Sharp Women Central Alberta | March 2021 by SharpWomen

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Photo Credit: Infinity Brand Photography Location: Cobb’s Block Central Make-up and Hair: Braydi Hoppus Make-up Artistry & SM Beauty by Sabrina McMurray

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SHARPWOMEN

TEAM

RANCHELLE VAN BRYCE co-founder

DANIELLE KLOOSTER co-founder

RUBY COLE-ELLIS editor in chief

RACHELLE SCRASE director of photography

LUCI MORALES executive assistant

KELSEY EVANS administrative coordinator

RACHEL BRAUN assistant editor

THIS MONTH’S

GUEST CONTRIBUTORS

PAM SNOWDON business column

LYNN GAGNE finance column

DONNA MILLS ERIKA FETTERLY health & wellness column personal growth column

KALINA WHITE leadership column

LANA SANTANA spirituality column

SHERI MACLEOD relationships column

DEANNA BAILEY great resources column

KIM FREE social media column

RACHELLE SCRASE livin’ your best life

KAREN BAKER professional development column

JANICE HRUSHKA food column

letter from the editor

THE NATURE OF LIFE IS TO CHANGE March 2021

A famous quote from Vladimir Ilyich Lenin states: “There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks when decades happen”. The loss of freedom to relax and share joy with others in restaurants, bars, and coffee shops; to gather in large groups at events such as concerts, movies, and religious ceremonies; to play team sports or work out in fitness centers; or to travel as we wish to visit others, including those in other countries has all us feeling blue. Some weeks definitely feel like a decade! The nature of life is to change. Our lives have been changed by the events of 2020 and now it is up to us to determine how we wish to move forward. To want things to go back to “normal” is like trying to control the uncontrollable. March gives us that feeling of the world waking up from its winter slumber. We may not see lilacs or green grass yet but lingering in the back of our minds is the awareness that the earth is stirring and change is coming. Just as with nature, us women have seasons, have phases, have moods and have facets. This month’s theme “Me, Myself and I” explores all the ‘hats’ we wear as women both through our lives and in our everyday lives. In her personal essay, “‘Loving’ Working from Home”, Sheri Macleod shares with comedy the roller-coaster of being a work-from-home mom in the midst of a global pandemic. In addition, Rachelle Scrase shares her journey and selfdiscovery after leaving her over two-decade career to pursue her purpose in her piece “My Why”. Speaking of multi-faced, our two featured women, Ana Solorzano and Leanna Hamilton, are the epitome of a chameleon. From managing growing businesses, to overcoming adversities and building their own empires, get ready to be inspired by their stories. Instead of being one dimensional, let’s embrace that we are not the same woman every year, every month, every day… even every hour! THAT is what makes us special. So grab that delicious seasonal detox smoothie (yup, recipe inside) and have a look through all our columns. Get ready to be uplifted! Be well my friends and enjoy the read. With love,

Ruby Cole-Ellis Editor-in-Chief Instagram: @rubycoleellis Photo by Infinity Brand Photography

This Month’s Articles 6 FROM THE CEO RANCHELLE IN THE RAW 8 A DATE WITH DANIELLE WRITING A PERSONAL BEING STATEMENT 10 LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE MY WHY 12 LEADERSHIP OUR PURPOSE IS BEING 14 SPIRITUALITY THE HUMAN QUEST 16 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THE ART OF DRESSING... IN A PANDEMIC 18 RELATIONSHIPS “LOVING” WORKING FROM HOME 22 PERSONAL GROWTH DESTINATION: BOUDOIR 26 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE BODY PROFESSOR 28 BUSINESS WORKING FOR A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION 30 GREAT RESOURCES SELL YOUR HOME FAST 34 FOOD SPRING DETOX SMOOTHIE 36 PRINTABLES VISION BOARD 38 FINANCE FIVE WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS BOOKKEEPING CURRENT 40 YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR ANA SOLORZANO 42 FEATURE LEANNA HAMILTON 46 SOCIAL MEDIA TEN BOUNDARIES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA 48 BUSINESS DIRECTORY

from the CEO

RANCHELLE IN THE RAW

HOW TO BE CEO OF YOUR LIFE b y Ra n c h e l l e Va n B r yc e True confession… Every month, I sit at my computer and wonder what part of my soul I should share with you. Sometimes I ask myself, what the hell was I thinking? I should have said I would write a business article. After all, I have built 15 of my own businesses, and as a business coach, I help women do the same thing every day. This month was no different, wondering how I could possibly have something important to share with you. And then out of the blue, I received a message from someone I knew from Camrose. She attended one of my monthly free business webinars called How to Become the CEO of Your Life. Part of what I offer is an opportunity to connect in a one-to-one call afterwards. It felt so good to reconnect with her. I left Camrose suddenly in 2016; I didn’t announce it, I left. My marriage had ended, and I knew I needed to leave (that is a whole other Ranchelle in the Raw- LOL). As we were catching up, she said, “You know, I listen to you while I work out. I play your videos and listen to your podcast. You are my motivation. I print out the magazine and answer the questions that you ask, I do the work. Thank you”. My heart stopped and my jaw dropped! I realized that even if it is only one person that I positively influence, that is enough. This article is dedicated to her. Thank you. I am often called a rebel, a rule breaker, and the one who does what she wants, when she wants. These are some of the roles I adopted as a child.

We all have roles and several of them. Do you know what yours were and are? Other roles I played as a kid and beyond: the rescuer, the black sheep, the people pleaser, and the chameleon. These were the major ones. Each comes with rules of engagement. Each comes with the positive (light side) and negative (dark side). The chameleon in me is adaptable, can mesh with any group of people. Bikers or lawyers, I can match and mirror their behaviour and build rapport

very easily. The dark side of the chameleon: manipulation, plain and simple. That wasn’t an easy role for me to accept. I denied it. Vehemently. I said that I was an influencer (which is also true), charismatic when I need to be (also true). To me, manipulation meant “bitch”. I didn’t see myself that way. I didn’t want to own it. But, what happens when you ask the Divine to show you the ways in which you are keeping yourself limited? HE DOES just that. Yup, I called that into my life. Show me the way I am getting stuck in relationships. How do I show up? When do I show up that way? What are the possibilities?

What is the TRUTH in this? These are the questions that I ask myself almost daily. These are the questions that showed me I was trying to manipulate the f*** out of my partner, Rob —insert sigh— and then I had to own it. All of it. Where else am I showing up this way? Because here is what I know: how you do one thing is how you do everything. Shortly after, I noticed when I was doing it to my adult children and my parents. I also noticed that I didn’t do it with my coaching clients or with Danielle, my business partner. Interesting, right? Here is what I was shown: Whenever I feel like I might not get my own way, or I am too afraid of speaking my truth in a relationship, I turn to manipulation. Whenever I want someone to act a certain way, behave a certain way or BE a certain way and they aren’t, my dark side shows up. However, it is a choice, especially when you become aware of it.

out today? How do you manipulate the rules around the role? What happens when you show up that way from the ‘dark side’ perspective or the ‘light side’ perspective?

If you want to explore this topic more, feel free to connect with me at ranchelle@sharpwomen.ca

I can choose to be manipulative, or I can choose what I influence What’s the difference? Influence is me showing up as my best self; asking thoughtful questions and not being attached to the results. Manipulation means that I am attached to the results. I will use my powers to ensure that you see it my way OR at least feel guilt or shame about it. Can you relate? It’s okay if you can. If you can, congratulations on taking the first step: awareness. Here is my question for you. What roles did you play in your household as a child? How are you still playing those

a date with danielle

WRITING A PERSONAL BEING STATEMENT by Danielle Klooster

Judy Garland, an American actress, whose career spanned 1924 – 1969 (she’s Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz), famously said, “Always be a first-rate version of yourself and not a second-rate version of someone else”. We can all grasp that this means we should stop living inauthentic lives in which we strive to measure up to some societal vision of the ideal woman that is whatever vision of perfection is popular at the time. But really, how can we stop being that if we don’t know what a first-rate, or any-rate, version of ourselves looks like?

Be a Sharp Woman Here at Sharp Women, we often say that you get to decide what it means to be a Sharp Woman. Why is that important? Wouldn’t our magazines be more helpful if we were offering tips and tricks on how to be better at things like cooking and cleaning and building a career and raising kids and staying – or getting – in shape and keeping our mates happy and… and… and… The short answer is a resounding NO. There is already an unending stream of periodicals, books, videos, courses, etc. that offer that. We’re over it. That right there is one big recipe for how to contort yourself into

a second-rate version of someone else. We want to live free, fulfilling lives as the best version of ourselves. We want to cultivate an environment where women show up as their real selves and where we’re all on a journey to become our truest, best, most authentic selves. Why? Because it’s exhausting to try and live up to the expectations of others. Because it’s empty and meaningless. Because it’s fake success. We are setting ourselves free by stepping into our true selves.

Sign me up! Where do I start? If you are ready to let go of killing yourself trying to be someone else and you’re ready to step into your own skin, the place to start is with getting a clear picture of who you are. 1. Figuring out who you really are at your core can be a daunting task. As always, I recommend you have a coach who knows how to walk you through this to help. Nonetheless, here are some basic steps to get you started: 2. Make a list of all your personal attributes and values. What are the tenets of your personality? What do you stand for? What matters to you greatly? Helpful hints: you can google personal attributes

and values and find lists of adjectives. You can also ask *trusted* family and friends for feedback. 3. Narrow that list down to the top five to seven things that are your most important values and attributes. 4. Write those five to seven things into one or two short sentences.

And then what? I have my Being Statement written on a sticky note which is pasted on my makeup mirror. Every morning, while I am getting ready, I reflect on who I am and think about what I have planned for the day, and I ask myself: •

In what I have planned today, how do I want to feel?

•

How will I show up today?

This prepares me to operate each day authentically, as me. Throughout the day, as things arise and I have the opportunity to show up in my highest self or play it small – reactionary, fearful, insecure, or fake – I have the opportunity to remind myself of who I am and ask myself, “What does that look like in this moment?” This has been a game changer for me. I don’t always get there, but every day, I get better. I now have a guidepost and a process for living as a first-rate version of myself. At www.yourlifeonpoint.ca, which is the “mother ship” for Sharp Women, we will be posting a downloadable e book that walks you through, in more depth, how to create your very own Being Statement. It’s not there yet, but coming soon, so watch the site and our posts on social media. And, in the meantime, stay sharp!

living your best life

MY WHY by Rachelle Scrase

As entrepreneurs and women busy in business, we can often forget about why it is we chose to do what we do. Lost in the everyday tasks and ‘to dos’, we can lose sight of our guiding light and the true purpose of our doing. Taking a moment to be mindful of our passion, to return to the core of our why, and to clearly share this will not only continue to give you direction but will also gather a tribe around you.

This month I am celebrating one year in business as a full-time branding photographer My initial career choice was made from security. It provided me a great income, job availability, work-life balance... all the things one considers when making major life decisions. However, I denied myself the most important of considerations: What lights my soul on fire? You see, I have been creative all my life. I have done it all, from colouring rocks as a child to card-making, calligraphy, origami, crochet, and all sorts of crafting. However, it was imprinted on me that these activities were how you occupied your free time; that these were

hobbies and anything creative was not a secure career path. As a result, my creativity was reserved for the fleeting moments of ‘free time’. One day, there was a defining moment. Approaching mid-life and realizing I was not living my purpose, the internal turmoil erupted, and I cracked wide open. It was after a complete and utter internal meltdown that I realized creativity was missing from my life.

I tuned into my soul’s desire and haven’t looked back My TRUE NORTH and the reason I am a brand photographer is to fill my soul with creative work and to have an impact. I am fortunate to live my passion and support other entrepreneurs in living theirs. You see, every day I get to help entrepreneurs achieve visibility, productivity, and profitability by creating scroll-stopping images and providing brand strategy that is message-driven, so that you stand out with impact.

The only way to do great work is to love what you do. - Steve Jobs

I take care of your brand, so you can take care of your business

Rachelle Scrase is a Brand Photographer and Strategist passionate to help ambitious female entrepreneurs gain confidence and visibility so that you thrive in business. You can connect with her at: www.infinitybrandphotography.com

How awesome is that?! I empower you to stand out with authentic, onbrand imagery that tells your story so you, in turn, can enhance your communities with your service, solutions, products, and purpose. We all matter and have unique gifts to share. In supporting one another and sharing our gifts, a ripple effect is created. It is this ripple effect of support and kindness that spreads out and on to INFINITY. This is my why. I invite you to really ask yourself your WHY. Why do you do what you do? At your core is your reason, your purpose. Now go live it every day, and you too, will do great work.

leadership

OUR PURPOSE IS BEING by Kalina White

As I sit down to write this, quite a few thoughts come to mind. As I follow them, thoughts and patterns begin to emerge. Patterns of when I felt the most lost in my life and of when I felt the most at peace, complete, and myself. Since I was a very little girl, I’ve always been curious, and I recall never asking questions. Something inside of me knew that my questions would not or could not be answered by somewhere outside of me. Questions like, “Why did I feel so different? What makes me different? Why do I feel this way? What am I here for?” Soon, these questions began to fade away and got lost in the chaos of life. Years later, I was faced with an identity crisis and the questions and confusion of “Who am I” all came flooding back. It came in the form of a “congratulations your wedding” card from my Gramma. I remember seeing my gramma’s handwriting addressing us as Mr. and Mrs. Ian White, but my name was missing. POW! One moment I was a happy new bride and the next I was Mrs. Ian White. I am sure the intention of the card was one of love and pride, however, the fact that it was addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Ian White had a huge impact on me.

I was Lost At that moment, I suddenly realized how lost I was. I didn’t know who I was or what I was supposed to do or be. The longforgotten questions and feelings of being different hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt like I no longer existed. In a flash, I began to identify not as an individual but as Ian’s wife. Over the next few years, that was all I felt I was.

You are a spiritual being, and you live in a physical body. - Bob Proctor

Over time, my identity and roles expanded to motherhood with the birth of our two children. I slid further into what I thought was me: “I am a wife, and I am a mother”. Those years were a blur. I was my kids’ mom and raising them was who I was. That role totally consumed me until the day I felt that was not enough and I wanted more. This is when I found myself in the corporate world. I felt alive again, learning and discovering new things. Contributing to the world in a way I never had before.

Who I Am I have and have had different roles. I have characteristics, thoughts, feelings and emotions. I have opinions, perspectives, and visions and oh so much more. Together, these make up WHO I AM. Together, they make the whole – a whole that would not be complete without each and every one of those parts... every experience, every decision and choice that has been and will be. So, as I reflect on when I felt the most lost versus when I felt the most complete and myself, a pattern emerged. I am the most lost when searching or identifying as something outside of myself. I am the most at peace, complete, and myself when I see and seek answers from within. Our life is a journey. Is part of our life’s journey to find our way back to the absolute perfect being we were at birth? The being that was safe and unconditionally loved? The Divine Perfect Being God / Creator / Divine / Universal Intelligence envisioned us to be? Our purpose is being!

However, the snowslide slowly became an avalanche, and I found myself without a job and with children in their late teens. Although I did not realize it at the time, this was the depth of my burnout, the time I felt the most lost.

But I Had a Choice Finally, I could no longer ignore those questions. I had a choice: I could be swallowed up by my hopelessness and depression or could do something different. I had to find answers. What am I doing? What is my purpose? What is the meaning of my life? This is when I dove deep into personal development. That was when the words and lessons of Bob Proctor were first introduced to me. Top Advice

Kalina White is an award-winning certified transformation coach who has been featured on Business Talk Radio / TuneIn Radio. Her passions and mission are to support and empower women who wear multiple hats; by aligning their goals and mindset with proven sciencebased implementation strategies for a holistic transformation. Connect with Kalina at w w w. K a l i n a W h i t e . c o m

Today, as these words penetrate to a new level of my being, I am once again asking questions and am embracing the spiritual being that is me.

spirituality

THE HUMAN QUEST by Lana Santana

In this era, spirituality is the main focus for many selfaware people. With the COVID-19 pandemic threatening our friends and families, the meaning of living and how we live, what is important and what is not, and most significantly, finding that divinity inside ourselves have taken front seat for many people. Spiritual enlightenment has become an ever-growing topic of discussion and interest, and has taken on a greater awareness and interest. We find comfort in knowing and acknowledging there is a being higher than us, someone who is divine, who watches over us, and gives us hope. It’s what drives us no matter what confronts us each day and moment of our lives. For many, our love for God becomes the common thread that connects, binds, and gives us purpose. Over the years, multiculturalism has brought on a heightened interest in religions which stemmed from Asia, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism to name a few, as well as our Indigenous spiritual beliefs. Why? Simple, because these religions awaken our spirituality through its meditational practices. They create that oneness our souls crave.

We All Have Something in Common In discussing the topic of this article, one phrase stood

out for me: “No matter what our religion, we hold something in common”. When the editor and I were discussing which angle I should use in this article, that statement just stood out for me and boom, the divine spoke: this is the topic. What is that something in common? Our spirituality, sense of community, and love. First, let’s understand what spirituality is. According to my guru, spirituality is that oneness someone has with their Supreme Being and themselves. It’s the connection of their soul and the greater being which causes us to feel compassion, to love, to be kind and to be true to ourselves. In a nutshell: to be a good person. It’s like the different ways apple is said in different languages —pomme, manzana, sagwa...— doesn’t change what it is. Growing deeper into the essence of life, I came to this understanding. It’s like the many roads that lead you to Edmonton; no matter which one you take, you end up in Edmonton. Similarly, no matter which form of worship you practice, you will end up connecting with our creator. Our desire to connect and be one with our creator is what we share and what connects us. The fact that we are all created by that one God, makes us all one in God, and why this search exists. If we examine the doctrines and teachings of all the different religions, you will realize that they all carry the same teachings. It’s just said differently. My mom once said, “God did not make religion, he made man and gave us guidelines to live with each other in peace and love. It is man who made religion”. If we all look into it, you will see. In my spiritual journey and growth, I soon realized that in several months we will all share some observances. Isn’t that an indication of our connection? Take for instance the month of March. This month, there are many observances from different faiths. From March 2 to March 20 is the Baha’is holy time known as Ala, meaning “loftiness”. Baha’is fast for this time leading to their New Year on March 21. According to an article in www.bahai.org, the significance of fasting is to awaken man and this awakening “causes the heart to become tender and the spirituality of man increases”. Lent is also being observed from February 17 to April 3. In essence, for the entire month of March, many Christians, especially Catholics, Anglicans and Orthodox will be fasting, preparing themselves to observe the time Jesus was crucified. It is a time of prayer, abstinence, and worship in order to deepen their relationship with God.

On March 11, Hindus around the world observe MahaShivratri. They fast and pray as a way to purify themselves. It’s a day to honor and celebrate Lord Shiva. Again, fasting is done as a spiritual act to purify mind, body, and soul to receive the grace of God. It is also performed as a way to build their relationship with God.

So, this month, we have a very high level of deepening spirituality happening universally. There is more reflection and awareness of self and those around us. There is that continued search for purpose, divinity, hope and spirituality because we all know, these will ultimately give a deeper meaning to life. Our spirituality interweaves us and inspires us to view our lives and how we live through different lenses.

The same principles I could go on a little further into the commonalities in our doctrines. Yes, our holy books teach the same principles and give us the same moral codes to live by. • • • • • • • • • • •

Love one another, as we want to be loved, do unto others as we would want then do unto us. Honour your mother and father Respect the creation of nature around us To ourselves and humanity be truthful and trustworthy, be charitable, be kind and compassionate Have faith and pray You reap what you sow Be peaceful and slow to anger Do not harm your fellow man Do not judge Forgive as you want to be forgiven Live by the essence of our scripture

Lana Santana is the Founder and Executive Director of The Fort Saskatchewan Multicultural Association. Lana has been a journalist, politician, recruitment officer and a manager of an unemployment relief program in her home country of Trinidad. She’s a volunteer, and aspiring writer of her first novel, a compilation of poetry and children’s books.

All these are the principles by which man was told to live and all these are found in our holy books. They may be said differently, the lessons may be different, but the meaning and philosophies are the same.

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professional development

THE ART OF DRESSING... IN A PANDEMIC by Karen Baker Welcome to the reality of 2021 and working from home, my friends. I personally have mixed emotions on the subject. When I worked in an office environment, I was typically late for work and always craving the snack that I forgot to pack in my lunch. I was also the co-worker who could be distracting! I would sing and dance around the office so much that one would assume I was the team member who should work from home. I pushed the boundaries constantly. However, I also know how much I personally require the structure the office environment provides. If I were in your shoes, working from home with Zoom calls for meetings, I would be the participant in a ponytail, sweatshirt and slippers. My face would be clean, my teeth brushed, and that’s it. I also know my productivity level would decline, and within a short period of time, I genuinely believe my mental health would suffer too.

One Interesting Year It has been a full year since we were facing our first lockdown. This time last year I was placing orders for Fall 2020 fashions in preparation to open Magpie Textile Co’s first brick and mortar location. Fall 2020 was full of denim and blazers, beautifully structured dresses, cardigans, and corporate wear – true upscale casual style! Then COVID-19 hit. Offices were closed and teams were forced to learn an entire new concept of work. People scrambled to make space in their homes that would be suitable, as they were now forced to share their personal

environment with their coworkers via Zoom. People stopped wearing their regular work clothing and opted for comfort. I am not sharing with you anything you aren’t personally living. However, what I will share with you is the psychology behind our clothing choices and the impact it has on our mental health. Sigmund Freud was quoted saying, “Human beings can keep no secret. They reveal their innermost selves with their clothes”. William James, a Harvard psychologist, has written, “Your clothes not only cause you to think, feel, and behave a certain way, they also walk into the room and tell people who you are before you ever even open your mouth.” My question to you is: What are your wardrobe choices saying about you? More importantly, what are your clothing choices doing for your own well-being?

The Mullet of Online Workwear I can safely assume there are women who are wearing the “mullet” of an online meeting uniform. Professional on the top: crisp appropriate top, subtle jewelry, tidy professional hair. Party on the bottom: baggy worn out sweatpants, slippers, big slouchy socks. Then there are those who go to work fully dressed for the office in their home. In between this is a range of outfits, depending on your mood, budget and personality. Where do you fall? I feel so much better when I like my outfit, I am happier and probably nicer when I feel good about what I am wearing. I am also willing to wager this is true for most

We are unable to change our situation, but with these few tips, perhaps the weight of this pandemic will lift a bit for you. Remember, you are your greatest asset, please treat yourself as such. You deserve it!

women. In saying that, I want to share some simple tricks to assist you in dressing for your positive and most productive mental and emotional well-being.

Tips for Dressing for Your WellBeing Be mindful when choosing your outfit by thinking about how you are feeling. Throw away your sloppy pyjama bottoms and replace them with a new pair of joggers. Add a tank and a pretty sweater so you are polished yet comfortable. If you are a jeans person, wear them! Remember the details: add a belt, French-tuck your top, or throw on a sharp jacket. Dress for the body you have. Most of us have gained a little weight in the last year. However, squeezing into your tight clothes with the self promise of, “I will get new clothes when I lose 20 pounds” is not working for your self-esteem or your online presence. When you sit all day in front of a computer screen in tight clothes, that is just a contemporary form of torture! Instead, opt for leggings and a tunic. This go-to look is fresh and tidy, plus it gives you room to breathe. Maintain a morning routine. Shower and do your hair and make-up. Get yourself “ready” for work. Self-care! I cannot express this enough. One of the most important things we fail to do is to take care of ourselves. Try simple and easy things like filing your nails and adding a clear polish, taking a long soak in the bath, or mixing self-tanner into your body lotion to give a soft glow.

PHOTO CREDIT: INFINITY BRAND PHOTOGRASPHY

Karen Baker has been playing dress-up her entire life! Having a diverse career in all aspects of business leadership Karen is now the owner of Magpie Textile Co in Red Deer, Alberta. You can visit Magpie Textile Co. at G8, 5550-45 street, Red Deer, AB; online at www.magpietextileco.com or follow her on social media.

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relationships

“LOVING” WORKING FROM HOME by Sheri Macleod

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud as I caught my reflection in the door of the microwave with a toothbrush in one hand and phone in the other. I briefly contemplated if I could recall the last time that I did just one thing at a time. It’s inefficient and I know it. However, I’m a serial multi-tasker and brushing my teeth while reheating my coffee was the only sensible use of my time. Going without one or the other was non-negotiable.

Steep Inclines and Hairpin Turns

As a blended family, the transition to working and schooling from home hit us hard and fast. Four kids, three homes, and stay-at-home orders threw everything into chaos. When going into spring-break turned into schooling-from-home, I found myself trying to get used to the idea of working from home myself. At the same time, I was forced to navigate the steep inclines and hairpin turns of the emotional rollercoaster each On the cusp of 7:00 AM, I let the microwave slam as individual family member was on. It was more than I I rushed off. Careful not to spill, I set my mug on my could bear. desk without stopping as I raced to the bathroom to finish brushing. I wiped the toothpaste from my Given these challenges, I felt fortunate that the transition mouth as I sat down at my computer and switched to working from home was relatively seamless, at least my camera on. I didn’t feel ready, but I was “on”. from an IT perspective. I knew that when I turned my This is a far cry from the leisurely mornings I can remember when working from home in the good old days was a once in a blue moon occurrence. It was usually the result of a sick child or an occasional snow-day. No, this reality is not what I had in mind when my coworkers and I romanticized working from home while chatting over lunch in the breakroom.

computer on, it was business as usual, even if nothing was really the same. Except for not seeing the handful of co-workers I’d normally see on the daily, my workday was relatively unchanged: meetings hosted via WebEx, phone calls, emails, and project work in between. Wash, rinse, repeat.

One of the biggest challenges was getting used to having so many people in my workspace. If I was in view, Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all bad. To be honest, I my attention was fair game whether I was ‘available’ don’t mind it most days. It was hard in the beginning, or not! I’ve contemplated changing my name, or at the but I think I’ve adjusted well, all things considered.

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very least, considered stopping answering to ‘mum’. After a while, I found avoiding eye contact helped. When desperate, I could continue wearing my headset for extended periods after my calls finished.

Enjoying the Perks and Awaiting Sunnier Days It’s only taken the better part of a year, but I’ve finally locked down a morning routine that I love (and no, brushing my teeth in the kitchen isn’t usually part of it!). By working from home, I have gained more than an hour each day. I take full advantage of the stillness of the early morning, squeezing everything I can out of each moment. I’m still learning how to unplug at night, and often rely on my husband to tell me when enough is enough. While this version of working from home was never what I envisioned, it has had its perks (I mean where else can you sneak a 3:00 PM coffee break in the hot tub before jumping on the next call?!). Whether worthy of praise or not, I take pride in the fact I can count on one hand how many mornings I’ve logged-on in my pajamas. I’m pretty sure some of my co-workers can’t say the same. Though always dressed for the workday, my hair and makeup have been put on the back burner. I’ve made peace with that. For now, my stockpile of Sephora gift cards will sit neatly in my bedside drawer, awaiting sunnier days… and I am totally okay with that!

Sheri MacLeod is a full-time working mum and long-term resident of Central Alberta. Driven by her passion to help others, she and her husband, Andrew, launched Urban Errands Inc., a Home Watch & Concierge Company headquartered in Red Deer. Concierge services are personalized, conveniencebased services to make your life easier! ‘Cause you’ve got better things to do than your ‘To Do’ list!

personal growth

DESTINATION: BOUDOIR

by Rachel Braun

Erika Fetterly believes every woman should have a moment where they feel unwavering confidence in themselves. This month, Erika invited me to learn how she empowers women to capture such a moment through boudoir photography.

What attracted you to boudoir photography? One of my very first boudoir sessions was with a girl named Amy. She was society’s image of beauty: tall and blonde with a great figure. When she saw her photo, she couldn’t believe that was her. I thought to myself, if someone who has everything society says is beautiful feels this way, how does everyone else feel? That’s when I knew I wanted to enter boudoir.

go up and down like a rollercoaster. A client may be nervous to see their photo for the first time, but once they do, they leave feeling ten feet taller.

What have you learned about selflove? Self-love is a journey and it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s not something that once you feel it, it sticks around forever. Self-love is also like a rollercoaster in that sometimes you feel it and sometimes you don’t. This is why I love boudoir. On days when you don’t feel it, you have an album to remind you of a moment when you did.

What is someone’s first boudoir photoshoot typically like? We bring our clients into our studio in Innisfail and give them complimentary makeup with our in-house stylists. This takes 90 minutes, and then they do their session for another hour or more. This is followed by lunch (on us!) at one of our favorite local cafes. While they eat lunch, we make up their work into a slideshow. Upon their return, the client reviews the photos, samples our other luxury products, and creates a photo album. Clients are sometimes nervous entering their first boudoir session, but these nerves are normal. They

Self-love is also about self-acceptance. When you can accept yourself, you can begin loving yourself as you are. Every client makes me see this. It’s very rare that clients come in at the end of their self-love journey. My favourite clients are the ones that are at the beginning. Typically, you hear all the stuff like, “I’ll do it once I lose 15 pounds”, but it’s the women that come in that haven’t lost them yet that are the most inspiring.

What have you learned about empowering actions? Empowerment is contagious. When I see empowered women, I feel empowered

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in my own journey. I run a women’s empowerment group on Facebook. It has over eleven thousand subscribers from all over the world. This space invites openness and honesty without drama or judgement.

Acknowledge + Bless + Release

I’ve also learned that it’s empowering to acknowledge your feelings instead of putting them away. My formula is: Acknowledge + Bless + Release (acknowledge your feelings, bless that this was a learning opportunity, and let it go).

Any new advice you’d give to someone sew to selflove and empowerment? Everything goes back to starting with acceptance. Self-love doesn’t happen instantaneously. It’s about accepting yourself, including things that you perceive to be a “flaw”. Everyone has things they are self-conscious about. I have had women come in self-conscious about

their ears, their bellies, their legs… you name it! When someone says, “I am self-conscious about my tummy”, I will make sure to take a beautiful photo of it. Typically, they come to see that all their features are part of what makes them unique. I would also advise someone to start small. There isn’t a magic wand. Self-love takes effort and patience, but you can start on your journey today. For example, take two seconds to look in the mirror and say, “I love you”, or write something you love about yourself and place it where you will see it often. Even if you don’t believe it at this moment, eventually, you will.

What inspires you when you go into the studio every day? I love lifting people up. It sounds silly but boudoir is self-fulfilling for me. I know I am making a difference. I get to see a transformation happen in somebody. I absolutely adore it.

What inspires those who come to your studio?

How do you think your work changes your clients?

I think my clients are inspired by other women walking this journey. Most of our clients let us share their photos online. Some don’t, and that’s fine! When they do, it’s so powerful because someone looking at them will realize “These are everyday women just like me”. One of my favorite quotes is, “Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear”, by George Addair. I think this is true for many of my clients. Women come to me most when they are in a transitional point in their life, like having children, getting divorced, or any situation where they are renewing their perspective of themselves. I’ve heard many of them say, “I just didn’t want to be scared to do it anymore. I realized that you only live once, and I wanted to go for it!”.

How has this work changed you? I look for validation a lot. I need people to tell me I am doing the right thing. However, my career in this field has taught me to believe in myself and to trust that I can make decisions. It has taught me to be more independent. I was talking to my husband, Nicolas, the other day and he said, “I remember the day you decided to get your studio. It was like a pivotal moment in your life. I had never heard you say, ‘I can do this’ about yourself before then”.

Clients gain confidence in themselves, and this confidence goes a long way in different areas of their life. It can change their relationships, their sex life, their careers, or their perspectives. I’ve also seen it help with parenting, especially for moms teaching daughters about self-respect. I have boys and I want them to grow up knowing that a woman’s body is her body, and that it’s okay for her to be confident in herself. In return, they need to respect her. It’s amazing to see a client sharing this message in their own way. Whether they keep their boudoir photos for their eyes only or share it with others, no matter what, they have a renewed attitude of self-confidence and self-respect. It’s so cool to play a role in that transformation.

Erika is a devoted wife of 8 years, loving mother of two amazing boys (one whom has special needs that she is an advocate for within his education and in the community), caring friend, and skilled photographer that specializes in mind and body empowerment through the art of boudoir and fine art portraiture photography. She strives to help as many women, men, couples and other gender identifying people as possible to gain a renewed perspective of themselves. For more information, visit www.efpstudios.com

health & wellness

THE BODY PROFESSOR by Donna Mills

Donna is a Certified Access Bars® Facilitator and Practitioner. She has the ability to connect with the energy of a body and the essence of the Being it inhabits to transform energy, unblock it, flow it, calm or activate the vibration, and allow for space for them both to heal internally through touch, intention and awareness.You can learn more about her work at: www.lemmerunyourbars.com

Healer: a declaration of the ability to undo that which has been done by another. Witch: a keeper of knowledge, insight, and awareness that can facilitate another to undo that which is within themselves. Keepers of knowledge are called teachers now. The wisest ones: Professors.

Our Bodies are Receptive Organisms We store and lock trauma, stress, and hurt into our bodies. Consequently, we feel pain, develop disease, and gain weight. From an early age, our identities develop from within that pain, and our bodies become victim to our circumstances. What if you were able to unlock all that through your own body? What if your identity was aligned with who you actually are within your soul? Our bodies are receptive organisms that perceive information in every moment. Our bodies respond to our external world, and our internal thoughts and beliefs. Occasionally, we are gifted with deja vu, intuition, or “gut feelings”. Think of the last time you knew your partner was tense BEFORE he/she walked into the house. Think of that sore throat or lump that magically pops up when you are feeling sad. What if you could live your best life through the whispers of your body? What if all you needed was space in your mind for your body to heal itself? What if you were able to unlock all the past, present and future abuses to your physical and emotional self THROUGH your own body? What if your identity was aligned with who you actually are within your soul?

your body, Access Bars® is a body process that creates dynamic change through the vibration of energy. During an Access Bars® session, any limiting beliefs, thoughts, and feelings that are holding your life in place are acknowledged, and any energy that sustains them is activated into a space for change. Sex, ageing, money, the body, joy, kindness, power, awareness, control, peace, sadness, creativity, time and space, hopes and dreams, gratitude, communication, creating connections, form and structure, creating life forms, and manifestation are the building blocks from where our lives are created. Our judgements about them are what hold us back. These points contain all the thoughts, ideas, beliefs, emotions, and considerations you have stored. Your body has the power to self-heal and help you let go of everything. There are many building blocks from which our lives are created. Our judgements about them are what hold us back. These points contain all the thoughts, beliefs, and emotions you have stored. Access Bars® can feel like hitting the delete button on your computer’s hard drive, only this time, you’re creating space in your brain. Things like negative thought patterns can be released and make space for the calm you’ve been seeking. With the help of a professional, if you could access the knowledge of your Body Professor, and hit reset, would you do it?

We are willing to listen to experts, doctors, loved ones, strangers, the weatherman, a financial analyst, a business coach, an Instagram influencer, and we have been taught to question ourselves. We are constantly unsure of what it is we know. We are disconnected to the very nature of us. We are ridiculed when we quietly talk to ourselves. We are rejected by others when they sense our power and potency. It is no surprise that our knowing has been hidden away, our bodies have betrayed us, and our lives are under the control of systems that do not contribute to our souls. What if you could unravel all of that?

Energetic Medicine Access Bars® is an Energetic Medicine Modality that uses light touch on 32 points of your head to activate, transform, and release energy. Similar to reflexology of the feet, with points relating to specific points on

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business

WORKING FOR A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly by Pam Snowdon

Looking back at over ten cumulative years working in non-profit organizations (NPO), I have to credit my early volunteer experience that led me on this career path. In fact, I’m the poster child for the positive outcomes of skills development through volunteerism.

volunteers, I can say I’ve seen both sides of the desk. Here’s what I’ve learned about the good, the bad, and the ugly of working for non-profit organizations.

Lacking confidence in my abilities as a young mother, I attended parenting education classes provided through the local women’s resource centre. When the session ended, I jumped at the opportunity to train as a volunteer facilitator (hey, eight more Wednesday evenings in the company of adults!).

You can do good for the world. The word “passion” is often linked to work in NPOs. There’s a high level of feel-good molecules in the air in most NPO offices. If you have a specific cause or issue that you care about deeply, there are opportunities to feel fulfilled through doing meaningful work.

A year later, I was employed as the program coordinator. Eventually, I became the Executive Director of the resource centre.

You can feel good about yourself. Most organizations support an environment where you can broaden your skill sets. Things like fund-raising events present openings for you to jump in and deepen your existing skills or to be mentored in learning new ones to add to your portfolio. The “we’re all in this together” team spiritedness has been an NPO characteristic long before the impact of COVID-19.

While raising my three sons, I used the time working from home (it meant something different, pre-COVID-19) to develop more skills through volunteering. For example, I planned a parent/child conference for the string school, organized a film society, and volunteered at golf tournaments to raise money for charities. Now, with kids raised and mostly launched, as the ED at a volunteer centre that stewards a database of 4K

The Good

With the Good Comes the Bad There is a constant and unrelenting focus on fund-raising. When funding is tightly restricted, with

an emphasis on projects, staff time is focused away from day-to-day work. Benchmarks are often intangible and challenging to measure. Funders want to know their investment is being used efficiently and effectively. However, organizations are dealing with complex problems impacted by many moving pieces. Often, the impacts aren’t evident or measurable in the logic models and timelines established by funders. Change is slow. Those moving pieces – cultural, economic, political, demographic, and environmental – are just some of the variables on the game board of societal change. Add in the process of board leadership and rules and regulations about institutions and their processes. It can feel stultifying (see “burnout” above). There’s also a constant and unrelenting focus on recruiting new board members.

And Then There’s the Ugly The burnout is real, and the pandemic isn’t helping. For front-line workers, seeing clients with big problems day-in and day-out can be exhausting. The work of non-profits is focused on service and helping others; every problem seems like a major problem. It’s challenging to set boundaries in settings where issues are…well, life and death. With the closure of facilities this past year and the suspension of some volunteer programs, the stress has been compounded. As well, the sector is staffed by many more women than men, with issues of disproportionate wages, and a lack of full time positions and health benefits.

The Alberta Non-profit Some Facts & Figures:

Sector:

•

The non-profit/voluntary sector contributes $9.6 billion in revenues to the Alberta economy.**

•

Albertans donated 262 million volunteer hours to the non-profit sector in 2013*

•

50% of Albertans over the age of 15 volunteered in 2013*

•

Albertans gave an average of 161 hours of their time to the non-profit sector in 2013*

•

Alberta’s non-profit/voluntary sector consists of over 25,205 charities and non-profit organizations**

Sources: *From the General Social Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, Statistics Canada **From Alberta Culture & Tourism

But the Work Can Bring a Sense of Satisfaction It’s not rainbows and unicorns all day, every day, but working in an NPO can bring a great sense of satisfaction that you are making a difference. As we move into a postpandemic future, the roles in this sector will be more important than ever. Check out some facts and figures to learn more about the non-profit sector in Alberta. Pam Snowdon is an active member in the Central Alberta community where she lives, works and volunteers.

great resources SPONSORED

SELL YOUR HOUSE FAST:

Six Tips and Tricks by Deanna Bailey

So, you have decided to sell your house, now what? No, I’m not going to tell you to spend a fortune redecorating or renovating because surprisingly, in many cases that can have the opposite outcome that you are trying to achieve. Throughout my career in real estate over the years, I have learned where your efforts and dollars are best spent. I will share with you a few of these, that when done correctly, will not only help you prepare your property for sale, but will also help set your home apart from others on the market.

Clean and Clean Some More! I know it sounds obvious, but clean like you have never cleaned before! A clean house gives the impression that the home has been well cared for. So, wash those windows, air out the house, make sure the house is free of cooking, smoke, and pet odors. However, don’t go overboard on-air fresheners because potential buyers and their agents will think you are trying to cover up an odor. Clean the carpets and window coverings, the couches and other furniture, especially if you have pets. Mop and wax the floors and give all your appliances a once-over but make sure to pull them out and clean behind and underneath too! Do not skip over the little things like washing the light switch covers, mirrors and cleaning the inside of your cabinets because trust me, potential buyers will open them.

Declutter Remove the excess items in your home because any overflowing drawer or closet will give potential buyers a sense that there is not an adequate amount of storage in the home. Be sure to tuck away your inner hoarder through the selling process – well, if you are anything like me and have an inner hoarder! – You can clean your closets by boxing up what you are not using, like outof-season clothing or old toys. The rule of thumb here is that a third of what we have, we are not using or needing and it should go into storage. This means furniture too! Especially if you have large and bulky pieces, those ones are best to go off-site. Pack up the knickknacks, artwork, and family photos to depersonalize your home, and store them in boxes or totes neatly in the basement, garage, or shed if you can. Oh, and don’t forget to clean the garage!

Curb Appeal is Real Trust me, the last thing you want is for a potential buyer to show up out front of your home and want to keep driving. It happens! So, don’t let it happen to you. The first impression is the only impression and it starts before they even walk in the door. Paint that fence, trim those trees/shrubs, cut and water that lawn, remove excess items, replace any cracked or broken window

You may think that this is up to the buyer and it is but let me ask you this: have you heard the saying that the best defense is a good offense? This is true in sports and should be applied to selling your home. A pre-sale inspection will bring your attention to any necessary repairs as well as any problem areas you weren’t aware of. Then, you can get estimates ahead of time that a potential buyer could deem as too costly to fix. This is wise to do beforehand instead of at the negotiating table. Being proactive instead of reactive will make your sale go much more smoothly and could save you time, headaches, and money!

Replace and Repair the Obvious

wells, broken ornaments or lights, and remember to refresh the address numbers if they have faded over time. There are probably over a hundred little things you can do to increase the curb appeal that cost little to nothing at all.

Get a Pre-Sale Home Inspection

Nowadays, many buyers want move-in ready homes. The smaller but visible imperfections can get in the way and give buyers the impression your home has not been not well-maintained. You do not have to spend a fortune, but you should fix as many small and obvious problems as you can, like a leaky faucet, sticky doors or windows, torn screens, cracked caulking, or that one big spot on the ceiling that your son stained with slime - or is that just me? This brings me to the paint: Keep the colors neutral. A fresh coat of paint helps to refresh and gives potential buyers the feel that your home is wellmaintained. Be sure to replace any cracked or broken light switch/outlet covers. This goes for the outside as well. Oh, and stock up on lightbulbs!

Documents and Records I know paperwork can be fun to relocate, especially when you put it in a “really good” spot. However, while you’re cleaning and decluttering your home, make sure

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to locate all related paperwork that your agent, banker, city, and lawyer will be asking for. This could save you time and headaches later on. Some of the documents include: • • • • • • • •

Your most recent tax assessment Survey of the property Most recent mortgage statement Any appraisals, repair or maintenance records Capital improvement records Manuals Warranties Homeowners insurance claims.

Depending on where and what type of home you live in, you may also need certain Homeowners Association or condo documents. If you live in a rural area, you will want to get out well and septic information.

Takeaways At the end of the day, selling your home is really about determining your priorities and finding a selling strategy that will help accomplishing them. One of the best things you can do is prepare your home to make a great first impression. Every home is different, so before you spend a dime freshening your home up, ask a real estate agent you trust for advice. Remember, a true pro knows what buyers in your area want and can help you maximize your home’s appeal without busting your budget.

Deanna Bailey is a licensed professional providing an exceptional real estate experience for all her clients. She provides MLS® services to rural Alberta residents, focusing on acreages, farms, and small town residential.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as financial, tax, legal, real estate, insurance, or investment advice. Opendoor always encourages you to reach out to an advisor regarding your own situation.

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food SPONSORED

SPRING DETOX SMOOTHIE by

Janice Hrushka

Spring has finally arrived! With the changing season, I am focused on cleaning and organizing. This time of year, our diet is no different. Our bodies need a spring cleaning as much as our homes, and this Spring Detox Smoothie is full of naturally detoxifying elements!

Spring Detox Smoothie 1 cup spinach or kale 1 cup frozen pineapple ¾ cup water ½ green apple peeled and chopped ¼ cup cucumber peeled and chopped ½ lime juiced

Instructions

Janice Hrushka is Certified in Holistic Nutrition and Blood Microscopy. She is passionate about helping her clients reach their individual health and wellness goals. Visit www.balancedterrain.com

Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender and enjoy this simple and nutrient dense smoothie!

Notes Switch out the fruit for variety! Nutrition Benefit: Chia seeds are very easy to incorporate into a healthy diet. They are very rich in fibre, antioxidants, minerals, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Book your Live & Dry Blood Analysis in April and receive 20% off!

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finance

FIVE WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS BOOKKEEPING CURRENT b y Ly n n G a g n e In my twenty-plus years as a career bookkeeper, one thing never changes: how so many business owners struggle with their bookkeeping. It isn’t just the small business newcomers. Even longstanding business owners often have their difficulties. Any business owner, at any stage of business, can make bookkeeping errors that end up costing them unnecessary taxes or even get in trouble with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). That’s why I’ve built my career on educating business owners, rather than just doing the bookkeeping for them. As a Certified Professional Bookkeeper, I’ve taken on my share of CRA audits for clients. This gives me a perspective that most business owners don’t have: viewing your books the way a CRA auditor does. It doesn’t matter to them if your business is big or small. Tax laws are tax laws, and the rules they play by are one size fits all. There are several mistakes people make, but this one, hands down, is the most common mistake I see.

Don’t Mix Things Up Never cross your business and personal spending in your bank accounts and credit cards. Yes, I mean never. Literally. It may seem like common sense, but it happens. All. The. Time. Many business owners tend to think this means keeping separate receipts for business and

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personal. True, separate transactions are a good practice, but what’s especially important is where those transactions are coming from. You should always have a separate bank account and dedicated credit card for business transactions. If you’re using a personal bank account to pay for business related items, or if you have a corporation and are using money from your corporation to pay for personal items, you’re doing yourself a disservice. There are several reasons for this. Here are some tips and important rules of note. For the CRA, the most important thing is traceability. Auditors will ask for your bank statements, both business and personal. Imagine for a moment, that you use your personal account for business income. Now, suppose in 2018 you had $500 paid to you from a friend for a loan you gave them. You are accountable to CRA for all the income you had. If you cannot prove that $500 is personal non-taxable income, the CRA just very well may assess it as business income and you will pay tax on it. Remember that when CRA asks for information, they are often doing so two to four years prior. They are seldom asking you for information that is current. Clarity is also important. As someone that specializes in helping people through an audit, the very last thing you want is to have the CRA guessing what really happened. You want to be clear and concise and show a history of good bookkeeping. It doesn’t matter what you think

happened in a situation. What matters is how good your paper trail is. Problems with missing expenses are all too common! By ensuring that all your business expenses come out of your business bank account, your tax professional is more likely to catch all the expenses. When you mix business and personal, it is untidy and difficult for any bookkeeper or tax pro to catch everything.

Two Most-Missed Expenses There are two expenses that I often see as missed by the customer: their cell phone bill and their car payments. The cell phone bill is often a family plan or on their personal bank account, and the car payments also come out of the personal accounts. Both of these are a write off that can reduce the amount of tax you pay. By moving the payments to your business account, it is easier to keep track of these expenses so that they are not missed in a busy tax season. A clean bank account can also help with missing receipts. After a trip to the pumps, my gas receipt often gets lost in my vehicle like socks in a washing machine. Even though you technically should have the original receipt if the CRA asks for it, we all have receipts that go missing from time to time. When your bank accounts are clean and tidy, then the missing receipt will usually be counted via your bank or credit card statements, even if that receipt is missing from the stack. But if you use cash or a personal debit card to pay for that gas, then how would your accounting professional know it’s a business expense? If it is at all business related, use your business account to pay for it.

Awesome Automation! Automated technology: When you have a dedicated bank account, you can start to take advantage of some of the bookkeeping technology out there to make your job easier. Bookkeeping fees: If you make your bookkeeping a lot of work, then it drives up your accounting fees. If it is untidy, then somebody has to sort through it. Either you do it, or your bookkeeper or accountant does it. When you are using your bank accounts to cross over expenses, you make the process confusing and it is extremely easy to miss important details and write offs. Increased errors: There is no sure-fire way to create more errors than by mixing personal and business expenses. Either the bookkeeper will err on the side of caution when figuring out what’s not clear in your books, which means you pay more taxes, or they will err on the side of safety, which means you are liable to file an incorrect tax return and incur penalties and interest if/when the CRA asks you for the information. In either case, when the information is not tidy, it can present complications business owners don’t think about. So, always have a business bank account and a credit card that you dedicated for business. And stay diligent when it comes to keeping business and personal separate! It is super important for all these reasons. When tax time comes, you’ll thank me for it! I always say, “A year from now you’ll wish you had started today.” That is so true when it comes to bookkeeping and taxes. Doing your bookkeeping wrong can be a difficult thing to recover from!

Lynn of BWize Consulting & Training is a certified professional bookkeeper who spent more than 30 years running businesses, including owning a professional bookkeeping firm with more than 300 clients over ten years. She built her company around providing tools to small business owners so they can keep more money in their pocket.

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young entrepreneur

ANA SOLORZANO: Going Back to Her Roots by Ruby Cole-Ellis

Multifaceted. That is Ana Solorzano. Juggling the roles of mother, entrepreneur, esthetician, and barista, there is never a dull moment in her life. She attributes her gogetter, hands-on attitude to her family’s humble Latin roots. Her family migrated from El Salvador to Veracruz, Mexico, escaping the civil war in the late 1980s. Later on, in 1990 they migrated to Canada to Grand Prairie, and then to Red Deer in 1993 when Ana was 7 years old. She and her five other siblings (four sisters and one brother) went to school and college in town. They have always been inseparable, and to this date, her family are a huge part of her life. “I believe that my family are my friends, you know? We hang out all the time.. I think I like my family more than I like my friends” she jokes. Central Alberta is still home to her family. She still has vivid memories of her time in Mexico and recalls those times with nostalgia. In addition, Ana and her family visited El Salvador again in her early teens. The experience marked her forever. “We went back to El Salvador when I was around 15. We were there for a month. I remember the culture shock of realizing how different life is over there… For water, we had to go and walk to the closest creek. That is where we washed our clothes. There, people live off the land and buy the products they need for the day. Here, we take everything for granted —washing machines, dishwashers, products at a store, freezers...—” she recalls.

Her Love for Esthetics Since her teenage years, Ana was attracted to the esthetics world. “Since 2001, I’ve been in the industry starting way back in high school. I started working with my good friend Nena Lemus, who owned a beauty salon as an assistant receptionist. She trained me for waxing, manicures, and pedicures. That is where my interest in the industry began, and I decided to pursue it as a career” she adds. She went to college for Medical Esthetics in Red Deer and took airbrush make-up, nail art, and lash extensions in Calgary and California. In a parallel timeline, Ana married her high-school prom date, Roy, and gave birth to her daughters, Aralee and Alvaro. Ana started taking clients from her basement suite, and it didn’t take long for her to build an extensive clientele, especially for her lash extension services. She quickly realized that she needed to expand and find a bigger home to accommodate her growing family and business.

Going Back to Her Roots Happily married and with a growing career, Ana knew something was still missing. Little did she know, her

own home was the piece that completed the puzzle. Ana and her family own the old Macintosh House Bed & Breakfast in downtown Red Deer. “I was still missing something, my roots… where I came from. When we decided to buy a bigger family home where I could run by business, I completely fell in love with this house. The architecture took me back to the architecture of Mexico since everything is made out of brick, stone and concrete. I was missing that earthy kind of grounded connection to the land that I had from El Salvador and Mexico. It took a little convincing of my husband (laughs) but I knew that I was home. ” Ana shares. “We have a beautiful big yard where we have a small vegetable and herb garden, perennials, wild flowers and three laying hens. We use the chickens for our own personal consumption.” she adds. All the elements of this house have the power to connect any of its guests to Mother Nature, and Ana knew she needed to share it with the world. That is how Solorzano Spa Café & Wine bar was born. It wasn’t long before Ana had to expand again. “My original business plan was only based on a Medi-Spa. When we opened my business in this house in 2016 the majority of my clients were lash extension clients and

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then with the new facility I was able to offer brows, and manicures and pedicures, body treatments and waxing. Later, we upgraded to laser, chemical peels, and micro needling. I actually started with only one employee and soon we grew to six full-time estheticians” she explains. “As the spa has been growing over the years, last year, in 2020 we decided, since we have a commercial kitchen to take advantage of the kitchen, patio, garden and tea room and have a café which eventually evolved to a wine bar in the summer.

Overcoming Challenges From juggling her husband and children to a rapidly growing team, her success has not come with its own set of challenges. “In 2019 I came to a breaking point. I was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy and squamous cell carcinoma at the same time. Doctors told me the Bell’s palsy could be due to stress, and I knew that was the case. At home, I was trying to manage my family life with my husband working away on the oilfield. At work, I was dealing with a lot of stress because in this industry you get a lot of turnover with the employees. Trying to keep the clientele happy and following thru with appointments at the same time of training and hiring over and over again was very stressful” she shares. “I was beyond busy and stressed. I couldn’t deal with it anymore. I was just trying to get by, I turned into a robot. On top of that, I wasn’t taking care of myself… I wasn’t getting enough sleep. I wasn’t getting enough nutrients. I was bound to get sick,” she adds. Since then, Ana has taken drastic measures. She decided to do more strategic planning and delegating, allowing her to grow her business without having to do it all herself. “In 2021, I decided it was the year that I’m going to be more of a manager as opposed to more of an employee. I’m not going to be taking on clients so I can focus on working on my business. From marketing, to training my staff I have been able to build my business better.”

Taking Care of Mother Earth On a personal level, she has learned and embraced techniques of mindfulness and self-care. She has made an effort to go back to her roots and connect on a deeper level with Mother Earth. Embracing meditation and eco-friendly practices and sustainability has been a huge part of it. In her spa, Ana carries environmentally conscious lines like Face Addiction, which allows her clients to reuse

their containers and refill their products. In addition, she uses and sanitizes natural fiber gauze cloths, towels, and sponges instead of creating constant plastic waste. On the café side, they try to use as many products grown at home as possible. Also, they have upcycled 90% of the furniture, machines and décor. At home, Ana and her family try to have as little waste as possible too. “Taking care of the Earth is important to me. This is our planet, and everything we do has an impact on our environment. If we don’t take care of her, she won’t take care of us, right? We need to reconnect to the land. That is how my family has done it for generations. Growing up —even though it was tough— I have all those beautiful memories of a simpler life. It was the emotions that I had from it that connected me back to this home and now dictates our way of living” she shares.

Always Growing Ana does not plan on stopping anytime soon. She is hoping to grow the café and wine bar into a year-round event venue and host groups, corporations, weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties and art exhibits. Besides,

she wants to keep growing her spa into a thriving business where she can mentor estheticians and can give them tools so they can grow their independent business and careers. You can learn more about Ana’s story and all the services of Solorzano Spa Café and Wine Bar at www.solorzanospa.ca

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feature

LEANNA HAMILTON: RISING UP by Ruby Cole-Ellis

Independent, bright and resilient… these are a few words that describe Leanna Hamilton. She is the definition of a phoenix. Her burning desire for more and inner light comes straight through her eyes and shines over all the adversities she has overcome. A tough childhood and finding herself a single young mom at the age of nineteen, this became the catalyst in motivating Leanna to excel in everything she sets her mind to. “I was at a crossroad in life at 19, I had two choices: I could go left, or I could go right. All on my own, the decision was mine alone to make. After having my son, Austin, I put myself back into school, graduated with two different diplomas, received honours in both, and completed them in nine months less than what was expected. While still in school and raising my son on my own, I worked part-time at RDC in a term-certain position. I was laser-focused on permanent placement within the workforce. I wanted to shoot for the top right out of the gate, so I applied at the largest corporation in the oil and gas sector in Central Alberta. I was hired immediately. I worked tirelessly and grew very quickly in the company into a senior position. Breaking societal assumptions about young single mothers was a glass ceiling I was determined to shatter. I would do this by creating a life I could be proud of. Work and my son; they were my sole focus for many years”, Leanna recalls.

Rising Up Six years later, Leanna would meet her now husband of 18 years, Tony. After spending a few more years in the private sector of petrochemical, Leanna shifted her focus and aspirations for her career to the public sector, and she was hired by the City of Red Deer. Years later. After much planning, she and Tony were thrilled to be expecting their first daughter. Leanna left on maternity leave planning to go back. “I loved my job with the City, it was by far the best position and people I’d ever worked with. Leaving the position was a hard day, but in the back of my mind I knew it wasn’t final and I was sure I was coming back. Nine months after Maycee was born, I recall receiving my return-to-work letter from the City [...] I remember breaking down, crying, and saying to my husband ‘I can’t leave her’. The memories of being a single mom with my son, having to leave him in a day home and missing out on those precious years all came flooding back. At that time, I was 31 years of age, and with my first-born daughter on my hip, I was certain I did not want to revisit those feelings of regret for missing out all over again. I was in a different time and place in my life; I could choose,’’ she shares. Leanna and Tony decided staying home to raise their daughter was the best decision for their family. Nine months later, they welcomed their second daughter Mallory into their

family. Leanna would be a full-time stay-home mom for the next 6 years. She recalls those years with fondness; “Not for a nanosecond do I regret giving up the position I’d worked so hard for with the municipal government. Those years staying home with my daughters were extremely precious to me. Time is the ultimate non-renewable resource. When you have children, this is magnified. Having previous insight with my son on how fast it all goes, I would not change my decision for anything. That said, the minute my daughters were back in school, I felt that all-to-familiar burn in my belly, and I knew it was my time. I had my sights set, once again. This time the pursuit was freedom, to create independence from a 9-5 with focus on better work-life balance, enabling me to be as present as possible in my daughter’s lives” she shares. The idea for her current company would come a few years later. “In 2012 I was planning a family vacation. We’d moved out to a rural property and had just renewed our home insurance policy; we’d recalled the importance of our Vacancy Clause on our contract. With passports in hand and final boarding call just around the corner we began the frantic search to find someone to conduct liability assurance checks on our home while we were away. We didn’t want to inconvenience neighbours, friends, or family. Liability and privacy have always been important to us. After coming up empty handed on an in-depth Google search, I thought to myself ‘we can’t possibly be the only ones searching for a professional service to conduct assurance checks on our home while we’re away?!’” Eight months later, your HomeWatch™ was born. Her company’s mission is to provide a private, seamless service for absentee homeowners. your HomeWatch™ is an online booking platform for house sitting and pet sitting services. Leanna has created Central Alberta’s

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Premier Home Watch service, the service she and her family were seeking, that did not exist. Since inception in 2015, they have proudly conducted over 8,000 home checks with 0 denied insurance claims. Community voted Platinum Place, a consistent 5-star consumer rating, your HomeWatch™ is growing by leaps and bounds.

The Tip of the Iceberg Despite her success, Leanna’s journey was not an easy one. “I love the iceberg analogy of entrepreneurship... what people see is the top of the iceberg, they see the success, but what they don’t see is everything else that’s involved, everything beneath the surface of that iceberg. There are highs and lows, deep lows” she shares. Leanna had zero hesitations when starting her business. “There is never a perfect time to start anything. Despite all fears and unknowns, if you can commit to taking the first step and then the second step then every step thereafter just becomes that much easier. If you truly step into your power, you can create irrefutable momentum. All the micro steps in the beginning stages of entrepreneurship may seem insignificant at the time, but it’s precisely where the foundational bricks are laid. It’s where instrumental growth happens, it’s where the most impactful lessons in entrepreneurship are learned. You’re never taking leaps and bounds — Perhaps that’s how others may perceive it — but it is never like that. Nothing is perfect and nothing is permanent in entrepreneurship. You have to be adaptable to constant change; you have to trust yourself and have faith in the process of those highs and lows” Leanna adds. “I remember in the preliminary stages of starting the business, I went in for a business loan from a bank I’d been with for 15 years. With a deeply rooted sense of independence, I was eager to see if I could do it on my own, without the financial backing from my husband. I had extremely good credit, more than enough assets to accommodate and a strong proposal, however I had not worked in 8 years. Long story short, they declined me. I will never forget walking out of the bank that day thinking: ‘they don’t believe in my business I thought to myself, they don’t believe in me. It’s true what they say: hindsight is always 20/20. The bank declining me that day will go down as the best thing that ever happened to me” she recalls. “In the moment —good or bad— who’s to say? This is the non-negotiable high/low process of entrepreneurship

you must learn to embrace”. Leanna self-taught business and marketing, graphic design and web design. Apart from lawyer drafted client contracts, nothing else within the business has been outsourced, Leanna has done everything on her own. “Learning to do it all was not an easy task, but if you commit, there is an immeasurable sense of empowerment you’re gifted. Everything that presents itself as a challenge is part of a bigger picture. In any situation we are always presented with two choices; submit to defeat or rise. It’s so important to remember this in entrepreneurship, because what we don’t always realize is unanswered prayers are almost always a gift. Not having an opportunity work out, being forced to take a tougher route, having to work a little bit harder, it’s all encompassing. It’s where character is built, where resilience is found, it’s all part of the bigger picture because eventually, it all comes full circle”. When asking her to share her advice to anyone considering starting a new venture she shares: “The only two questions you ever have to ask yourself in life regarding any situation, relationship or decision are: ‘do I feel safe?’ and ‘does this feel right in my gut?’ Your gut will never lie to you about those two questions. Nobody knows you better than you, and that’s your power. If we are brave enough to ask ourselves those two questions and strong enough to follow its truth, a path chosen based on authenticity will never steer you wrong. It is a Universal Law, and the universe is always listening”.

The Bright Future Ahead

“A natural loner, I’m inherently a very private person, it’s the premise of why I created the business I did and why it’s flourishing as well as it is with the type of clientele we serve. I instinctively know their needs. This said, I also recognize the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people in the business community. It’s essential on the entrepreneurial journey. Continuing to connect with strong, empowering women and finding new opportunities involving volunteerism and giving back are the true gifts I will continue to seek for personal growth and development. “When you get where you are going, don’t forget to stop and look back at how far you’ve come. Acknowledge and celebrate all the adversity along the way, because the times in your life that once felt like endless mountains you had to climb, they are all placed strategically and purposefully, to set us on the path of creating the life we all deserve if we are brave enough to find our way out of the valley’s. Follow your own truth when all others abandon it because if we believe in ourselves, trust the process and everything that is all encompassing within that, we become unstoppable. For me, a life well lived is one lived with a deep sense of gratitude. That, and collecting lessons; the good, the bad, the beautiful.” “Looking back at the adversities I’ve faced in my life, and as I turn the page on another birthday at the end of month, I’m extremely proud of where I am today. I stand for all women who were dealt a tougher hand and overcame challenges they don’t speak about.

I stand quietly and firmly grounded right beside these women. Embracing adversity, doing it bravely and boldly, looking it straight in the eye even if you shake while doing so. These are the women who I admire. The ones who didn’t get where they are because everything went right, but because many things went wrong, and they figured it out. We are put on this earth to create the life we deserve, for me this means continuous healing, forgiving myself and stepping into my power, a power I knew I always had. Showing up for my children explicitly, being a strong female role model for them and providing life lessons that will serve them for years to come. This, and continuing to kick ass in my business (laughs) I’m beyond grateful I was strong enough to take that right all those years ago instead of taking the proverbial left. I have created a life I worked extremely hard for, the life that I know I deserve. I am very excited for what is to come.” Leanna’s future is looking as bright as ever. With plans of expansion and franchising for your Home Watch™ she is excited for new challenges ahead and the nourishment of the connections she has made with other likeminded businesswomen. You can connect with Leanna and learn more about your Home Watch™ by visiting www.yourhomewatch.ca

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social media

you could be opening yourself up for unwanted attention. Unsavoury characters hang out all over social networks, and the less you feed them, the better!

Upcoming Vacation Plans

TEN BOUNDARIES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA by Kim Free Thanks to the easy access to social media and the sheer volume of people who use it worldwide —just over 3.6 billion people, or around 49% of the world’s population— many of us live a little more in the public eye than we have in the past. Sometimes, we unintentionally say a little too much or share details that could be potentially harmful to us and others. We all know that one over-sharer who posts way too much about their romantic relationships or just a few too many food pics. But how much is too much, what topics should never be aired, and what are good boundaries to set for yourself? We want to protect several areas while hanging out on social media: our relationships, our jobs, our personal safety, and the safety of our families. When we set boundaries online, we protect ourselves and the people who are most important to us. Following is a list of topics that are outside healthy boundaries for social media.

Your Current Location Enjoy that dinner out, hike in the mountains, or your Caribbean cruise, but avoid posting or tagging locations until you’re safely back home. Nothing screams “rob me!” like confirmation that you are currently 3 hours (or 3 days!) from arriving back at home. Also, if you’re a woman hanging out solo and you post the location,

Even if you’re currently at home, a post that you’re “leaving in just X days” or a photo showing you packing your bags can be unwise. You’re opening a window of opportunity for a home invasion. As above, if you’re heading out, resist posting until after you’re back home.

Intimate Relationship Details So, you had a big fight with your significant other and want to air and share? Nuh-uh. The same goes for photos of you kissing or in compromised positions. This is private and has no place in the public eye, not to mention it could harm a good relationship.

Videos of People Without Their Permission All videos involving other people should be kept offline unless you have specific permission from everyone visible in the video. This is basic privacy and should be respected, no matter how you feel about the person.

Pictures of Kids with Names This should be an obvious one, but it’s important, so I’ll share it again. If you must take that First Day of School photo for the ‘Gram, and their name or the name of their school is visible, consider not posting it or blurring out any personal details.

News That Should Be Shared By Someone Else Your best friends just got engaged and you can’t wait to share the good news! But you need to, simply because it’s not your news to share. Let them have this moment and preserve your friendship in the process.

Negative Opinions About Someone in Your Workplace or Industry No spilling tea about your boss, clients, or colleagues. No matter how juicy it is, it could cost you your current job as well as future employment opportunities. The old quote “if you can’t say something nice, say nothing” would apply here.

Stay safe out there and protect your boundaries! When used wisely, social media is a useful tool for connecting with friends, family, and potential clients.

Incendiary Comments or Opinions

With a degree in Psychology, and years of elementary school teaching experience, Kim comes to us filled with passion for figuring out what makes people click that “like” button! She loves thinking about what makes people react the way they do online and sharing her expertise with others. Find out more Small Town Girl Promotions at www.stgp.ca

We know there are plenty of opportunities to share your political or religious views on social media, but keep it to a minimum or avoid it altogether. If you feel you need to address an issue, take your time and word it compassionately.

Off-Colour Expletives

Jokes

Borderline

Even if you speak colourfully in real life, avoid using language that would be bleeped out on national television. You never know when it can come back to bite you, and in this case, it’s definitely better to be safe than sorry!

Unsubstantiated Rumours If you hear nasty bits about someone, it simply doesn’t need to be aired, especially if the source is somewhat questionable. As in many of these areas, think about how you’d feel if you were on the receiving end. The Golden Rule is an important one when hanging out in the social media space.

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Free small business advice. No strings attached.

Meet your Small Business Strategist: Maureen Easton Maureen Easton’s passion is to support business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Currently living in Red Deer, she is a resource to the rural communities and entrepreneurs in the central region. With eleven years of experience in Municipal Economic Development, Service Implementation, Delivery and Management in BR&E, BI&A, Tourism, Client Assistance and Multi-stakeholder Communications her role as Business Strategist’ with Business Link is a perfect fit.

“All my (previous) roles have involved community building. Where my passion lies is in supporting and helping businesses and growing communities and regions. So, it was just a natural fit when they were looking to expand into rural Alberta and particularly to Central Alberta” Maureen explains. Business Link is a non-profit organization that helps people navigate the steps toward starting, running and growing their own

businesses. Business Link provides oneon-one support and guidance, market research, access to experts, training, networking opportunities, and specialized support for Indigenous and Immigrant entrepreneurs. “One of the beautiful pieces about Business Link is that we are here for everybody, at any stage of business. It could be an existing business that just needs some extra support or some additional training, or maybe a business that is looking to pivot or expand, even a business owner looking at succession planning as they look to retire. If we can’t directly help someone, we can usually refer them through our community connections to someone who can” she explains. In 2020, Business Link identified the need for a strategist on the ground in Central Alberta that truly understood the unique challenges we face in this area. “By having staff in place, like myself, that come from a rural background, who understands the challenges and differences we face in comparison to bigger cities, we are able to adjust or add programs that support those

needs. We have programs, webinars and workshops for rural and small communities, and business of all sizes and industries”. In addition, as the designated Business Strategist for this region, Maureen is able to focus on a one-on-one approach. As a passionate and intuitive person, her ability to connect people is an asset to the clients and communities she serves. Maureen delivers a personalized approach to supporting, guiding, coaching, and loves seeing the passion and drive come to life in entrepreneurs. “Clients can book a free one-to-one session where we can discuss their current situation. I’m a nurturer at heart a good listener. I have the ability to be able to look at whatever is going on and help create a step-by-step action plan” she adds. No matter the situation or stage of your business, Maureen is eager to connect you to the right resource. Outside of work time, Maureen enjoys time at the lake, connecting with friends or just hanging out with her husband, children and grandson for some quality family time. She is also a strong supporter of the SHARP Women movement.

Book a one-on-one consultaion with Maureen Easton Visit BusinessLink.ca Visit the Support Local AB Directory

Maureen Easton Small Business Strategists, Central Albeta

business directory

Ruby Cole-Ellis ruby@sharpwomen.ca

HEALTH & WELLNESS Balanced Terrain Analysis Janice Hrushka (403) 952-1920 www.balancedterrain.com

FINANCIAL ADVISOR IG Wealth Management Jillian Vukovich (403) 872-5545 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

BOOKKEEPING SERVICES Sehn Bookkeeping Services Ltd. Jennifer Sehn (403) 877-0962 www.sehnbookkeeping.com

MINDSET COACHING Myla Trenchuk Coaching Myla Trenchuk (403) 877-5233 www.mylatrenchuk.ca

CUSTOM KEEPSAKES Megan’s Creations Megan Bugarin (403) 391-2636 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

RURAL REAL ESTATE AGENT Real Estate with Deanna Bailey Deanna Bailey (403) 805-4359 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

CRITICAL ILLNESS & LIFE INSURANCE & GROUP BENEFITS Rohrer Insurance & Fin. Serv. Ltd. Serena Rohrer (403) 872-4396 www.sunlife.ca/serena.rohrer

HOME SECURITY & AUTOMATION Central Alberta Security & Automation Sara Barnes (403) 820-0448 www.centralalbertasecurity.ca

ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE Cover Your Income (Agent for Combined Insurance) Tanya Kitchen-Johnson (403) 396-5152 www.coveryourincome.ca

MEDISPA: COSMETIC & MEDICAL BOTOX AND DERMAL FILLERS Hebe Beauty Bar Ltd. Kendra Numan (403) 915-2391 www.beautybyhebe.com

HOUSEKEEPING AND CLEANING SERVICES Country Sunshine Cleaning Brandie Bowman (403) 396-3211 FIND US FACEBOOK

NAIL ARTIST Just Imagine Nail Design Tanya Warner (780) 864-8457 www.justimaginenaildesign.com

CASA

Central Alberta Security & Automation

FAMILY & WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER Amy Cheng Photography Amy Cheng (403) 807-0614 www.amychengphotography.com

BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY Infinity Brand Photography Rachelle Scrase (403) 352-8471 www.infinitybrandphotography.com

SUCCESS COACHING & TRAINING On Point with Danielle Danielle Klooster (403) 391-8443 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

HOTEL + CATERING Baymont by Wyndham Red Deer Corey King (403) 357-6331 www.baymont.ca

ENTREPRENEUR SUCCESS COACH Ignite Your Success Coaching and Consulting Ranchelle Van Bryce (780) 679-7275 www.ranchellevanbryce.com

VIRTUAL ASSISTANT Kelsey Lynn Consulting Kelsey Evans (403) 318-2190 www.kelseylynn.ca

MORTGAGE BROKER Simply Mortgages - DLC Maximal Tanya Rogalczyk (403) 506-3106 www.simply-mortgages.ca

EVENT DESIGN AND RENTALS The Maby Studio Ruby Cole-Ellis (403) 708-9880 www.themabystudio.com

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT Lindsey Forget Real Estate Lindsey Forget (403) 318-9363 www.lindseyforgetrealestate.com

WELLNESS PRACTITIONER FOR PEOPLE & ANIMALS Energy Effects Robin Mckay (403) 346-6695 www.energyeffects.ca

HOME, AUTO & COMMERCIAL INSURANCE Swift Insurance & Financial Solutions Inc., a division of the Co-operators Christine Swift (403) 340-4495 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

BOUDOIR & FINE ART PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY EFP Studios Inc. Empowerment Specialists Erika Fetterly (403) 597-5215 www.efpstudios.com

ELECTRICAL SERVICES Power Up Electrical Services Ltd. Kim Slezinsky (403) 357-9175 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

CHIROPRACTOR Jones Family Chiropractic Dr. Amanda Klimec D.C. (403) 347-0707 www.jonesfamilychiropractic.ca

BUSINESS LOANS Community Futures Kelly Kierluk (403) 342-2055 www.central.albertacf.com

TRAVEL DESIGNER The Wandering Foodie Travel Ltd. Heather Epp (403) 888-0238 www.thewanderingfoodie.ca

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VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS Mannatech - Independent Associate Tanya Mullakady 403-350-6276 www.transformwithtanya.com

SKIN CARE & MAKE-UP SOLUTIONS Mary Kay Independent Sales Director Lauretta Gorman (403) 304-4593 www.marykay.ca/lgorman

BODY ENERGETICS WELLNESS: ACCESS BARS & MORE Elevated Views - Body + Beyond Donna Mills - Body Prof 403-596-1638 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

GIFT BASKETS Gift Smack Gift Company Nadine Waterfield (403) 782-0250 www.giftsmack.ca

HEALTH STORE Natural Health Solutions Dawn Wickberg (403) 887-5655

www.naturalsolutionshealthstoreco.ca/

WOMEN’S FASHION Side Street Fashion & Accessories Elsie Anctil (403) 341-4343 www.sidestreetfashion.com

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Pendragon Solutions Ltd. Kirsten Duncan (403) 392-0576 www.pendragonsolutions.com

BUSINESS LAWYER Warren Sinclair LLP Monica L Niederle - Barrister & Solicitor (403) 343-3320

HOME WATCH & CONCIERGE SERVICES Urban Errands Inc. Sheri MacLeod (403) 891-4939 www.urbanerrands.ca

CAR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE Calridge Automotive Repair Karla Field (587) 802-5512 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

BUSINESS SUPPORT Business Link Maureen Easton 1-800-272-9675 https://businesslink.ca

LEADERSHIP COACHING Be the Anchor Ltd. Kari Lotzien (403) 506-9636 www.betheanchor.ca

SIGNAGE & DIGITAL PRINTING Quest Signs & Decals Inc. Ranjit or Tanya Mullakady 403-346-1011 www.questsigns.ca

MASTER LASH TECHNICIAN Solorzano Spa Cafe & Wine Bar Ana Solorzano (403) 596-9492 www.solorzanospa.ca

MAKE-UP ARTISTRY Bombshell Beauty Dymond Dei (587) 877-1915 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

PSYCHOLOGY & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR CHILDREN & TEENS To the Stars Occupational Therapy and Wellness Centre Kari Lotzien 403) 786-0006 www.tothestars.ca

www.warrensinclair.com/team/monica-niederle/

SHARP WOMEN www.sharpwomen.ca