Women in Business 2016

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, March 3, 2016 B3

LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Women in Business

Joleen Droste and Allison Tobin / Interior Envy, Fernie

A celebration of Elk Valley Business Women THE FREE PRESS ~ MARCH 2016

Here’s to strong women.

May we know them.

May we raise them.

May we be them. #1 - 562 2nd Avenue, Fernie 250-423-2006 crumbscakery@hotmail.ca www.CrumbsCakery.ca

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, March 3, 2016

LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

A balancing act the responsibilities that most of us women already have with children, families and other commitments and roles within our community.

By Jenna Jensen

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ypically as I prepare to interview women in business, I know I will always hear great stories of determination, listen to some unique ways these women balance work and family and see drive and passion from ladies that strive to be the best they can. These things have proven to be true once again and have left me, and hopefully you, with a sense of inspiration and encouragement that finding success in business can be achieved alongside

As I plan for this section I often think of all the women I know in positions within the Elk Valley from dog groomers to truck drivers and wish that I could interview all of them as I know each situation and piece of advice would offer some support and valuable information to other women here in the Valley. I take great pride in the vast network of women within the Elk Valley that add so much to their companies and community through their occupations, and often see these same women coaching, teaching and participating as volunteers.

As a women in business myself as well as being a writer, a Councillor, a mother, wife, daughter, sister and member of various boards and committees I would like to take this opportunity to share a real struggle that I, and many others have or will face - anxiety, stress, exhaustion and being overwhelmed.

This is something seen more often in women as we take on more and more, finding it

necessary to seek perfection in work and family and carrying unhealthy emotions that coincide. It is typically, and easily brushed off as being too busy, being too tired and held to the thought that once the next job, report, event is over it will get better but sadly it often never does. I personally have gone from a place where the things in my career and life that usually made me happy became a source of insurmountable stress and even thinking about what was on my plate for the day or week made me want to crawl back into bed and hide. I felt physically, mentally and emotionally drained. Realizing that something needed to change and feeling like I couldn’t and didn’t want to accomplish anything, I sought the help of Dr. Karley Denoon and her training that specifically focuses on this epidemic that faces thousands of women every day. The help and advice I received was invaluable and I learned that reaching out was step number one. I saw very clearly how I, and most women give so much but take little - if any time to refocus and recharge ourselves while we easily ensure the world around us is priority number one. This often affects our health in many negative

ways and leaves us just trying to get through the days instead of really living them.

Changing this will always be a work in progress for me, as I need to try to constantly learn what it means to take time for myself, whether it is reading a book, taking care of my health or making a list of what my real vs. perceived priorities are. Understanding that if I say no to a volunteer opportunity that I don’t really have time for, not putting my kids in every sporting opportunity available and taking a few hours or a weekend without electronics and social media will not make me or my family any less successful or productive. I try to remember that taking these little breaks is not selfish, it is selfless, and finding this balance ensures what we give to all of our roles is really the best of what we have to offer.

As women in business, our jobs are important and central to the vibrancy of our communities. Therefore taking care of ourselves and reaching out when we need a little help is not only important but essential.

Women in Business

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, March 3, 2016 B5

LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Annette Sheppard Owner, Aspire Salon

How many years have you been in the community?

Like any small town that relies on one industry, I find if the I grew up in Elkford. I moved away in 1996 and came back mines are slow I too am slow. in 2005.

How do you balance work and your personal life?

What is your job title, and role?

Surprisingly, my clients are extremely understanding of I like to think of myself as proprietor of my salon and sole my personal life. My son is autistic and so I need my hours employee. Other than that my other job is super mom to two to be flexible for his needs. My clients all know and are very wonderful kids. understanding of this.

What are the highlights of your What inspired you get into that “I would like to encourage job? field of work? How has your role The number one highlight is progressed from when you started young women to consider going being able to make people happy. to now?

When I first moved away from into the trade of cosmetology. I'm glad that I get to work from home and I can make my own home I worked as a microfiche technician in the oil industry in There is so much to offer from hours. A definite perk is being told on a regular basis that I have Calgary. I found myself starving to being in this profession.” be creative with all my previous "magical hands".

What are some of the challenges artistic background. Also, I missed interacting directly with people. The best profession I could you face being a women in this role, if any? think of where I would get to be hands on creatively and to I think my biggest challenge being a female in my work with people one on one was the cosmetology profession. profession is being taken seriously by a very few clients I What are the demands of your job? Are there any unseen have had in the past. Both men and women have tried to demands that people may not know? undermine me about my knowledge in my field and of my Physically it can be draining sometimes. Long hours of education in general.

Anything else you would like to share? standing and sometimes my hands can become fatigued. But it's all worthwhile to see someone smile at themselves in the I would like to encourage young women to consider going mirror when you have finished a great piece of work that they into the trade of cosmetology. There is so much to offer from get to take home and enjoy. being in this profession. From traveling to staying at home to Do you find any specific challenges of doing your job in a be the "super mom" you need to be. The rewards are endless. small community?

Celebrating the difference women make in our communities.

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Joleen Droste and Allison Tobin

ew to Fernie in 2013, Joleen was looking for a career change and a new passion. Wanting something that would allow her to meet others, she considered purchasing a local retail store, but was unsure how to proceed. Later that year, on a house-hunting trip to Fernie, came Allison, who would help to answer that question. With a background in Interior Design, (interrupted by a career in the dental field) Allison had big dreams to one day open her own décor store/design firm. With the name Interior Envy in mind, Allison started to look at suppliers, but was unsure as to which direction to go to get the business started.

It was during a casual lunch discussion between their two husbands that the stars began to align. When talk turned to their wives, they quickly saw the similarities and shared desire, and decided that Allison and Joleen should meet. A dinner date was scheduled for later that week and conversation turned to the business Allison was starting.

One day later, the ladies met, and their partnership was formed. “I remember calling Joleen the next day

to ask what her last name was so I could order her business cards!”Allison recalls, With Allison’s retail experience and Joleen’s business experience, they formed the perfect team and opened their “Pop Up”Christmas store on Nov, 11, 2014.

Both wondered what reception they would receive, and were overwhelmed with the support shown by the community. This support and excitement propelled Allison and Joleen to open Interior Envy on a permanent basis in the IGS building, which they did in October of 2015, a decision which gave Allison a “happiness hangover”for weeks.

“To be amongst the other fabulous women in business in this community is very humbling. We are very proud of this town we call home, and having the support from its residents is why we are here. We will continue to bring inspiring collections to you. Wait until you see what is next.”

And, lastly a shout out to the two men behind these two women – you are the reason we get to do what we love!”Alli & Jo.

interior envy 441 - 2nd Avenue, Fernie * 250-430-7883

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, March 3, 2016

LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Lori Bradish

Program Coordinator, Fernie Museum How many years have you been in the community?

My family came to Fernie from Rossland in the 1950s and I was born here. I went to Isabella Dicken in Grade 1 shortly after it opened. After graduating from Fernie Secondary I went to college, a number of times throughout my 20s, moving to and from Fernie many times and then finally moved back for good when I turned 30.

My husband and I made our home at the ski hill and we’ve been there over 20 years now.

What is your job title, and role?

My job at the Fernie Museum is mainly developing and coordinating programs that tie into the exhibits we host in the second floor Gallery. That involves a work continuum - developing the program concepts, writing and applying for grants to fund the programs, lobbying corporate sponsorship, coordinating personnel and volunteers, planning and promotion of the event and delivering the program.

What inspired you get into that field of work? How has your role progressed from when you started to now?

Years ago an old friend asked me if I was interested in getting involved with the museum board. At the time my children were small, I was working part time

and felt I couldn’t fit it in. Fast forward a few years and everyday when I dropped my kids off at school I would see Laura Nelson’s car parked outside the museum and knew she was working non-stop on a volunteer basis, on the rehabilitation of the museum building. I couldn’t stop myself from trying to help. It started with cleaning and scraping and painting then led to sitting on the gallery development committee and then led to being asked to curate the exhibit celebrating Fernie Alpine Resort’s fiftieth anniversary. Then I was asked to join the museum staff as a part time program coordinator.

What are the demands of your job? Are there any unseen demands that people may not know?

Working with non-profit organizations is very rewarding but can also be tenuous.

At the museum we are always looking for new approaches to reach various audiences, to tell our community’s stories. But as we are reliant on grant and sponsorship dollars to do that much of the time spent working on program development can be for nothing if our applications are not successful. Our goal is to make our exhibits and programming accessible to as many people as possible and grants and sponsorship enable us to do that.

Do you find any specific challenges of doing your job in a small community?

I think being in a small community like Fernie actually makes the job somewhat easier. When I reach out to the community I often find I’m dealing with people I have known for many years and I can get things accomplished that much faster.

How do you balance work and your personal life?

In a place like Fernie there are untold ways to spend your leisure time so it’s easy to find a balance. Growing up here I have always enjoyed outdoor activities but more recently I have been exploring my creative side taking courses at the Arts Station. Sometimes I find there are too many things I want to do and not enough time.

What are the highlights of your job?

I always describe myself as the Party Planner at the museum. I get a real kick from creating events that people embrace - whether it’s a talk by a local author, a themed dance party or a panel discussion.

We have had great support over the past few years for our exhibits and events and that gives the staff great satisfaction.

What are some of the challenges you face being a women in this role, if any?

From my experience gender equality

Hair

seems to be the norm in the arts, culture and heritage fields. I find I have worked with women and men equally in my job and at this level there doesn’t seem to be challenges for either gender. I think the biggest challenge for women is to still find that balance between work and their personal life.

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Owner Lysh Hair Salon

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LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Dee Holden

Owner, Elements of Self How many years have you been in the It gives me great joy to share some of the healing modalities that have helped me in my community?

I have lived and worked in Fernie for close healing journey. I feel wide-eyed with wonder to 20 years. During that time I have spent as the natural world continues to inspire and some time away, gypsy toeing around in other heal me everyday and in every way. beautiful towns for How do you balance work and training and such. I your personal life? have recently moved to Kimberley.

Nature is my “I am honoured to share in the medicine, I find What is your job personal choices and changes in balance by going title, and role? outside and doing I offer Raindrop the lives of incredible people. ” almost anything. I Essential Oil enjoy dancing, yoga Massage, Reiki and and spending time Registered Holistic with friends. I try to Nutrition at Inside Out Fernie Wellness. spend one day a week enjoying purposelessness.

Through individual healing sessions, Women’s Circles and Herbalism workshops What are the highlights of your job? ranging anywhere from an afternoon to a I am honoured to share in the personal week long, I help in facilitating one’s inherent choices and changes in the lives of incredible connection with Nature, calling joy, peace and people. I so enjoy experiencing the deep smiles vitality back home. I also work part-time as an that emerge from the treatment room after Early Childhood Educator at Aqamnik with sessions. the beautiful children of the Ktunaxa Nation.

Anything else you would like to share?

What inspired you get into that field of Thank you Fernie, you are a gorgeous and work? How has your role progressed from truly spectacular Community:) when you started to now?

Nina Sran

Fernie Pizza & Pasta Nina has been the owner/operator of Fernie Pizza & Pasta since October 2013, balancing her time between her family and her business.

By listening to what the customer’s are asking for, Fernie Pizza & Pasta has a loyal customer base.

Elk Valley Wine & U-Brew Sharon celebrated 5 years of business ownership this January.

Come in and start your batch today and enjoy wine all summer!”

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Pizza & pasta 250-423-4231

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, March 3, 2016

LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Christine Mckie

Frank J. Mitchell Elementary School Principal How many years have you been in the community?

I was born and raised in Sparwood, left to attend university, and after teaching/ administration in Invermere, the Okanagan, Cochrane and Cranbrook my family and I moved back to Sparwood two and a half years ago.

What is your job title, and role?

Currently, I am the principal of Frank J. Mitchell Elementary School. My first responsibility is always to students; ensuring that they have a safe, caring, learning environment.

What inspired you to get into that field of work?

Teaching was always in the back of my mind throughout my childhood years. I started first year university with the idea of becoming a lawyer and by the winter semester of that year I transferred into education.

How has your role progressed from when you started to now?

I had the opportunity to take on leadership roles as a teacher, when I worked with School District #6 in Invermere, and the experiences piqued my interest in administration. I took on a short stint as our high school Vice Principal in 2003, went on to complete my Masters

degree and then became one of the high school Vice Principals in Invermere in 2005.

I left Invermere in 2007 and spent one year in the Okanagan (where I met my husband), and then four years in Cochrane In 2011, we returned to the Kootenays, where I took on the principalship of TM Roberts in Cranbrook. A year later, the principalship at Frank J. Mitchell opened up and I was thrilled to be selected to fill the position.

What are the demands of your job?

The needs of students are always my first priority. It’s definitely a delicate balancing act to ensure that the voices of parents, teachers, support staff and my responsibilities to the school board and district are met. I try to approach each situation from the lens of “what would I want for my own children?”

Do you find any specific challenges of doing your job in a small community?

When I worked in Cochrane, we lived in Calgary. I seldom saw students outside of school. In some ways, it was nice as when I left at the end of the day I was just Christine, not Christine the vice principal. However, I also love the connections you make with students outside of school, in a small town. I like seeing the kids doing things they’re passionate about, outside of school. It makes for a deeper

connection with students and their families.

How do you balance work and personal life?

I’m not sure if that’s entirely possible. My family is my number one priority and I try to ensure the people that work for me know I respect that same priority for them. I purposely don’t go into work on the weekends or in the evenings, unless necessary.

However, I am able to do a lot of work from my computer so when my boys go to bed I’ll often answer emails, and take care of other responsibilities.

What are the highlights of your job?

I love getting to spend time with students in their classrooms and I have always enjoyed connecting with kids through coaching. Kids love to share a piece of their schoolwork in my office. I get excited talking about good teaching and learning practices. Essentially, the highlight of my job is getting to spend my day with kids and adults that care deeply about kids having a great day at school.

What are some of the challenges you face being a women in this role, if any?

My philosophy is not to approach student discipline with a heavy hand. When a student is brought to the office for discipline, they often need an adult willing to listen to them. I rarely raise my voice to students. I express my disappointment, and together we work through a process in which the student has to take ownership of their mistake, then together we come up with appropriate consequences and a plan to ‘fix’ the mistake. Some staff and parents would prefer to see a tougher approach, and may perceive that a male principal would bring this kind of philosophy to the school.

Women in Business

The Free Press

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omen have played an integral part in the making of history, including the local history around us. Their role has influenced the way of life in the Elk Valley and make up the tapestry of the area. Hence it’s only right that we celebrate women in business, along with all other aspects of daily life.

During the Second World War, women had a unique opportunity.

While their husbands, fathers, brothers and friends were conscripted to join the armed forces, it left many professions without the workforce to make essential wartime products. Women dutifully filled these roles, flourishing in trades and businesses previously dominated by males.

Although male dominance thrived in many of these industries after the war ended, it was the first chance women had to show that they could not only do these jobs, but they could do them well.

The Elk Valley is home to many astounding females who are proof that they can play with the boys. They set up businesses that re-invest in local initiatives, as Katrin Taylor has done with the Elk Valley Thrift Shop, which has donated nearly $180,000 back into the community.

They run successful sports organizations, as Barb Anderson does with the Fernie Ghostriders, ensuring that the organization runs like a well-oiled machine. They debate new policy for the local governments – Mayor Mary Giuliano, Councillors Lois Halko and Mandy McGregor and Denise Bertrand are perfect examples, as they are involved in the political landscape of Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford, respectively.

Our local media channels feature strong female voices. The ladies at the Fernie Fix run a monthly publication, showcasing stories from around the Valley, and here at The Free Press, along with our token male reporter, we

Jennifer Cronin (front), Bonny McLardy, Laura Burke, Andrea Horton, Leah Scheitel and Miranda De Baughn

pride ourselves on delivering news relevant to the local communities.

It’s these businesses and the women behind them that keep the area alive with activity and we are proud to honour them. It’s 2016 and while we are still working for equality in business and life, women such as the ones in the Elk Valley will open the doors for future generations.

342 - 2nd Avenue, Fernie • 250-423-4666• advertising@thefreepress.ca • www.thefreepress.ca

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LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Trysta Vandale

For the love of the game

By Jenna Jensen

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rysta Vandale began her curling career at the Elkford Curling Rink at the age of six years old. Since then, her passion for the sport has only increased, as well as her success with each passing year.

This year, Vandale played lead for the B.C. Women’s Team in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, showing all of her fans and supporters locally and nationally that small town girls can make it big.

Terry Vandale, Trysta’s mother credits her daughter for having amazing focus and skills from the start. “I was a coach at the rink when Trysta was young, so she was often on the ice and watching. When she tried it, (curling) she had an immediate love for it, and was really good. As she got older, she was competitive and saw much success throughout her junior years winning a gold, followed by a silver in the B.C. Winter Games, being a part in bringing the first high school level win banner to the rink here in Elkford,” says Terry.

As Trysta aged out of the junior curling category, her love of the sport

continued as she curled in Alberta during college and finally made the choice to move to Vancouver so she could again curl competitively. This year, her team qualified for the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, with an intense week of eleven games and teams from across Canada vying for the spot to take the championship and head to the 2016 Ford World Women’s Championship.

At the close of the Tournament of Hearts, the B.C. team did not place at the top, however Trysta’s mom has seen her daughter’s dreams come true, and knows she will continue to play hard and see many more wins in her future. “We are so proud of them all to take this spot for B.C. and play in the Tournament. This really has been a lifelong dream for Trysta, and we are all so very proud,” says Terry.

Terry continues to speak with, and inspire young curlers whenever she has the opportunity telling the story of her daughter and reminding them that coming from a small town rink will never hinder their success when they put their minds and energy into something they love.

Women in Business

Women in Business

Alexandra DeMartini

Assistant Manager of Operations

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lexandra has lived in Fernie since 1986, and joined Save-On-Foods (formerly Overwaitea) in 2006, accepting a position as pharmacy clerk.

In 2008, she was promoted to Assistant Manager of Operations, a position that requires a great deal of interaction with the public and staff, which is Alexandra’s favourite part of the job.

In a position that has many moving parts, the ability to multi-task is key, and, although admittedly hard at first, juggling the varied duties of her position has become easier over time. As the grocery manager in charge of non-perishables, a day of work can consist of ordering, managing the grocery staff, speaking to food representatives and unloading freight with a big power jack as well as a multitude of other tasks. “Every day is different. I work a lot of freight, and there is lots of physical activity in the job.

It is not for everyone,” Alexandra shares.

The fluctuating numbers in the customer base also provides a unique set of challenges in the Fernie store. With a large population in the winter, and not a lot of room to store the stock, the balance of ordering between stock and space can be complex.

In the transition from Overwaitea to Save-On-Foods Alexandra feels the store now caters more to their customer base, noting the improvements made to the deli, and the huge natural section. She loves the updated look, and the feeling of rejuvenation.

Alex is a proud member of the Save-On-Foods team and is committed to Going the Extra Mile for customers in our community.

792 2nd Avenue • 250-423-4607

Tara Hatch

Athletic Therapist Fluid Motion Therapy

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luid Motion Therapy and Bracing was established in 2008 after Tara Hatch became a Certified Athletic Therapist.

Her knowledge and passion to help people return to their daily activities has made her well known in the Elk Valley.

Tara specializes in full athletic rehabilitation and custom knee braces for ligament instability and osteoarthritis, but also can provide expertise with various other bracing requests.

When Tara is not at work, you can usually find her taking advantage of all the wonderful activities the Elk Valley has to offer with her young family.

Tara Hatch, BHSc, CAT(c) Certified Athletic Therapist

FLUID MOTION THERAPY • 250-946-6722 info@fluidmotiontherapy.com • www.fluidmotiontherapy.com

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, March 3, 2016

LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Norma McDougall

Manager, Sparwood Chamber of Commerce Norma is currently the Manager of the being town ambassadors, and assisting with Sparwood Chamber of Commerce, for the tourism projects. Running the Chamber has last 41/2 years. Norma was raised in Calgary, been a fun and very rewarding job.

Norma has always been very involved with moving to the Crowsnest Pass in 1979, and Elkford, before settling in Sparwood in her community, a member of the Curling and 1986. She and her husband Cal have run Golf Clubs for over 30 years, running the numerous businesses junior golf program in the Valley for over and very instrumental in starting, and the 32 years. Norma was President of the Elk on the board of the Valley Swim Club Sparwood Chamber for over 6 years. for over 12 years.

“Sparwood has been a great Norma has been very When they needed someone quickly married to town to run a business and happily that knew Sparwood, her husband Cal for the Chamber and raise a family; it has so much over 27 years, have children Adam business, Norma to offer, and will be a great 2& Layne immediately stepped and their precious grandson, in to help. Being place to retire.” in business herself Boston. In her spare time Norma enjoys and now assisting business, was a good keeping active, entertaining and fit. There are two enjoying time at their sides to running the Sparwood Chamber. cabin at the lake with One is advocating and working for the friends and family. Sparwood has been a great business community, plus organizing and town to run a business and raise a family; it running numerous networking events, and has so much to offer, and will be a great place the flip side is running the Visitor Center, to retire.

Women in Business

Stephanie Fleming

Owner, Infinitea T-Bar & Boutique

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nfinitea T-Bar & Boutique was originally opened as a partnership in 2012.

In October 2015 Stephanie Fleming became sole proprietor of Infinitea and has big plans to continue building Infinitea as a locals meeting place and special event venue.

Infinitea’s values have always included healthy home cooked food, original and unique drinks and a comfortable welcoming space for everyone.

Since its opening Infinitea has won the Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year Award in 2013, was a finalist for Business of the Year in 2015 and has recently been awarded Silver for Best Live Music Venue in the Fernie Fix 2015 Best of Fernie.

Stephanie has many plans for more events & collaborations with the community and looks forward to the next exciting chapter of Infinitea.

501 1st Avenue, Fernie • 778-519-5258

The Sparwood Chamber of Commerce salutes all Women in Business

250-425-2423 Stop at the visitor center to see what we have to offer!