Insipirational Women

We talked to some of the most inspired and most inspiring business women - and business owners - around town about what it means to be a woman in business. Here’s who they are, and here’s what they had to say.

Raquel Bruinsma has been helping businesses and individuals acquire skills to save lives. With over 25 years as a frontline emergency responder, Raquel understands how basic knowledge of first aid and CPR can be the difference between life and death. It was her desire to make these life saving skills affordable and accessible that prompted her to become a Canadian Red Cross Training Partner and open Compressions 4 You in June 2015.

After Raquel graduated from ICD College in her studies of Police Science and Law Enforcement, she pursued her passion for law enforcement and worked in the private security sectors. Decades of experience making quick, informed decisions on the frontlines has made Raquel an ardent advocate of first response training. It is her belief that with a little training, and a lot of heart, anyone can be a hero.

Raquel on advice for women starting their own businesses...

“Don’t get discouraged! You envisioned a dream, so let that be your focus and you can accomplish anything. Be respectful to others, and always trust your instincts. Educate yourself and never stop learning and believing in yourself.”

Learn more about Compressions 4 You at compressions4you.ca.

Linda Woolley is proof that homegrown can mean big business. What started as a homebased business has – over the course of several incarnations – developed into Nortek, a globally recognized business she now co-owns with her son. By combining her extensive background in technology with her ability to not only foresee, but create industry trends, she’s brought the high tech prowess of Nortek people management software to the world market.

Of course, her success story seems simplistically streamline on paper, but in reality, it took a lot of hard work, vision and time to build her brand into the force it is today. Since her beginnings as a business owner in 1974 with five employees, she and her vision have grown, adapted and thrived in an ever-changing market.

Linda on what inspired her to start her own business...

“Rather than feeling my career was stymied by motherhood, becoming a mother is actually what inspired me to get into business for myself. After my second child, I had no desire to return to the limited flexibility of the workforce, but I still wanted to further my career. In the mid-70’s, I joined forces with a group of other women, who ultimately ended up working for me, making us an anomaly in the market: an entire company of all-female programmers, working primarily from our own homes, for large companies, and committed to our career as well as our families.”

Today, Nortek employs over a dozen people – both men and women - including graduates mastering their skills in the Uxbridge office, and senior staff who often work from their homes.

Learn more about Nortek at www.norteksolutions.com.

Dale Hickey is the owner of Ron Noble Insurance in Uxbridge, and is backed by 36 years of certified experience in the insurance arena. She quickly developed a love for the industry at the very first insurance office she worked in, and knew as her career progressed where she ultimately wanted to end up. The purchase of Ron Noble Insurance 15 years ago was the beginning of bringing that goal into fruition. Clear plans, constant effort and an unfailing drive to be among the best in the industry contribute to her incredible success.

Continuing to see the business succeed for her loyal customers - old and new - as well as for the 12 staff members she employs is what keeps her motivated and inspired each day. Supporting her community continues to be a top priority.

Dale on her hopes for the future of women in business:

“While I have not experienced any career obstacles due to being a woman, I know there are many who do. I would like to see women who are educated and qualified be given equal opportunity and equal compensation for the positions they hold not just in the insurance industry but in other business segments as well.”

Learn more about Ron Noble Insurance at ronnobleinsurance.com.

Kathy Normandeau has been helping people make beautiful music for over three decades. Her passion for music began more than 25 years ago when she graduated from George Brown College with a certificate in Piano Technology - and even before she graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Music with a diploma in piano teaching 15 years prior to that. Her love of music was developed and nurtured by her own piano teacher, Alice Cestnick. It’s an enthusiasm she passes on to her own clients, some who have gone on to enjoy music careers of their own.

As the first female craftsman with the Ontario Guild of Piano Technicians, Kathy spearheaded her way into a traditionally male-dominated trade. Since then, many more women have decided to pursue a career in piano technology as a means of bettering their understanding of their craft.

Kathy on embracing womanhood in business:

“The playing field has become a lot more level, and women should never have to pretend they aren’t women. If you’re a woman and you want a family, don’t feel like you have to sacrifice or hide your family for your career. Family and a successful career are not mutually exclusive, as long as you have a great passion for your business to see you through the tough times.”

Learn more about Kathy’s services by emailing her at uxbridgeintune@gmail.com.

Offering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for those who need training for work requirements or who want more knowledge to respond to emergencies at home. Training in Standard First Aid, Emergency First Aid, CPR Levels A, C, & HCP. The Babysitters course and re-certifications. All courses include the Automated External Defibrillator AED training.