From The Desk of Shelley ... by Shelley Jarrett

It was Issue No. 29/Summer 2020 where Andrew and I both thought of the same quote from Charles Dickens to describe the beginning of the pandemic. “It was the best of times and the worst of times.” We were all witness to a health crisis that was overtaking the entire globe, and even now, we are still not completely rid of COVID-19. In addition, we have seen an alarming rise of right-wing reactionary politics and social posturing plus a full scale war in Eastern Europe that is closing in on nine months.

Closer to home we are hearing of a mushrooming housing crisis (which Andrew and I experienced first-hand), a growing food crisis, a continual energy crisis, and a looming recession certain to hit us as early as the New Year.

How best to cope with all this? To keep on using our gifts and talents to continue doing at SMJ what we have done for every issue since our first: to publish original ‘good news approach’ stories…and…showcase inspiring and uplifting stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things; to dream bigger, reach higher and achieve greater. As you will see in this issue, SMJ has been rewarded for its consistent excellence!!

The collaborations and partnerships that I have always spoken about seeking out even impacted SMJ and mirrored Dickens’ times. One of them mentioned last issue died not long after our ninth anniversary celebration. Yet what a celebration it was. Recognizing nine years in publishing was the highlight of summer 2022. We really felt the love from those that attended, and those that sent in heartfelt wishes in their absence.

The new writer we introduced last issue, Paula Griffith, has outdone herself with poignant piece on someone who was her mentor, John T. Davis. (Andrew tells me it might be even better than the exclusive he did on his mentor last issue!).

Some familiarity is back starting with this column. About the Town with SMJ returns, along with Dr. Lisa Ramsackal’s Your Health is Your Wealth.

The last few years have been hard and the crises mentioned above have resulted in many social purpose organizations to pivot online. However, it quickly became apparent that not everyone had equal and equitable access to the internet, and those that had access did not have the digital know how, funding and infrastructure to keep companies moving forward.

October 16 – 22 was Small Business Week in Ontario and across the country. I had the privilege of presenting awards to two outstanding business women through The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada. I reported on that event in this issue, as well as my latest award that I was honored to receive, courtesy of the Hon. Jean Augustine, a former front cover story (Issue No. 6/Fall 2014). Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy and diverse women entrepreneurs play an important role in the small business landscape.

We are leading into National Entrepreneurship Month as well as gender-based violence month in November, culminating in 16 days of activism November 25th to December 10th. This year’s focus is Fund, Respond, Prevent and Collect.

To find out more about the other products and services I provide, please visit www.shopwaucollection.ca or the Canada Black Owned Marketplace, Erin Mills Town Centre Mississauga Ontario.

Shelley

SMJ MAGAZINE FALL 2022