Sunday, March 20, 2011 - North Shore News - A21
women IN business North No S Shore women w o omen leeading leading th the hhe w way a
You’ve come a long way, baby. The ’70s slogan still perfectly embodies the strides women have made around the world, including right here on the North Shore. Back then, women had come a long way: from the oppression and inequality of the early 1900s — when they worked long hours for little pay and had no voting rights — to the decade known for “secondwave feminism,” which addressed de facto inequalities, sexuality, family, the workplace and reproductive rights. Today, women have come even further. The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women’s and society’s thoughts about women’s equality and emancipation. Girls are welcomed into university, women have choices about career and family;There are female astronauts and prime ministers,
more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased awareness of women as role models. One hundred years ago, in 1911, the first International Women’s Day was more of a call to action than a celebration. Honoured in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, more than one million women and men attended rallies campaigning for women’s rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination. We owe much to those women and men, and now as we recognize 100 years of IWD this month, there is much to celebrate. Now an official holiday around
the world, thousands of events are taking place to inspire women and celebrate their achievements.A global web of diverse activities connects women — ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more. This month, we honour women who strive to do more, be more and to blaze their own path. For all of us: make every day International Women’s Day. Help ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding. ❧
Holly Back celebrates her career & community connections As a businesswoman, teacher, local politician and tireless volunteer, Holly Back has made a career out of blurring the lines between education and employment, customers and community.
students full-time employment as well. I can basically guarantee 100 per cent job placement. So I called back some of my old students from Carson and we got the salon and the school going at the same time. It’s been fantastic. We have “Our community is our life,” says Back, also supplied maybe 90 per cent of the owner of Holly’s Salons & Schools. “If we salons on the North Shore with staff. I didn’t support our community I wouldn’t feel it brought salons together rather than feel very good about myself. competing with each other. I I’ve had three children go always say there are enough through our school system people who need haircuts so I obviously support the “Our for everybody. I think it’s schools. We have a client who made us work together community asked us to support A Breast rather than against each is our life...” in a Boat and I know a few other.” people with breast cancer. Almost everything people are In order to keep those fundraising for touches your people walking in the door, life in some way, so it’s hard to say no.” Back makes a big effort to get outside, both to promote her business and give After leaving a teaching position at back to the community. Carson Graham secondary in 1998, the lifelong North Vancouver resident decided “If I don’t go out into the community, to fuse her experiences in hairdressing who is going to know I’ve got a business?” and education. It’s a novel business model she asks. “My business depends on the — a hairdressing school and salon under public.” one roof. Just how many different causes and teams “I was starting the school but I really and fundraisers has the school and salon wanted to have the salon so I could offer supported?
Holly’s Salons & Schools
“Hundreds.” Back says without hesitation. “We just did Cops for Cancer. We sponsor all the schools. We probably get asked once or twice a week for sponsorship. Our only policy is that anyone who is a client of ours, we will support their fundraising event. But seriously, there’s hundreds.” In between launching her own charity events, picking up a Best Employer award from the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and 11 consecutive North Shore News Readers’ Choice awards, Back also found time in 2008 to be elected to the board of the North Vancouver school district. “I think we need an emphasis on careers that we don’t have yet. I’m not saying that (being a school trustee) is volunteer work because there is pay, but I think it’s a great way to give back at a higher level.You put in a lot of time.” Yet another of Back’s side projects is to try and break the stigma of men working in hairdressing, an effort that has led top
140 East 14th Street, North Vancouver 604.904.9141 www.hollyshair.com
HOLLY BACK
American hair stylist Philip Wilson to send his son Ross north to learn at the 14th and Lonsdale school. “I’d like to break that stereotype and go back to what they were in the ’60s,when they were a bunch of hot guys with British accents,” laughs Back.