people. “Old man, my ass,” Malkovich’s charac-

ter smirks in one scene, right after taking out a rocket with a single bullet. . *** John D. Rockefeller once declared, “If you want to succeed, you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.” Given the flagging rate of economic recovery, perhaps we have taken his advice to heart—literally. A plethora of industry reports indicates that travel and tourism are back, and, by the end of 2011, will be better than ever. Revenue is expected to reach nearly $1.4 trillion, a record, says Toon van Beeck, senior analyst at research firm IBISWorld. This means the opportunity in the sector will be “the biggest it has ever been.” No kidding. Just consider this set of glowing forecasts for 2011: International trips will jump 5.5 per cent, to $94.7 million; domestic trips will rise 1.2 per cent, to $627.4 million; hotel revenues will go up by 4.4 per cent, to $114.8 billion; travel agencies will bring in 3.3 per cent more revenue, making the total $12 billion; tour operator revenue will grow five per cent, to $3.7 billion; and even the RV parks and campgrounds industry will experience a 1.5 percent revenue increase, to $4.5 billion. That’s only part of it. As the industry increasingly shifts online, opportunities are emerging. The app market, for instance, has swelled from virtually nothing to billions of dollars in just a few years, and smartphone owners are loving their access to a gaggle of Wi-Fi finders, flight status updaters, local restaurant finders, budget booking assistants, translators and more. Websites offering unique travel-oriented services have made a strong showing, too. They include Wanderfly, a personalized travel recommendation travel engine à la Hunch and Pandora; and Dopplr, a site that allows travel-

ers to share their itineraries and get travel advice within their networks. “This (area) will continue to grow, improving the efficiency of the overall industry and increasing demand for travel,” Van Beeck says. “It will be a good time for new players.” Clearly, Rockefeller was onto something. *** A recent U.S. survey found that nearly half of all Americans are now members of at least one social network and spending more money while they’re at it, double from just two years ago. Research shows that social media users spend, on average, one and a half times more time online than the typical web surfer. In fact, heavy Facebook users spent an average of $67 online during the first quarter of the year-compared with less than $50 for the general netizen, according to recent comScore research. E-commerce has gone social. Gone are the days of one-way, private online shopping. A recent MediaPost study revealed that 59 per cent of consumers rated “personal advice from friends” as the most influential source of information for their purchase decisions, and 51 percent of Twitter users reported they follow companies, brands or products on social networks. Also going social are collective buying sites—ike Groupon and LivingSocial—which are appearing in most urban areas. Each day members are e-mailed a discount offered by a local business. These sites have integrated tools that allow users to easily share deals and recommendations and plan activities with friends on Facebook and Twitter. Companies no longer have total control over their brand’s message. That responsibility now falls in the hands of the social web with a recent surge of consumer product review sites.

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A28 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Find a unique niche to exploit in your business world Wanda Loskot CONTRIBUTOR

If you operate your own business, you should be familiar with the term USP. Not to be confused with UPS, USP stands for a Unique Selling Proposition. Some people call it a positioning statement, some call it a unique and irresistible advantage, or a unique buying proposition. But whatever you call it, it’s something that vast majority of business owners don’t have. It is also one of the major reasons why so many businesses fail. Why is it so important? Because it sets you apart from the majority of your competitors and it literally positions you as the problem solver of choice in the eyes of

your best prospects. Nice. If you have it. But if you don’t, you are in your prospect’s mind like the rest—a me-too kind of business, doing the same thing everyone else is doing. Here are a few suggestions that will help you come up with your own unique positioning statement. Understand that defining your USP is a process. Take your time. Sit down in a quiet place for a few hours to get started. Do your homework and write things down. And, don’t be surprised if it will take longer than you expect. Most likely it will. Stay away from slogans. Just because it looks and sounds good, doesn’t mean it has meaning. Customers can sense the

emptiness of a slogan from far away. The best you can expect from one is that people will ignore it. Know your competition well. You simply cannot compare yourself fairly with others based only on assumptions. Your customers are shopping and so should you. You need to know exactly how you stack up against other businesses offering a similar service to yours. As you check your competition, ask yourself: • What do I offer that my competitors don’t? • What do I have that is better than what they do? • What is the same as offered by my competition? • What do they offer that I don’t? (maybe even can’t?) Know your market. You must be able to identify the

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existing and unsatisfied need. What do you do or can do that no one else is doing and the customer would appreciate? Once your find it, you’re almost home. Don’t try to please everyone. There is a vast market and it is very tempting to try to get it all—don’t. Marketing is like hunting. If you want a duck for dinner you are far better off if you aim at one duck, not at the entire flock. You must be able to deliver. Pick your USP only after

careful consideration whether or not you can actually consistently perform the promised service. Remember, just as referrals can build your business beyond your wildest dreams, negative worth-of-mouth statements can spread even faster. When you are clear on what your USP is, communicate it to your market. After you write your few sentences or even a few paragraphs, spend some time editing and trimming it relent-

lessly. Boil it down to a few words, even one sentence. Then play with words and transform them into a bold statement that can grab the attention of your most wanted customer. Never forget that USP is about the customer. It’s not about you, or about your company, your profession, your industry. It is not about your awards, your credentials. It is only about your customers and how you can solve their specific problems.

Balancing work and home If you’re like most people you are probably working harder and longer than you used to, especially if you own your business. As a result, finding balance in today’s fastpaced world is more difficult than ever before. Yet, a healthy balance has also never been more important. Here are a few strategies that can help: 1. First and foremost, you must love what you do. We spend over a third of our life at work—doesn’t it make sense to enjoy it? Even a high-pressure job is less stressful when you fully enjoy it. If you find yourself in a job or operating a business that doesn’t motivate or stimulate you, consider making a change. 2. Make time for family and friends. Regardless how busy you are, it is critical to spend time with people who are close to you. For example, schedule a date night once a week with your wife. This usually means having dinner at a local restaurant or going to a movie, show or concert. Although conversation can often end up being about our business, it gives us the opportunity to catch up and discuss things we don’t always find time to talk about during the rest of the week. Spending time with friends is also a great way to recharge mentally, particularly if your friends are not employed in the same industry. 3. Find a hobby. It’s important to engage yourself in a pastime or hobby because they help you forget about work for a while. Besides releasing stress, a hobby helps recharge your batteries and maintain your objectivity. Plus, a clear energized mind is more creative

and open to accepting new ideas. 4. Schedule “me” time. As selfish as it sounds, we all need a few hours of personal time. That could involve running errands, watching a movie on TV or even taking a nap. Don’t feel guilty for taking this time because it actually helps to engage in something you fully enjoy without worrying about distractions from other people. One word of caution, “me” time should not be scheduled at the sacrifice of others or occupy a large portion of your schedule. If you have been on a business trip for a week, it’s not fair to your family to schedule the entire weekend as “me” time. 5. Take vacations. Vacations are critical to your well-being. It is essential to take a break from the hectic and fast-paced business world. Too many people in business wave their lack of vacation time as a badge of honour but the lack of a break from your business negatively affects your ability to perform at your maximum potential. 6. Disconnect yourself. Today’s technology has made it very difficult for us to completely disconnect from business. We don’t want to miss anything and sometimes our boss even requires that we stay connected to the office on our time off. But disconnecting yourself completely from voice mail, email, your PDA and BlackBerry is essential to creating some semblance of balance in your life. There is no question that you will have more work to catch up on when you return to work but this complete break helps your brain recharge.

If I Had Three Wishes... Pictured: Marilyn, Connie, Jeannine, Linda, Pat & Linda

DESIGNER LADIES WEAR ´ STUNNING ACCESSORIES ´ GREAT SHOES ´

...well worth the beautiful drive...

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Downtown Penticton 370 Main Street ¦ 250.490.4899 www.threewishesclothing.com

Since 1994,Three Wishes Clothing Boutique in Penticton has been offering women a large selection of designer ladies wear, stunning accessories and great shoes for casual, occasions. The showroom, located downtown on Main casual career and special occasions Street has large dressing rooms, friendly experienced staff and is constantly changing to reflect the latest in fashion trends. The hallmark of Three Wishes is personal unhurried service backed by knowledge and experience that assures the customer of the best and latest designs from Canadian, European and American designers. Three Wishes welcomes many frequent repeat customers from Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton and of course the Okanagan Valley who enjoy and indulge in the great selection of quality fashion. Travel wear, jewelry, shoes, designer jeans, spring jackets and of course the latest in casual, career and special occasion wear are all here to make this boutique a one-stop solution to all your wardrobe needs. As spring approaches, an abundance of dresses are making their annual appearance appropriate for all types of occasions. We offer a complete selection of sizes from XS to XXL and be sure to ask about the amazing “Unbelievabra” body shaper... every girl should have at least one!

DOWNTOWN PENTICTON 370 Main Street

P: 250-490-4899 F: 250-490-8988 E: fashion@threewishesclothing.com www.threewishesclothing.com “Worth the scenic drive to Penticton”

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A29

Spa owner broke new ground in Kelowna Long-time Kelowna residents will remember when Debra Pender went into business. In 1994, protesters picketed Beyond Wrapture Day Spa because Pender was introducing aromatherapy to the community. Pender can laugh about the disconcerting experience now in part because the publicity help launch the company. Beyond Wrapture now has a location at Capri, Big White, Lake Okanagan Resort, and Summerland Resort. Beyond Wrapture was lo-

cated on Harvey Avenue for about a year and a half before Pender moved the business to the heritage home at the corner of Richter and Elliot, where the company still has its head office today. “This house was a beautiful little world while we worked here,” she recalled. Pender loved the day spa concept. She was enthralled by a day spa she visited in Mexico, and to this day returns to the area to recharge her own batteries. But when she went looking for a day spa in Canada,

she was surprised to find out day spas were almost nonexistent. So it was the natural decision for her to bring her experiences in Mexico to Canada. Beyond Wrapture works with essential oils and follows ancient techniques. “Essential oils were first used in beautifying in the Temples of Karnak in ancient Egypt,” she said. “Our signature services are as close as you can come to the services Cleopatra received. The house on Richter was even decorated in an Egyptian theme.”

The concept proved popular and Pender has not regretted the decision. “I had a dream to operate a spa, I wrote that down. One day, I went and looked at that piece of paper, everything I had written 30 years ago had come true.”

Q & A WITH DEBRA PENDER

How did you overcome challenges? We weren’t just picketed. A spa was so unknown that when we moved to the house men would come and knock on the door and ask to choose a girl. I couldn’t believe it, it was bad. On the flip side, we had the best smelling garbage in Kelowna from the essential oils. To help people under-

stand us, we invited neighbours to open houses. People got to know what we really were. How did you do market research when no-one in Kelowna knew what a day spa was? I had to make a decision and Kelowna was where I wanted to raise my daughter. So I started thinking about who would come to the spa. I did know for sure that people who lived here would have friends and family visit from larger centres. Those people would know what spa was, so deciding to look for those people was a great decision for me. One of my first best sources of customers was from The Grand hotel. What do you do outside

of running the spa? I love to walk my dogs, I do go to Mexico. One of the things I work on is with Human Resources Canada. Mexico has skilled spa workers, and in our busy summer months I want to organize a guest worker program for temporary skilled spa workers. How did you manage growth and keep multiple locations operating right now? I have a bookkeeper. I book one appointment per day, the rest is “white space” to deal with things that come up. The rest of the time is everything else, the work is there. Something always needs to be done. You prioritize and fit things in.

Stepping Stones Counselling Group

St Stepping Stones Counselling Group was created by coordinator and therapist Deanne Leung. Stepping Stones co is comprised of a team of specialized therapists. We are a private counselling and therapy practice for children, youth, adults and families. We offer individual, couples, yo family, and group therapy along with various workshops. fam Areas of specialization include anxiety, depression, adoption/ Ar attachment, trauma and abuse, Somatic Experiencing for att stress & trauma release, Autism Spectrum Disorder, grief str and loss, divorce issues and parenting plans. Our team of an specialized therapists is dedicated to providing exceptional spe services serv vices & supports to our clients and community. Pictured (T-B), Melanie Maure, Jody Bekhuys, Deanne Leung (co-therapist, (T-B Seemore), Vicki Cairns and Olivia Sullivan. See To see more information on our therapists, services & specializations, please ple visit our website at www.steppingstoneskelowna.ca or give us a call at 250-763-7414.

CONTRIBUTED

BEYOND WRAPTURE blazed the trail for health and beauty spas coming to Kelowna, based on the experience owner Debra Pender enjoyed from a similar spa she went to in Mexico.

Stepping epping Stones COUNSELLING GROUP

1369 Richter Street 250-763-7414 steppingstoneskelowna.ca

Jackie, Jacquelyn, Stephanie, Jennifer & Krista (Fr row) Carol-Lynn, Betty, Karen, Patricia & LeeAnn (Front (Back row) (B

Long time Westbank residents, the Schmidt family has over 30 years of jewellery experience. They enjoy helping their many new and long-time customers that drop into J.K. SchmidtJewellers to shop or just say hi. Lee Ann and Troy moved to Westbank to help Troy’s parents with their new business – a jewellery and watch store. Lee Ann, a Graduate Jeweller, not only manages the day-to-day operation of the store, she also works hands-on with repairs and engraving. Lee Ann offers a level of service that just doesn’t stop, and will always take the extra time to make sure customers are satisfied. Growing up in the family jewellery business, Stephanie and Jennifer, third generation jewellers, have gained varied expertise in all aspects of the business, including purchasing, sales, style and design. Stephanie, working on her GIA certification, has already proven her panache by creating stunning one-of-a-kind pieces for customers. Jennifer has been concentrating on mastering the accounting and “office” side of the business. Come on over, it’s a short drive, and visit Lee Ann, Stephanie and Jennifer – experts at helping you create or finding just the perfect item for you, or someone special.

PLEASE VIEW OUR COLLECTION:

www.jkschmidt.ca

250-768-7353 • 2477 Main Street, Westbank • 1-800-406-3666

A30 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Passion helps overcome restaurant’s daily grind The restaurant industry is a demanding grind, but Raudz Regional Table co-owner Audrey Surrao wouldn’t have it any other way. Surrao has spent most of her adult working life in the hospitality and restaurant industry. Raudz opened in March 2009 as a completely new restaurant in the space formerly occupied by Fresco on Water Street in downtown Kelowna. Surrao and co-owner Rod Butters had owned and operated Fresco since 2001. The decision to close a successful restaurant was “a bit frightening,” admitted Surrao. The co-owners had been working on the fresh, casual concept of Raudz for a while

and they felt Fresco was at a peak. “We chose to close Fresco at the top of the game,” explained Surrao. What followed was a master class in transition, the space was gutted to the bare concrete, an entirely new restaurant with a new concept, new marketing, while 12 new staff positions were put in place. Raudz was off to a great start as Surrao says it was due to retaining what worked well with the previous restaurant. “We were able to avoid teething pains because we brought forward many of our suppliers,” she said. ‘We already had local producers, we kept those relationships. Our team remained intact during the tran-

sition.” Surrao has worked in almost every aspect of the restaurant industry from human resources, administration and beverage control to working the front end. “Pretty well everything but the kitchen,” said Surrao. Years of training at the Four Seasons, plus experience opening the restaurant at Wickaninnish in 1996 are valuable parts of Surrao’s past experience. While the 14-hour workdays can be a grind, Surrao says she loves her work. “I would not pick anything else.”

Q &A WITH AUDREY SURRAO

What is your education background?

Sareena Nickoli Sareen can’t believe that she has been apart of the family business for Sareena 10 years! yea She looks after the Purchasing and Marketing/Advertising for West Kelowna and Vernon locations. She holds a Business Degree the W and aan Interior Design Certiﬁcate. Sareena has been fortunate enough to attend furniture shows world wide including buying trips to China att and a trip to It Italy last September for a factory tour of Natuzzi. She also looks after Commercial sales and works clos closely with developers in the Okanagan for appliance packages and stages show homes. Sareena has been a ﬁtness instructor for over 10 years. She has started up her own business “ZUMBA with SAREENA!” and teaches classes in Vernon and Kelowna. Sareena is excited to instruct at the Annual Interior Fitness Conference being held at the Okanagan College in May 2011 for the second year in a row. Family is very important to Sareena, and has been married to her husband, Ryan for almost 10 years and works closely with her dad, sister and brother in law! Check out her facebook pages – City Furniture Okanagan, and ZUMBA with SAREENA! She looks forward to helping you buy, as well as helping you sweat!

West Kelowna

(Across from Bylands’ Nursery)

1793 Ross Road

“We Don’t Sell - We Help You Buy”

250-769-7117

At Your Fingertips Pictured: Tania Von Rothkirch, Danielle Porter, Kali Howden, Sandra Pados and Cecilia Jans.

At Your Fingertips is owned and operated by Kali Howden. Kali has been in the industry for the last twenty years. At Your Fingertips has been a success since 2001, thanks to all the clients who have enjoyed and keep returning for nail and esthetic services. Over the years Kali has educated for O.P.I, and taken many different courses to keep her knowledge up to date. Using quality products in Gel & Acrylic and a high standard in the cleanliness of the salon, as well as educated and highly skilled staff members, make “At Your Fingertips” Kelowna’s top nail salon. Kali also is an examiner for the nail and esthetic government exams for the C.I.A.B.C. Kali enjoys competing and has received four first place awards, and has been shown in “Nails” magazine and “Complete Woman” magazine. Another first place for nails was taken home by manager “Cecilia Jans”. Kali is very grateful to her long term staff and would like to welcome back Sandra D.

CONTRIBUTED

A LOVE of the restaurant business, coupled with a solid five-year plan contribute to the success of Raudz. I have a business degree from the University of Lethbridge. Finding financing for a restaurant is hard. How did you do it? It is difficult to get funding. You have to prove you can do it. You need to be able to prove it on paper. We had a solid five-year plan and thought of everything, the highs and lows. You have to do your due diligence. Did you have mentor? I would have to say my mom. We have a strong family unit, she stayed home with the kids, it gave me a lot. Even in my corporate

life, sales and management, my mom would give me really good life advice and it was so easy to translate. What keeps you inspired? Both (Rod and I) work seven days a week, as things need to happen on your day off. We do take some evenings off, and I can do some work from home, I like that. I love what I do, being here doesn’t feel like work. What is it like to work with a business partner for 18 years? Rod is an amazing business partner. He does the food purchasing and the menus and I do the staff and

service training. We keep the lines of communication open and support each other. What is the foundation of a restaurant’s success? Never stop training. Maintain your service levels. Why is the concept of “local” important? I believe in eat local, drink local, support local. It contributes to the success of the community and business. We support our neighbors, we support local farmers and artisans. We walk the talk and they return it in kind.

Robina Palmer

B.Sc. PT, Certified Vestibular Therapist Robina Palmer is a registered Physiotherapist and co-owner of Sun City Physiotherapy - currently operating three local clinics - in downtown Kelowna, North Glenmore, and Winfield. With over 15 years of practicing experience, Robina recently received her certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation at the Emery University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. She is only the second certified vestibular therapist in the Okanagan. While she continues to treat patients with orthopaedic conditions and sport injuries at Sun City Physiotherapy’s downtown clinic, Robina increasingly focuses on Vestibular Rehabilitation - treating patients with vertigo and dizziness. She lectures regularly to businesses and organizations on ergonomics, back care, and injury prevention. In her free time, Robina is usually skiing, mountain biking, hiking, on a backcountry adventure, or training for a half-marathon; but none of these activities live up to her love of shoe shopping, something she also considers a valid sport.

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Nails & Esthetics

250-762-6833 #102-2000 Enterprise Way Kelowna

DOWNTOWN KELOWNA

NORTH GLENMORE

WINFIELD/ LAKE COUNTRY

1468 ST. Paul St.

202-437 Glenmore Rd.

4-9966 Pollard Rd.

250.861.8056 250.762.6313 250.766.2544 www.suncityphysiotherapy.com

Helping Westbank Chamber create change

To work as an advocate for business, He worked in the training office, was an imit helps to have not only the right back- migrant and was unbelievably educated. This man, I admired him so much. We ground but a lively and enduring interest in took university courses together. I couldn’t the needs of businesses. Karen Thompson, the recently hired have done so many things without him, he executive director of the Westbank Cham- was a sounding board. Sometimes he would say to me, “It’s your ber of Commerce, has that interest. “It is very important for the Chamber fault, let’s work it through.” What was a lastto be the voice of busiing lesson from your ness in the community,” mentor? said Thompson. It is really good to “Our first new poll be able to sound off goes out to members with somebody who and we are going to be you trust. They have a advocating on behalf of different take and that members.” is so valuable. Thompson started What do you out at one of the chardo when things go tered banks, wrong? “I was everything Even in conflict, I from a teller to a branch believe everybody is manager,” she recalled. doing what they are After a 17-year cadoing with the best reer at the financial inof intentions. You just stitution, she left to have to work things work at her family busiout. ness for just over a decCONTRIBUTED Do you have any ade, which she then folspare time? lowed with a stint as the KAREN THOMPSON is the I have been a sinexecutive director of the executive director of the Westbank gle mom for 10 years. Urban Development Insti- Chamber of Commerce. When I am not runtute. ning kids here and For Thompson, those there, I love hiking transitions often brought f her valuable insight. “Once I was in business and photography and reading. There is not a for myself I would cringe about some of the lot of down time. How busy do your kids keep you? questions I had asked entrepreneurs when I I have a son who is 19 and twins in Grade was a lender. “I had so many epiphanies, I think bank- 11. I have been so blessed with three fabuers and lenders should be required to own lous kids, I have enjoyed everything about their own business, to know they have to them growing up. We have a very active family. fmeet payroll.” You have sat on some boards, why did Thompson believes the Chamber is the best way to create changes that benefit busi- you find the time? I was a director for the Okanagan Symnesses and the local community. “Groups are effective and efficient if the phony and a director on the board for Balgroup is cohesive. We have the ability to be let Kelowna. They have been really good boards, those boards make a difference and the voice of business in Westbank.” have excellent, committed people on them. Q & A WITH Their hearts are certainly in the right place. I would like to see a strong board at KAREN THOMPSON the Chamber, we have a fabulous group this Did you have any mentors? I had a mentor at the bank in Vancouver. year.

Arlene Marshinew

CID

Decorating Den Interiors, an international company specializing in custom window treatments, furniture, custom bedding, accessories, wall and floor coverings, is now open in Kelowna! As owner and professionally trained interior decorator, I am excited to be able to offer some of the finest furnishings and décor available. One of the best things about my business is the service I provide. I bring fabric and home furnishing samples directly to you in the comfort of your home. Never has shopping for home interiors been so convenient! My service not only saves time, but gives the opportunity to make product selections based on existing furniture and lighting conditions. I work closely with you to make your ideas become a reality, all within your decorating allowance. Our international buying power enables me to offer competitive pricing, while still offering you the personalized services of a professional interior decorator. Call me to set up your complimentary consultation.

arlene@decoratingden.ca 250•762•2778 www.arlene.decoratingden.com

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A31

Amici’s Hair and Body Spa Amici’s Hair and Body Spa commits to consistently delivering an extraordinary client experience that deliver exceed guest’s expectations. They have provided exceeds knowledge, education and fashion forward looks knowl enhance the self esteem, image & self confidence of that enha the guests they have served, d for over 15 years in the heart of Downtown Kelowna. Amici’s is a friendly full service salon and spa that can provide just ju about anything you need to make you look great. Their talented artists are dedicated professionals, making sure sur your appearance is their highest priority. They an desires. consider each client as an individual with his or her own needs and Amici’s uses the highest quality in hair care products. Along with being a REDKEN Premier Salon and exclusive DERMALOGICA skin care provider, they also have BIO SCULPTURE GEL NAILS. Group spa pedicures and manicures are also available in the inviting treatment rooms. Amici’s staff deliver exceptional value and service. Coni Grande, the owner, retains the best people, and creates and promotes an image and environment of success. Each of the staff possess loyalty, personal pride and uphold Amici’s reputation. Amici’s staff are all B.C. Licensed Cosmetologists, who sincerely enjoy what they do and it is reflective on the smiles and repeat business of the clients. They promise individual attention and great value for all their customers.

250.762.3000 595 Lawrence Ave.

www.amicishairandbodyspa.com

Cathy Cherka Licensed Realtor® My name is Cathy Cherka and I am proud to be a Licensed REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty. I have lived and been actively involved in real estate in the Okanagan now for over 11 years. Buyi or selling a home is one of the largest ﬁnancial decisions most Buying people undertake in their lifetime. It can be fun and stress free if you work with the right REALTOR®. I use the Coldwell Banker Ultimate Service® program to deliver you real value and to assure the highest level of client satisfaction. There is nothing more rewarding then seeing your client’s face when you put that SOLD sign up at their property or when you hand them the keys to their new home. I would like to thank all of my clients, family and friends for their continued support and the many referrals I have received over the years. I welcome the opportunity to help YOU! Please contact me at anytime. You will not be disappointed.

14 - 1470 Harvey Ave. Kelowna

250-860-7500 / Cell 250-215-2956 www.cathycherka.ca • ccherka@coldwellbanker.ca

Debbie Williams ishopk ishopkelowna.com is an online business directory for the Kelowna area tthat launched in April 2008. ishopkelowna.com was created because becau as a busy working mother Debbie found herself shopping online onlin outside Canada. Locating local businesses online was a cumbersome chore – inaccurate listings, a small percentage of cumb businesses listed, and numerous numero pages to go through on poor layout in existing online directories. A longtime Kelowna resident Debbie believes in shopping locally so she designed a website that is appealing, easy to use, and all the listings for each section are on 1 page. On ishopkelowna.com each local business gets a FREE client page including – contact information, store image, business description, website link, and product images. Advertising is available to businesses looking to promote their business. Currently in launch process is ishopregina.net where Saskatchewan consumers will have a direct link to ishopkelowna.com and Kelowna businesses. Check out your listing and your competitors.

INTERNET SHOPPING AT ITS BEST

A32 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

RBC ROYAL BANK MORTGAGE SPECIALISTS Kelowna’s Premier Mortgage Specialists Whether buying a new home or refinancing, a mobile mortgage specialist can simplify the process and make things easier!

Diane Bold (2 (250) 317-4343

Linda Dumka (250) 718-1070

Cathy Endecott (2 (250) 878-8042

Elaine Embury (250) 317-4848

Cory Pachenski (2 (250) 801-7699

Julie Weimer (250) 864-5349

Jeannie Russell (2 (250) 859-1221

Jill Gruen

(250) 469-1040

WITH RBC ROYAL BANK, YOU’LL RECEIVE:

• Personalized advice to find the mortgage solution that fits your needs • Competitive rates • Recommendations to help save money and live mortgage-free sooner • The confidence of dealing with Canada’s leading mortgage provider • The convenience of having us come to you

Let your personal ‘story’ frame your business plan Tim Berry CONTRIBUTOR

I believe stories can contain as much or more truth than pure “facts.” Think of the power of the phrases sour grapes, crying wolf, or the emperor’s new clothes. Don’t they tell us something instantly, regardless of historical fact, because we understand the story? My favourite part of an investment pitch or an elevator speech is where the entrepreneur talks about how some ideal customer has a problem and this new business solves it. Suspend your image of a business plan as a document for a while, and think of it as a collection of all your stories, combined with concrete specifics or goals that aim to make those stories come true. Essentially, your strategy is the story of you and your business. It tells how and why you started and what you do well. It’s what you like to do. It’s the story of why your customers need what you sell, how they find you and how you give them what they want. It’s the story of how you focus in on the most important parts of the business. As you imagine what those stories are, break them down into meaningful, trackable parts. Set tasks associated with those stories, assign tasks to people and give them dates.

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SUSPEND YOUR IMAGE OF A BUSINESS PLAN AS A DOCUMENT FOR A WHILE, AND THINK OF IT AS A COLLECTION OF ALL YOUR STORIES, COMBINED WITH CONCRETE SPECIFICS OR GOALS THAT AIM TO MAKE THOSE STORIES COME TRUE.

Think about your longterm objectives story. Are you looking for wealth and fame, or to do what you like? What does success look like to you? Is it getting financed and making millions, or taking off at 4 p.m. to coach your kids’ soccer team? Your marketing strategy also is a collection of stories. Invent a fictional character as your ideal customer, flesh out the character with age, relationships, job, family, media preferences, transportation patterns, likes and dislikes.

Then figure out what story to tell that person, and where to tell it so he or she will see it. Market numbers can also be easier to imagine as stories rather than just numbers. Which of these statements resonates more with you: “There’s a potential market of 120 million units,” or “this belongs in every household in this country.” The numbers associated with your sales forecast, expense budget and cashflow can also be told as stories. Essentially, they are predicting the future—telling you a story of what can happen, based on logical assumptions. The numbers make the stories real, and the stories make the numbers real. When putting these stories together, don’t sweat the format, especially if you don’t need to create a formal document to show people. Leave them on your computer and refer back to it regularly. Track your progress, review the plan compared to actual results and make regular corrections. In the six years I have been writing about this topic, I’ve grown more convinced than ever about the importance of the story as the essential building blocks of business planning. And I’ve grown less convinced about the importance of wordy and often superfluous elements like mission and vision statements.

“You know you are on the road to success if you would do your job, and not be paid for it.”

– Oprah Winfrey

Over 98 percent of all businesses in Canada are small and medium sized, employing almost half of our workforce. Even in recent recessionary times, our small business sector outperformed the rest of the economy. I salute our women in business and commend them for their determination and spirit of entrepreneurship.

Ron Cannan, MP Kelowna - Lake Country

114-1835 Gordon Drive, Capri Mall, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H4 ron@cannan.ca (250)-470-5075 www.cannan.ca

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A33

Avoid framing yourself into a bad decision Kare Anderson CONTRIBUTOR

There are many common decision-making mistakes that people make.

THE CONFIRMING-EVIDENCE TRAP

This trap is the bias that leads us to seek out information to support our existing point of view while avoiding information that contradicts it. This bias not only affects where we go to collect evidence to reinforce a current stance or perspective, but also how we interpret the evidence we receive, leading us to give too much weight to supporting information and opinions and too little to those that are conflicting. In one study of this phenomenon, two groups one opposed to and one supporting capital punishment each read two reports of carefully conducted research on the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent to crime. One report concluded that it was effective, the other that it was not. Despite being exposed to solid scientific information supporting counter-arguments, the members of both groups became even more convinced of the validity of their own positions after reading both reports. Two fundamental and extraordinarily powerful psychological forces are at work here. Please read the next two sentences twice, as they describe two of the most subtle and pervasive ways we let our rush of first emotions bias our better, more balanced judgment. The first is our tendency to subconsciously decide what we want to do before

we figure out why we want to do it. The second is our inclination to be more engaged by things we like than by things we dislike a tendency well documented, even in babies. What can you do about these traps? Always check to see whether you are examining all the evidence with equal rigor. Avoid the tendency to accept confirming evidence without question. Get someone you respect to play devil’s advocate or build the counter-arguments yourself. What’s the strongest reason to make a different choice? The second strongest? The third? Be honest with yourself about your motives. Are you really gathering information to help you make a smart choice, or are you just looking for evidence confirming what you think you want to do? In seeking advice from others, don’t ask leading questions that make your decision-making inclination evident. Make sure the people from whom you want perspective are not biased by your views and can offer you truly independent information and opinions.

THE FRAMING TRAP

How you make a decision is often determined by how you view your choices or how you frame the questions around it. For example, to reduce insurance costs, the neighbouring states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania made similar changes in their laws. Each state gave drivers a new option: By accepting a limited right to sue, drivers could lower their premiums.

But the two states framed the choices very differently, and how the state officials framed the vehicle owners choices for insurance costs made a $200 million difference in how the drivers in one state chose to pay versus those in the other state. In New Jersey, you automatically got the limited right to sue unless you specified otherwise. In Pennsylvania, you got the full right to sue unless you specified otherwise. As a result, about 80 per cent of drivers in New Jersey chose the limited right to sue, but only 25 per cent in Pennsylvania. A frame can establish the “status quo” or introduce an “anchor.” It can lead you to “justify past actions” or highlight confirming evidence. Two kinds of frames can distort decision-making with startling frequency.

A GAIN OR A LOSS

People are risk averse and will look for reasons to turn down or avoid a decision where a loss, however small, is possible even if a larger chance exists for an upside gain. People also tend to adopt the framing of the situation as it is presented to them; rather than restating the problem in their own way. Don’t automatically accept the initial frame, whether you or someone else created it. Try to reframe the problem or opportunity in several ways to see it from different sides and envision different potential outcomes. Also try posing decisionmaking situations in a neutral way that combines gains and losses or embraces different reference points.

Alice Hooper As your 2010 Platinum Award Royal LePage Sales Representative and Accredited Green Agent (NAGAB®), Alice is your resource person. Contact her for information on products and services that you can access to make your home more energy-efficient, comfortable and healthy! From government grants to what kind o f paint to use, Alice can help you retrofit an older home or get you started building your new home with these features in place. When working with Buyers, Alice really hears what her clients are looking for and finds the home that best suits their needs and wants. She has many happy clients who will testify to that! When working with Sellers, she really believes that first impressions make all the difference. As part of her listing program she offers a complimentary home staging consultation. Statistics prove that a staged home sells faster and for more money! So, whether you are buying or selling or would like some “green” information, please call Alice Hooper 250 317-2174. alice@ hoopersrealestate.com

HoopersRealEstate.com 11-2475 Dobbin Road. West Kelowna 250-317-2174

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WHEN WE MAKE A FAST DECISION, THINKING WE ARE RELYING ON GUT INSTINCTS, WE ARE OFTEN FALLING INTO A TRAP.

Throughout the decision-making process, ask yourself how your thinking might change if the framing changed.

ESTIMATING AND FORECASTING TRAPS

We are all fairly good at estimating time, volume, distance, and weight because we make such decisions fre-

quently and get quick feedback about our accuracy. We are less experienced (and get less verification) when deciding on less certain forecasts. Weather forecasters and bookmakers have opportunities and incentives to maintain a record of their judgments to see when they have been accurate and to plan to replicate the accurate reasoning in their next decision. We all, for example, exaggerate the probability of rare but catastrophic occurrences such as plane crashes because they get disproportionate attention in the media. A dramatic or traumatic event in your own life will distort your thinking forever. You will assign a higher probability that similar things might happen to you and to others in the future.

To minimize the distortion caused by variations in recallability, carefully examine all of your assumptions. Many of these traps work, not in isolation, but in concert with each other, thus amplifying their power to distort. When we make a fast decision, thinking we are relying on gut instincts, we are often falling into a trap. Before you spend too much time actually making a decision, take time to review how you are making it. Don’t get emotionally attached to one outcome before you’re sure your decision-making process serves you well. Kare Anderson is a behavioural futurist and publisher of the Say It Better online newsletter.

Alix Larsen, CGA, Lyn Perry, CGA. CFP, FDS Karen Kopp, CGA These three exceptional women are part or KNV’s Kelowna office team and between them offer a wealth of tax an and business planning experience. Whether for tax advice, accounting, assurance, or management advisory services, KNV is here to serve as an invaluable member of your advisory team. We welcome new clients to contact us to discuss how we may assist in your success. Please visit us online at www.knv.com

Ph: 250-861-5300 #100-620 Leon Avenue, Kelowna

Abbygale Matvieshen We are so excited to finally be open after a 3 month delay, due to the fire at The Stuart Business Centre on Kirschner Rd. It’s been bee wonderful to meet so many people who know and appreciate “what a difference quality makes”. There’s so many health benefits we can enjoy just by adding-Spices, Loose Leaf Teas, Sea Salts, Olive Oils, Vinegars and Honey to our daily diets. We look forward to meeting you and your family. We are located next to Komatsu Japanese Market. Visit us today! We also serve Tea to go. Visit us online @ www.KelownaSpiceAndTea.com

135-1855 Kirschner Road (250) 763-8833 www.KelownaSpiceAndTea.com

A34 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Art of knitting attracts varied social dynamic Sally Mahood has always been a knitter and a small business retailer. When her children were young and they lived in the Lower Mainland, she opened a toy store in North Vancouver to meet her need for interesting and enriching toys. Today, Mahood owns Art of Yarn on Pandosy Street in Kelowna. The boutique shop draws clients from around the Okanagan. Mahood says people would be amazed at who knits in today’s high-tech world. “Knitting can be quite analytical. I get doctors, lawyers, speech therapists into the shop and they love to knit,” Mahood said. Art of Yarn has a diverse range of yarns. Mahood

loves the retail aspect, saying she still finds it a special thrill to going on buying trips and finding the right products for her store. “It is a bit of a thrill to buy. I don’t buy anything I don’t like, and I do enjoy the process,” she explained “I want to find the right mix, I have a wide market, young/old, budget/no budget. I am looking for things people will respond well to.’ Mahood went to school at UBC and completed a degree in art history. While many of her classmates went on to careers in artistic endeavours such as working in museums, Mahood felt those pursuits were not quite active enough for her. One of the pleasant surprises at Art of Yarn is the

sense of community that is built in the classes her store offers. “It amazes me how many of our classes turn into social groups, people enjoy meeting others with the same interests.”

Q&A WITH SALLY MAHOOD

What inspires you about owning a retail shop? I don’t love all types of retail. I once owned a seafood store and that didn’t interest me at all. But the toy store I had when my kids were young, I was dealing with people who had things in common with me. It was about making connections. With yarn, nobody has to knit. People choose it and you end up being friends

with your customers. Did you have mentor to help guide your start-ups? “I did the research. With the yarn store, I visited other stores and researched suppliers. I then went to suppliers who had been in the business a long time and I asked questions. What are some lessons you have learned about retail? Everything belongs in its own place. What sells in Alberta won’t sell in B.C. Every community has a demographic and you must analyze who your custom-

er is. You should know what you want in your location. My first toy store was in an enclosed mall and there was no day light, I hated the lack of light. The toy store moved to a strip mall location and the light was better. I knew I wanted a neighbourhood feel for Art of Yarn. Pandosy is a neighbourhood in transition. There is some urban density coming, which could be a good thing. Eventually this area is going to be an enjoyable area to walk and shop.

How did you manage a retail shop when your three children were young? I started in retail so I could have control of my schedule. I was and active mother and enjoyed the learning process my kids were going through. Why knitting? I have always knit. I don’t even remember learning it. After we moved to Kelowna, I hadn’t really knit for a while and realized how much I missed it. I was buying yarn on roads trips. I wanted a source of interesting yarns and fibres.

Okanagan Natural Care Centre Step Up to Health! Would you like to live a lifestyle of being more in tune with yourself? At Kelowna’s most established complementary health centre we work with clients who are interested in improving their lives, whether that be physical or relationship issues, business challenges, weight issues, detoxifying negative behavior patterns or improving their efficiency - even on the golf course. Our team of experienced professionals works to discover the potential in each of our clients, transforming it to a new level of awareness at each visit. We encourage you to call today; we would love to be the next step on your journey to recognizing your life potential.

Have confidence. Be healthy. Be happy. 3-1890 Ambrosi Rd, Kelowna, BC V1Y 4R9 250-763-2914 www.naturalcare.bc.ca

CONTRIBUTED

SALLY MAHOOD, owner of the Art OfYarn shop in Kelowna, offers knitting classes at her store as way to get young people interested in learning the art of knitting.

Susan Steen Susan’s career began in Montreal as an Archivist/Curator for the Bank of Montreal. Since then, her work and life has taken her across Canada, working with local, provincial and national non-profit organizations. Susan is perhaps best known as an idea person and a problem-solver. This is Susan’s third time in Kelowna, having lived here in the mid-90’s, working as an outplacement counsellor for an international company, then 3 years ago as CEO for the Central and South Okanagan United Way. Her return to Kelowna as Executive Director, has provided the “job of a lifetime” - working with a dedicated, committed team of volunteers and staff who, through the Central Okanagan Hospice Association, provides the comforts and special touches for those in hospice care. The Vigil, Bereavement and Palliative volunteers show everyday that life is for living until the end and that giving time, talent and treasure offers each of us the opportunity to be a part of something larger than ourselves and creates more magical moments than we can ever imagine. “I’ve worked with volunteer based organizations all my adult life, but this one is special and so are each of the individuals who daily serve those in our care, and their loved ones. This organization has given a deep degree of meaning to my life and a renewed passion for work.”

#202-1456 St. Paul St. Kelowna Phone: 250-763-5511

Amanda Zacharias 180 Degree Hair Studio is proud to celebrate 8 years in business. Located in the Mission, on the corner of Cook Road and Gordon Drive, right beside Canada Post. At 180 Degrees Hair Studio we specialize in cutting and colouring. We are continually committed to ongoing education and training, wanting to keep current with the up and coming trends. Our goal at 180 Degrees Hair Studio is to provide a warm and welcoming environment to make every client feel comfortable. We strive to provide good value and great quality work. We would like to extend a warm thank you to all of our loyal clients for their continued support.

#4 - 3818 Gordon Drive • 250-861-9323

Advice for women on how to stay focused Jan Marie Dore CONTRIBUTOR

Over the past 11years, I have worked with hundreds of women entrepreneurs as their business coach. I’ve noticed that many women small business owners experience the same challenges in growing and running their businesses, such as feeling overwhelmed and isolated, having difficulty keeping focused, not enrolling enough support, and not planning for growth. Here’s a summary of my best advice for any woman running a small business—

Delegate or drop anything that you’re not exceptionally skilled at, and focus at least 80 per cent of your time using your key talents that bring you income. 2. Put yourself first. Your growing business needs a lot of time and attention. Many women in business put themselves third or fourth on their list of priorities. Put you and your business first and everything else will fall into place. 3. Learn to say “no.” I ask women who have started a business to drop anywhere from 25 to 50 per cent of their time commit-

CONTRIBUTED

A SIMPLE marketing plan that puts you and your business first will help everything else fall into place. my top seven tips for women entrepreneurs: 1. Focus on your strengths. There’s an old saying, “Do what you do best and delegate the rest.” Know what your top strengths are.

ments when we start working together. Most women are too over-committed with nonbusiness related activities. Be strategic about what you say yes to, especially in the first few years of your business. Guard your precious time as

the valuable asset that it is. 4. Plan for success. Lack of planning causes more businesses to fail than anything else. Planning is very valuable because it causes you to think ahead to your vision and next steps to reach your goals. You can create a simple one page marketing plan that outlines your business objectives and how you will achieve them. 5. Ask for support. Don’t try to figure it all out by yourself. Notice where you are stuck and could use some help, and ask for it. Ask colleagues or others who have been in business and could mentor you, hire a business coach, or form your own mastermind support team. 6. Delegate or drop your weaknesses. Get clear on what you don’t enjoy doing or don’t do very well. Either stop trying to do it, or find someone who will do it for you. A perfect example is bookkeeping. If you dislike it, give it to someone else to do, and free up your time to earn money doing what you do well. 7. Keep an eye on the bottom line. You don’t need to have complex financial statements, but setting targets and tracking some key indicators every month will help you understand how you are doing. You’ll know sooner what’s working and what’s not working so that you can make strategic adjustments. Implement at least three of these tips, and watch your business flourish! Jan Marie Dore is a professional certified life coach, public speaker and writer. Her website is at www.janmariedore.com.

The Stone Sisters Shannon

Tamara

The Stone Sisters grew up with parents as Realtors + learned negotiating skills around the dinner table. Tamara was licensed in 1995 and brought energy, eenthusiasm and new ideas to the Stone Team.

Shannon joined her sister in 2005 and utilizing her business degree, implemented some powerful marketing strategies. Together the Stone Sisters are a dynamic force who are passionate about matching properties in the Okanagan with the ideal owners. The Stone Sisters are the top selling team in Re/Max Kelowna and promote their listings around Canada and the world to find buyers. With a unique marketing program, these Sisters truly think “outside the box” and love helping people make Kelowna home.

Tamara Cell. 1.250.878.0773 Shannon Cell. 1.250.868.1501

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A35

BDO. MORE THAN YOU THINK. PATTI TATTERSALL, CA

Senior Manager | ptattersall@bdo.ca Patti primarily works with owner-managed businesses at BDO and is an active member of the West Kelowna Daybreak Rotary. She enjoys the Okanagan lifestyle, giving back to the community, and camping with her family and friends.

BRITT VIG, CA

Senior Manager | bvig@bdo.ca After joining BDO in 2000, Britt earned her CA designation in 2002 and was promoted to Senior Manager in 2009. She is Secretary for the Junior Chamber International Okanagan organization and spends free time with her husband and children.

SINEAD SCANLON, CA Manager | sscanlon@bdo.ca

Sinead moved from Ireland to Kelowna in 2007 upon earning her CA designation. Since starting at BDO, she passed the Canadian CA exam in 2009, and has been happy to embrace a different culture and enhance her accounting skills.

VICKIE NAUMANN, CA

Senior Accountant | vnaumann@bdo.ca Vickie began her career with BDO in May 2005 and passed the UFE in 2008. She is Co-Vice President of Communications and Events Coordinator for the Kelowna CA Association, and enjoys snowboarding, biking and camping.

BDO is the fifth largest single national accounting and advisory partnership in Canada with our strengths firmly rooted in the communities we serve. Our advisors and clients have access to the full service support of almost 2,400 partners and professionals in 95 offices nationwide. Assurance | Accounting | Taxation | Advisory Services Landmark Technology Centre 300 – 1632 Dickson Avenue Kelowna BC V1Y 7T2 250 763 6700 www.bdo.ca

BDO Canada LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member ﬁrms. BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms.

A36 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Lori, Karen & Jan Twenty-five years ago, two young women came to Kelowna with a dream to open a fashion store for “real women”; a shop where women would feel comfortable, relax and joke a little, find fashions that made them feel great, and know that they were getting the best bes prices possible. Jan Johnson and Lori Burns made that dream come true when they opened “Mostly Cotton Clothing Co.” in the Towne Centre Mall in downtown Kelowna. They searched North America for natural fibre fashions that were on the cutting edge while still reasonably priced, and the concept was welcomed enthusiastically by Kelowna’s fashionistas. Along the way, Jan & Lori joined forces with Karen Gardner, who has been their Manager for 18 years. “The three of us work together beautifully”, says Lori, “We all have our tasks that we’re great at, and we all fill in the gaps for each other...where one of us has a weak area, one of the others will be great at that! We’re so lucky to have found such a great fit with each other.” Other transitions they’ve been through over the years are a name change to “Tigerlily Fashions” in 2000, and a move to their own building at 575 Bernard in 2006. So what’s the secret to their phenomenal success? “Because we know our customers so well, we’ve been able to stay aware of their changing wants & needs, and to figure out how to fulfill them,” says Jan “the trick is to really listen to your customers so you understand them, then you have to charge out there at full speed and find what they want.” And we’ve always loved that challenge...it keeps us on our toes and keeps us loving what we do. In fact, our customers should watch for some great new changes that we have planned for the new year!”

575 BERNARD AVE

fashions

762-8384

Julia Krause Wh I started out in the mortgage business in 1992, there were only When ah handful of mortgage brokers in Kelowna. At that time, most people be believed using a broker was the ‘last resort’. The industry was new to Ca Canadians, and only 16% used a mortgage broker when they wanted to refinance or buy a home. How times have changed! Canadian are more educated about mortgages. They know the big banks Today, Canadians don’t automatically give them the th best rates, no matter how long they’ve been a loyal customer. Today, mortgage brokers have access to a whole network of independent mortgage lenders who do automatically offer the best rates, not to mention innovative mortgage products and great service. Today, there are giant national mortgage companies with many, many mortgage brokers. It can be difficult to know which one to choose. Today, about 33% of Canadians use a mortgage broker. That number should be higher, but like any other industry that grew too fast, the mortgage business has a few bad apples. Don’t let them to spoil the whole bunch! If you’ve had a negative experience with a mortgage broker, it’s worth your while to try another. So… why not try me? Do business locally! No corporate affiliation allows me to focus only on what’s best for YOU, not some corporate bottom line. I have the experience and knowledge you expect in a mortgage broker, and the patience and honesty you deserve. Call me today!

250-762-5244 (office) 250-212-3904 (cell) jkrausemortgageservices.com

Lori Johnson Lori joined Dave Domeij and Associates in August 2010, having worked tenaciously to become a part of a top producing team. Lori achieved the prestigious “President’s Gold Award” in 2009 and accredits it to her work ethic, integrity and commitment to clients. Lori’s experience in the Real Estate industry stems from her contribution on various projects for developers and marketing companies over the past 5 years. She believes her best advertising is in the referrals she receives from her satisfied clients. She will take the time to ensure your needs are achieved whether buying or selling.

Business school provides grounding for challenges of running a business Bobbi-Sue Menard

need as your business grows.” Numbers in business are mainly function with arithmetic and logic. Banham recommends a business owner be Entrepreneurs bring a skill set to their busicomfortable in reading a balance sheet to get a ness, but most people have gaps certain areas, clear picture of what is happening in the busiespecially owners of small enterprises, where ness. every sundry task from administration and “Getting over math phobia is a positive bills to the bathrooms can fall at the owner’s first step. If you have no confidence with numfeet. The choice becomes training for the entre- bers, either hire or partner with some who does and who can help you understand them.” preneurs or hiring someone to do the technicThere is a lot to learn. A lot of young grads al tasks. Learning to balance the books by trial take a full four-year business and error can be a ruinously exadministration degree option. pensive choice. Banham recognizes that Many entrepreneurs choose isn’t an option for a mature stutraining. dent, launching a business midOkanagan College has been life. successfully training students THE ADVANTAGE “Small entrepreneurs take and business people in business OF SOME a few courses. You don’t get administration, marketing, huEDUCATION every skill in a single class, but man resources, accounting and a class can give you an undermanagement principles for decIS CLEAR IN standing in that area. You can ades. THAT YOU ARE know enough to make better OC has developed a sixLEARNING. I OFTEN decisions.” course certificate, addressing TELL PEOPLE IF The difference between key areas entrepreneurs should YOU ARE GOING theoretical and applied theory have skills in. can hold some people back Heather Banham, dean of TO LEARN, YOU from training or taking a the Okanagan School of BusiMIGHT AS WELL course. ness, suggests there are some LEARN FROM “The advantage of some specific areas business owners THE MISTAKES OF education is clear in that you really should be certain they are learning. I often tell people understand. OTHERS. if you are going to learn, you “There are skills you should Heather Banham, might as well learn from the make certain are available to dean of Okanagan mistakes of others,” said Banyour business,” Banham said. School of Business ham. When starting a business it “You do learn some things can be difficult to discern where through experiences. But learnan entrepreneur is going to need ing only by experience is the toughest and to brush up on certain skills. most expensive way to do it. Banham recommends every business go “Having knowledge and skills on your through a planning process to help address the side in business allows business owners to dekey issues. “You start with a product, many people do velop effective strategic plans. “You can find and identify threat to your that well. But they don’t have all parts of the business.” business, you become aware of the tools you CONTRIBUTOR

‘‘

“Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.”

– Janis Joplin

Kia Robertson Kia Robertson is a mom and an entrepreneur who created the interactive nutritional chart for children called Today I Ate A Rainbow. Using colourful magnets, the chart encourages kids to strive for the healthy goal of eating ﬁve diﬀerent colours every day. Her daughter Hannah was the inspiration behind the Today I Ate A Rainbow chart. Having been a picky eater for most of her life, Kia wanted to do everything she could to encourage her daughter to enjoy eating a variety of foods. These charts are designed to catch the attention of little ones however they are ultimately a tool for parents to help them set healthy eating habits at a young age. Kia has just gifted celebrities at the exclusive Boom Boom Room, a pre-Golden Globes event in Hollywood! Her rainbow kits have been featured in parenting magazines across North America. They’re available for purchase online and locally at Choices Markets and Natural Belly and Baby.

250.317.2115 www.davedomeij.com

www.todayiatearainbow.com

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A37

Bra selection variety has served clients well Bobbi-Sue Menard CONTRIBUTOR

and feel comfortable in it,” said Margaret. Susan joined her mother to create the retail store Fashion Foundations after working a decade as a bookkeeper in Kelowna. It was time for something new, and working with her mother was initially going to be short-term thing. That was in 1992. Margaret was working from home then, so the two decided to rent retail store space and do a two-year retail trial. “The business grew,” said Susan. “We were doing so well, I said, ‘I guess I’ll stay.’” Susan manages the store and is determined that every bra a customer buys will be perfectly fitted. “We call it bra math. If you mess with the cup size it effects the number on the band. It’s our job to make sure

move for six years,” said Susan. Taking up residence at the Madison isn’t just a wise business move for Fashion Foundations, for it also brings Margaret and Susan full circle. Margaret’s parents owned Valley Canvas and Awning in 1938, in the same spot where the Madison stands today, “The move is half sentimental, and half business,” said Susan.

Fashion Foundations has become a Kelowna retail institution. For 17 years, customers have come from across the province for the store’s service and selection, walking out with pink bags in hand. Fashion Foundations is a lingerie and underwear shop that believes a bra should be cute and useful—for every Q &A WITH MARGARET WORT size. When did you know you The mother and daughhad a viable, full-time busiter team of Margaret and Suness? san Wort have been working I went to a weekend show. together for years. I had loaded my station-wagFashion Foundations has on with bras, cement blocks evolved from the door-to-door and shelves for display. I was sales company Margaret startselling bras on order. My own ed in Kelowna in 1976. mother was asking me if I had Margaret recalls makmade money. ing sales calls equipped with I was so busy selling, I a kit for measuring custom didn’t know if I had made made corsets from Montreal money or not. and bras from an I tallied up the American manusales and realfacturer that ized I had covpromised to bring ered the shipscience to the fitment of bras ting of bras in up I had with to 200 different me. So then I sizes. knew I had a “It was a difbusiness. ferent time. I Where went door to door have you asking women seen the most if they wanted improvement to try on a bra,” in the underMargaret said. garment inTo grow the dustry? business, MarA huge garet took it on CONTRIBUTED part of our the road to Penbusiness is ticton and Ver- A PERFECT FIT and expert staff are what keeps the cusfor post-masnon, attending tomers coming back to Fashion Foundations. tectomy bras. trade shows and weekend seminars. For both cup and band work for Women come in four to six weeks after their operation. years, she had a weekly Tues- each woman.” One thing I would say is Eight years ago, Fashion day evening shop in Harrison Hot Springs, as she drove the Foundations doubled its retail that the operation isn’t nearly Hope-Princeton Highway to space and now Susan is over- as devastating as it once was seeing the company’s next when surgeons removed mussell at the popular venue. “I still have the philoso- move, into a retail space in the cles and all of the breast tissue, but it is still hard on women phy on fitting bras that each Madison building on Ellis. customer should like her bra “We’ve thought about the who have the surgery.

Mona Mueller It has been seven months since Mona Mueller opened her home décor & furnishings store in Kelowna. Opening In Style Home Décor & Furnishings for Mueller is the culmination of a lifetime spent working in the retail industry in the Okanagan. Having noted that there has been a marked increase in demand for rustic, Tuscan and Mexican décor styles in the valley, Mona decided to follow her dream. After spending two years sourcing out the most unique décor and furnishings, and being able to offer them at truly affordable prices, she proceeded to open her store on Banks Road. In Style Home Décor & Furnishings has everything from indoor and outdoor pottery, hammered copper sinks, live edge tables, wrought iron mirrors, all weather canvas art, cozy Mexican equipale, travertine, iron lamps, to solid wood rustic furniture. For home, patio or garden, stop by to see the great selection at In Style Home Décor & Furnishings. She invites you to visit her Monday - Saturday from 10 am-5 pm or by appointment.

333 Banks Road, Kelowna 778-478-0676 www.instylehomedecor.ca email: mona@instylehomedecor.ca

It is so important for women after surgery to have a great bra. The first step is the fit, then you slip in the appropriate style of prosthetic. The most important thing for women who have a mastectomy is that their bra be comfortable and secure. What has kept you inspired all these years? This can be the most gratifying job in the world. To see a woman walk out the door in comfort with a big smile, you are just so pleased.”

Q & A WITH SUSAN WORT

How have you managed business growth? Right now, we have too much floor space. One of the reasons we grew is because of t-shirt bras. The molded cup is double the space on the hanger; it takes more room to display.

We did look at renovating the space we are in, but we another building made sense. So we purchased the space at the Madison, everything we renovate there will be custom to us. We do have a second location in Castlegar. We had an employee move there. She was in a medical office working with post mastectomy products, ordering stock from us. When customers heard she could also supply regular bras she moved into her own retail space four years ago. There is now a 1,500 square-foot retail space in Castlegar. What types of customer invests in a quality bra? We make sure we have lots of bras in the $49 to $70 range, plus a good selection of

higher end bras. Women come in who have never had a good fitting bra and are amazed at what a difference it makes. A lot of husbands bring in their wives because the wife has been uncomfortable. The moment the wife says the bra is comfortable the husband has no qualms about anything else. Tourist traffic is also important to us. You are in a different head space while on vacation and more willing to treat yourself a little differently. What is one of the best business decisions you ever made? We keep excellent customer records. It is just huge to know our customers. Sometimes it is a pain to record notes each day, but it makes all the difference for service.

Kathy Wiebe Ros Rosebuds is a lovely, large designer consignment boutique located on Kirschner Road in Kelowna that has been serving the Kelowna area for the Kir past pa 20 years. Many that come in say Rosebuds has the look and feel of a Los Angeles M Boutique. Kathy laughs and replies that is the exact look and feel we are Bo moving towards. We believe every woman can afford to look beautiful. Everything from prom and party dresses, to Lululemon workout wear and most everything in between. We specialize in higher end wo labels but at lower end prices. We have many regular shoppers that call us their “retail therapy” but we always have room for lots more new friends. In these troubled times consignment shopping can be a day full of fun and adventure. You never know what you are going to find so fill up your car with your friends and stop in and meet the friendly staff at Rosebuds Designer Consignment Boutique. We are here to serve you. New and Gently Used Clothing and Accessories NEW at Rosebuds. Designer inventory buyouts - selling at consignment prices. Cinderella Fund - for students aged 18 to 88. Forms available for bursaries at store. No time to shop? Book and evening shopping party! Personalize your gift, professional engraving on glass and jewelry (yours or ours)

Designer Consignment Boutique

150-1855 Kirschner Rd., Kelowna 250-861-1911 Open Mon-Fri 10-5:30 • Sat 10-5 • Sun 12-4

www.rosebudsconsignment.com

Leanne Hammond Komori Leanne is the Executive Director for the Central Okanagan Foundation (COF). Her passion is connecting donors who care with causes that matter. Leanne loves meeting with donors and helping them ﬁnd the gifting method that works the best for them. She has a keen interest in growing philanthropy and takes every chance she gets to strengthen our local notfor-proﬁt sector. Leanne says the thing she values most about her position is that as a community foundation, the COF supports giving to a wide variety of charitable causes instead of focusing in one particular area. “From Education to Arts and Culture, from Seniors to Children, Youth and Families; the beauty of my job is that I get to be a cheerleader for the whole voluntary sector. What’s not to love?!”

Leanne can be contacted at COF

250-861-6160 or through

www.CentralOkanaganFoundation.org

A38 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Managing your brain to provoke your attention Gary Lockwood CONTRIBUTOR

Why do some things catch your attention and others don’t? Remember the last time you decided to buy a car? Once you decided what kind of car you wanted, all of a sudden, you started seeing more of that kind of car on the streets. Were they there before and you just didn’t pay attention to them? A pregnant woman will start noticing other pregnant women. Your new house is close to railroad tracks, yet after a few days, you don’t hear the trains anymore. What is it that provokes your attention? At the base of the brain where it connects to the spinal chord is a region

known as the Reticular Activating System. The RAS acts as a newspaper editor. Editors make decisions regarding which stories get big headlines, page one treatment, and which items wind up buried with the ads on page sixteen. The RAS receives thousands of messages each second. Everything you see, hear, smell, feel and touch is a message entering your brain. The Reticular Activating System filters through all these messages and decides which ones will get page one treatment—that is, arouse the brain. The largest portion of the brain is the cerebrum. This is the center for cognition or thought. Deep within the central portion of the brain are the

subsystems that are triggered by emotions. When a signal gets through the RAS “editor” and arrives at the cerebrum, the brain turns on thoughts, emotions or both. Even though the cerebrum is the center for high level thought, it is unresponsive unless the reticular formation sends a signal to begin the data processing. Here’s the hard part. What causes some messages to get through the filter and others to be blocked out? One of the things we’ve learned from working with entrepreneurs is that we tend to pay attention to the things which are important to us at the time. If our currently dominant thoughts are about creating a new brochure, we’ll start seeing other brochures.

Elaine Martelli W When Elaine Martelli purchased Interior Tax & File, in January 2006, 20 the business was generally seasonal and concentrated on personal taxes. At that point there just wasn’t enough demand pe from fro the existing clients for Martelli to meet her financial goals, so she refocused the core services. With her years of experience in bookkeeping and corporate taxes, she felt there was potential to grow the business into a full time venture by concentrating on small business services like accounting bookkeeping, year-ends and personal and corporate taxes. “Most of Interior Tax & File’s revenue was generated at tax time, so I needed a way for the business to create revenue year round, ”says Martelli. “By offering more diverse services for small businesses we were able to appeal to a new client base. We also brought in a certified financial consultant to offer guidance and advice to our clients.” In order to meet the accounting demand of the clients she brought on a CMA. In that first year Martelli doubled Interior Tax & File’s revenue just by focusing on the services that showed the most potential and then enhancing them with complimentary services.

2277 Hunter Road, Kelowna 1 250 762 6604 www.itfbc.ca

Margaret & Susan Wort Exciting news for Kelowna’s premier lingerie boutique! Margaret and Susan will be re-locating to their new store at “The Madison” in March 2011. For over 35 years ladies have been assured of friendly service with trained fitters to help find a proper fitting bra from an outstanding selection of quality bras from North America and Europe. All types of styles and support for your lifestyle - work, sports or glamour! Prices vary and sizes range from 28-48 and A-N cups. Something for everyone! Fashion Foundations is also dedicated to offering the best and largest selection of prostheses, bras and swimwear for post-mastectomy needs. Registered with BC’s Fair Pharmacare, certified fitters will explain the benefits that may be available to you - this changes every year. Our satellite store in Castlegar continues to expand to serve the ladies in the Kootenays. We invite you to visit our new location - just across Ellis St. from the library - and refresh your bras and knickers!

Downtown Cultural Kelowna

“Our business is uplifting”

1385 Ellis Street 250-763-1473

We’ll hear conversations about brochures. We’ll pick up ideas relating to brochures and even notice colours that would be attractive for the new brochure. In other words, the Reticular Activating System will pass through anything even remotely related to the important issue—the brochure. From a practical point of view, this means that, if we want to solve a problem or achieve a goal, keep it at the top of your mind. Think about it, talk about it, write about it and imagine it completed. This is one of the reasons why affirmations work so well and why it is important to review your goals frequently. Some people will keep an idea at “top of mind” by creating a notebook of pictures, cut from magazines, that reflect their idea or their desired end result. This “image book” helps the visualization process, keeps the brain focused on the important issue and triggers the RAS. If it’s possible to turn on the brain, is it also possible to turn it off? There are three common situations where the brain is more than likely to shut down.

CONFLICT

One of the ways to turn off the brain involves the use of conceptual conflicts. Ironically, conceptual conflict can also turn on your brain and stimulate creative thought, but only if you have been successful in resolving small amounts of conflict in similar situations. Such a background will have provided you with a reservoir of confidence you can tap regarding the new ques-

tion. However, the insecure person may look at the difference between the expected outcome and the real result and sigh: “I’m wrong again. I can’t do this.” If the problem appears unsolvable or out of reach, we may just give up before we ever get started.

OVERSTIMULATION

Have you ever decided to clean the garage, but after inspecting the area, decided to take a nap? Have you ever committed yourself to a night of preparation for a big presentation, but once you scanned the material and noticed how overwhelmingly difficult it seems, decided to do other tasks that were long overdue? These are classic examples of flight behavior. Despite your good intentions of cleaning or preparing, you gave up before you started. The tasks were so large that you didn’t know where to begin. Was your brain stimulated? Yes, but it was so overstimulated that it shut down, and the outward behavioru may have been physical. You find yourself very tired: “I’ll clean the garage after I take a nap.” You might even get sick: “I was so nervous about the presentation that I got nauseous.” To avoid shutting down your brain from overstimulation, break a large or difficult into several steps, then tackle the project a step at a time.

UNDERSTIMULATION

The more popular term for this condition is boredom. Whenever a behavior is repeated to the extent that it is habitual, the brain shuts down.

Shouting at a child to “Sit down and shut up” will grab their attention and they will respond for a while, but if you choose to begin every day with that command, the child will suddenly “go deaf” and not even hear you. Closely allied with the repetition of behaviour is the familiarity of the subject matter. When you announce to your team that the next day will be devoted to smile training for customer service, they greet you with a moan, “smile training again!” The familiar is usually not a great motivator. Perhaps the key to interest is making the familiar seem strange. For example, setting up role play situations where your team members get to act out the part of customer and service representative in a variety of situations. Try something new. Don’t fall asleep in your comfort zone. There is a thin line between the actions that turn the brain on and off. By taking advantage of how your brain works, you can increase your creativity, reduce boredom, boost recognition of opportunities and accelerate achievement of your goals. Where do you start? Write down the five most important outcomes you want to achieve in the coming year. Put this paper in a convenient place where you can read it every day. This affirmation of your preferred future will keep your Reticular Activating System working for you, filtering in the sights, sounds, ideas and people to help you get there. In other words, it will get your attention. Gary Lockwood is business enhancement and effectiveness consultant.

Jollean McFarlen Jollean is president of Jadore Colour Group Inc. Jol Sh is an International entrepreneur listed in Who’s Who of She In International Entrepreneurs. She is a pioneer in the ﬁeld of healthy and an spiritual living; Psychic Life Consultant; she is available for groups & private readings. Jollean shui and colour consultant/therapist. Jollean is author of 6 J ll iis a winning i i decorator; d t feng f books, CD’s and tarot cards. For a healthy and happy outlook on life catch her latest programs: Discovering Your Past Lives; Tarot for Successful Living; Green Designs & Feng Shui and the Science of Intuition & Aura Reading. @ Parkinson Rec. Centre. www.recreationandculture@kelowna.ca Please check her web site for all her latest programs, articles, and predications for 2011 the year of the Metal Rabbit– www.jadorecolour.com “It’s time to tap into your personal energy & understand how it influences your personal & professional success” – Namaste, Jollean ‘Energy Mastery Coach’

Jadore Colour Group Inc.

250-448-5339 Springfield & Gordon email: jolleanmc@yahoo.com

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A39

Passion for food turns into magazine premise The Okanagan is home to great food, great wine and people who are passionate about both. Chytra Brown, the editorin-chief of the Savour magazine, is one of those people. Brown was looking for a publication that met her needs when she decided to launch Savour. Brown grew up around great food with plenty of access to great food experiences as child. Brown’s father has a PhD in botany, with a specialization in mushrooms. Brown often went foraging with her family as her father explained which mushrooms were edible. Many a memorable meal was shared with mushrooms brought home from their woodland explorations, she recalled. “I like having had that very natural connection to food,” said Brown. “We always grew our own food.” But it’s not just growing food that Brown enjoys. She treasures the social

aspect of sharing food and works to include the principle of food as a part of community in every issue of Savour. “Food brings people together. There is something magical that happens when people sit down together with great food and wine,” she said. “There is that enjoyment of friends that’s so important.” Savour Magazine is growing quickly. It has struck a new partnership with the B.C. Wine Institute, which will see the magazine feature B.C. wines and be distributed in VQA stores across the province. The magazine has shifted from a solely Okanagan focus to provincewide coverage, which has helped to increase page counts and revenues of each magazine edition. “We are planning bigger issues all the time,” said Brown.

Q & A WITH CHYTRA BROWN

What did you do prior to launching your Savour magazine?

I’ve always been in sales and marketing. I had to learn the publishing side of the business, but it was a natural transition to the magazine. Have you always wanted to be involved with food as a business? I had wanted to go to the Cordon Bleu as a student. Savour is the next best thing to that for me. How does Savour meet a need in the marketplace? I lived in Winnipeg, which is a great food city despite being so isolated. Then I lived in Vancouver, which also has great restaurants. After moving to Kelowna in 2004, I had a hard time finding some of the items I was looking for. There wasn’t a resource for people like me who really loved food to find out what was in the Okanagan. Nothing was really hitting the mark. I wanted Savour to meet that need. How do you stay inspired? Savour is more fun than

Disparities in business income found In the past 15 years, there has been a 50 per cent increase in the number of self-employed women in Canada, and one million Canadian women will own a small business by 2010, according to a report released by the CIBC entitled “Women Entrepreneurs: Leading the Charge.” There are now 800,000 women business owners in Canada and the number of womenowned businesses is growing 60 per cent faster than those run by men. The report suggests that 60 percent of self-employed women are lifestylers—business owners who chose self-employment specifically to balance the demands of work and family.

This won’t surprise you, as 70 per cent of Canadian business women are married and nearly 1/3 of them have children under the age of 12. However, it may surprise you to know that the fastest growing group of business women are those over 55, with an annual growth rate of over four per cent, double that of self-employed men in the same age group. The CIBC calls this group seniorpreneurs, and they’ve become a key driver of small business growth. The study also found that generally, selfemployed women don’t earn as much as selfemployed men and that the gap between selfemployed female haves and have-nots is widening.

CHYTRA BROWN sees an optimistic future for her wine and food magazine, Savour. CONTRIBUTED

Glenda A. Peacock Glenda is a lawyer with the firm Smith Peacock. She obtained her Bachelor of Commerce Degree at the University of Calgary and her Law Degree at UBC. Glenda has been practicing law for over 20 years in Kelowna. She specializes in the area of civil litigation, with an emphasis on family and estate litigation matters. Glenda is certified as a Family Law Mediator and is also a member of the Okanagan Collaborative Family Law Group. Glenda’s goal is to achieve positive results for her clients in a cost-effective and timely manner.

Joy Zsombor REALTOR®

#1 Female Agent Royal LePage OMREB 2010

#204-1180 Sunset Drive Kelowna, V1Y 9W6 Phone 860-7868

Kelly Wolfe AMP

MORTGAGE BROKER

Service Sells!

e Well. Buy, Sell, Liv

#1 - 1890 Cooper Rd Kelowna, BC V1Y 8B7 C: 250-215-0240 www.okanaganjoy.ca www.soldwithjoy.ca

Here’s what our Client thinks about our team approach Testimonial I moved to Kelowna in November of 2009 to work as a civil litigator at Pihl Law Corporation. I rented for a year and then I was ready to make the “commitment” to buy a house in Kelowna. I met Joy one day and was immediately impressed with her friendliness and helpfulness. Joy never tired of showing me houses and handled the stress of each situation with wonderful poise. Joy introduced me to Kelly who took all my mortgage worries and concerns away. Kelly and Joy made buying a house easy and enjoyable. I love my new house in Kelowna and am happy to refer any potential buyers or sellers to Joy and Kelly for their real estate needs. Thank-you so much Joy & Kelly!!! Toni Rempel, Lawyer

Happiness isn’t something you experience, it is something you Remember. - Oscar Levant

“Oh by the way busy for any of . I’m never too your referrals! ”

117-1835 Gordon Dr

Kelowna, BC V1Y 3H5 W: 250-860-2426 x1309 C: 250-317-9550 www.kellywolfemortgages.ca www.openhousekelowna.ca

A member of the Verico Mortgage Brokers Network

A40 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Construction background proves benecial The Central Okanagan chapter of the Canadian Home Builders Association represents a membership of companies in the construction industry, from home renovators to land developers. Tammy Jackson, executive officer of CHBA-CO, has brought her love of construction to her job since she took it on three years. Jackson worked in contract sales at Rona and Home Hardware before joining the association. Jackson says that experience of working with contractors and builders gave her a keen understanding of how construction companies operate and what they need from an association representing construction interests. “Having dealt with the

construction industry, not knowing that information would have been a huge hurdle to overcome in this role,” said Jackson. The CHBA-CO is home to the Tommie Awards, one of the biggest galas in the Okanagan. Jackson works closely with a volunteer committee to put together not only a big show, but an authentic representation of the best in construction in the region. “There are 10 months of hard work for that one night,” said Jackson. Her job is not just organizing the Tommies. The CHBA-CO also hosts an annual trade show, 10 monthly dinners each year with industry specific speakers and training sessions for members.

Jackson also works to have the voice of the construction industry heard at City Hall. “We have 189 members right now. We constantly try to improve what we do have for our members.”

Q & A WITH TAMMY JACKSON

What do you do in your spare time? I like to work on my own home and I’ve always done that. I also spend time with my son. My best past-time is being a mom. Have you had any mentors? “M.J. Whitemarsh, the chief executive officer of the CHBA-BC has been really supportive. The board of directors I work with are also

Tracy Regan Rosemarie Vass PICTURE PERFECT opened in 1982 as a family owned custom framing shop. Tracy Regan has been the Retail Sales Manager for the past seven years. We offer a complete line of custom framing and all framing is completed in the store. From shadowboxing sports jerseys to stretching a painting, or complex collages, we do it all!!! Picture Perfect carries a large selection of decorator prints, art cards and local artwork by such artists as John Revill, Julia Hargreaves and Mal Gagnon. PERPETUAL BLOOMS opened in May 2002 and offers a full line of quality silk flowers and home décor items. Rosemarie Vass, our in-house designer can help you select the right florals for that special area. We also offer free consultation for your wedding, grad, home or office. Just call Rosemarie for your appointment. Our experienced and friendly team are ready to work with you for all your picture framing and home décor needs. Let us make you and your home or office Picture Perfect!

339 Bernard Avenue 250-763-6966

www.picture-perfect-kelowna.com

Carmelita Obradovic Carmelita is a well respected and a successful real estate agent in the Okanagan Valley. Her hard work, determination, and commitment, along with a degree in Commerce, are the keys to her success. After 30 years of sales and real estate experience, she has the expertise to benefit her clients whatever the market conditions. Carmelita maintains her position among the Top Producers in B.C. and the Okanagan Valley. She appreciates her family, friends and her clients for contributing and sharing in her success. Carmelita takes great pride in her career, continuing to deliver positive, honest and professional service not only to all her clients, but also her family and friends. Your referrals, trust and continued support are very much appreciated. Thinking of selling? Buying? Want quick results? Call Carmelita... Experience... Confidentiality... and SUCCESS.

Unit 212-1980 Cooper Road 250-861-5122 / Cell 250-215-8217 www.carmelita.ca carmelitaobr@shaw.ca

amazing. They donate so much of their time. I couldn’t do the job without them. They give up weekends and evenings to help get things like the upcoming trade show done. What inspires you? I love the people I represent. They work hard, put in a lot of hours. I look at that and know that they work hard and so can I. How does the job stay fresh?

We did the Home for Learning project this year and that was a fantastic project with a big learning curve. We will be going forward with that every second year. What have been some of your biggest challenges? I joined the CHBA-CO in early 2008. It was very nervewracking to see the members so nervous (about the recession). I felt a little bit helpless because no one can control

the recession, but the members have held on and they are starting to feel some relief. The housing industry still needs to find a new normal, I don’t think we are there yet. It is still fragile. The HST is an area where the provincial association did a lot. We weren’t for it, but we knew it wasn’t going away, so we had to work with it and come up with some good solutions to construction industry concerns moving forward.

Various options available for securing small business loans Getting a small business loan can be a tough job for a small business. Canadian banks are traditionally conservative and start-up ventures are notoriously risky, says Dianne Buckner, host of CBC’s Dragons’ Den. “Banks aren’t supposed to be giving away money … it’s mostly true that only if you can prove you don’t need the money, then they will give it to you,” Buckner said. But traditional banks aren’t the only places to get small business loans. If your small business is looking for money, here are ten other Canadian small business loan sources where you may be able to get the funding you need. 1) Canada Small Business Financing Program Established to help new businesses get started and established firms make improvements and expand, this small business loan program provides up to $500,000 of small business financing for any one business. You can apply to this program at any bank or credit

union in Canada. 2) Market Expansion Financing (Business Development Bank of Canada) If your business qualifies, you can get up to $50,000 in long-term financing to do things such as participate in trade shows, develop e-commerce, create and implement a marketing plan or even purchase additional inventory. And just to make it even sweeter, BDC can re-advance any repaid portion of the loan starting at a minimum of $10,000. 3) Start-Up Financing Program (Business Development Bank of Canada) This program is designed to help small businesses in the start-up or early growth phase (the first 12 months of sales) who “can demonstrate realistic market and sales potential.” Such a business may be eligible for a small business loan of up to $100,000 which may be used as working capital, for marketing and startup expenses, to acquire fixed assets or to buy a franchise. 4) Micro Loans.

Some financial institutions offer small business loans of up to $15,000 earmarked for people who would have difficulty getting a traditional business loan. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) offers a micro loan program to provide small business loans to small businesses. Ask your bank or credit union if they have such a small business loan program. 5) Community Loan Funds Community Investment Funds are non-profit organizations dedicated to helping people who can’t get the loans they need from traditional lending institutions. Depending on the particular loan fund, you may be able to get a small business loan from $2000 up to $150,000. 6) Women’s Enterprise/ Resource Centres Many of the organizations that work to help women succeed in business offer small business loans. See Loans 42

Shauna Towill Sh Shauna Towill is the owner of Buddies Kids Boutique, a designer children’ s clothing store located in Tutt Street Square, since ch 2003. 20 Shauna and her family were drawn to the Okanagan from Vancouver where Shauna worked as a marketing executive for Va one of Canada’s largest financial companies. on Shauna believed Buddies was a unique store with the potential to grow and diversify. In the past two years, she’s expanded the product lines and sizes to grow with all the children and grandchildren who have grown up with Buddies. Inspired to continually bring in something unique and different, Shauna shops the markets for clothing, shoes and award winning toys and books. Shauna knows that success isn’t just about the products you carry, but the service and the relationship you form with your customer. Visit Shauna and Jennifer at Buddies, and discover what makes this boutique so special.

2-3045 Tutt Street, Tutt Street Square, Kelowna, BC Visit Buddies Monday - Saturday 10-5 or by appt. 250-763-2837 www.buddieskidsboutique.com buddieskids@gmail.com

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A41

Strategy to make business dreams come true Jill Ammon-Wexler CONTRIBUTOR

It is said less than three per cent of the people in the world come close to achieving their true potential. I personally suspect even that estimate is high. Why do the other 97 per cent settle for so much less? It is because they do not allow themselves to even imagine what could be possible in their lives—let alone pursue it. And if you can not imagine it, you will never create it.

WHERE IT STARTS

Every super successful achiever I have ever known has said the same thing about where true success and achievement begin: It is in the dreaming of (and commitment to) big, expansive, seemingly impossible dreams. There is simply no faster way to dissolve your socalled personal limitations than to have a really big dream. To focus on the wonderful life you are creating—and the super achiever you are becoming. When you begin to create truly big dreams, your self esteem and self-confidence begin to soar almost magically. You immediately feel more confident about your ability to handle whatever life deals you.

AMAZING TRUE STORY

One of my former coaching clients is today one of the highest paid multi-level marketing pros in the entire United States. But he did not start at the top. After one especially in-

tense mentoring session, Rob (not his true name) set a goal of doubling his income in the coming year—truly a major goal in this challenging business. He had no idea how he would accomplish his impossible dream, but he set a goal of achieving it. Rob began by absolutely committing to no longer accept any excuses from himself. He then passionately threw himself into analyzing his downline business builders—his current bread and butter. He looked carefully at each business builder, and discovered that about 20 percent of his downline executives were creating over 80 per cent of his income. (It is odd, but this 20/80 per cent rule seems to pop up again and again in almost all types of business and life situations.) Robs further analysis revealed that he was actually spending more time and energy on his low-producers than he was on his important highproducers. In short, he was over investing in the losers—and under investing in his winners. This discovery shocked him deeply. We talked it over, and Rob decided to share his findings with all of his downline executives. He scheduled a tele-conference, and fully explained his thoughts to his entire downline business-builder team. He then explained that from that day forward, he was redirecting his energy. Although they would all continue to receive his monthly newsletter—only

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APPLY THE 20/80 PER CENT RULE TO EVERYTHING YOU DO, AND ESPECIALLY TO HOW YOU INVEST YOUR BASIC LIFE CURRENCY—YOUR TIME.

his top producers would receive his personal support and coaching. In effect, Rob drew a line in the sand. Then he encouraged all of his serious business builders to follow his lead, and only work with their highest producers. He then redirected his energy to create a very tight and motivated top executive team. They worked together to create a profile of the type of business builders they wanted to attract. Then they jointly invested their energy and resources into a very focused advertising and marketing campaign. They began to dream— and put focused action behind their dream. Rob did not double his money that year. He went beyond that and increased it 368 percent. And Rob’s 20 percent prime business builders did equally well. Plus four of his previously weaker producers even caught the fever, and began to excel.

THE BIG THREE STEPS

There are only three secrets to achieving your big dreams—clarity, commitment, and focus. The whole process starts with achieving clarity. You

Agatha Soros Agatha Soros is the owner of a full service Wedding & Event Planning company in Kelowna, called A Stylish Affair. She specializes in offering Okanagan Destination brides with a stress free wedding planning experience. She is a sea seasoned and fully certified, International Event & Wedding planning professional, now 20 years in the Okanagan. Being a true romantic, Agatha works tirelessly to advise and design the wedding her couples have always dreamed of. Her extensive background within Vancouver service industries; covering Food and Beverage Management, Catering and Tourism Event Planning, as well as the Floral industry, created the foundation for her latest endeavour into Event Planning. She believes she has the best job in the world as ambassador of the Okanagan, providing couples with flawless and elegantly designed weddings in the most picturesque settings the Okanagan has to offer.

A Stylish Aпair Wedding and Event Design

must have clarity about who you are, and exactly what it is you want to achieve. Like Rob, you may also benefit from doing a close examination of your priorities. Time is really what we have in life. Be sure you are investing it wisely, and in ways that clearly support achieving your goal. Commitment is the fuel that keeps your fire burning. The stronger your commitment to achieve your goal —the more fire and desire and belief you will manifest. And the more you begin to accomplish the things that are truly important to you, the stronger your self-confidence will become.The process feeds itself—energy

builds energy, belief builds belief, cmmitment builds commitment. Focus is not a casual part of this process. It is absolutely essential that you hold your mental focus on exactly what you want to be, have, and do. Apply the 20/80 per cent rule to everything you do, and especially to how you invest your basic life currency—your time.

STRATEGY SUMMARIZED

Here is the strategy I recommend when I help my coaching clients put their own feet to the fire: Allow yourself to dream a really BIG dream. Balance how you use your time and resources.

Focus on those things that can make a real difference in your life or business. Take consistent, focused, committed action. ? As you allow yourself to dream really big dreams, you will find yourself moving closer and closer to achieving your true potential. This is tremendously exciting and gratifying. Along the way you may have to trim-away some activities or habits that aren’t really a good investment of your time and energy—but you will come up stronger and more successful for it. Jill Ammon-Wexler is a personal excellence mentor and pioneer brainwave researcher.

Loredana Eisenhauer B Comm, CA

I ho hold a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Victoria, with wi a concentration in Tourism Management. This is a fantastic fit for fo the tourism industry throughout the Okanagan. I later received my m designation as a Chartered Accountant in 2004, and have worked in public practice ever since. With 15 years experience, I work closely with owner managed businesses. I provide advice on a broad range off business and financial matters, including accounting issues, estate and trust returns, f corporate, and personal tax issues. I have trained clients on Simply Accounting for over five years and am well versed in QuickBooks. I am continually expanding my knowledge and keeping up to date with all the tax changes for both corporate and personal returns, as well as the Private Enterprise changes in accounting and HST changes. I enjoy helping my clients with any questions and/or concerns they may have and arriving at a quick resolution.

Loredana Eisenhauer Inc. Chartered Accountant

Suite 203 -125 Hwy 33 E Kelowna, BC V1X 2A1 (250) 765-2563

EC Benefits & HR Solutions Inc. (left to right) Elizabeth Croteau – Office Administrator & Service Rep. Cathleen Loge – Project Manager Devon Hunt CHRP– Senior Service Rep. & HR Specialist Corrie Omand – Account Mgr. & Health & Wellness Specialist Dianna Syrnyk – Senior Service Rep. & Benefits Specialist

ENCOMPASS Benefits and HR Solutions Inc. employs a team of service-oriented women who specialize in our core areas of business. We highly value their significant contribution and incredible dedication. They have played a key role in establishing our firm through great relationships, excellent service and creative solutions. ENCOMPASS is a full service Benefits and Retirement Savings Plan Brokerage firm with 26 years serving the Central Okanagan business community. The strong Human Resources background and counsel we provide our clients has put us on the leading edge of the industry in: • Employee Group Benefits • Group Retirement Savings

• Human Resources Consulting • Health and Wellness Initiatives

Experience the Benefits of EC! 778-755-5585 Agatha@astylishaffair.ca

250-763-6464 www.encompassbenefits.com

A42 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Library world now one of constant change The Okanagan Regional Library has a unique history of leadership. Since opening its first library doors in 1936, there have been only three executive directors, with Lesley Dieno serving in that role since 1987. For Dieno, the downtown Kelowna library branch on Ellis Street is only the tip of the organizational iceberg. The ORL has branches covering an area from Osoyoos to Revelstoke, and Princeton to the North Shuswap. That 23,000 square-miles of territory that the ORL calls home has Dieno on the road a lot. Branches range in size from the downtown Kelowna library to the small branch in Hedley, housed in the Old

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THE WORLD CHANGES SO QUICKLY, AND THE LIBRARY IS CHANGING TOO. Lesley Dieno, executive director of Okanagan Regional Library

Age Pensioner’s Hall. “With a job like mine, you do something different every day,” said Dieno. It isn’t just geography that keeps Dieno busy. The world of librarians has changed drastically in the last 25 years. Computers have taken over, as every record keeping change, from hard copy paper

to digital, must be laboriously entered. “In 1987, we still had a printed book catalogue,” said Dieno. The ORL is a tremendously busy organization with an active customer base. When Dieno first started her job, there were 60,000 requests made per year. The latest stats have the ORL responding to 750,000 requests per year. The idea of a quiet librarian’s life is long gone, says Dieno. “I wouldn’t says libraries are slow any more.”

Q & A WITH LESLEY DIENO

What keeps you inspired? All of my days involve change. I learn something

new every day. The world changes so quickly, and the library is changing too. How long have you wanted to be a librarian and why? I had a great school librarian in Grade 4 and bad school librarian in Grade 8. In Grade 8, at an East Vancouver school, I took out Vanity Fair and was told by the school librarian it was too old for me. That set me on the path because I wanted to not tell

RRN, BSN, ET

La Lakeside Medicine Centre has been providing ostomy & wound ca products to the people of Kelowna for over 30 years. Pam care M Mayor plays an integral part of our home care services. Pam has ove over 20 years of nursing experience and brings a wealth of entero knowledge in the area of enterostomal therapy. Pam’s career has included caring for ostomy and wound care patients in both the hospital and community settings. She has also served as an enterostomal therapy educator for both nursing and medical staﬀ. Her ability to blend her knowledge and experience in these areas makes her a valuable resource for patients and healthcare providers alike. Pam’s current practice includes ostomy, wound care, lower leg assessment, compression therapy, foot care, continence care and specialty product advice. She provides individual consultation and treatment in the privacy of her clinic room. Consultations can be booked by appointment:

Please call (250) 860-3100 or toll free 1-888-222-9002 Monday to Friday

We’re located at the Guisachan Village

Tracy Kendall Jeanine Holmes (Proprietor-Entrepreneur)

(Designer, Goldsmith)

Up Upon entering Coveted Designs, ns, Fine Fin Jewellery in Kelowna, words like ke ”European Boutique, and Unique and ”E d Sophisticated” spring to mind. So Covete Designs opened its doors a mere 14 Coveted months ago, providing Kelowna with an exceptional new shopping experience experience. One that is both personal and gratifying to their Customers. Tracy Kendall (Proprietor-Entrepreneur), in partnership with Jeanine Holmes (Designer, Goldsmith) noticed a void in the Kelowna jewellery market. Through their collective fashion sense and passion for original design – Coveted Designs was born. Coveted Designs serves the market by combining High-end Fashion jewellery, Engagement rings, Wedding bands, and other complimentary accessories like Designer Handbags from New York. For the discerned customer, Jeanine Holmes, a De Beers Award Winning Designer with over 15 years experience, specializes in aﬀordable, custom – made jewellery for any occasion. Whether it’s redesigning a ring that has been in the family for generations or creating something original, she makes the process a personal and gratifying journey. Her background as a Sculptor brings an artistic ﬂair and capability that sets her apart from her peers. Become one of our fans and follow us on Facebook

506-1950 Harvey Ave. (778) 478-9635

What has been great about automation? We have a lot of really great staff and really smart people at the library. Automation has freed up our staff to be able to do other things. What is it like to work with board members from so many communities? With a large board you have to be aware that what members represent different community needs and to work with what each town needs in their situation.

Friends and family leading source of business funding

Loans from 40

Pam Mayor

that to someone, that a book was too old for them. I went to the public library and read Vanity Fair cover to cover. What was your training and experience before ORL? I have a BA from UBC and an MA in Library Science from University of Alberta. I was the chief librarian in Prince George prior to moving to Kelowna. What do you do in your spare time? I go to a lot of movies and art events.

7) Aboriginal Business Canada Even better than a small business loan, this program offers non-repayable contributions (a.k.a. small business grants) of up to $99,999 for eligible individual entrepreneurs. You must be of aboriginal heritage and have a viable business opportunity to apply. The money may be used for start-up as well as expanding or marketing your small business. 8) Small Business Loans for Young Entrepreneurs

If you are an entrepreneur (or hopeful entrepreneur) between the ages of 18 and 35, there are several special small business loan programs you may be able to benefit from. The Canadian Youth Business Foundation offers several different financing programs to support entrepreneurs aged 18 to 34, including one that provides start up small business loans of up to $15,000. 9) Angel Investor Networks. Angel investors are individuals that look to fund small businesses that they consider to be good invest-

ments. Typically, angel investors look for higher returns than provided by the stock market and want to take an active role in the business. If you can handle these two things, an angel investor can be a great small business loan source. 10) Friends and Family So many small business owners and would-be entrepreneurs get their fiscal start from home so to speak, parents or siblings investing in their idea money they need to start or carry on their enterprise, as well as from friends.

“Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.”

– Martha Graham

Shae McEachnie “I KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO COME HOME” Fin Finding the right home is an emotional and personal journey. It’s a journey best guided by someone with compassion, patience and your jo best be interests at heart. That person is Shae. Having fond memories of the Okanagan, Shae chose to make this four season playground a home for her and her daughter. In a community where business is often based on who you know, Shae is interested in building enduring, trusting and reciprocal relationships both personally and professionally. Believing that relationships are more important than transactions, it’s her goal to grow her business by referral. “My greatest pleasure is to help people; I love my career as it fulfills this goal while affording me the flexibility needed to be the best mom I can be.” A licensed REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty, Shae holds a Masters in Education Counseling Psychology degree from UBC and a Bachelor of Arts in Human and Social Development degree from UVIC. Actively engaged in the business community, Shae is presently on the Board of Directors for the Kelowna Women In Business.

#14-1470 Harvey Ave Kelowna, BC V1Y 9K8

Cell: 250-859-2774

Office: 250-860-7500

shae@coldwellbanker.ca okanaganviewrealestate.ca

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A43

Figuring out your home-based work schedule C.J. Hayden CONTRIBUTOR

For many working parents, telecommuting or a home business may seem like the answer to your prayers. You want to have more time with your kids and greater flexibility, so you take the leap, install a second phone line, and set up a computer in the dining room. But the first thing you may discover is that working from home includes many unexpected distractions. Children, your spouse, neighbours, and the family dog come and go. They make loud noises, ask for your help, or interrupt to ask a “quick question,” always just long enough to break your concentration.

Your family and friends don’t seem to understand that you’re working. They ask you to run errands, expect you to handle chores, and want to chat on the phone. When you see the pile of laundry or stack of dishes sitting there waiting, you may be tempted to take time out from work to clean up a bit. You’d like to keep your house livable and be available to the people you care about, but it’s just too much for one person to manage. When can you get any work done? The way out of this dilemma is to set clear boundaries on your space, time, and responsibilities. If your office has a door, try having “open-door” time and “closed-door” time.

When your door is open, the kids can come say hello, ask questions, or tell you about their day. When the door is closed, it means “Do Not Disturb.” A good way to explain this to children is to tell them you need some private time, not just that you are busy. If your office doesn’t have a door, you need one! Try to find another place in your home where you can create some private space for at least part of the day. Setting regular working hours will help you manage your time better as well as give some guidelines to your family. Build your hours around the family activities that are important to you. If your kids get home at 2 p.m., for ex-

Create a comfortable ofce setting Leva Duell CONTRIBUTOR

The environments we surround ourselves with are often overlooked as a potential nurturance for both our work and our daily lives. Our surroundings shape the way we think and feel. Exceptional achievers make sure their surroundings reflect their commitment to perform at their best. Your office space can reflect your intention to do great work that makes a contribution to the world. It can provide aesthetic nourishment where the colours and textures of the interior space nourish your creativity and inspire you, or it can leave you feeling exhausted and unfocused. We need only to step into different offices to notice how they affect us. Close your eyes and picture this. It is morning, and you are walking into your office to start your work day. You step onto a lovely patterned carpet, and walk over to your beautiful, functional wooden desk. You sit in a very comfortable chair that supports your back, and gaze out the window

at the sunny day. A fresh breeze blows in from the open window. You hear the sounds of birds singing and leaves rustling in the wind. A large green plant is in the corner and a vase of fresh flowers is on your desk. A beautiful lamp infuses warmth and soft light throughout the room. Your eyes are drawn to a lovely piece of art on the wall, then to an artifact you bought on your latest trip, and then to an array of family photos. Would this type of space uplift your spirit and inspire you to do your best work? You bet it would! Yet, very few people take the time to create for themselves an office that is truly nourishing and uplifting. If our offices are beautiful and inspiring, then what is produced in those offices will have a sense of purpose and integrity. The challenge is to seek a way to occupy your office space in a way that harmonizes with your personality, energy, and purpose. Look closely at your workspace. If your workspace doesn’t currently nourish your creativity and effectiveness, take a moment to mentally create the perfect space for you to do your best work.

Angela O’Brien & Florenda Pickett “We do more than lift your spirits” Lad Ladies, if you are forever fighting with your bra or have given up because bras are too uncomfortable, then visit Esteem Lingerie to chat with Angela, Florenda and their staff. Li Florenda and her daughter Angela joined together to build Flo Esteem Lingerie with a focus on helping women develop a healthy body image and healthy self-esteem self-esteem. Esteem Lin Lingerie’s product lines include great quality bras, foundation wear, sleepwear and lingerie. The staff are experienced and trained in fitting the products, with a focus on educating women on how bras should fit and be worn. Most importantly, Angela, Florenda and their staff focus on fitting each lady as an individual - a beautiful body; no matter the shape or size. They value their community and work to support the community by raising money for Women’s Shelters and by mentoring other businesses and entrepreneurs.

Esteem Lingerie

Westbank Town Centre West Kelowna

250-768-0171

www.esteemlingeriegoup.ca

ample, set up your work day from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.. Your schedule can change each week to allow for your children’s activities, when necessary. Choose how many work hours per week makes sense for you, design a schedule, and post it on your office door. Highlight the open times, and let everyone know that’s when you are available to them. If your family expects you to run errands and handle chores during your work day, it may be time to hold a family meeting. Explain to your children (and remind your spouse) that it may look like mommy or daddy is playing on the computer or chatting on the phone,

but this is his or her job, and it contributes to the family’s income. Start by listing all the jobs that need to be done for the household, and who does them now. Instead of assigning chores, try asking each family member to volunteer for something. If there are lots of tasks left over, be sure to ask if they really need to be done, or done as often. (Dusting, for example, may need to go by the wayside.) If you are doing chores during time you could be making money, consider hiring someone else to clean your house, service the car, or drive the kids to after-school activities. When one of your bound-

aries gets tested, learn to hold the line. If you give in even once, don’t expect the boundary to hold up. Try making the closed door, posted schedule, or job roster the bad guy instead of yourself. Instead of, “I’m too busy to talk right now—you’ll have to wait,” say, “The door is closed now, would you please come back when it’s open?” When friends phone during work time, ask them to call back after hours. And when someone doesn’t do one of their chores, don’t do it for them. Serving a meal on dirty dishes may seem extreme, but it will get the message across. C.J. Hayden is the author of the book Get Clients NOW! www.getclientsnow.com

Theresa White & Jeannie Rodgers Th Okanagan Valley Pregnancy Care Centre is a The safe sa and friendly place for women and couples to find support to face unexpected pregnancy. Staff and volunteers offer free and co confidential programs and services that include pregnancy tests, emotional support, information and education on pregnancy options and practical resources. A caring and affirming support team, we’re dedicated to helping women find unexpected joy in unexpected life challenges. (As peer counsellors, we do not provide medical services.)

201-2622 Pandosy Street

250.763.2112

M-F 10 am to 4 pm • www.ovpcc.com • info@ovpcc.com

Cheryl Dirks

RRegistered Massage Therapist I have h been an RMT for 26 years and have loved every minute of th career. Having the opportunity to ‘touch’ people’s lives every this da has been so rewarding. Eleven years ago I opened the Family day Wellness Centre, and 5 years ago expanded the clinic to include W the Healing Sp Spa. It was a long time dream come true. The Spa was created after my love of Hawaii, and is an ‘escape to the tropics’, without having to fly. Today I have the best team of 3 RMT’s as well as Spa Practitioner and Reflexologist. We offer therapeutic treatment and a wide exclusive variety of Spa services, designed with years of experience, including hot stone specialties, romantic Hawaiian couples and fun girls’ parties. I love my community and have been very involved, including 2 years on the Chamber of Commerce Board, participating in Westside Days Parade, and forming a Heart & Stroke Big Bike Team. I feel so blessed to love where I live, and love what I do. Life is good!

2453C Main Street, West Kelowna 250-768-1020 www.familywellnesshealingspa.com

A44 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Don’t be misled by stereotype assumptions Kelley Robertson CONTRIBUTOR

Assumptions can kill a sale. In my sales training workshops, I frequently discuss the importance of not making assumptions about a person before, during, or after the sales process. Participants frequently nod and tell me that they never make assumptions. One person (Doug Maquire, www.MaquireMarketing.com) sent me this story of a situation that occurred in a department store he worked in many years ago: *** “I was the ‘young kid’ who had signed on to take the nine-month management training course for a department store chain.

Sales people were generally assigned specific areas to cover within the store but being a ‘management trainee’ I had to learn all departments.” One day, a rough looking middle aged fellow entered the store. He was dressed in well-worn workpants, work boots, and a soiled red and black plaid shirt just like you’d expect a lumberjack to wear. No one approached him (I guess he didn’t look like a good sales prospect) and he didn’t move from the front entrance; he just stood there surveying the store from left to right. I walked up to him and asked if I could help. He said, ‘I need a pair of wool socks. No nylon, no cotton, just wool socks.’

We went to the menswear department and both watched as the sales person assigned to that department walked away from us so he wouldn’t have to waste his time going through the full selection of hosiery just to find a single pair of wool socks.” “I then started asking questions about style, colour, size, price range, etc., to help narrow down exactly what the customer needed. “It don’t matter.” he replied, “Just wool socks. I work back in the bush and we only come to town every three weeks. Nylon makes my feet sweat. Cotton’s okay but it don’t last long. I need socks I can wear at work everyday and that’s wool.” So, I checked the con-

Kathleen Kendall As owner/broker of Kendall Property Management, Kathleen has assembled a talented licensed team of property and strata managers. Kendall Property Management has been providing elite service since being created in 2009. Kathleen created the brokerage believing she could offer a refreshing opportunity for owners and strata councils. Being involved in both the property and strata industry for over 10 years, Kathleen brings Kelowna a new perspective on property and strata management. This is achieved through providing owners and strata councils with unprecedented customer service, integrity and honesty. All clients are treated with the highest respect and client care, regardless of the size of the property. A leader in both residential and strata management, Kathleen and her team at Kendall Property Management prove to have the customer service edge in the Okanagan.

159 Rutland Rd. S. Kelowna (778) 753-5707 www.kendallpm.com

Brenda L. Fischer Bre Brenda L Fischer, an Edward Jones Financial Advisor has over 25 ye of experience in the financial and insurance industries. years Br Brenda offers extensive knowledge and experience in the inves world of investment planning. Her objective is to act first and foremost in her clients best interest interest, by offering caring and competent advice to help clients reach their financial goals. At Edward Jones, Brenda can offer retirement planning, mutual funds, stocks and fixed income investments. Brenda looks forward to meeting with you at your earliest convenience for your free portfolio review. Please call or stop by anytime. www.edwardjones.com/focused Member CIPF

Brenda L. Fischer, CFP Financial Advisor 2690 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC Tel: (250) 712-0508 • Fax: (250) 712-2019 brenda.fischer@edwardjones.com

tent label of every style and colour of sock that we had in stock and eventually found a pair of 100 per cent wool socks. “Good”, he said, and we walked up the checkout counter to ring in the $3.95 pair of wool socks. The man left and I got a bit of ribbing from the sales person in the menswear department about my ‘big sale of the day’ and how not to spend my commission all in one place!’ Three weeks later the customer returned. He then walked over to me and said, “I need more wool socks like that last pair.” This time he decided that he’d take 6 pair. We took the socks up to the checkout counter and rang in the six pair of $3.95 socks. The customer paid cash, said thanks, and walked away with his purchase. This time I didn’t get quite as much ribbing from the sales person in the menswear department. Exactly three weeks later the customer came back. He walked through the front door and made a beeline for me. “I need more of them wool socks,” he said. “The boys at camp want to know where I got them and want some too. How many have you got?” I checked the display area, the stockroom, and our

‘‘

IF DOUG HAD MADE THE MISTAKE OF FOLLOWING HIS COWORKER’S FOOTSTEPS AND MADE THE SAME ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE CUSTOMER, HE WOULD HAVE LOST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN SALES.

new stock shipment and told him I had 58 pair. He paid cash and bought them all. I never found out exactly how many people he worked with, but every three weeks he’d show up at the store and ask what I had in the way of tee-shirts, long johns, plaid wool shirts, work boots, gloves, caps, toques, coveralls, work jackets, etc., and each time he arrived, he’d walk right up to me for service and we’d both go to the proper department and select what he needed for himself and for the guys he worked with. He always paid cash and always thanked me for my help.” *** If Doug had made the mistake of following his

coworker’s footsteps and made the same assumptions about the customer, he would have lost thousands of dollars in sales. It is easy to make assumptions about our customers and prospects. A person’s appearance, age, gender, nationality, or role within the company, often influences us. I have made this mistake when speaking to companies in the past. Upon learning that they only had a few salespeople, I made the assumptions they would not be willing to pay my standard fee. I later learned that this assumption was completely inaccurate and that they were fully prepared to invest in their teams’ development. As a consumer, I have often noticed that most sales people will approach welldressed customers before they talk to people who are attired in jeans or casual clothing. Avoid this fatal mistake and go into every sales interaction with an open and clear mind. This will definitely have a positive impact on your sales. Kelley Robertson is president of the Robertson Training Group.

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

Joyce Van Norman Aft graduating with a criminology degree I never thought I’d be After in the realm of shoes. Nevertheless this door opened and despite my m boot addiction, I have stepped in full force with no regrets. I am happy to be a women in business where I can make a living and an actually feed and share my own love of shoes. Moreover, it is rewarding to meet the t needs, loves and desires of my following customers. Really it is my devotees that keep me hooked hooke and on a continuous investigation for the best in footwear. Accordingly, thank you to all my customers who have supported Hollywood Shoes the past 7 years. It is because of you that I have been able to continue bringing in new and exciting high fashion and comfort footwear each season. “Comfort and fashion are one” will resume to be my mission. Excellence in customer service and fittings will never be compromised. I thank all the local foot specialist who have endorsed Hollywood Shoes and have entrusted me with this task. In the last three years I have been a volunteer director for the Uptown Rutland Business Association. This has given me the opportunity to contribute in the revitalization and development of our urban centre and connect with local businesses and my community on a personal level. Thanks again for all your support. I look forward to serving you all this 2011.

13-150 Hollywood Rd. S. 250.860.0970 www.hollywoodshoes.ca

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A45

Crafting an engaging ‘elevator speech’

When someone asks, “What do you Savvy business owners make it a priordo?” or when you are given an opportunity to market themselves and their business every day. With a few tools and a little prac- ity to introduce yourself and your business at a meeting, your response should flow tice you can become your very own best smoothly, without hesitation marketing talent. and without sounding like the Along with your business proverbial sales pitch. card, one of the most effectWith a clear, carefully reive and least costly marketing hearsed message, you will tools is an elevator speech— THE OPPORTUNITY be ready to take advantage of something that every business every encounter, no matter owner can, and should, take TO CONNECT how brief. full advantage of. OFTEN ARISES Practice your speech in An elevator speech is an DURING OR front of the bathroom miroverview of your product or SHORTLY AFTER ror, use a voice recorder or service that you can share in role play with friends until the time span of an elevator INTRODUCTIONS you are comfortable and conride, which can be as long as AND YOU’LL WANT fident. two minutes or as short as 30 TO MAKE THAT The more you use your seconds. FIRST IMPRESSION speech, the more at ease you Rather than simply exCOUNT. will become and the more pand on your business name, natural it will sound. job title or occupation, your When you hand over your elevator speech should be debusiness card, if you have delivered an efsigned to start off with a statement about fective elevator speech, you will have neatwhat you can provide and what the benely explained the benefits of working with fits are. you, and you will have painted a picture in Your listener will be thinking, “What’s their memory of someone in it for me?” and it is up to who can provide a solution to you to tell them the value you their needs. or your business can provide. Make it punchy and relBe aware of your comevant. The opportunity to petitive advantage and take AS YOU CRAFT connect often arises during time to incorporate that into YOUR ELEVATOR or shortly after introductions your elevator speech. and you’ll want to make that Then get used to sharing SPEECH, KEEP IN first impression count. your message with everyone, MIND THAT YOU’LL Your elevator speech, at every opportunity—you NEED TO GRAB also known as an elevanever know when the cashier YOUR LISTENER’S tor pitch, will be a valuable at the grocery store has a sisasset at meetings, events, netter or an uncle who is looking ATTENTION RIGHT working groups, in the linefor just what you are offering! AT THE START. up at the grocery store—who As you craft your elevaknows, you might even find tor speech, keep in mind that yourself in an elevator with a captive audiyou’ll need to grab your listener’s attention ence! right at the start. This article is contributed by If you can prompt your listener to ask theWomen’s Enterprise Centre, the go-to a question, you will be able to continue the place for B.C. women business owners for conversation and more fully engage their business loans, skills training, business adinterest. Many business owners continuously re- visory services, resources, publications and referrals. fine their message and will have more than one version of their elevator speech—each 1-800-643-7014 www.womensenterprise.ca one tailored to specific audiences and situations.

After the birth of her ﬁrst child in 2006, Pam experienced ﬁrst-hand what it means to endure months of sleepless nights with a new baby. Desperate for a solution, she read book after book and looked for a practical, real-world solution to her son’s sleep problems. She was eventually referred to Dana Obleman, the best-selling creator of “The Sleep Sense™ Program,” and was amazed when her 5-month-old son -- who had been waking up every 1 to 2 hours since the day he was born -- suddenly began sleeping peacefully for 11 to 12 hours every single night. This profound transformation made such an impact that Pam has now dedicated her professional life to helping other parents locally, nationally and internationally solve their children’s sleep problems. Pam offers individual consultations (in person or via telephone) or group seminars to help parents create a customized, step-by-step plan to solve their children’s sleep problems. For a free 15-minute telephone consultation, to book an appointment, or reserve a space in an upcoming seminar, please call Pam directly at (250) 575-6988 or send an e-mail to pam.nease@sleepsense.net.

‘‘

Colleen Brown Even in this digital age, businesses large and small still have a big need for ink on paper. That’s why Thunderbird Press, one of British Columbia’s premier printing firms, established its Interior Division.

Pam Nease

Joan Carver Six years ago dogs in Kelowna had one more reason to wag their tails. Puppy Tails Daycare provided a new and exciting place to grow, play and learn. Joan and her daughter Jackie thought for years that there should be a place, kind of like a dog park, where pups of all sizes and shapes were free to frolic and socialize. A place to practice good behaviour and a place they would love to stay when their families go away. Lots of fresh air and exercise equals a happy dog; add warm, cozy rooms and tons of love and you have Puppy Tails Daycare. .... “For the Love of Dog”

BOARDING & ADVENTURE CAMP

878-0931 B Y A P P O I N T M E N T O N LY

www.puppytailskelowna.ca

Lee-Ann Johnson

Th Thunderbird produces top-quality work at very competitive prices — and that’s why Colleen Brown is the division’s Account Manager. She’s been involved with the industry for 23 years, 11 of them in the Central Okanagan.

When Lee-Ann Johnson decided to open an Edible Arrangements franchise in Kelowna, she had no idea it would be an immediate hit. “There wasn’t one in Kelowna so I decided to go for it. We opened January 12th in the Mission Park Shopping Centre and I haven’t looked back since! The support of the community and the overwhelming response to our product has been tremendous. I love making people smile and to see their expression when they receive one of our arrangements is priceless.”

Based in West Kelowna, Colleen has clients throughout the Valley and is able to coordinate projects from conception to completion — from brochures and stationery to posters, publications and an array of other fine print products.

Edible Arrangements is a franchise that artfully designs fresh fruit bouquets. “Only Fresh fruit and chocolate - no additives or preservatives – we dip apples, pears, strawberries, pineapple, oranges and bananas. Our bouquets are as beautiful as they are delicious.”

“We dig a bit deeper to identify what’s important to you, what makes you successful, identifying how your printed products are used, and what makes them special,” she says.

Lee-Ann’s store in Kelowna currently employs 7 people with plans to expand. Visit Edible Arrangements online at www.ediblearrangements.ca to find out more.

Colleen started her career with Thunderbird, which began as a small family-owned business that has retained its core values of reliability, trust and respect among customers, employees and industry peers.

Thunderbird Press Ltd. 2475 Dobbin Rd. #22 Suite 569, West Kelowna, BC, V4T 2E9

Cell: 250-808-6484 Toll Free: 1-877-808-2853 www.thunderbirdpress.com colleenbrown@tbirdpress.com

250.979.0044 #30 - 3155 Lakeshore Rd. Mission Park Shopping Centre www.ediblearrangements.ca

A46 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Kelowna Women in Business

Make the most out of business card real estate Charlie Cook

quickly learn the problems you solve, and they’ll want to know how you can help them or someone they know. Your card then becomes a catalyst to conYou’re at a networking meeting and someversation and gives you an opportunity to learn one asks for your business card. more about this prospect’s needs. You hand them a fairly typical card with Another way to use your business card to your company’s name, your name and title, pique prospects’ interest is to include an offer and contact information on it. What happens on the back. next? Do they get in touch with you? Do they You might offer a free report or guide of become a client? interest to your target market. Nine times out of ten, the conversation For example, if you are a ends when you hand someone real estate agent you could offer you’ve just met your business an article on “10 simple ways card, and you never hear from to increase the value of your them again. home,” available on your comWouldn’t you like to use TITLES ONLY GIVE pany’s website through the link these opportunities to generprovided. ate interest, get a conversation PEOPLE A VAGUE When prospects visgoing and have prospects conIDEA OF WHAT it the site, ask them to provide tact you? YOU DO AND their name, email address and All of your marketing maRARELY EXPLAIN phone number, and then delivterials should be written and deer a well-written and informasigned to prompt prospects to HOW YOU HELP tive article. take action. PEOPLE. The first step is to get a When you meet potential prospect’s attention and their clients or customers, whethcontact information. er in person or through your brochure or web Then you can stay in touch with them on a site, you want to lead them to ask you how you can help them and to call or email you later for regular basis, offering more helpful ideas and information about your services. more information. Building relationships in this way is well A typical business card does neither of worth the additional cost of printing on both these things. You don’t have much real estate on a busi- sides of your cards. Before you rush to redo your business ness card to work with, so use it well. Start by card, you’ll want it designed so it is easy to looking at the basic elements of your card. read and moves your prospects to contact you. Most business cards include titles. Your If you want it to look professional, hire a card may say broker, consultant or vicegraphic designer to help put your marketing president. What does this tell prospects about objectives into print. what you can do for them? Stop exchanging business cards as a ritual Titles only give people a vague idea of and start using your card to attract new clients. what you do and rarely explain how you help Reconsider your title and include your brilliant people. If you include a title on your card, marketing message. make it descriptive of your role in the comAdd a free offer your prospects can’t repany or your work with clients. fuse. Your business card will help you start Instead of or in addition to your title, put conversations, generate more leads and grow your marketing message on the card. This is a your business. one-sentence description of how you actually Charlie Cook is a small business consulthelp clients. ant. When prospects read your card, they’ll CONTRIBUTOR

‘‘

2011 Executive In the photo, we have: (starting with back row, going left to right) Joanne Funk, Special Events Director Cupcasions Handheld Desserts Alison Faye, Speaker Director M.A.F. Skin Therapy Cheryl Clark, Secretary Independent Silpada Jewellery Representative Michelle Belanger, Communications Director Belanger Communications Ltd Christine Lwowski, Membership Director Advertising Consultant at Astral Radio Shae McEachnie, Venue Director Realtor with Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty Tanya Federici, Sponsor Director Business Growth Specialist at Print Three Chantal Diaz, Kelowna Women in Business President Managing Partner Desjardins Financial Security

“It’s only over when you quit.”

– Unknown

Michelle Duford, Treasurer, Website Administrator CGA - Duford and Company Members will tell you, Kelowna Women in Business is not your typical networking group! We are about making connections and working together towards meeting the business goals of our members. Kelowna Women in Business (KWIB) is a not-for-proﬁt organization that was created in 1993 and we sure have come a long way since then!

Silverado Socrates

KWIB is a group made of business women in the Kelowna area, looking to grow as professionals, whether running their own businesses or working for others.

Silv Shackle enterprises has been 15 years in a planning and Silver research phase. res

We provide a comfortable networking environment and oﬀer education, encouragement and inspiration through friendship, support and respect.

We W specialize in team building, coaching and leadership training via character using a combination of discipline development, real songs/music and horsing around. story telling/listening; telling

Every year, our membership is growing. We invite all Kelowna area businesswomen to join us at our monthly events, as well as to join our ranks and take advantage of great membership beneﬁts and opportunities through our online membership database. Visit us online at kwib.org to learn more!

I was a world ld class l athlete thl t in i the th past and a successful tourism operator who faced problems of balance. Saying no to training or to tourists is hard if you love what you do and thrive off the challenge of always wanting to improve. I have found that inspiring the passion to perform is more rewarding. Interestingly, it is more effective too since a team of one is ineffective if that member is injured. Furthermore, the extra brawn and brains can make for some magical performances! There is a saying “practice what you preach”; I believe I have learned to preach what I practice. The challenge is to slow the pace enough for others to follow while maintaining the passion for the race and peace in the perspective. Silver Shackle Enterprises--- Growing Gold Together!

To register or for event information visit:

www.kwib.org

silverado_socrates@hotmail.com

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A47

How to research your business market Your best tools for market research are curiosity and observation which will assist you in gathering facts to make well-informed decisions. In addition to a spirit of adventure, here are some categories of information that you should explore to gather data for your business.

GENERAL INDUSTRY INFORMATION

Spend some time both in person and on the Internet observing how companies like yours do business. Take a look at the local landscape, as well as how things may be done in other places. Learn what products and services are offered, how the company communicates with its customers, and how their customers feel about them. Note where there may be opportunities for you to fill needs that are not being met.

TRENDS AND GROWTH

Read industry related publications, located at your library, business resource centre or online, to learn about trends and growth areas. This is valuable information as you continue in business, to ensure that you stay current with what customers want and need, as well as ideas on how to grow your business. The volume of information can be overwhelming, so remember to scan. Take note of new legislation, industry challenges, and economic influences which may affect the industry in future. And be on the lookout for up-and-comers who are trying new things. When an industry becomes saturated with competitors there are always a few early birds creating new trends. It pays to take note.

INDUSTRY STATISTICS

Statistics are collected by government agencies and provide perspective to understand the larger landscape in which your business operates. These are available at your library or business resource centre, and include a variety of data related to general industry and consumer

demographics. Statistics can be overwhelming, so look at them for specific information. For example, collecting demographics for your area can help determine where to set up shop. The mistake of leasing retail space to sell children’s items in a neighbourhood full of seniors can be avoided when you understand the demographics of the area.

INTERACTIVE RESEARCH

There’s nothing like learning about prospective customers directly. Officially known as “primary research” because you are obtaining first-hand information rather than relying on others’ data collection, it’s the only way to get a genuine sense of how people will respond to your product or service. Even then, it can be misleading if it’s not objectively gathered. Face to face surveys (always keep them brief), online or print surveys, and even focus groups are all tools to engage with people and test both ideas and assumptions. “Do you prefer red or blue” is a leading, non-neutral question because the real answer may be neither. “Select the colour you prefer” and listing several options as well as “other” is a more neutral way to frame your question. The key to gathering valuable market research, both primary and secondary, is remembering to stay objective. That means not relying on your family and friends to be your primary source of feedback. As much as they love you—because they do—they cannot be fully objective. It also means staying flexible to adjust your business proposal early on, in light of information you may uncover. Good market research ensures you have a solid business case with data to support your decisions. This article was provided by the Women’s Enterprise Centre along with the collaboration of Liz Gaige, with Market Navigators Consulting. 1-800-643-7014 www.womensenterprise.ca

“Whoever is happy will make others happy too.”

– Anne Frank

Wendy McLeod WE AR ARE CHANGING THE WAY CANADA LOSES WEIGHT! Everyone is talking about metabolism. We have been creating weight loss programs designed design to correct your metabolism for over 14 years. Our easy weight loss program has helped over 1 million people worldwide lose weight and p regain their health and quality of life. Wendy McLeod has been the Director and Owner of SureSlim Wellness and Weight Loss Clinic in Kelowna since March 2008. Wendy had moved from Calgary where she had her own Wellness Business for fourteen years. She is a nutritionist and has specialized mainly in weight loss clients. The Kelowna SureSlim also offers Yoga Classes and Power Plate Vibrational Therapy which are both a wonderful addition to any weight loss and wellness program. There is also specials for teeth whitening at this location which is from the White Science. Come in for a free Information Session and learn the facts about nutrition, metabolism and hormone regulation to help change your life forever. SureSlim is based on a comprehensive blood test, and using normal grocery store food. Individualized eating plans are created to achieve dramatic and safe weight loss. Clients lose 10-15 pounds a month on average by balancing hormones and correcting the metabolism. Call or book online for our FREE INFO SESSION and we can start you on the path to losing weight quickly, safely and permanently.

250-717-3444

105-1751 Harvey Avenue kelowna@SureSlim.ca www.sureslim.ca

The Wellness Spa , Kelly Amber, Sharon

Sh Sharon Strang has been in the health care field for over 20 ye years. Her vision for The Wellness Spa is to support people in taking time for themselves and to educate them on the eno enormous value of releasing stress. As a mother and business own owner, she recognizes the need to take care of oneself.

The Wellness Spa specializes in facials, massages & waxing. We also offer all spa treatments from pedicures to body treatments for men as well as women. Located off the lobby of The Best Western Inn & open most evenings, The Wellness Spa has been in business for the past 8 years. We have built a reputation of friendly service, tranquil surroundings, and beautiful treatments. We are a convenient oasis for weary travellers, but also welcome local clientele to our soothing atmosphere. Guinot is our exclusive skin care line, for every skin type and condition. It is produced in France and made from plant botanicals, helping your skin stay young the natural way. We invite you to peruse our website for more information, purchase an on-line gift certificate, make an on-line appointment, or just take an hour or so and come to our oasis for a mini-vacation!

250-860-4985 1-866-860-4985 2402 Hwy. 97 N. www.wellnessspa.ca contact@wellnessspa.ca

the

wellness spa

(at the Best Western Inn)

Susa Mary-Ann, Carrie Susan, Susa W Wendy, Shirley, Glenys At We Westbank Shoes we are celebrating our 14th year in the shoe business providing quality footwear at comp competitive prices. We carry ca quality handbags from - Derek Alexander • Chinese Laundry • Kathy Va Van Zeeland. Quality shoes from - Clarks • Ecco • Josef Seibel • Naot • Rieker • Blondo • Dansko Dansk • Skechers • Merrell and more. Our O number b one priority i i is i providing idi the h best b customer service possible. We specialize in custom fittings, hard to fit sizes, and orthopedic fittings Our fantastic staff made up of Mary-Ann, Carrie, Wendy, Glenys, and Susan go above and beyond their job expectations to ensure each and every client’s time with us is an enjoyable and fun experience.

Westbank Shoes Quality Footwear - Personal Service WESTBANK TBANK SHOPPING CENTRE (across from Tim Hortons/Wendy’s)

250-768-6995

Julie Clitheroe Providing an exceptional customer experience is what Julie is known for. Genuine caring for clients and being a good listener is critical to the success of any business. When visiting with friends I would often hear, “It’s really hard to find compatible dates in Kelowna”, or “I’m so tired of online dating”. It seemed to me the missing piece was personalized li d matching and after that first date support. With over 25 years professional sales and coaching expertise and a strong attention to customer service, Julie founded Magnetix Dating Agency. Personalized service and quality matching is what sets us apart from online dating sites. Our consultants work with you to better understand what you’re looking for. Matches are hand picked for you based on a variety of areas such as your values, life goals, personality, interests and personal preference. Plus there’s no public profile and picture to set up so your privacy is protected. One Magnetix customer shared, “Privacy and confidentiality was very important to me. Being in the public eye, I wasn’t comfortable with online dating sites. I wanted a more professional and personal approach to finding a life partner”. “Magnetix Dating Agency offered me that and so much more.” Helping people find love is the best job in the world. Visit us today at

www.magnetix.ca D AT ING A GEN C Y

or call for a free consultation

250.864.2324

A48 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Separate your business and personal expenses Separating business, home, and personal identity can be difficult for entrepreneurs. You have so much of yourself wrapped up in what you do for a living. Running a business tends to be all-consuming and it can be hard to tell where you stop and your business begins and, not just in terms of your emotional investment. Your personal and company finances can also get mixed together if you’re not careful. There are benefits to keeping your business and personal finances separate. First and foremost, it legitimizes what you’re doing, not only in your eyes but in the eyes of other interested parties, including bankers and the Canada Customs & Revenue Agency (CCRA).

Legitimate business expenses can be deducted from your business revenues to reduce taxable income. This means that if you keep detailed accounting records, and track the expenses you incur over the course of the year, you will never pay more tax than you have to. Of course, your expenses have to be legitimate and they have to be backed up with the necessary receipts and/or other documentation. The second important benefit for making a clear distinction between your business and personal finances is that, you get an accurate and objective view of your business’ viability. You’ll never know if it can support both you and your goals in the short and long term if you don’t have an uncompromised picture of its finances.

It can be challenging to keep your business and personal finances separated, the following tips can help you: • If you operate from your home, try to confine your work to one room or one area and keep that space exclusively for your business. This way, you can easily determine the percentage of housing costs to apply to the business. As much as possible, find ways to clearly distinguish what belongs to the business and what doesn’t. For example, if you can, set up a separate business phone line or at least track your business telephone usage. • Set up a company credit card and use it for business expenses. Remember, though, that the card is a tracking tool, not a source of financing.

Agents in Motion Leona Wallace and Jann Harrison, Royal LePage Canada National Award Recipients for 2009 & 2010, are often asked about the silhouette of the women in the Agents in Motion logo. It silhoue represents the founders of the team, and symbolizes all strong, repres empowered women who believe in themselves and that anything empo they want wa in life is possible! Agents in Motion have a dream to build a dynasty tthat supports communities of women around the world. This may seem like a huge vision but it is their passion that drives them everyday. It keeps them in alignment with their values – one relationship at a time. In their bbusiness, they believe relationships are more important than transactions. Their clients deserve more than the traditional approach where REALTORS® close a deal and move on to the next one. Jann and Leona devote themselves to serving all their clients’ needs before, during and after each sale. With dynamic service they ensure their clients enjoy a stress-free real estate experience. In return, they earn repeat business, loyal & long-term clientele with abundant referrals. Working by referral is all about trust, and they are grateful that their clients put their trust in them. Team Agents in Motion are extremely proud to be selected as finalists for the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board 2010 REALTOR® Care Award, honoured for their charity work both locally & across the world encompassing everything from Women’s Shelters, Kelowna Gospel Mission, Penticton Ironman Triathlon & the International Children’s Games Kelowna 2011, to assisting post-war Kosovo by starting a concrete company to help rebuild war ravaged homes. GET YOUR MOVE ON WITH AGENTS IN MOTION !

Interest on credit cards is too high to be using one to float your business. • Establish a filing system for your business receipts. Don’t throw them all in a shoebox and hand them to an accountant at the end of the year. The shoebox provides you with virtually no ongoing financial information. The least you should do is figure out the major expense categories that you have and, as your costs are incurred, file the invoices and receipts accordingly. Then, once a month, enter the information into your revenue/expense and cash flow statements. • If you use your car for business purposes, keep a log of the kilometers you travel for the business. You’ll be able to apply a per-

QUALITY RESIDENTIAL CLEANING

Call today 250-575-1633 www.getamaid.ca EXTERIOR CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

The Women’s Enterprise Centre is the go-to place for B.C. women business owners for business loans, skills training, business advisory services, resources, publications and referrals. 1-800-643-7014 inquiry@womensenterprise.ca

Denise Henderson Denis Henderson, groupSource Manager believes in Denise Exceptional Service Excep Denise is the groupSource Branch and Marketing Manager in Denis Kelowna, and one of the company owners. She is recognized Kelow for her personal person commitment to helping people by providing custom tailored advice and benefits consultation to her clients. From her beginnings in the group consu benefit industry 25 years ago in Calgary when groupSource was known as WSG Benefits Consultants, she has worked her way up through the ranks by hard work and dedication and has exceeded even her own expectations. Reflecting on her life vocation, the reward has been connecting with people. groupSource LP is a Third Party Administrator of group benefit programs, and their local “one stop shop” approach for businesses is their main distinction. The Kelowna office manages all aspects of employee group benefit programs including claims adjudication, administration and all service support. Denise’s core business principles of honesty, integrity, and building relationships have been paramount to her success.

208-1708 Dolphin Ave. Kelowna, BC V1Y 9S4

www.AgentsInMotion.ca Office: (250) 860-1100

Life gets messy Suck it up

centage of your vehicle expenses against your business revenues at year end. Don’t think you need to do it all. Consult with your accountant to set up a system that makes sense for you. However, it is critical to have enough financial understanding to tell if you’re making a profit, how your cash flow is doing, and how each area of your business is doing.

250.861.8877

dhenderson@groupsource.ca

Tara Graves This former model and actress, turned entrepreneur, moved to Kelowna in 2003. Tara quickly seized the opportunity to develop a post construction cleaning service. This dynamo now has a long list of satisfied customers and her business is thriving. Parent company, Got It Green Cleaning Limited, is home to Got It Maid, Quality Residential Cleaning, and The Clutter Cleaners, Post Construction & Janitorial Services. Tara and her staff are very excited about the launch of their newest division, Maid Men, providing interior & exterior window cleaning, gutter cleaning, pressure washing, carpet cleaning, even Spring & Summer yard maintenance. This “green” lady is always conscious of the importance of social and environmental responsibility. “It’s important to me to live a balanced lifestyle, enjoying what I do, fitting in health and fitness, having the time to spend with the people I love, all while giving back to the community as much as I can.” When Tara’s not too busy making the world a cleaner place, she is still very much involved in her passion for showbiz, and provides a vast array of talent to Okanagan venues and special events. For more about Tara and her businesses, including Big Guns Talent Management, visit her online at gotgreenclean.com

250 575-1633 or 250 317-3666 getamaid.ca or gotgreenclean.com QUALITY RESIDENTIAL CLEANING

Dealing with the web C.J. Hayden CONTRIBUTOR

Every independent professional should have a website, an ezine, and an email marketing strategy, right? If you’re not taking maximum advantage of web technology to market your professional services, you are behind the times, and missing out on huge opportunities. At least that’s what most marketing experts would have you believe. But how valid is this advice? And is it for everyone? Before email was widely available, marketing newsletters were printed on paper and sent by mail. There’s no question that e-mail is a more economical solution for sending a newsletter. Instead of being able to afford only a few hundred newsletters at a cost of $1 or more each, you can send tens of thousands for only pennies. With an ezine, technology can save you money and allow you to extend your marketing reach. This is one of the many ways that web technology can be your friend. Here are some others: A website can attract new customers to your business from across the street or far outside your local area. If your site has high rankings in the search engines under appropriate categories, or many links from keywords prospective clients might search for, you may get dozens of inquiries from people who otherwise would never hear of you. Using email autoresponders can help you automate your follow-up with likely prospects. Just subscribe a prospect to an autoresponder list once, then send periodic broadcasts to the whole list, encouraging prospects to hire you or attend your learning programs. Participating in online discussion lists and message boards can allow you to network with a large group of people in your target market without leaving your home or office. Appearing on live chats or webinars permits you to be a public speaker without the time and expense of travel, and speak to national or global audiences. For these reasons and more, it appears that using web technology is an affordable way to reach prospective clients easily. You can potentially attract larger numbers of prospects for fewer dollars than with many more traditional methods of outreach. But there are pitfalls. Broadcast email can be an efficient solution for following up with prospects who al-

ready know about you. But it’s a terrible way to introduce yourself to a prospect for the first time. Far too many coaches, consultants, trainers, and other professionals add subscribers to their ezine or autoresponder lists without their permission. Not only is this ineffective as a marketing strategy since most readers simply delete e-mail from people they don’t recognize, but it can seriously backfire when someone is offended by your unsolicited mail. Here are some other ways that using technology in marketing can become your foe: Technology makes it easy to hide. When you have a web presence, an ezine, and use e-mail autoresponders to contact your customers, you may think there’s no reason to contact them in person. You may feel justified in not picking up the phone, attending a business event, or suggesting a lunch date if you think your technology is doing the job for you. But a website or e-mail isn’t an equal substitute for a prospect hearing your voice or seeing your face. It’s pretty rare for someone to hire a professional without talking to him or her first, so if you put off the talking, you may also be putting off the hiring. Launching and maintaining an attractive and useful website, and achieving high search engine rankings for it, can be an expensive and time-consuming project. Unless you pay close attention to your budget, you can easily find yourself spending much more to land each client than you would ever pay using offline marketing methods. A high-traffic website is a valuable resource for a business that can take advantage of a global presence or a large volume of new clients. But if your business is primarily local or you only need a few new clients each year, you may end up paying for a level of visibility you don’t really need. Too many inquiries from the web can waste your time. Anonymous visitors to your site will often email to ask about prices and other details. These inquiries are completely unqualified—you don’t know anything about the people who are writing. Relying completely on technology to bring in clients can also give you a false sense of productivity. When you are writing copy for your web site or setting up autoresponders, you feel like you are taking action about marketing. And these activities can be important behind the scenes steps, but you shouldn’t confuse them with direct outreach to prospective clients.

Suzanne Wood Caring for the environment and making a difference are the foundation of what motivated Suzanne to start a “green” found company focused on energy efficient lighting solutions. With comp over 20 years experience in advertising and marketing, Suzanne saw an a opportunity as an entrepreneur to develop a company that both reflected her pa passions and provided organizations with L.E.D. lighting alternatives. As a managing partner in S2 Innovative Products Group Ltd., Suzanne partners with clients to provide clean and intelligent lighting solutions such as the new Stewart Park in Kelowna. Lighting parks and other facilities in a way that has less impact on the environment, is more energy efficient and better for our health promotes personal safety and active community involvement. Based in the Okanagan for the past four years, Suzanne is proud to call the Okanagan home and is an active supporter of entrepreneurial and environmental groups such as the Okanagan Environmental Industry Alliance.

West Kelowna

Tel: 250-769-8553 Fax: 250-769-8554 Email: swood@s2iPG.com www.s2iPG.com

A Salute to Women in Business 2011 } A49

Shelley Kothlow Shelley is in her 16th year with Dyck’s Pharmacists, starting in February of 1995, and currently manages the Home Healthcare Department. In 2009, Shelley decided to further her education and went back to school h l to obtain her practical nursing certificate, completing the program in 2010. She has also just returned from Vancouver where she had completed the Advanced Foot Care Course for Adults. Dyck’s Pharmacists can assist clients with many home healthcare needs, including foot care, wound care, incontinence, compression and support stocking’s, first aid, sports medicine and so much more. We also have ongoing bone density clinics, in-store immunizations and offer ambulatory 24 hour blood pressure monitoring. We can also cater to clients who are unable to make it into the store- we can bring the store to you! Shelley looks forward to meeting new clients. Please call 250-861-3466 to book an appointment or for any of your home healthcare needs.

1460 St. Paul Street 250-762-3333 www.dyckspharmacists.com

Bobbi Kittle Af After having my children in my 20’s I found myself 50 lbs overweight and knew I needed to make lifestyle changes to lose ov the th weight. Within months of healthy eating, exercise and some determination I lost the weight! de With this newfound strength and identity, I wanted to help others W achieve the same health & fitness benefits I had attained. I became a Certified Personal Trainer Fitness Instructor and started my mobile business…. Pursuit Fitness! T i & Fi I 9 years later I am pleased to offer a variety of land and pool fitness programs for individuals of all age groups, abilities, needs and goals. Some group and individual programs include, Osteofit, Fibrofit, In Home Fitness Programs, Bobbi’s Beach Ready Bootcamp. My Goal is to Motivate and Inspire others and instill the value of Fitness and Health in order to live Happier and Healthier lives!

250-807-2055

pursuitﬁtness.ca • email bobbi@pursuitﬁtness.ca

Melodie Sharma Innovation is key in business and Melodie Sharma is daring to walk the entrepreneurial road to success. Kelowna Dance & Performing Arts includes an expanded schedule offering dance, drama, voice and actor-influenced movement. They offer a myriad of disciplines that combine focused behaviour with a new flavour of style and classic technique. KDPA offers Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Fairy Tale Ballet, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Modern, and Break-dancing within the categories of Recreational, Competitive and Limelight, ensuring that everyone from ages three to adult have a performance outlet. The Recreational Program allows students the flexibility of dancing their hearts out without having to step into the world of competition. It also provides new dancers with the option of getting their feet wet without committing to an entire year of one specific discipline. There are two options for the dedicated dancer - Competitive Program and Limelight Performance Group. “Both offer the opportunity for students to perform in local dance competitions. Limelight requires an audition for placement as well as performance opportunities outside of Kelowna”. Professionally, Melodie envisions growth for both herself and her staff as they continue to train in their dedicated genres so as to bring fresh ideas and technique back to their students.

1695 Burtch Rd. (778) 478-0760

www.kelownadance.com

A50 } A Salute to Women in Business 2011

Fridge magnet design rm nds new threshold It is possible to compete with China in manufactured goods. Christine Pinette, owner of Each An Original Design Company, has been manufacturing and distributing stylish fridge magnets since 2000. Each an Original products are easy to spot, with striking graphics and interesting colour combinations. Every magnet is painted by hand in Kelowna. Pinette was trained as a fine arts teacher but could not find steady work in Kelowna. Her part-time hobby of creating and giving magnetic tiles with names on them to friends formed the foundation for the company. “It was an interesting concept and I thought maybe there was a business possibility,” said Pinette.

A now defunct program that offered small businesses a chance to show at the major wholesale trade shows gave Pinette the chance to test market her products. “It was a wonderful opportunity. We were well received in Vancouver and Toronto. We had orders from those shows that started the business.” Each An Original has experienced major growth spurts. After 9/11 in the U.S., she began showing at trade shows down south. “The growth was exponential,” recalled Pinette. At its peak, Each an Original had 10 people painting in Kelowna. The company is back down to two painters along with Pinette creating the mag-

nets. “I can’t say there was more money when we were bigger. There is a threshold were a company is balanced,” Pinette said. “If you can find that happy place of inventory, staff and clients, you can do really well. A small, well-run, enterprise with the T’s crossed and I’s dotted is a good business.”

Q & A WITH CHRISTINE PINETTE

How did you manage growth in an export market? In the U.S. market, everything is new each year and then you are done. The Canadian market is much more loyal and steady. At one point, we were copied by Ganz, which had production in China. When

the Canadian dollar rose it threw us a real curve ball. We are now concentrating on our Canadian market. How did you find staff for the painting in Kelowna? The creative community in Kelowna is very connected. We have never had to advertise a job, it has all been word of mouth. Most of our employees are women who have children and want to work from home at their own pace.

How do you manage quality control with a handmade product? Consistency is very important in hand-made products. When we were large it was a real challenge. Now, we are back to a manageable place. It does take about six months to train staff, especially for them to feel efficient.

DO YOU HAVE A HOBBY?

I turned to building. I have the Bath Street house

that I was very involved in the design of. There is also the project on Osprey with two brownstone apartments, a penthouse, 2,700 squarefeet of office space and a retail space. With building and development, everything I do will be very boutique, and not very large projects. I want buyers to know what I am involved in is unique and there won’t be more than one. I like to think through every detail.

Dena Abrahamse I can’t believe that we are in the year 2011. Cheers to a year ahead filled with health, happiness & prosperity. Dena would like to thank her customers for their support & referrals. We look forward to providing you with the same great service & product again this year. Access Signs specializes in large format, full color digital printing. They take care of it all... from real estate, property development, banners & sandwich boards to vehicle wraps, magnetics, decals & site signs. They offer exceptional personable service at very competitive pricing. There is only one thing that matters at Access Signs... your business, and their business is to make your business get noticed. Dena welcomes you to come by the shop or visit us on our website: www.access-signs.com CONTRIBUTED

CHRISTINE PINETTE says the rise in the Canadian dollar had a negative impact on her

#2 - 1980 Bredin Road

business, fridge magnet design products, in the U.S. market.

(behind Cloverdale Paint)

Phone 250-860-1728 • Fax: 250-860-1702 Email: access.signs@shaw.ca

“Just trust yourself, then you will know how to live.”

– Somerset Maugham

Jamie Albrecht As a Private Banker in Kelowna, Jamie Albrecht provides tailored wealth management solutions to a select group of clients throughout the B.C. Interior, North and Okanagan regions. Her decade in financial services has included a variety of clientfacing rroles, and Ms. Albrecht’s commitment to client service has earned her numerous awards throughout her career, including RBC’s most coveted honour, the Leo award. Ms. Albrecht works with her clients and their families to deliver sophisticated banking, personalized short and long-term lending solutions and flexible credit packages. She then accesses a team of experts - including specialists from within RBC - to provide investments, commercial banking, and domestic and international trust products. Working with a relatively small number of clients, Ms. Albrecht is able to ensure responsive service and the level of attention her clients require to make their lives simpler. When necessary, she will work with her clients’ other professional advisors to deliver comprehensive integrated financial solutions. Customer satisfaction is paramount to Ms. Albrecht.

RBC Wealth Management

Private Banking 250-712-2106

Everything a woman needs to START, GROW and SUCCEED in BUSINESS is here... Women’s Enterprise Centre is the leading business resource in BC for women who are starting, purchasing or growing a business. We are the go-to place for BC women entrepreneurs seeking business advice, loans, training, resources & mentors! We can help you with: • • • •

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womensenterprise.ca 1.800.643.7014 Financial support provided by:

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Peggy Speer It’s been an exciting start to the New Year with Curves - Hollywood Station partnering with Zumba Fitness! This invigorating latindance program, led by a certified Zumba instructor, is the perfect complement to our Curves Circuit that has helped millions of women worldwide achieve better health and fitness. For more than 9 years, Curves - Hollywood Station has helped our members lose a combined 13,500 pounds through our innovative fitness and food-planning programs. Our new boredom-busting workouts will keep your body busy and motivated to move, while training your brain to step it up in reaching your goals.

Try the new Curves Circuit

With Curves proven track record of success, our team of specially-trained staff and hundreds of supportive members are on your side. Could there be any reason not to give it a try?

with Zumba

Whether or not you are a Curves member, we think your well-being is important. That’s why everyone is invited to Hollywood Station for a FREE WEEK of Zumba Fitness. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! Call by March 18th to book your FREE WEEK at Curves - Hollywood Station.

Fitness. FREE! It’s the only 30-minute class that mixes

To register for free classes or more information, contact 15-150 Hollywood Road S. 250-861-5880

the music and moves of

curves.com

Zumba with the proven

Logo

strength

Donna Gibbs

training of Curves for a wildly effective

Donna truly wants to make a difference in women’s lives...she herself understands the hardship & dedication it takes, after losing over a 100 lbs herself & successfully keeping it off for over 18 years. So Ladies, it’s about “women empowering women” to step up to the plate with a team who is here to support, encourage and track your successes.

workout.

Today’s woman needs a place where she can rejuvenate herself without the distractions of life, so make 2011 the year you take back 30 minutes, 3 times a week to empower yourself...YOU are worth it! Curves is a place where you can work on your inner strength to change the outer shell!! Each of our trained “Circuit Coaches” takes an interest in who you are, your goals & will help you stay accountable to yourself. You will see the results, but more importantly...you feel them on the inside. Strength, flexibility & being the “Best Woman of Curves” you can be. It’s all about your lifestyle choice...so if you have never been in for a visit, stop by and ask Donna for 2 weeks free. My team of amazing women & myself are looking forward to meeting you soon

Capri Centre Curves (Back entrance by Extra Foods) 250.861.2901

Logo

curves.com

Leah & Lenetta Thordarson Mother – Daughter duo, Leah and Lenetta Thordarson are excited to announce the purchase of their new business – Curves Westbank!

Created specifically for women, Curves offers a complete fitness and nutrition solution. The Curves 30 minute workout exercises every major muscle group and burns up to 500 calories through a proven program of strength training, cardio and stretching. In addition, Curves Westbank offers “Curves Circuit with Zumba” and is a “Curves Smart” location. Leah is the former Executive Director with the Westbank & District Chamber of Commerce. Leah will continue her work as the Treasurer and Volunteer administrator for Westside Daze and will stay on the Communities in Bloom committee. Lenetta Thordarson brings with her a wealth of knowledge and will continue in her position as the Associate Executive Director for the Kelowna Community Food Bank. Both Leah and Lenetta are long-time residents of the Westside and commit much of their free time and dedication to making our community stronger. The mother-daugther team, would like to invite all ladies to come in for a free tour and figure analysis, set some exciting goals and show you how you can attain those goals. They are located in West Kelowna in the Paynter’s market mall.

109 - 2565 Main Street, Hwy 97S West Kelowna, BC 250-768-2254

250-861-5880

15-150 Hollywood Road S. Kelowna, BC

250-861-2901 Capri Centre Mall Kelowna, BC

250-768-2254

109-2565 Main Street West Kelowna, BC New members only. Valid only at participating clubs. Free week may be exchanged for a special first visit discount. Not valid with any other offer. ©2011 Curves International, Inc. Zumba®, Zumba Fitness®, and the Zumba Fitness logos are registered trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC. Used with permission.

N “They can seize your house, but they can’t seize your smile!”

Dr. Shauna Palmer is an LVI trained cosmetic and neuromuscular general dentist who can create your perfect smile!

Cosmetic Dental Treatment can...

DR. SHAUNA PALMER, B.Sc., D.D.S.

• Change the size, shape and alignment of certain teeth • Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth • Improve or correct bites • Lighten or brighten the color of teeth • Repair decayed, broken, cracked or chipped teeth • Replace missing teeth • Replace old, unattractive dental restorations

Dr. Shauna Palmer’s journey into cosmetic dentistry began with training at the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies and continues to this day.

She earned her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Alberta in 1993. After graduation she moved to Kamloops where she practiced for nine years followed by four years in the United States, two of which were in a cosmetic practice in Beverly Hills, California, the “mecca” of cosmetic dentistry. For the past 10 years, continuous training at the Las Vegas Institute has enabled Dr. Palmer to become a neuromuscular dentist. Neuromuscular dentistry involves the marriage of cosmetic dentistry in conjunction with balancing the teeth, jaw muscles, jaw joints and body posture. Thus, she is able to treat patients who suffer from what is commonly known as TMD (temporal mandibular disorder) where the most common symptoms are headaches or migraines, neck/back pain, jaw joint noise, dizziness, ringing in the ears and many others. It has been determined that 74% of people who suffer from TMD also have sleep apnea – a potentially deadly condition that is characterized by episodes of breathing cessation during sleep. Sleep apnea is closely linked to snoring, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and many other diseases. Dr. Palmer is in the process of achieving her diplomate status in dental sleep medicine. People who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea can be treated by pressurized air (CPAP) and/or a dental appliance for snoring & sleep apnea, which Dr. Palmer is certified to provide.

Dr. Palmer’s love of the Okanagan Valley saw her arrival in 2007 and the purchase of her own practice in West Kelowna. Even though she and her team can treat complex restorative cases, her office is still a general practice that offers a full range of services. The clinic, located on Main Street in West Kelowna, is easily accessible with its own parking. Her well-trained team invites you all to come and experience the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere where high-end technology meets a gentle touch.

“LOOK AS YOUNG AS YOU FEEL…”

actual patient of Dr. Palmer

Frontal wrinkles Glabellar lines

before

Crow’s feet Cheekbones and cheeks Revitalisation of the face Oral commissures Lip augmentation

Naso labial folds Peri-oral wrinkles Lip contouring Marionettes lines Oval of the face Revitalisation of the neck and decollete

In addition to creating beautiful smiles... NOW offering botox and facial fillers

after

SNORING / SLEEP APNEA Do you or your partner snore? Do you feel tired during the day? Are you unable to lose weight? Are 250-768-3984 you taking2446 more than 2 medications for high blood pressure, stroke, congestive heart failure, Main St., West Kelowna www.dentistkelowna.com coronary artery disease or diabetes? YOU MAY HAVE life threatening sleep apnea! We can help treat this...Come see us today for an evaluation. (Also, if you have been diagnosed and are unable to tolerate your CPAP machine...we can help!)

2466 Main Street, West Kelowna, BC | 250.768.3984 www.dentistkelowna.com