Special Features - Women in Business 2015

2015

WOMEN BUSINESS in

23

rd

annual ce l e b r at i on

o f O k a na g an wome n a n d t h e i r s u c c e s s e s

leaders • innovators • visionaries

CAPITAL news

WFG brings financial solutions typically reserved for the weathly to families from all walks of life.

WORLD FINANCIAL GROUP

Office: Office: 250.869.0101 250.869.0101 Monday Monday - Friday - Friday 8:30-5:00 8:30-5:00 Saturday Saturday 10:00-4:00 10:00-4:00 Sunday Sunday Closed Closed Always Always open open online! online! www.Century21Kelowna.com www.Century21Kelowna.com 251 251 Harvey Harvey Avenue, Avenue, Kelowna Kelowna BC BC V1Y6C2 V1Y6C2 Each Each Office Office is independently is independently owned owned and and operated operated

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Our 2015 Women in Business

Myrna Myrna Park Park

Broker Broker Owner Owner

Cherylee Hale

Brenda Neubauer

Debbi Lachelt

Deannie da Costa Zahara

Aaron Aaron Moss Moss

Heather Brown

Denise Martell

Shelley Bixby

Jinky French

Robbyn Ingram

Melissa Lachelt

Wilma Gonzales Lepage

Amanda Amanda Westrheim Westrheim Annette Annette Lipkovits Lipkovits

Danielle Danielle Grundy Grundy

Jackie Jackie Large Large

Janet Janet Sime Sime

Paula Cryderman

Justina Justina LeeStolz LeeStolz

Kim Kim Waldherr Waldherr

Lisa Lisa Moldenhauer Moldenhauer

Marcia Marcia Bufford Bufford

Marta Marta Michta Michta

Maureen Maureen Yakimchuk Yakimchuk

Monique Monique Kaetler Kaetler

Sandra Sandra Ciolfi Ciolfi

Tamara Tamara Terlesky Terlesky

Taylor Taylor Musseau Musseau

TeriTeri Fisher Fisher

Terri Terri Ann Ann Novello Novello

Tara Williams

No Family Left Behind • Your Dreams • Our Strategies

WORLD FINANCIAL GROUP INSURANCE AGENCY OF CANADA INC.

2009E Enterprise Way

250.869.4110

SCAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2015 5 Z3

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

What Works for Women in the Workplace overcoming the maternal Wall Rhonda hymeRs, cim, fcsi, ciwm Vice President, Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor rhonda.hymers@rbc.com 250-712-2148

wendy Rooke, pfp Associate Wealth Advisor & Financial Planner wendy.rooke@rbc.com 250-469-7413

edith RoZsa, pfp Associate Wealth Advisor edith.rozsa@rbc.com 250-712-2144

Julie fRiBeRg, Ba Associate Wealth Advisor julie.friberg@rbc.com 250-712-2134

daRRen Zalay Associate Advisor darren.zalay@rbc.com 250-712-2170

hymeRs wealth management gRoup of RBc dominion secuRities Suite 1100 – 1708 Dolphin Avenue | Kelowna, BC V1Y 9S4 Phone: 250-712-2148 | Toll-free: 1-877-308-4766 www.rhondahymers.com

I recently participated in a panel discussion on obstacles facing women in the workforce hosted by the Sauder School of Business Women in Leadership program. I was asked to speak on the challenge of balancing a career alongside the traditional tasks of running a house and raising children – what Joan C. Williams, author of What Works for Women at Work refers to as the “Maternal Wall” – the biases and stereotypes working mothers can face both at home and in the workplace. Here are some excerpts from that discussion.

I embarked on my career as an Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities 13 years ago, which happened to coincide precisely with the time that I started having children. Since then, I have grown my business five-fold and expanded my team from two to seven. I have three children under the age of 12, and I am honoured to be among the top three Female Advisors at RBC Dominion Securities in Canada. It’s been a bit of a crazy ride and yet there isn’t anything I would rather be doing than helping my valued clients.

People always ask me, “how do you do it?”

Rather than take it as an insult, I recognize it as a compliment and embrace the opportunity to educate other women who are also up against the Maternal Wall. Here are a few tips:

Be honest and diRect I had to be honest and direct. My husband and I agree we are a team sharing the responsibilities at home.

This also means we both benefit from equal time and enjoyment with the kids, a clear win for everyone.

delegate daRcy gRiffith Administrative Assistant darcy.griffith@rbc.com 250-712-2146

lindsay smaRt, Ba Associate lindsay.smart@rbc.com 250-712-2130

To be successful, I delegate and let go of the small stuff.

find the Right team Finding success at work has meant finding the right team of people to support me. I have to take inventory of my strengths and learn to lean on the skill sets of my team. I believe in investing in a team of experts for the benefit of my clients. Having who I consider to be the best in the industry is important in terms of our ability to consistently deliver on our promise of service excellence and exceptional portfolio management.

focus on time management and communication I need to ensure every minute of my time is focused on helping my clients succeed. That makes communication and time management essential.

I have a team member dedicated to managing our schedules to ensure we meet face-to-face with clients on a regular and consistent basis. It also means that I have to be organized and plan ahead so that I can attend the special concert or school activity with the kids.

continue the peRpetual puRsuit of Balance I am always on a quest for “balance.” The truth is however that there is no such thing as balance, rather a perpetual pursuit of balance. Like when we were children, riding on a teeter-totter, we need to accept that work/life balance is in constant motion. We need to be aware and intentional about what is required on that teeter-totter of balance.

RememBeR to take caRe of youRself Be realistic and remember that you are riding on that teeter-totter too! You need to remember to take care of yourself. Don’t be afraid to say no sometimes. It’s ok. It is also necessary to set boundaries to protect what is most precious to you: your time!

Today, working mothers have more opportunities than ever before. If you can balance your priorities, understand where you need help, learn to delegate, learn to say no sometimes and let go of the small stuff, you can create the life you want!

Rhonda Hymers is an Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 2015. All rights reserved. 15_90832_VFW_002

Z4 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Why diversity is good for business growth

“We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.”

~ Charlotte Whitton

Gladys Fraser

MBA PFP AICB Branch Manager Lakeshore Centre Branch

first woman mayor of a large urban Canadian city (Ottawa)

Darla Aitken PFP

Manager, Business and Professional Banking Kelowna Main Branch

Brandy Manuel Manager Personal Banking Kelowna Main Branch

Shelley Harborne PFP

Business and Professional Banking Advisor Kelowna and West Kelowna

Maureen Mitchell PFP Branch Manager West Kelowna Branch

Robyn Neff, PFP BA

Branch Manager Rutland Branch

Debbie McDonald Business and Professional Banking Advisor Rutland Branch

Richness is:

Pursuing a passion instead of a job www.scotiabank.com

Diversity is about embracing differences.

These differences can be found in people’s abilities, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, physical characteristics, religion, sexual orientation or values.

But diversity is more than a human rights or an inclusion issue—it’s a profitable business strategy.

A business that adopts diversity as a strategy is able to reflect its marketplace, leverage talent, build a robust supply chain and enhance its decision-making and governance.

Bottom line: A diverse business performs better financially.

There are several reasons why a diverse strategy gives businesses a competitive edge.

A new report by Catalyst.org suggests businesses with diverse boards are more socially responsible, which results in “sustainable big wins for the company and its stakeholders.”

Diverse companies perform higher with regards to their community impact, environmental responsibility and customer relationships.

These measures are essential to small businesses looking for a sustainable link to their community.

“Today’s customers want to do business with organizations that share their values,” said Laurel Douglas, chief executive officer of the Women’s Enterprise Centre in Kelowna.

“We’ve seen an increase in businesses and educational institutions coming to us for workshops on how to introduce diversity into their organization.”

The business case for diversity is well documented.

Since 2004, Catalyst has produced studies showing that companies that achieve diversity in their management and board attain better financial results than those who don’t.

But diversity need not be reserved for the CEO or board level; companies can also employ diversity as a business strategy at the customer/ client level, with employers and with suppliers.

While any strategic shift should align with a business’ overarching plan, there are several ways

businesses of any size can make simple changes: 1. Diversify your staff. A workplace of employees with different education and experience fosters innovation and increases buyin, reducing employee turnover 2. Rethink your marketing. Reflecting the diversity of the marketplace enhances your business’ reputation and rapport with your customers, and helps you build a strong connection with your community 3. Find a new supplier with a new product to cater to a diverse customer or client base. This can broaden your customer base, lead to lower costs and encourage more responsive suppliers 4. Assign a percentage of your business purchases to diverse suppliers. Organizations that have made supplier diversity part of their corporate social responsibility practices include Telus, Merck and RBC 5. Register as a diverse supplier to make more connections. For businesses owned by women, minorities, aboriginals, or LGBT, registering can open doors for new contracts. Learn more at supplierdiversitycanada.ca 6. Assemble a diverse board of directors, mentors and advisors. A group comprised of people who bring unique competencies, skills and perspectives to the table is more effective in its decision-making.

For a business looking to kick-start change or growth with little outlay, diversity strategies may be the key.

The Women’s Enterprise Centre is the leading business resource for B.C. women who own a business or are thinking of starting a business. The WEC team of professionals provides business loans up to $150,000 to start, grow or buy a business, and also offers workshops, business advisors, mentors, resources and a supportive community to help women start, grow and succeed in their business.

1-800-643-7014 womensenterprise.ca facebook.com/wecbc

She said it…

“Successful companies are not the ones that build a business, then look at diversity as a nice-to-have attribute. Truly successful and innovative companies are those that build diverse teams when they’re just starting out in their own apartment or their folks’ garage. Diversity is a mentality, not just a strategic imperative. ” —Eketarina Walter, business writer

Dena Abrahamse Happy 2015…”Where does the time go?” Let’s take time to enjoy this year and the ones around us. I’m going to start by thanking everyone for all the business they have sent my way for over the past 14 years. Kelowna’s sign market demands full service capabilities & quality products at reasonable prices & we have continually been there to fulfill those demands. Access Signs’ reputation is founded on ensuring 100% customer satisfaction.

We are very experienced in working in multiple mediums including wood, 3D, metal, plastic, banners & coroplast. We take care of it all…from real estate, property development, business frontage & sandwich boards to strata complexes, decals and site signs. We offer in-house large format printing & vinyl cutting for your interior & exterior signage needs including vehicle graphics & much more. Access Signs also gives back to the community by sponsoring a variety of sport teams & events and helping out with non-profit organizations and fund raising.

When time permits, Dena likes to hike, go boating, hang out with family & friends or just read a good book. We welcome you to come by the shop or visit our website: www.access-signs.com.

Our business is to make your business get noticed!

#2 - 1980 Bredin Road (behind Cloverdale Paint)

™Trademark used under authorization and control of The Bank of Nova Scotia

Phone 250-860-1728 • Fax: 250-860-1702 Email: access.signs@shaw.ca

SCAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2015 5 Z5

OUR PROMiSe At Expedia CruiseShipCenters , we are navigators of spectacular vacation experiences. As part of the number one brand in travel, this is our promise to you: ®

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We are more than trained experts. Our Vacation Consultants are also passionate travelers and cruise enthusiasts who can share their experiences to create the best vacation experience for you.

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Whether it’s an onboard cash credit, Expedia® Exclusive Staterooms, reduced deposits, free upgrades or special offers, many vacation packages come with an Expedia® bonus.

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You can count on us for every vacation possibility over land, sea and air, including customized trips, coach and rail tours and insurance.

Always there.

We’re here to help - before, during and after your trip. Plus, with the availability of consultations in person, through email or over the phone, along with direct bookings through our website, you always have the freedom to book when, where and how you choose. ® Copyright CruiseShipCenters International Inc.

Your navigators of spectacular vacation experiences.

From left to right: Noelle Geary, Diane Pinkerton, Joanne Reynolds, Tana Judson, Dana Nease, Trish Carroll, Cheryl Knight, Lynora Darling, Gloria Meeder, Cheryl Rosborough, Catherine Cameron, Jackie Powell, Audrey Larson, Kim Kelly Missing: Amanda Croteau, Sally Demuynck, Kim Davis, Linda Cole

As managing partner of Expedia CruiseShipCenters in Kelowna, Cathy Cameron has what many would consider a dream career - quite simply, she and her team of 18 female Vacation Consultants make people’s dreams come true.

“There’s nothing more disheartening than a long-awaited vacation gone bad,” says Cameron. “That’s why, despite the glut of options for booking travel on-line or supplier direct, savvy travellers are opting for building longer-term, personal relationships with full service travel professionals.”

Women are the major influence on vacation travel buying, so, it is no coincidence that so many Expedia CruiseShipCenters’ Vacation Consultants are mature females who are themselves widely travelled. For Cameron’s team, “It’s an exciting, fulfilling, part or fulltime occupation that appeals to true ‘peoplepersons’, male or female. Once they experience our team atmosphere, job freedom and travel benefits… well, they can’t imagine doing anything else.

According to Cameron, “The service of an Expedia CruiseShipCenters Vacation Consultant can make the difference between a dream vacation and a nightmare. And, given our buying power, we can promise exceptional value at competitive prices.”

Contact our Vacation Consultants to book your dream vacation today.

(250) 763 2900

#106-1980 Cooper Road Orchard Plaza II

www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Kelowna

BCPCA 24815

Z6 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Role models blaze new trails in business world

Kathy York Another fantastic year! Thank you again for all your support. I continue to enjoy my career as a licensed Real Estate Agent.

Living and working in the Okanagan is a blessing. The continued support of my friends, family and clients is greatly appreciated.

Working together is the key to a successful transaction and those who have experienced my dedication, positive attitude and professionalism have not been disappointed.

For the smile that keeps on giving, pick up the phone and make the call. I would love to hear from you!

Your Kelowna Born and Raised Real Estate Agent

250.870.1810

www.kathyyork.ca kathyyork@shaw.ca 138-1876 Cooper Rd., Kelowna, V1Y 9N6

Mona Jansen, Natasha Koenig, Karen Copp (back row) Margaret White, Sally Heinrick (front row) Missing: Linda Sproule, Jeanette Bosch

Maritime Travel is Canada’s largest independent travel agency with over 110 offices nationwide. Maritime Kelowna welcomed the staff of Sun Country travel in 2014.

With over 100 years combined experience, we are your travel experts.

Our 24/7 emergency helpline staffed by Maritime Travel employees is there to provide round the clock customer care. Our pricing is the same as online, with no service fees on Vacation packages and Cruises.

Darcy Nybo contributor

Karen Luniw, chief executive officer of attractmorenow. com, has been helping women empower themselves for over 20 years.

She is a mindset expert specializing in business, money, and relationships, and is the creator of the very popular iTunes podcasts, The Law of Attraction Tips and Business Attraction.

She has managed to create a highly successful business by helping others succeed.

Luniw has seen quite a few changes over the years when it comes to women in business.

“I see more women moving into business and being successful at it,” she said from her Kelowna office.

“There are so many great role models out there now of women who have been successful in business, it has now become more commonplace.”

Luniw coaches business people from around the world, and has found a common thread in the women she coaches.

“Women are reaching for higher goals than they were before and in some cases they are the main breadwinners in the family. Through this last decade many people have taken a hit in

their employment.

“Many men are waiting out the employment drought, while the women are moving ahead and becoming the major bread winners in the family.”

As traditional roles blur in business, so does the types of businesses where women are excelling.

“Traditional roles are changing in the workplace. We see more women in financial sectors and more men in health care and it doesn’t upset the status quo in most areas.”

Luniw believes any woman, in any business, at any stage of their life can be very successful.

“Women need to believe in themselves when it comes to business. They don’t need to look to permission from others,” Luniw said.

“I’ve worked with so many businesswomen from selfstarters to high-level executives who were still looking for permission and acceptance and not necessarily being

themselves. As soon as they move out of that mind set, things really took off for them.”

“The most important thing is to be true to yourself and to listen to your intuition. Go with your gut.

“You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, and at the same time you don’t have to follow everyone else’s rules on how to get ahead.”

According to Luniw, it is very possible to create a very successful businesses in the sixfigure range without having a huge staff, or high overhead, or large backers.

“Traditional business models are changing. There are people who have built businesses from their homes and expanded them. You can serve people all over the world and connect with them in a whole different way now,” she said.

“Then as you grow your business, you need to learn how to delegate and give up control of the little things and focus on your larger vision. You have to always remember that growing a business is more about leading than doing.”

Check us out at www.maritimetravel.ca

109-1912 Enterprise Way 250-860-0633

She said it…

“Running that first shop taught me business is not financial science; it’s about trading—buying and selling. ” —Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop

The Wellness Spa

Here for you …just part of The Caring Team

Pregnant?

Know your options. Let’s talk.

The Wellness Spa specializes in facials, massages, & waxing. Over the past 12 years, we have built a reputation of friendly service, tranquil surroundings, and beautiful treatments.

leasha, Sharon Vida, Ashley, A We are a convenient oasis for weary travelers here at the Best Western Hotel, but we value our local clientele and offer special packages for you!

As a mother & business owner, Sharon Strang recognizes the need to care of oneself. Along with her wonderful staff, you can be sure to receive treatments of the highest quality and care.

If you are looking for an effective European skincare line, we carry Guinot, for every skin type & condition.

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We invite you to peruse our website for more information or just take an hour or so and come to our oasis for a mini-vacation! ! Online booking and online gift certificates available.

250.763.2112

M-F 10 am to 4 pm www.ovpcc.com confidential@ovpcc.com

(at the Best Western Plus Hotel & Suites)

250-860-4985 | 1-866-860-4985 2402 Hwy. 97 N. contact@wellnessspa.ca www.wellnessspa.ca

SCAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2015 5 Z7

Interest Rate Cut, Indebted B.C. Residents Must Resist the Urge to Borrow More For cash-strapped Canadians, the news that interest rates have been cut by 0.25% by the Bank of Canada seems like good news, but MNP Personal Bankruptcy Trustees are asking consumers to be wary. While many will now feel encouraged to spend or borrow more now that the rate has decreased, this is exactly what not to do.

“This isn’t the time to start borrowing more,” warns Jeané Herman, Personal Bankruptcy Trustee with MNPDebt.ca, “It’s the time to start paying down the principal on debts and saving for the future. Interest rates will indeed go up eventually, and when they do,

MNP PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY TRUSTEES WARN CONSUMERS NOT TO SPEND MORE ON CHEAP CREDIT AND TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PAY DOWN DEBT

LIFE-CHANGING DEBT SOLUTIONS

“Together we will find a solution that works.”

There are other options other than bankruptcy Negotiations with creditors Stop legal actions or garnishments Repair your credit rating Protect your assets and wages Convenient local appointments

Canadians will want to put themselves in the best financial position possible.” Historically the interest rate cuts made by the Bank of Canada have not had an impact on the amount of interest you are paying on credit card debt, and if the banks don’t lower their prime rate, the cut to the Bank of Canada interest rate may not affect the interest on a line of credit or other forms of credit.

With the household debt-to-income ratio in Canada currently at a record high of 162.6%, a large number of consumers need to assess their financial situation and choose ways of decreasing their overall debt.

Herman suggests the following advice to help indebted B.C. residents improve their financial standing without having to file a Consumer Proposal or a Bankruptcy: 1) The easiest and most effective option is to work on a monthly budget and stick to it. Look at where you can reduce some of your expenses without giving up everything. For example, take a look at your budget and examine your entertainment, dining and / or clothing expenses and see what can be cut back. Use any extra money at the end of the month to pay down your debt.

2) Another option is to call your credit card companies and ask for the lowest interest card possible.

You may lose your points or rewards, but the money saved on the lower interest payments will be worth it.

3) Do you have any assets, like a house, extra cars, savings, investments, RRSPs, etc.? If you do, depending on your level of debt, you may want to use your assets as collateral to get a loan at a much lower interest rate and then pay off your other debt. You could also choose to sell the assets outright and use the funds to pay off your debt. The key here is to speak to a professional so you are coming up with a long-term solution, not just a temporary quick fix. If selling the asset doesn’t allow you to pay your debts in full, this may not be the best option for you.

4) Another option is to go to your bank and ask for a consolidation loan. Basically this involves you asking the bank to give you an amount of money large enough to pay off all your debt, leaving you with just one payment to the bank at a lower interest rate. For this to happen, you need to be qualified by the bank. If you do, the bank may lend you an amount of money to pay off your other higher debts. The only issue is that for this type of loan, the bank usually only lends money for debts that you have at their bank.

As you can see, you do have options before bankruptcy or a Consumer Proposal. They key is dealing with your debt problems early on so they do not become overwhelming.

Jeané Herman, CIRP, Trustee

FREE CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION

250.979.2580 KELOWNA

700,1628 DICKSON AVENUE

MNPdebt.ca

Government Licensed Trustees in Bankruptcy & Proposal Administrators

If you have tried some of the methods above but are still struggling with your debt payments, contact an MNP debt professional to learn about what other options may be available.

Jeané Herman, CIRP is a licensed Trustee with MNP LTD Long-Term Debt Solutions in the Kelowna office. Contact Jeané at 250-979-2580 or jeane.herman@mnp.ca

Z8 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Women changing local business landscape Darcy Nybo

“I am starting to see a trend in that there are more professional women such as lawyers, accountants, doctors, etc., here in Peggy Athans, executive Rutland.” director for the Downtown D’Andrea has some solid Kelowna Association, says women advice for women in business. are very much engaged and “Networking is very important. involved in downtown businesses.

You need to get out and get to “The number of businesses know the other businesses in the operated by women is not a area. It’s a great way to meet the stat we’ve collected, but it’s Peggy Athans people in the community and get pretty incredible to see some of your name out there.” the long-standing businesses that She’s also a strong advocate for giving back are in downtown Kelowna with women in the to the community. “Women in business need to forefront,” Athan said. find out where help is needed in their community.

“For example, Amici’s Hair and Body Spa, Helping others strengthens business. Women have Picture Perfect, Tigerlily Fashions, Fashion a high emotional intelligence and should use that Foundations, Cruzwear Unlimited, Ten Fashions to their advantage,” said D’Andrea.

Bridal Boutique & Special Occasions, The “Trust your instincts and do your research.

Downtown Shoe Store, Modern Accents, and Hyde Business and community involvement should Park are all owned and operated by women and go hand in hand. If we have a strong business have been successful businesses downtown for network we can help more of the community over 20 years.”

Athans says the DKA has about 1,200 members non-profits.”

She advises that you don’t have to give up all and the businesses run by women are some of the your free time to help either. most successful, but she hasn’t seen any trends “Look into what non-profits appeal to you one way or the other. and then apply to be on the board. If you don’t Laurel D’Andrea is the executive director for have time to be on a board, then sit on a subthe Uptown Rutland Business Association. She committee. believes there is a nice balance of male and “You get to utilize your strengths and improve female business owners in Rutland. “As soon as your weaknesses and you’ll learn from likesomeone gets a business licence in our area, they minded individuals.” automatically become members,” said D’Andrea.

CONTRIBUTED

Contributor

Laurel D’Andrea is the executive director of the Uptown Rutland Business Association.

Angela & Florenda Empowering women to see their authentic beauty has been a driving force for Esteem Lingerie since we opened our boutique 8 years ago.

We strive for continuous improvement and are proud to be independently Certified Professional Bra Fitters. All of our fitters have achieved certification from Fabfit Academy, an international bra fit training and certification program established by Ali Cudby. We work with our customers and fit their body in quality products from a wide range of styles, sizes and price points. At Esteem Lingerie, we focus on fitting each individual’s unique body, ensuring the products fit you, not trying to make you fit a product.

When you are considering your next intimate garment purchase, please be good to yourself and seek out the expertise of our certified professional fitters so you too can understand why....

“We do more than lift your spirits!”

Westbank Towne Centre 38-2475 Dobbin Rd. West Kelowna, BC V4T 2E9

She said it…

“People don’t take opportunities because the timing is bad, the financial side is insecure. Too many people are over-analyzing. Sometimes you just have to go for it.”

—Michelle Zatly, co-founder of SoundFlare

www.esteemlingeriegroup.ca

Dr. Corrina Iampen MD, CCFP

Diplomat of American Board of Phlebology

LASER & VEIN REJUVENATION | 2448 Dobbin Rd. West Kelowna | 250-768-5355 www.senseilaser.org

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SCAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2015 5 Z9

Some dreams do get realized bgerding@kelownacapnews.com

Karyn MacKenzie and Deb Dunnigan took a calculated business risk back in 2009 and have beaten the odds.

Back then, the women decided to open their own downtown Kelowna business, DunnEnzie’s Pizza, facing the statistical reality that more than 80 per cent of restaurants don’t survive past the first two years.

“We did not follow a conventional path to get where we are today…but when you start out you have to be very clear in your mind what you’re trying to create and stick to your guns,” MacKenzie said.

“Be prepared to see your vision through and don’t get knocked off that path by the naysayers. The first two years for us was tough but we believed in what we were doing and were going to see it through to the end.“ The “end” for MacKenzie and Dunnigan is to see their business thriving, increase staff from one to eight people and having interest from others in seeing their business franchised in other cities or expanded to other locations in Kelowna.

“For the last five years we have concentrated on building up the business. We started getting franchise interest after about two years but we put that aside at the time,” MacKenzie said.

“Now we are at a point where we have to start seriously thinking about expansion, and there are some exciting opportunities ahead for us to consider.”

The story behind DunnEnzie’s, a pizzeria created with a New York City authentic ambiance and steadfast resolution to prepare a high quality product with the best local and home-

made ingredients, is a reflection of the shared passion that MacKenzie and Dunnigan had for food.

Five years ago, the two made drastic life-changing decisions in the minds of many of their friends and family.

Living in Calgary, MacKenzie had a sales job in the oil and gas industry and Dunnigan had worked for more than 20 years in the city’s recreation and parks department.

“We were doing well in our careers but then my sister passed away from cancer at age 35, and shortly thereafter Deb’s mom had to be admitted to a long-term care facility due to an illness,” MacKenzie recalled.

“That got us to thinking that not everyone is guaranteed a long life where you have time to delay things you’ve always wanted to do until later in life.

“We always wanted to move to Kelowna and we started thinking in light of my sister’s death and Deb’s mom’s illness, maybe now is the time to make that move. Those experiences made us do something that we might not normally have done.”

Having decided to move to Kelowna, the next question was what kind of business to open.

The idea for the pizzeria came out of an experience of trying to find a place for a late night snack after a night on the town, and finding nothing was available.

“We came up with the pizzeria idea that night and six weeks later we were opening our business. We just felt our experience was being shared by others, particularly in our age demographic.

“Our friends thought we were crazy to open a pizza place, but the frustration we felt was probably being felt by others as well. We had looked at other ideas for starting a

business but that night we both came to the realization this was our chance.”

DunnEnzies started out with a broad customer service mandate, to serve the business lunch crowd downtown, those seeking a dinner delivery alternative and staying open late to serve the bar crowd.

MacKenzie said people responded well to what they had to offer, and the business was able to grow because of two key factors—the downtown core began to grow and evolve, and their commitment to be actively involved in the community.

“We opened at a time when the downtown core was beginning to become more vibrant, new businesses opening up and more people moving to live in the downtown core,” she said. “That growth kind of allowed us to luck into a great business model for us.”

DunnEnzie’s has been involved in several charitable efforts since opening its doors, and MacKenzie said their attitude of paying forward, giving back to the community, helped to enhance their relationship with customers.

“That was one way to generate word of mouth attention our way because we had no money to advertise. We ran with a concept we thought was good and people would be receptive to. We’ve had a lot of loyal customers right from the get-go.”

MacKenzie says when they first opened, she and Dunnigan set benchmark sales goals for the business and thought how awesome it would be to attain those goals.

“Today if we hit that (sales) mark, it would be a scary low revenue month for us. We have just gone leaps and bounds beyond where we thought the

business could go. It is amazing to us to see how far the business has grown.”

Karyn MacKenzie and Deb Dunnigan, co-owners of the DunnEnzies Pizza Co. in downtown Kelowna, at 1559 Ellis St.

Santa Fe Furniture

Our pizza is made in house fresh daily using quality locally sourced ingredients and served with a real sense of pride.

This July we will celebrate our 5th year in business here in Kelowna. We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to our family, friends, dedicated employees and especially our loyal customers who have made our success possible. We are excited to be here in Kelowna and to be part of a very vibrant downtown community and look forward to many more years in business here.

1559 Ellis St., Kelowna, BC 250.763.2420 www.dunnEnziwa.com

It has been 5 years since Mona Mueller opened Santa Fe Furniture and Home Decor in Kelowna. The 3000 square foot store is filled with unique solid wood furniture, home accessories and much more.

a, Ellen Sandy, Mon

Mona travels and hand selects all the best that Mexico has to offer. The store is filled with Rustic, Mexican, Southwest, and shabby chic furniture and decor. People with every decorating style can find a unique treasure here. Mona, Sandy and Ellen, invite you to stop in to see the great selection of solid wood furniture, talavera sinks, iron art, yard art, fountains, wall art, and a huge selection of indoor and outdoor pottery.

In the Spring of 2015, Santa Fe Furniture will be moving to its new and much larger location next to Visions in the Kelowna Crossing Shopping Centre. In addition to their current product line, Santa Fe Furniture will be expanding its patio line by adding wicker & teak patio furniture, as well as boatwood and driftwood furniture and decor.

333 Banks Road, Kelowna 778-478-0676

Open Mon. - Sat. 9:30-5:30 pm; Sun. 11:00-4:00pm www.santafefurniture.ca

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Focusing their love of food and business and building something together from the ground up was the goal. With help from great friends and family they built and opened DunnEnzies Pizza Co. July 1, 2009 and have watched their vision come to fruition.

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Z10 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Nadine Westgate As Managing Broker/Owner of the newly rebranded Real Estate Firm, Sage Executive Group Real Estate, it’s an exciting time to be in the industry and moving our well established brokerage of 70 plus astute agents forward. With a new home advantage and flexibility to refocus marketing efforts, Sage is now the Okanagan’s largest locally owned and operated real estate boutique brokerage. With offices in Vernon, Lake Country, Kelowna and West Kelowna we are dedicated to serving the Okanagan Valley. As a community centric brokerage, the Sage team is passionate about delivering high quality service experiences enforced through our unique marketing programs, hand-picked agents, and exceptional agent support. Sage also prides itself on being an active member in the Okanagan community and is committed to giving back through local volunteering and fundraising efforts, sponsorships and more. We live breath and exude the four season Okanagan lifestyle offering a truly local and insightful perspective to this ever-changing real estate market.

Embracing the latest technologies with website syndications and platforms providing International connectivity, Sage brings the Okanagan to the world and the world to the Okanagan. Representative of the Okanagan’s entrepreneurial nature and spirit, we offer a full service brokerage and invite you to drop by our centrally located offices. We look forward to serving you.

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The determination and entrepreneurial drive of business women in Kelowna-Lake Country continues to contribute to the economic stability of our communities.

Thank you for your hard work and commitment, and for ‘takin’ care of business’ in Kelowna-Lake Country.

Ron Cannan, P.C., M.P. Kelowna - Lake Country

114-1835 Gordon Drive, Capri Mall, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H4 ron@cannan.ca (250)-470-5075 www.cannan.ca

Brighter economic outlook being forecast Darcy Nybo

need to be highly organized.”

Over in Lake Country, Cross said she is seeing an increase in people who work away from home.

Corinne Cross-Franson, “There are a lot of women whose manager of the Lake Country spouses work out of town. They Chamber of Commerce, and Karen play here and work somewhere Beaubier, the executive director else,” Cross-Franson explained. of the Greater Westside Board of “These women are now saying, Trade, are working hard to ensure ‘I’m going to do my own thing. women in businesses get and stay I’m going to open a yoga studio or connected.

Karen Beaubier get into real estate.’ The economy “About 40 per cent of our here is on an up rise. People are members are women who either excited. own or run their own business, or “Generally, the price of gas are managers or leaders of their going down is making people feel organizations,” said Beaubier. a little flush and they are spending “I’ve been here for almost that money elsewhere in the three years and it’s maintained community. that level.

“There are new retail “Of the owners, those types developments opening up and of businesses are mostly home everyone is looking forward to based because women need the seeing what we will get in the flexibility within their schedules community.” to deal with all the aspects of Corinne Cross-Franson Cross-Franson said she expects their lives. There’s a resilience that to see 40 per cent of these new businesses will be women have that leads directly to their success. run by women.

When you stick to it, even in the hard times, your “I can see growth coming for our female business will succeed.” owners through the tourism industry and we Cross-Franson is seeing the same stats in Lake Country. “We have similar stats to Westside, about have the rail to trail coming up as well as the new Pelmewash Parkway as a full recreational 40 per cent of our membership is women. A lot corridor.” of them are at a place where their kids are now Beaubier said she’s also noticed the Westside in high school and they are not as in demand economy slowly moving forward. at home so they are able to spread their wings “Our three top sectors that are best and expand their businesses without it being represented by women in the membership detrimental to the home.” are hospitality/tourism, health care and NPO/ Both agree that men and women don’t differ community services. much when it comes be being entrepreneurs, “We see the majority of our female members in saying it’s the drive that gets you to the winners’ services industries. circle.

“When I think of the women in business “However, when it comes to women in business here on the Westside, I know most of them are in general, they are usually the main caregiver for following their passions. the children and sometimes the parents in their “They are satisfying their souls as well as their immediate family,” added Beaubier. pocket books.”

“That gives them added responsibility and a

Contributor

She said it…

“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult. ”

—Melinda Gates

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SCAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2015 5 Z11

Boost your business: Go beyond borders

Exploring new markets is a smart growth strategy for business.

As a small business owner, you might think that exporting dis only for big businesses, or differences in language and culture might deter you from exploring new areas.

Though the U.S. receives the bulk of Canadian exports, emerging markets in Asia offer immense business growth opportunities.

Diversifying your market will boost your business strength.

Here are four reasons to get into the international market: Profits Exporting improves your bottom line.

New markets mean more sales and, with a larger market

base, your profits can grow very quickly.

According to government data, during the economic downturn of 2012 Canada’s exports of goods and services expanded, thereby cushioning many local businesses against the widespread impact of economic downturn.

Risk Management We all know the cliché, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

As in life, it applies equally well to your business.

Diversifying into different markets can help you mitigate risk. Different countries have different growth rates and being a part of these growth stories makes sense.

Being confined to your domestic market opens your business to domestic risks.

Product Lifecycle Even if your product loses its novelty in the domestic market, you can still find a market abroad where this product can be regarded as new.

If you have manufacturing processes in place to create your products, it helps to tap into overseas market to maximize your manufacturing capacity.

Competitiveness The global marketplace is very competitive, and competition breeds innovation.

By improving your business processes and innovating, you not only succeed in the overseas market, but also enhance the value of your business in the domestic market.

You need to understand that every market has different demands and that those demands change every few years.

So it is important to continuously reinvent your business/product/service. Always be market and product focused.

Exporting is not tough— you just have to prepare well in terms of research, costs, time and commitment to be successful internationally.

The Women’s Enterprise Centre is the leading business resource for B.C. women who own a business or are thinking of starting a business. The WEC team of

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“I became successful due to several reasons. I never gave up and I never let anyone or anything get in my way. I use the power of positive thinking to tackle obstacles and challenges so they don’t defeat me. ”

We welcome men, women and transgender guests to shop at Wild Kingdom. Kim Williams and her associates ensure full confidentiality of our guests’ preferred lifestyles. Allow us to show you the amazing products we carry to enhance the special moments you share with yourself or your partner.

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Z12 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Barry Gerding bgerding@kelownacapnews.com A love of dogs and cats has led Kelsey Bakalos into a career that is ideally suited to those sentiments.

Bakalos works for the Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital in

West Kelowna as an assistant technician.

The vet hospital is operated by veterinarian doctors Moshe and Noah Oz, well known in the local animal owners’ community for their volunteer efforts to help pets in need.

“I’ve always been around

animals, dogs and cats, my whole life, and my mom was a breeder of dogs and she showed Shetland sheep dogs,” said Bakalos who, along with her husband Dimitri, live with their own three furry felines Sullivan, Jax and Molly.

That interest was taken to

another level when Bakalos enrolled in the Centre of Arts and Technology vet technician program in 2011 and graduated in 2012.

“It’s called the veterinarian assistant program, but it’s a bit of a funny one to be offered at an arts and technology school.

Those of us in the program were a little bit of the odd group out compared to the other programs being offered,” she said.

“But I think you learn the most when you take the program and at the same time can volunteer your time at a vet clinic. What you learn from the program you get to experience outside the classroom which I think is really beneficial.”

Working at Rose Valley clinic, Bakalos, 26, says the staff get to take on different tasks on a dayto-day basis. “I am doing more different things all the time. I’ve learned more working for Dr. Oz than I’ve learned working at any other clinic thus far. He’s one of the best vets I have ever met. “ She says the attraction to the job for her is dealing with something different every day.

“My goal is to continue to get more involved in the hospital side of things and I’m learning something new every day with regards to doing blood work tests and the other technical aspects.”

But while enabling the health

CONTRIBUTED

Love of animals leads to career

of a dog or cat to improve offers a great feeling of satisfaction, there is also the flip side of seeing pet owners lose their beloved companions.

“Putting down a pet is the sad reality that our pets don’t live as long as we do,” she said. “You do need a thick skin to be sure…it can be a little disheartening but when you see how happy people are to see their pets healthy and cared for, it makes working in a vet hospital worthwhile.”

Bakalos says dealing with pet issues is as much about educating the pet owner as it is

Kelsey Bakalos

treating the animal, for healthy habits such as regular exercise and proper nutrition start with the owner.

“But people are really starting to educate themselves about what is best for their pets and that’s a nice thing to see,” she said.

She suggests that potential pet owner, for both dogs or cats, do their homework about the different breeds and find out which one is best suited for you and your family.“I recommend people check out animal shelters or the SPCA to find a pet that needs a home.”

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Left to right, back row: Melissa Baumann, Showroom Consultant Karla Gill, Lead Glass Installer Front row: Amanda Baumann, Showroom Manager, Mary Ann Gill, “toilet cleaner”

Stop by the exquisite showroom at 451 Banks Road to meet the staff and check out the newest and most exciting plumbing fixtures available on the market today.

Instrumental in bringing products to the Kelowna areas that were well recognized throughout the world, but yet unheard of in the Okanagan valley, Baths by Design has built its reputation as the place to go for products that are not sold by local mainstream suppliers.

As pioneers in their field, Baths by Design was responsible for bringing brands such as Hansgrohe, Grohe and Franke to the Kelowna area, these are now staples in the local industry.

Having long-term, worldwide relationships with over 50 suppliers Baths by Design is able to offer same day order processing, extremely fast delivery

and best of all WHOLESALE pricing to the public, meaning that there is no tiered pricing structure with different discounts for different clients.

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Celebrating 23 years in Kelowna, Baths

by Design will continue to provide the Okanagan valley and the surrounding areas with the top quality products and service for which they are known.

We offer kitchen and bath faucets and sinks, bathroom accessories, toilets, bidets, bath tubs, shower units, custom shower glass and doors in an assortment of styles and colors.

Bathroom and kitchen sinks hand made out of solid granite, bamboo, travertine, concrete, glass and various metals as well as free standing volcanic limestone tubs, air tubs, and everything plumb.

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SCAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2015 5 Z13

Entrepreneurial world opening up for women I have written in past columns over the past few years about the astonishing positive record of female entrepreneurs across our great nation.

But, it seems as time goes on, I continue to discover new tidbits of revelation on this topic.

Female entrepreneurs account for about one-third of all entrepreneurs worldwide.

I never would have guessed the number would be so high.

It is further predicted through statistical analysis that by year 2025, the percentage will jump to 55 per cent, which is staggering.

While women are considered to be risk-averse compared with men, women today increasingly aspire more to running their own company than to achieve a high position within a company or firm.

Past studies have shown that women entrepreneurs are twice as likely as their male counterparts to start ventures following big life changes, such as ill-health, divorce or moving.

The funny thing is women are supposed to have less selfconfidence and less experience in self-promotion than men.

Although I tend to agree with those assertions, this isn’t really an advantage of magnitude when being self-employed.

One does need loads of resilience and courage coupled with a darn good dose of selfconfidence just to keep going with strong deliberate focus in an entrepreneurial venture.

Despite that inherent struggle, women entrepreneurs continue to have enough

Entrepreneurial Spirit JOEL YOUNG motivation and drive to shut down the inner negatives voices and go for their business “ dream machine.”

So what, you might ask, attracts women that are not risk-averse to get into this new game of life entitled entrepreneurship? Are they still risk-averse? Are there other attractions that overcome that?

Both men and women find themselves attracted to choosing their own venture tasks, or following their own entrepreneurial passions.

Others tell me they’re strongly motivated working with many different clients as opposed to working within one corporate culture. I have not one, but two, daughters with that mindset.

Women entrepreneurs are also attracted to making their own decisions, without having to go through an authorization process to implement an idea they hold special during their work performance.

One only has to become absorbed in the plethora of media tech tools we are presented with today to note that women entrepreneurs are more attracted to launching their own venture due to the lack of flexibility with their employers and also hitting the “ glass ceiling” or the “sticky floor,” popular phrases of a

frustrating work world to be mired in.

As a result, more women are being drawn toward being their own boss, helped in part by the to the various options of help and assistance currently available to them.

Here’s a few to sources of help to take note of: • numerous self-help books, magazines and electronic materials • companies that sell “how to” assistance • coaching, a novel journey for female entrepreneurs • female/womens networking entities, clubs and associations such as the Women’s Enterprise Centre here in Kelowna • the collegial spirit that thrives when female entrepreneurs come together to share with one another So, have we moved into a new exciting era for women entrepreneurs? The overall trend seems to indicate that in spades.

Everywhere I look across this wonderful Okanagan landscape, I meet women entrepreneurs of all opportunity facets, and it is truly an enjoyable experience learning of their creativity and positive spirit to succeed.

That trend may, in fact, be actually speeding up as we are finding more and more role models and an enhanced infrastructure for female venturers.

And that raises another questions for employers— namely, how do you keep your female talent happy so they don’t leave you to head up a solo business venture?

Bur reality acknowledges that women entrepreneurs need to be lauded for their increased utilization of modern technology, increased investments, finding niches in the export market, creating sizable employment for others and indeed setting the trend for women entrepreneurs entering

the marketplace.

While female entrepreneurs have demonstrated their entrepreneurial potential in our economy, there is opportunity to do so much more.

That potential is limitless, and I believe and we need to formulate appropriate strategies to stimulate, support

and sustain their efforts in this direction. Then, stand back and watch out…

Joel Young is an entrepreneurial leadership coach, educator and consultant and founding chairperson,Okanagan Valley Entrepreneurs Society. eagleyoung@shaw.ca

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Z14 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Tracy Gray Tracy Gray opened Discover Wines in 2003 after a long career in the BC wine industry. She was elected to Kelowna City Council in 2014. In addition to these and being a dedicated mother and wife, she currently resides on 7 Boards as a Director. She also finds time to volunteer for many organizations including UBC Okanagan and School District 23 speaking about small business, women in business and entrepreneurship.

Discover Wines is the number one BC Wine Store in the Province. Their Wine Club members comment they have “the best Wine Club in BC”. They have a passionate team who focus on promoting locally grown products, food and wine pairing, and corporate gifts.

Accolades include Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award, RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur of the Year, Okanagan Life Readers Choice Best Wine Store, Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist.

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Similarities to city council and business Darcy Nybo

Tracy Gray, owner of Discover Wines, is now in her first term on Kelowna city council.

“When I was starting out in business, I didn’t Gail Given is in her second term on Kelowna have a lot of women mentors to look up except city council and following last November’s civic my aunt, a VP at Merrill Lynch in Calgary. I think that has changed over the years and we have a lot election became the new chair of the Regional more women in a lot more positions in businesses, District of the Central Okanagan board of charity, boards, and politics,” directors. said Gray.

Prior to that, she was a “Having mentors out there Central Okanagan Board of is inspiring for other women.

Education school trustee for It’s one of the reasons I go three years. out and am active in the “I’ve never been focused on community. I love speaking at just women in business, but I do UBC Okanagan and Jaycees and focus on business for anyone. other organizations, so they can Being a woman chair of the hear a story of how people get regional district isn’t about me to where they are.” being a woman; it’s about what As for her new role on city I can do and what skills I bring council, Gray found the shift to the table,” Given said. almost effortless.

“There is an equal amount of “I found the transition very men and women in the valley.”

Gail Given easy from entrepreneur to Given believes the City of councillor,” she said.

Kelowna and the regional “I’ve had to deal with district have created a climate of government and negotiate opportunity here. contracts within my business. It “The tone is set as being made the learning curve a bit open for opportunity in easier to navigate.” business,” she said. “Then (city Gray is confident in the council and RDCO) support it by business climate of the city and the decisions we make. Things the region. like ensuring developments “I’m really excited about move through smoothly and things like having different removing red tape and barriers. housing opportunities for “Things like portable business people at various stages in their licenses or support businesses lives. The new micro units going through a one license process.

Tracy Gray up, will help us keep people “We make sure we are here,” she said. aligned with provincial “If we don’t have somewhere for people to live initiatives that make things easier for businesses.” and enjoy the lifestyle, the business part won’t Given said the best thing anyone can do to come. succeed is to do their research. “You need a good “We have to have the whole package for the financial model and you need to leverage all the business side to thrive. More and more people are organizations in the valley that provide support staying now and creating business. Kelowna has like Community Futures and the EDC. a very progressive business climate. Entrepreneurs “There’s a whole raft of organizations here to support business. If you have what you believe is a are created here.” good idea, do the research.”

Contributor

She said it…

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SCAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2015 5 Z15

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New Automotive Service Manager, West Kelowna location

New Automotive Service Manager, Kelowna location

Ryan Bishop has been in the automotive service industry since 1995, serving Okanagan residents in West Kelowna since 2000. Ryan joined our Canadian Tire Family in 2014.

He recently assumed the role of automotive service manager at the West Kelowna store, and brings with him an extensive background in custom wheels, performance and light truck tires. He leads a team of knowledgeable staff focused on customer satisfaction.

With over 20 years of experience, Ryan invites all customers past and present to drop by the West Kelowna location to experience the revamped Moto-Master Car Care Lounge.

Nancy MacInnes has been in the automotive service industry since 2005 and part of the Canadian Tire Kelowna team since 1995.

She recently accepted a promotion and is now the automotive service manager at the Kelowna store. She leads a team of dedicated staff whose focus is customer care.

With over 19 years of experience, Nancy is committed to providing knowledgeable and quality service for all your automotive service needs.

CANADIAN TIRE Kelowna 1655 Leckie Road

250-860-4331

West Kelowna 101-3550 Carrington Rd

250-707-3901

Z16 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Vibration fitness regimen is a problem solver Laura Pelletier Contributor

The number one resolution every year for most people is to “lose inches, and get fit.”

This is the time of the year to make change and we all start out with great intentions, then too often let our objectives slip

away.

I know I’m not the only one who has been there, done that, but why is it we seem to have this great goal for health and fitness, then lose it along the way?

The problem for many people is it seems life gets in the way—lack of time, no energy,

or motivation, depression and possibly a chronic condition which make it a little harder to have an effective workout.

I discovered the whole body vibration equipment about seven years ago, and it certainly changed my life, and now I share my knowledge with others.

20 ears15

y in 20

Congratulations to Kelowna’s own Renee Wasylyk, 2015 IWIB award-winner!

Women’s Enterprise Centre provides business loans up to $150K, workshops, business advisors, mentors, resources and a supportive community to women business owners across BC. We’re committed to raising the profile of women entrepreneurs and their contributions to the BC economy.

Renee Wasylyk hasn’t just achieved success in her business.

She’s contributed to her community in so many ways – as a storyteller for WEC, serving with the EDC, UBCO, UDI and as Vice-Chair of the Premier’s Women’s Economic Council.

We’re delighted that Renee is being honoured with this prestigious Influential Women in Business Award, which recognizes BC’s most outstanding business women.

womensenterprise.ca 1.800.643.7014 | @businesswomenbc Financial support provided by:

I t ’s

Renee Wasylyk, CEO, Troi ka Developments 2015 Influential Women in Business Award-Winner

For me, I lost 30 pounds, built muscle, saw fewer wrinkles, had more energy, better sleep, and a few more benefits, with no medications or other therapies needed.

There are many studies on how whole body vibration helps with many issues, but let’s start with weight control and physical conditioning.

As we know, people are getting larger, and combined with less exercise you see more serious conditions arising from putting on extra weight and doing less movement.

A majority of our population does not like to exercise, and as we get older it gets worse.

World body vibration is something that does not take a lot of effort or time, and you will see tangible results.

The world body vibration method can be used by just about everyone at any age and with even health conditions, but there are a few exceptions.

The same benefits will also be extended to children and even pets.

How long do you have to exercise on world body vibration

Laura Pelletier

at a time?

Believe it or not, only 10 minutes is equal to one hour of regular exercise, and you can use the vibration equipment more than once a day.

When you stand on the vibration equipment platform, it moves you from side to side, which in turn contracts the muscles in your body.

You use about 80 to 90 per cent of your muscles with world body vibration, as opposed to regular exercise at 30 to 40 per cent.

And as you are moving, you are burning calories, boosting your metabolism, increasing digestion, circulation and toning up. It’s easy on joints and

reduces pain.

There are many poses you can do while on the machine to enhance the workout.

Also, as you are reducing cortisol and increasing HGH, many people see the benefits of their digestion system working better, the lymphatic system is detoxifying the body which increases your feel-good hormones.

You will notice more muscle toning, better balance, flexibility, better mood, and have more motivation to keep going.

The Kwikfit4u world body vibration equipment is popular with fitness centres, YMCA, spas, health and wellness practitioners, seniors’ residences, sports professionals and increasingly now for your home.

With the combination of a healthier diet and exercise, it’s the best way to lose those dreaded pounds, get in shape and feel better.

Laura Pelletier is a certified natural health consultant.

250-769-5552 laura@kwikfit4u.com

They said it…

“A fit, healthy body—that is the best fashion statement.”

—author Jess. C Scott

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SCAPITAL NEWS

Fruits and vegetables: Are you eating enough?

Tara Stark Contributor

In keeping with February being Heart Month, it’s a good time to ask yourself if you are eating a healthy diet, as that plays important role in preventing heart disease.

If I had to recommend just one thing people could do to eat healthier it would be to eat more vegetables and fruit. Research clearly connects vegetable and fruit consumption to health and longevity.

Most Canadians still fall short of the Canada Food Guide recommendation for adults to eat seven to 10 servings a day. Here in B.C., only around 40 per cent of us (age 12 and over) get five servings or more of vegetables and fruit a day so we clearly have some work to do.

How many servings of vegetables and fruit did you eat yesterday? Before you count, consider how big a serving size actually is.

One serving of vegetables is half a cup chopped (fresh, frozen or canned) or one cup of raw leafy greens. One serving of fruit is half a cup chopped (fresh, frozen, or canned) or a whole medium sized fruit.

A half cup of 100 per cent fruit or vegetable juice also counts as a serving but it is better to eat whole fruits and vegetables than to drink juice because fruit juices are a concentrated source of sugar and store bought vegetable juices are usually high in salt.

Seven to 10 servings of vegetables and fruit may sound like a lot. If you are not accustomed to it, the volume can seem daunting.

Many vegetables are very low in calories so you do get a lot of nutrients, fibre, and disease fighting phytochemicals in very few calories.

For example, a cup of spinach has just seven calories and provides fiber as well as vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, magnesium, potassium, and iron that support good health.

With year round availability and many convenient options, it’s never been easier to eat lots of vegetables and fruit. Here are some tips to help you reach that seven to 10 servings a day: • Aim for half a plate of vegetables at lunch and supper • Buy berries when in season. Freeze for easy nutritious desserts or for adding to smoothies or home baking • After you shop, pre-pack baggies of chopped vegetables to bring to work or to send to school • Keep frozen vegetables on hand for a quick and easy side dish • Buy kale or spinach in season or on sale.

Wash it, cut it and put it in the freezer to add to smoothies, soups, and sauces • When you make a salad, prepare enough greens and cut up vegetables to have a salad another day.

Don’t let fruits and vegetables go to waste.

Learning how to properly store fruits and vegetables can save you time and money. For information on storing vegetables and fruit check interiorhealth.ca/YourHealth/HealthyLiving/ FoodSecurity/Documents/Store%20it.pdf.

Tara Stark is a community nutritionist with Interior Health.

Women in Business 2015 5 Z17

Medical Research Finding Cures

Glenmore Clinic

Breanne Benoit, CHEc, Site Manager; Starsha Pederson, LPN, Study Coordinator

Patients volunteer to participate in carefully conducted investigations that ultimately uncover better treatments and even cures for life-threatening and chronic diseases. All medications are Health Canada Approved. Patients also receive additional care and guidance from the clinical studies’ staff.

Patients do NOT need a Doctor’s referral to participate in a clinical study!

Our Glenmore Research Clinic The staff of our Glenmore Research Clinic work with local physicians and specialists qualifying patients with such conditions as: Alzheimer’s, Asthma, COPD, Diabetes (Type 2), Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Ear infections, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Tinnitus and other conditions to participate in research studies.

Invest in community collaboration Open For Change (OFC), a new Kelowna-based investment company, is introducing an innovative way to tackle community, social and environmental issues.

CEO Michael Lavigne founded this new social enterprise on one simple philosophy—the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit.

That means the company invests 1/3 of its profits to people in need, 1/3 to the planet and environment, and 1/3 to socially, economically

and environmentally conscious businesses.

“In this way, Open For Change offers a viable way to make a real difference in the social economics of society,” said Lavigne. “Our earnings will be invested back to the community through the 1/3 business model. This approach is in alignment with consumers who are also ‘Open For Change.’“ The Open For Change website is designed to be an online ‘community centre’

where members join together to identify issues, share solutions and problem solve. One-time, lifetime memberships, start as low as $5.

“A membership connects you to a social network community that is committed to collaborating towards sustainable change,”said Lavigne. “Think Facebook for social change with profiles, posts, and social cause groups you can connect with and much more. For more information see OpenForChange.com.

Maxine DeHart Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna City Councillor. She was originally elected in 2011 and was re-elected in 2014 for a further four year term. As result of this, she has been appointed as a Director on the Central Okanagan Regional District Board and is the City appointee on the Board of the Downtown Kelowna Association. Maxine will also Chair the City of Kelowna’s Civic and Community Awards Committee. She is an alternate appointee on the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Board.

Maxine is the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre, where she has been employed for close to 30 years.

She is also celebrating her 18th year with the Kelowna Capital News this spring, writing the popular business column “Straight from DeHart”.

Maxine has been very active in Kelowna, sitting on various boards, including the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce (vice-president), United Way, KGH Foundation, and the Premier’s Regional Committee.

She was a founding member of Project Literacy, Kelowna Gospel Mission 30K Club and the Kelowna Exceptional Service of the Sun Program.

She has received many awards, including the United Way Award of Distinction; Toastmasters International Communications and Leadership Award; YM/YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Community Leadership and Enhancement; Commemorative Medal - Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; Community Citizen of the Year; Kelowna Chamber of Commerce President’s Award and the Mayor’s Spirit of Kelowna Award.

She is currently serving on the National Board of the RCMP Foundation (Ottawa) and the Chartered Professional Accounts (CPA) - Certified Management Accountants Society of British Columbia Board (CMA).

maxdehart@telus.net

Medical Arts Health Research Group Inc. is a woman-owned, private clinical research company with five (5) offices in four BC communities. We bring the most advanced medical opportunities to patients in our regions through clinical studies which offer hope for many people and an opportunity to help researchers find better treatments for others in the future by providing valuable info about this disease and health progress.

Patti Roberts - CCRC

(Certified Clinical Research Coordinator)

Operations Manager

Our Kelowna South Clinic Our Kelowna South team works with local cardiologists and physicians qualifying patients with heart conditions including high cholesterol, stable angina, heart and diabetes clumsy, and atrial fibrillation to participate in research studies.

They are also currently working in conjunction local cardiologists and physicians on a Brigham & Women’s Hospital (Boston) cardiovascular inflammation reduction trial (CIRT) study for people with heart conditions and Type 2 diabetes.

Kelowna South

Flo Hunter, RN, Study Coordinator; Sara Burgess, BA (psychology) Site Manager; Deb Schlapbach (Research Assistant)

If you, or someone you know - is interested in a clinical study, please call Medical Arts Health Research Group Inc. at 1.888.490.4320 or visit us on the web at HealthResearch.ca

Kelowna South

Glenmore Research Group

2622 Pandosy Street, Suite #205 Kelowna, BC V1Y 1V6

1605 Gordon Drive Kelowna, BC V1Y 3G8

1.888.490.4320

1.888.490.4320

Z18 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Lingerie shop thrives embracing positive vibe Contributor

When the ladies of Esteem Lingerie came up with the slogan, “We do more than lift your spirits,” it was more than a play on words.

Florenda Pickett and Angela O’Brien are the mother

daughter team who started Esteem Lingerie in 2006.

They attribute their success to their strong sense of community, having compassion for others and believing that giving back should be a part of every business plan.

“We started the dead bra program in January of 2007,”

said Florenda Pickett. “We give the good ones to Women’s Shelters across B.C. and use the older ones for spare parts.”

They also participate in the Mexico Bra Program, which supports a cancer clinic in Mexico.

“We collect bras and send them down to Mexico. The

“CONNECT

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Beauty Consultant,

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Mary Kay Cosmetics

250-808-0115 H-250-763-4103 C-250-470-8305 custommaidbc@gmail.com www.marykay.ca/npodmorow npodmorow@gmail.com

Laurie Bartley

Sharon Purdy

Lifestyle Architect

Chi Weaver Shiatsu

Health, Beauty, Therapeutic Touch

Traditional Shiatsu, Hot & Cool Stones, Tuning Fork Sound Therapy

250-469-2209

believe.vpweb.ca believelaurie@gmail.com

chiweavershiatsu.com chiweaver@live.ca 250-763-2203

Brenda Fischer CFP

Lynne Glata

Edward Jones

Financial Advisor

250-712-0508

Laurie-Anne’s Victorian Lace & Linen

laurie-annes.com lglata@telus.net 250-491-4221

Lillian Czaplan

Cheryl Fletcher

Premier Canadian Properties

250-717-7053

Altogether Tax Inc.

Accountant/President

Ph: 778-478-2188 F: 250-717-0782 cfletcher@altogethertax.com cfletcher.canada.juiceplus.com

Hertha Cooper IRP, CSP ABODE Redesign

churches gather the nonunderwire bras and sew mastectomy pockets in them so they can put a prosthesis in them.”

Aside from collecting, fixing and donating bras, they started a golf fundraiser, called Linked Together, in support of the Kelowna’s Women’s Shelter. To date, they’ve donated $118,296 to the shelter.

Their latest venture is Lingerie Boutique 101, which they started in 2010.

“In our industry there’s always been a lot of competition, “explained O’Brien. “When we started our business we asked some stores out east to help us out. No one would.”

“We decided that wasn’t right so we made an agreement that if anyone came to us and wanted to start a business, any business, we would invite them in and give them all the resources that we’ve found,” added Pickett.

“Through that, we’ve found a lot of lingerie stores come to us for advice. We go in, set them up, go through their accounting, look at contracts, discuss target markets, and all of those things that people who get into business need.”

Being in the lingerie business isn’t a prerequisite for getting help from the Esteem crew.

“The initial talk is free,” said O’Brien. “We give people all the information they want and if they need more, then we work with them one on one in the area they need help.”

When in comes to success in business, O’Brien said in comes down to three things—attitude, continuous education, and watching the bottom line.

“You have to be careful where you put your money,” said Pickett.

B

I y

A

C

CONTRIBUTED

Darcy Nybo

Florenda Pickett and Angela O’Brien are the mother-daughter team who started Esteem Lingerie in 2006.

“You can’t do a shotgun approach. We’ve developed an in-house tracking program and it’s allowed us to see where our ROI is. It tells us what the future could look like as well. It’s really important to figure everything out in the first and grow from there.”

“At the end of the day good old fashioned hard work can

never be replaced with anything else,” added O’Brien.

“Do diligence every day and stay on top of things. We are still around because day by day we keep feeling the joy and optimism and keep our eyes on the ball. We believe your business is a reflection of you and we practice what we preach.”

Arlene Pilgrim

Redesign, Color Consults, Home Staging, Organizing & Decluttering

778-478-3403 okanaganinteriordesign.com

Consultant for Sunset Gourmet Foods and Welcome Wagon

250-868-8171 appilgrim@hotmail.com

Brenda L. Fischer

Arlana Tanner-Sibelle LIVE IN BLISS Strategist

Holistic Wellness Practitioner

250-300-9933 arlanainsights@gmail.com www.permission2bu.com arlana.canada.juiceplus.com

Brianne Niles

Zonia Arnold

Living Naturally

with WATKINS Quality Products

250-769-6667

Anita Kemp

Organo Gold International

Owner: Kemphy Marine & Automotive Services

Gourmet Coffee and Tea

1-250-503-4699 coffeecounts@gmail.com

“We make your boating days brighter”

250-300-9268 kemphyservices@yahoo.ca

Brendalyn Belbin

Norwex Independent Consultant

www.bbelbin.norwex.biz 250-808-9514 brendalyn@shaw.ca “Mention this ad and get 15% off on your order”

“We support and assist women in business, specifically CONNECT members by actively referring clients to sister members, and by encouraging and empowering each other and potential members.”

www.connectkelowna.org

Brenda L Fischer is an Edward Jones Financial Advisor who has been helping clients meet their financial goals since 1986. Brenda brings extensive knowledge and depth of experience when preparing her clients financially for all life events.

Working with clients, Brenda reviews their current financial situation, what stage of the life they are at and the time left to reach their financial goals. Next she develops a financial strategy tailored to a specific client’s need which may include: protection, investment and income generating strategies using insurance, mutual funds, equities, bonds and guaranteed investment certificates.

Whether the client is saving for retirement, transitioning into retirement or living in retirement, Brenda takes great care to ensure their financial needs are met looking for ways to help maximize their savings including the transfer of the estate.

Brenda looks forward to meeting with you at your earliest convenience for your free portfolio review.

Please call or stop by anytime.

Insurance and annuities are offered by Edward Jones Insurance Agency (except in Québec) In Québec, Insurance and annuities are offered by Edward Jones Insurance Agency (Québec) Inc. Edward Jones and its advisors are not estate planners and do not provide tax or legal advice. Review your specific situation with your tax advisor and/ or legal professional for information regarding, or issues concerning, the tax implications of making a particular investment or taking any other action.

www.edwardjones.com Member - Canadian Investor Protection Fund

Brenda L. Fischer, CFP Financial Advisor 2690 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC Tel: (250) 712-0508 • Fax: 1-877-635-8240 brenda.fischer@edwardjones.com

SCAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2015 5 Z19

Colleen Groat Colleen Groat is the Sales Consultant for Chartwell Chatsworth Retirement Residence. Colleen spends a great deal of time talking with and even more importantly listening to families and seniors who are looking for a retirement residence.

CONTRIBUTED

Liz and Frank never missed a beat…

Being tired while at work will affect your job performance.

It’s not healthy to deprive yourself of needed sleep Alena Krizek Contributor

How many times have we heard ourselves, spouses, friends or coworkers complaining about a poor night’s sleep? Or about how exhausted we are?

We have all had those days when we feel like a train wreck, and for some of us, these types of days are a regular occurrence.

While the occasional day of fatigue or a restless night is unavoidable, it should not be a way of life.

Sleep disorders are an all too familiar affliction but most of us do not realize that sleeping too little, too much or at inappropriate times are an actual health concern requiring attention.

Some individuals have suffered for so long that they assume this is “their normal” sleep behaviour. Other people know their sleep is abnormal but they think there isn’t anything that can be done to correct it. And there are a few who are simply in denial of having any problem at all, even though their bed partner has been witnessing sleep issues for years.

Perhaps you’ve tried to approach the subject of sleep disorders with your doctor with little success.

You may get frustrated and allow this topic to fall by the wayside. Sleep is never considered a “priority” when compared to other medical problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

Some of the numerous kinds of sleep disorders

affecting people today include insomnia, restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, snoring and sleep disordered breathing.

Regard these symptoms seriously since some, like sleep apnea, can lead to other life-threatening conditions such as heart attack and stroke.

In cases where the sleep disorder appears less severe, it can still have a profound impact. For instance, being tired on the job, can not only affect your job performance but you may actually be endangering the lives of others because you are not fully alert (ie: truck/bus driver, pilot).

Interestingly, the treatment of sleep disorders can be viewed as a form of preventative medicine.

If you have a patient with severe sleep apnea who goes untreated, you may find that same patient being admitted to hospital sometime in the future after suffering a stroke.

Addressing sleep disorders may not only save lives and improve quality of life, but it can also save our health care from increased costs incurred by treating more morbid conditions which might otherwise have been avoided.

So next time you’re grumbling about being awake all night or sleepy during the day, take the first step and do something about it.

Registered polysomnographic technologist and certified clinical sleep educator Alena Krizek has started a new business called Community Sleep Coach in Kelowna. communitysleepcoach.com

Your Last Diet Centre At Your Last Diet Centre we use Ideal Protein’s medically designed and professionally supervised wellness protocol. This muscle-sparing, fat-targeting weight loss protocol was created for Olympic Athletes in France about 25 years ago.

Dieters lose the weight quickly without strenuous exercise. The Ideal Protein program is unique as it has a beginning and an end.

You not only take the weight off and improve your health but, most importantly, you learn how to keep it off and that is why we are called Your Last Diet Centre.

With our combined training and personal experience, we will guide you to success and a healthier body. Ask about our impressive weight loss averages!

Be the Weight YOU want to Be!

Your Last Diet Centre 3-1890 Ambrosi Rd, Kelowna | 250-763-2914 #50-5500 Clements Cres., Peachland | 778-215-2914 www.yourlastdietcentre.com

At Chartwell Chatsworth we strive daily to deliver on our shared vision of Making People’s Lives Better by offering respect, comfort and peace of mind. With a variety of And amenitiesnow and features in our ready residence, for our goal offer them a safe, secure and fun they’re theis tonext step. environment while they continue to enjoy their daily life engaged with friends, family and the They took their first whirl around the dance floor over 50 years community. have their heels ever since.

When Notago sureand where tobeen begin,kicking how toup approach the subject?

Colleen hasthey a genuine passion and started looking for retirement livinginformation options, they werefamilies pleased interest in helping, providing the necessary to assist and seniors in making their would be offers pleasedactive to meetlifestyle with youprograms. to discuss your situation. Call today todecision. find outColleen that Chartwell to arrange your personal visit.

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Kathy Wiebe Rosebuds is a lovely, large designer consignment boutique located on Kirschner Road in Kelowna that has been serving the Kelowna area for the past 26 years. Rosebuds carries about 30% new at any given time, and prices are often discounted up to 75% off regular retail.

Many that come in say Rosebuds has the look and feel of a Los Angeles Boutique. Kathy laughs and replies that is the exact look and feel we are moving towards. We believe every woman can afford to look beautiful. Everything from prom and party dresses, to Lululemon workout wear and most everything in between. We specialize in higher end labels but at lower end prices.

We have many regular shoppers that call us their “retail therapy” but we always have room for lots more new friends. In these troubled times consignment shopping can be a day full of fun and adventure. You never know what you are going to find so fill up your car with your friends and stop in and meet the friendly staff at Rosebuds Designer Consignment Boutique. We are here to serve you.

Rumor has it Rosebuds is expanding the store to serve you better. Kathy isn’t saying a lot about her future plans but you can bet it is going to be exciting. Lots of new things on the horizon.

Private Shopping Parties. Some estate services available.

Cinderella Fund - for women going back into the workforce that need that little extra for a job interview outfit. Any age we are here to help.

150-1855 Kirschner Rd., Kelowna 250-861-1911 Open Mon-Fri 10-5:30 • Sat 10-5 • Sun 12-4

www.rosebudsconsignment.com

Okanagan Natural Care Centre Okanagan Natural Care Centre has been serving the Okanagan and far beyond as a multi-disciplinary, complimentary health centre for 39 years.

We are accredited, experienced practitioners whose skills and vast knowledge enable us to personalize your pathway to health. We specialize in educating clients about wellness health. Through hands on therapy; Reflexology, BodyTalk, Kinesiology, Counseling, Iridology, Massage, Colon Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Yuen and Access Consciousness. We are keen to share our knowledge of herbs and nutrition.

Give yourself the gift of listening to the innate wisdom of your body. It knows what it needs to heal and be well - physically, mentally and emotionally.

Visit our website for more information on therapies offered, articles on health and to sign up for our monthly newsletter www.naturalcare.bc.ca If you are interested in improving your life, whether that be physical, relationship issues, business challenges, detoxifying negative behavior patterns or improving efficiency - even on the golf course, we’d like to help you achieve your potential.

We encourage you to call today; we would love to be the next step on your journey to recognizing your life potential.

3-1890 Ambrosi Rd, Kelowna • 250-763-2914 www.naturalcare.bc.ca

Z20 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Sexism to women in tech industry still rampant Ben Parr Contributor

A month ago, I had coffee with a young female entrepreneur. Near the end of our conversation, I asked her a frank question: “Have you ever experienced sexism from the tech industry?”

What followed was 30 minutes of brutal and uncomfortable stories.

Blatant propositions by older men. Bait-and-switch meetings.

Condescending behaviour that didn’t recognize her achievements, talents, or her right to be treated as an equal human being.

Sadly, I’ve had this conversation with countless women, and every time I come out shocked by the sorts of

things men do, both consciously and subconsciously.

One friend told me she is marginalized and ignored by software executives during meetings, even when she is the most senior person from her company in attendance.

I have another female entrepreneur friend who nearly lost her company because of one investor’s obsession with her looks.

Recently, Newsweek’s Nina Burleigh wrote a long feature on how women are marginalized in Silicon Valley.

It outlines more gutwrenching stories of how women are being treated in the fastest-growing industry in the 21st century. It reminds us that 96 per cent of venture capitalists still are men, and that

only a small minority of venturebacked companies have women CEOs, despite the research showing that female-led companies have higher returns on average than male-led ones.

If there’s one thing I learned from writing my book, Captivology, it’s that our subconscious biases have a profound impact on the way we behave and the people who get our attention—in ways that we often are unable or unwilling to admit.

In the case of the women in tech problem, past and present research has clearly demonstrated that woman are marginalized in the business world. Male investors simply react differently when pitched

by Sam versus Sally.

Despite the overwhelming

Deborah Stewart CE, CPE, CLT

Elfi Eades RT, CLT

Owned and operated by Deborah Stewart, Custom Laser Hair Removal specializes exclusively in permanent hair removal using LightSheer Diode XC and EC laser technology and electrolysis. We are your one stop for permanent hair removal in the Valley, providing the best possible results to both men and women of all ethnic backgrounds. The results are here!

Deborah obtained her credentials as Certified Esthetician and Certified Professional Electrologist in 1990 and expanded her permanent hair removal credentials in 2004 when she obtained designation as Certified Laser Technician. She has been providing permanent laser hair removal and electrolysis in Kelowna since 2004 and in March 2008 opened Custom Laser Hair Removal, providing clients with successful, expert, professional treatments. Her extensive skin care background compliments and enhances the safety and efficacy of both laser hair removal and electrolysis treatments for unsurpassed results time and time again.

Colleague and fellow Certified Laser Technician Elfi Eades RT, has over 16 years experience in the laser hair removal industry with 25 years in the health care field. Combined with Deborah Stewart, the clinic brings attention to detail in a relaxed, friendly, confidential and warm atmosphere. The clinic offers custom requests to ensure that your needs are met to the highest standard at each visit.

Deborah and Elfi aspire to continue to respond to increased demand for permanent hair removal for both men and women of all ethnic backgrounds. Come see us in our new location in the heart of the medical community; 1 1/2 blocks from KGH.

765 Rose Avenue (1 1/2 blocks from KGH) www.CustomLaserHairRemoval.com Open Mon-Sat 250-861-1141

Charlette Broadoway The Blue Rooster Cafe is located in beautiful downtown Peachland. Owned and operated

by Charlette Broadoway and her two daughters, Jaymie and Shyla, this is truly a proud family restaurant!

The Rooster, as the locals call us, is the perfect place to grab a coffee, quick lunch or try our amazing breakfast! Five different Eggs Benny or huge skillets are a few of the menu items we boast.

Summer Sunday, also known as Funday, brings the Farmer’s Market to Heritage Park, right across Beach Avenue. Enjoy an ice cream and live entertainment on our patio. We are a fully licensed family restaurant with much love and hospitality to share with our guests and community. We also welcome private party bookings.

5866 Beach Ave, Peachland, BC 250-767-2454

and indisputable evidence that we have a problem with workplace equality, my gender still finds ways to marginalize the problem.

And while this issue isn’t unique to Silicon Valley by a long shot, the tech industry carries a special responsibility because we are supposed to be the ultimate meritocracy—one at the forefront of innovation.

Tech is one of the fastestgrowing industries in North America, and it’s our responsibility to acknowledge and fix this gender problem because other industries follow our lead, not the other way around.

The Newsweek piece features a company I personally invested in, Glassbreakers, a peer mentorship community for women.

I owe much of my success to my mentors Troy Henikoff and Mark Achler. It was easy for me to find mentors as a man.

It’s much harder for women to find mentors. Men, go ask your female colleague about it.

It’s a real problem that we never think about.

That’s why I invested—to solve this problem and give women the support structure they are so painfully lacking.

Men, we need to support companies like Glassbreakers

that are providing solutions to the gender problem. And men, we need to stop marginalizing the problem.

I’m so sick and tired of men playing down the issue of gender equality in tech and business. I’m sick of hearing stories of female entrepreneurs being faced with overt and covert sexism.

It doesn’t have to be this way, if we are honest with ourselves, admit our biases, and roll up our sleeves. Men, we have some work to do.

Ben Parr is co-founder and managing partner of DominateFund.

Does being the boss lead to depression for women?

Kimberly Weisul Contributor

Does being the boss lead to depression? It’s not supposed to.

Being the boss is generally thought to be good for you. Bosses tend to have more control over their work, which is thought to lessen stress. And bosses often have more schedule flexibility than their subordinates, which is linked to decreased symptoms of depression.

But a recent study from Tetyana Pudrovska, an assistant professor at Pennsylvania State University, and Amelia Karraker, an assistant professor at Iowa State University, shows that, for women, it may not work that way.

Instead, women who have high “job authority”—the ability to hire and fire others, and to influence others’ pay—show more signs of depression than women without such authority.

Men, on the other hand, seem to have better mental health if they have jobs in which they can hire and fire.

The researchers based their work on data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, which queried 2,809 people on their jobs and mental health.

The researchers write that women with job authority face the so-called double bind, in which their actual job duties conflict with cultural

stereotypes about the role of women.

“On the one hand, they are expected to be nurturant, caring and agreeable, consistent with the normative cultural constructions of feminity,” the researchers write. “On the other hand, they are also expected to be assertive and authoritative, consistent with the expectations of the leadership role.”

Women are often viewed as lacking the assertiveness and confidence associated with strong leaders, but if women do come across as assertive or confident, they get criticized for being unfeminine.

The result: Stress. And sometimes, depression.

And who has the ultimate job authority?

Entrepreneurs. They don’t just hire, fire, and set salaries. At the beginning, they do absolutely everything.

After reading this study, I’m wondering if perhaps women entrepreneurs face very different social environments than the men do, even outside of tech enclaves like Silicon Valley. Could our lack of social support for powerful women be discouraging some of them from starting and running fast-growth companies? Or are entrepreneurs just tougher than that? I’m going to start asking, and I hope some Ph.D. candidates do, too.

Kimberly Weisul is the Inc.com editor-at-large.

Julene, Sheila, Carole Carole, Julene and Sheila welcome you to their recently opened Stylize Hair Studio! Having been in the business for 20 years, it was Carole’s vision to open a salon where clients feel special and beautiful after each and every visit. Both Sheila and Carole are colour and foil specialists and use the latest techniques and products to enhance the premiere cuts they provide.

Julene is the studio’s resident esthetician and provides waxing services, manicures, pedicures and artfully designed nails. Julene says, “If you can imagine it, I can do it!”

Carole, Julene and Sheila each work independently in the studio so their clients can directly contact and access their own personal style specialist. This enables the stylists to have a personal relationship with each of their clients, and to build an important rapport which makes such a difference when choosing a design style.

The Stylize Hair Studio team invites you to get your new look in their warm and comfortable atmosphere in their new shop at 180 Asher Road.

Stylize Hair Studio

180 Asher Road Carole 250-870-0720 Sheila 250-470-7899 Julene 250-808-3986

SCAPITAL NEWS

,

Women in Business 2015 5 Z21

Advertorial

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Granite Transformations provides an innovative product for home owners wanting granite without the demolition that a typical kitchen renovation requires. Our ¼ inch slabs of engineered granite fit right over top of existing countertops and are 95% granite mixed

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The business philosophy of Granite Transformations of Kelowna is to provide superior customer service and a quality finished product every time. Granite Transformations is manufacturer-owned; they sell what they manufacture and stand behind the product that they install in your home. All installers work exclusively for Granite Transformations and are Granite Transformations accredited so the customer doesn’t have to worry about the often unreliable schedule of a contracted middle man. With friendly knowledgeable

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Z22 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Jennifer “The Boo” Miller Lynn “The Beet” Miller Beet’N Boo’s Bistro & Catering is a MotherDaughter run full kitchen Bistro located on the corner of Hunter and Enterprise Road. With 40+ years combined experience in the food and hospitality industry and a huge passion for food, these ladies and their team are serving up all your favorite ‘Comfort Classics Foods - With A Creative Touch’. Open Monday - Friday, 6:30 AM - 4:00 PM - The 50 seat, fully licensed bistro offers a full breakfast and lunch menu with daily specials. Come in a customer, leave as a friend.

Beet’N Boo’s also offers full catering services. Need space for a private event? The Bistro is available evenings and weekends to be rented out for all of your special events. During the week, take advantage of their private boardroom complete with a whiteboard/screen that seats up to 12.

Off-site catering is also available. Whether a small work luncheon, launch parties, anniversary parties, rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions - give them a call for a personalized quote.

There is a reason Beet ‘N Boo’s has a 5 star rating on all social media platforms.

Check them our today! jennifer@beetnboos.com lynn@beetnboos.com

2496A Enterprise Way, Kelowna, BC | 250.868.0010 | beetnboos.com

Leesa Fournier REALTOR

Another great year! 2014 finished off strong, resulting in the highest number of homes sold in a year since 2007. One of Leesa’s best years ever. She certainly couldn’t be having her best year ever without the support of important people like you!

If you know Leesa Fournier, she certainly is not timid & comes off larger than life with an immense personality, character & undoubtedly driven, ready to serve you!

Leesa is living the Okanagan Dream. As a top producer she is very thankful for her clients & to have had the opportunity to assist you in making your Real Estate Dreams come true. With your help she can continue to serve with even better results! Leesa specializes in selling / listing residential homes, Re-Locations & first time buyers.

Leesa’s motto.... I don’t expect success, I prepare for it!

For the latest Real Estate advice & property listings go to forsaleorleesa.com

Royal LePage Kelowna-West Kelowna Direct 250.808.2932 Office 250.768.2161 email: leesafournier@royallepage.ca

Chamber groups voice need for economic The B.C. Chamber of Commerce, in coordination with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Canada’s nation-wide network of chambers of commerce, associations and businesses, has unveiled the Canadian Chamber’s Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness list for 2015.

The Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness is an initiative the Canadian Chamber network undertook starting back in 2012 to draw attention to the numerous barriers that are holding back Canada’s full economic potential and to urge all levels of governments to act more swiftly to increase our country’s ability to compete globally.

“Competitiveness is a term often used but not always understood as it is tough for government, and business for that matter, to fully identify what exactly hinders our productivity,” said B.C. Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer John Winter.

“The Canadian Chamber Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness is a helpful tool to focus government and business on what is impacting our global competitiveness and start to come up with solutions that will drive further economic growth in our provincial and national economies.”

Addressing the Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness will go a long way towards restoring Canada’s competitiveness, added Winter.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Chamber is calling on its own membership, on governments, on educators, on labour organizations and others to

tackle and overcome these barriers.

Effectively addressing these 10 barriers will sharpen Canada’s competitive edge and allow us to prosper in the global economy.

“Since launching this initiative, we have made great progress in furthering our competitiveness agenda on a number of issues. However, the barrier our members continue to identify as being the greatest impediment to the success of Canadian business is the skills gap,” said Canadian Chamber president and chief executive officer Perrin Beatty, a former politician and cabinet minister during the Mulroney Conservative government era.

“There is a lot of work ahead.

The federal government and several provincial and territorial governments have also named this issue as the country’s biggest challenge.

“We need to work together and make real progress in 2015. ” The following barriers from the 2015 Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness have been raised as particular issues of concern by the BC Chamber of Commerce network: Silos in skills development Canada is not producing enough graduates with the skills needed for its economy. In B.C., this is a particularly acute

issue as the province expects one million jobs created over the next decade. There are shortages and high demand forecast in a wide range of occupations.

As a result of dramatic restrictions, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program no longer presents an effective path to meet short-term labour shortages.

In the medium to long term, our education and training systems play a pivotal role in equipping us with people with the right skills.

With a demographic reality about to hit our labour market, we need stronger efforts to coordinate between the silos of education and employers.

The B.C. Chamber of Commerce has been a leading voice encouraging the B.C. government to allow more input from business into the K-12 curriculum all the way to the post-secondary training being offered to meet the skills needed by employers.

Improving the links between education and employment is not the responsibility of educators and governments alone.

Employers are directly implicated. The B.C. government has started this process through the BC Skills for Jobs Blueprint, but we need to continue to

SEE CHAMBER A23

SCAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2015 5 Z23

CHAMBER FROM A22 break the silos.

Lack of clarity regarding Aboriginal land title Canadian governments have a fiduciary duty to consult and accommodate Aboriginal peoples when proposed developments have the potential to impact their constitutionally protected rights.

However, governments are increasingly relying on project developers to assume responsibility for large parts of community consultation and accommodation.

This has led to situations where proponents have no clear direction on the extent of the consultation and accommodation required.

This year, the Canadian Chamber will explore alternatives to the current scenario for resolution of the development consultation process, which currently seems headed towards lengthy court challenges to produce jurisprudence that guides proponents, opponents and governments.

Internal barriers to trade The lack of a single domestic market in Canada is a serious and self-imposed weakness in the Canadian economy.

Tariff barriers between provinces are banned by the Canadian constitution, yet the national economy is fractured by a host of nontariff barriers, particularly in procurement, energy, agriculture and transportation, and in the mobility of labour.

The federal government must promote more meaningful sanctions against jurisdictions that practice protectionism against other Canadians while supporting those that embrace free internal trade.

Canada’s tax system is too costly and complex Canada over-relies on income and profit taxes rather than on

taxes on consumption, which are relatively easy to collect and are least harmful to growth.

B.C. competitiveness took a serious hit when the province reverted back to the old PST system from the value-added HST system.

The BC Chamber will continue to advocate a madein B.C. value-added tax solution to the current PST. At the same time, Canada’s tax code is also overly complex and imposes significant compliance costs on businesses and consumers while governments spend billions of dollars each year administering and enforcing convoluted tax laws.

Canada must undertake a comprehensive review of its tax system with the aim of reducing its complexity and improving the way it raises tax revenue.

Canada’s export infrastructure is not meeting our needs Public investment in infrastructure has not kept up with Canada’s economic needs.

Now Canada’s investment needs far exceed the availability of public funds.

Bringing infrastructure in Canada back to the level needed to support prosperity will require an ongoing commitment by all levels of government, an active engagement with private sector stakeholders along the lines of the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative in B.C. and across western Canada, as well as a greater appreciation of the opportunities that exist for Canada to be more competitive through more modern public infrastructure in the many global supply chains circling the world.

Canada is uncompetitive in the world’s tourism sector Canada has slid from the seventh largest tourist destination in the world to the 18th.

Today, it is too often a highcost, high-hassle destination with aging attractions

infrastructure and inadequate marketing.

Canada’s travel and tourism sector is critical to its economy, and the government must both invest in national marketing initiatives and address Canada’s inefficient visa system, particularly the International Experience Canada program for our resort destination communities in B.C. Also, the very high cost of air travel in Canada and its layers of regulations, fees/taxes, and air access issues impact the competitiveness of our tourism sector.

Canada is missing out on foreign trade opportunities Canada’s prosperity depends on access to international customers and participation in global supply chains.

Faced with a small domestic market, exporting is often the only way to grow sales and build economies of scale.

Moreover, sourcing from and investing abroad allows companies to exploit unique technologies, skill sets and cost advantages.

However, Canadian businesses are not globalizing as quickly as their peers. To support the expansion of Canadian companies abroad, the federal government needs to build on recent success and take steps to conclude the next wave of high-quality trade agreements and strengthen Canada’s system of trade promotion and economic diplomacy.

The Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness also includes entrepreneurs lacking capital for Canada’s fastest growing companies, innovation rate being insufficient to help manufacturing rebound and territorial businesses that don’t have the tools they need.

For more detail on all the barriers, the Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness document is available at Chamber.ca.

Jackie Bridge Jill Vardi At Kelowna Kia, having remarkable women on our team has always been an important and instrumental ingredient to our success here in the Okanagan. We are extremely proud to boast about two amazing women in our organization.

Jackie Bridge, our Financial Services Specialist, and Jill Vardi, one of our Product Specialists on our sales floor, help make buying a new or used vehicle a fun and enjoyable experience for all concerned. Their complete level of professionalism, determination and drive towards providing the very best customer service in town, is what sets Kelowna Kia miles apart from the pack.

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Our entire staff appreciates the hard work, effort and energy that these amazing women bring to our team. Drop in and see Jackie and Jill at Kelowna Kia. They’ll make your next vehicle purchase a memorable one.

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FH&P LAWYERS LLP Heidi Taylor, Partner • Family Law • Corporate and Commercial Litigation • Foreclosure and Builders Liens • Estate and Employment Law • Real Estate

Erin Cram, Associate • Personal Injury • Family Law • Civil Litigation including Contract and Shareholders Disputes • Estate Litigation

Amanda Haugan, Associate • Wills, Estates and Trusts • Real Estate and Strata Law • Corporate and Commercial Law

Nancy Ling, Associate • Wills, Trusts, Estates and Incapacity Planning • Estate Administration • Real Estate and Land Development • Corporate Transactions and Business Law

Karley Scott, Associate • Aboriginal Law • Wills, Estates & Trusts • Real Estate • Corporate & Business Law

Gillian M. Dougans, Lawyer & Mediator • Personal Injury • Employment Law • Commercial Litigation • Mediation • Elder Law

400-275 Lawrence Avenue Kelowna, BC 250.762.4222 www.fhplawyers.com

Z24 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Susan Wort

BARRY GERDING/CAPITAL NEWS

Our lingerie store started in 1976 with 4 suitcases of bras and a determined woman, my mother, Margaret. From the one style choice she had to offer - our store is now “Bustin’ at the seams” with colors, styles & sizes unheard of then!

No alterations are needed to keep straps on or bosoms up anymore!

We also specialize in Post-Mastectomy fittings. A superb selection of Prostheses, bras & swimwear are here year round.

Margaret’s original desire from 1976 has remained the same...

Comfort & Quality in the best fit & style for your needs & desires.

1385 Ellis St. 250-763-1473

The Twin Creek Media team: (from left) Thomas Berger, technical director; Claudie Godovannaya, graphic designer; James Shaw, creative director; and Christina Van, co-owner and art director.

Branding your message Darcy Nybo Contributor

Sarah Williams Sarah Williams created Bella Clothing Boutique in March of 2005 in the upcoming shopping area of Pandosy Village. She handpicks each unique and gorgeous piece for the boutique. Sarah believes strongly in ’good ole fashioned customer service’! She prides herself and her fantastic staff on offering personalized service to help outfit you in your own unique style. The boutique has a focus on Canadian designers with over 50% of the clothing MADE IN CANADA. All of the jewelry collections are Canadian designers. In February of 2013, Sarah opened her first franchised store in Chilliwack, BC! These past couple of years, Sarah noticed a market in the Okanagan that wasn’t being captured. Daily, women were frequenting her boutique looking for clothing in sizes 14+. When realizing that it was very difficult to find unique clothes for full figured women, Sarah took matters into her own hands.

Last fall, the Pandosy Street storefront extended the sizes offered and can now outfit ladies from sizes XS-3XL! The ladies at Bella are always busy, gearing up for the next promotion, fashion show or charity affair.

Watch for their upcoming 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY celebrations happening this April. We invite you to come and EMBRACE YOUR BELLA STYLE!

3005 Pandosy Street, Kelowna 250.868.0220 www.bellaclothingboutique.com Now offering sizes XS-3XL

When it comes to promoting your business online, Christina Van, art director and co-owner of Twin Creek Media, knows a thing or two about strategic marketing in the current social media era.

“We highly recommend new and existing businesses use something like Hootsuite to connect all your social media accounts,” advised Van. “It helps you manage information that you want to send out, when you can’t be there to send it. That way you don’t flood your social media streams with the same information all at once. You can have the same message going out all at once or a different message to different social media outlets at different times.”

Once you’ve figured out how to get your message out there, you need consistency. “Make sure your message is consistent across all channels from social media to e-newsletters to newspaper, TV and radio. It’s important that no matter where people are getting your information, the message is the same. You want to keep it up to date, but you need to mix it up a little too.”

One trap business owners fall into is promoting their business 24/7. Van says this can be a big mistake. “It shouldn’t always be me, me, me.

Make your posts beneficial to the people who are reading it. For example we have clients who posts travel tips, best dog parks, share useful videos,

answer questions and engage the audience and their followers love it.”

She also believes women have an easier time connecting to their audience on social media.

“Women are the larger user of social media.

The social skills women have translate very well to social media. You want to be professional, but mix in some fuzzy, cozy posts or tips as well.”

“Women have a lot of potential to be social media personalities and really get into the details and connect to people. It is absolutely necessary to blow your own horn and blow it loudly.”

Warm and fuzzy aside, there is a mathematical component to social media that can’t be ignored.

“Having analytical skills and being able to measure the data is hugely important when connecting with your audience. It’s important to post and keep your pages active, but you have to keep track of how many people are clicking or liking or reading your posts. If your posts aren’t getting seen, maybe your audience isn’t on social media. It is important to know what your reach is and the demographics of who you are reaching,” she explained.

“You can have great social skills and great posts, but if your audience isn’t seeing them, they aren’t effective. If that were the case, you would turn to more traditional methods, like media releases. You may want to send a mail out directly to the prospective customer or look at advertising in specific trade magazines.”

Uptown Rutland Business Association .... Salute to women who make things happen!

In the past we all know that men were the power heads when it came to business. A woman’s place was in the home, she was encouraged to “stand by her man.” Fast forward to the 21st century, women really are making things happen. A successful woman in business is motivated, engaged and linked in! Women make remarkable entrepreneurs for many reasons: higher emotional intelligence, liveliness and ability to multi-task.

The Uptown Rutland Business Association would like to acknowledge all the women who are in our BIA who work hard each and every day at business. Rutland’s list of women entrepreneur’s is vast, we have bankers, lawyers, executive assistants along with the women business owners who oversee salons, spas, restaurants, retail and the list goes on. Not only are they dynamic when it comes to running their business, they’re wives, mothers, daughters, sisters and community leaders that make a bigger impact than they realize sometimes.

If you’re a woman in the Rutland business area we put our hands together for all you do. We’re glad you are part of Rutland and we support your businesses. If you would like to open a business in Rutland we would love to have you.

The brand we have adopted for Rutland is “we’re just getting started” So let the Uptown Rutland Business Association help you get started! Contact Laurel D’Andrea, Executive Director at 250.451.9861

158 Valleyview Rd., Kelowna, BC • 250.451.9861 • www.ourrutland.ca

SCAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2015 5 Z25

CONTRIBUTED

Gwen Boek

West K Women of Influence group members Fran Kubik and June Swenson.

Dynamic West Kelowna group engages community Fran Kubik Contributor

West K Women of Influence evolved out of West Kelowna Women in Business, a small group of ladies who gather once a month to meet, greet and share their business information.

The group was dwindling because it became habitual. Although we all enjoyed each other’s company, time is valuable and it wasn’t enough— we wanted more.

Like Dr. Rose Backman, who encourages us to unleash the power of an unstoppable woman, that’s what we want to do.

I believe there is a lot of strength in numbers.

As Erin Brockovich, who I have had the pleasure to meet in person, says: “Why whisper?”

If we want to make things happen, then we have to figure out how to do that. And we can by sharing our needs and ideas with each other.

How many times have you made a statement and someone would come up to you and either elaborate on it or give you the name of someone they know regarding the subject.

That’s what I’m talking about; make it happen.

June Swenson, from Quality Ink, Laura Pelletier, from Kwik Fit, and myself, from Sensei Laser and Vein, decided we had to do something to make these group meetings more beneficial and a little more interesting to hopefully increase the membership.

Since we started out, membership has increased from 10 to more than 30 members in a very short time.

We decided to change our name and create a logo, which has evolved into a new name for our group—West K Women of Influence.

Next came a mission statement to help us set a goal towards what we wanted to represent and become.

We changed our meeting times to evening and lunchtime to accommodate everyone. So if you can’t attend one meeting, you have an option to attend another at hopefully a more convenient time in your schedule.

Our circle of ladies are given time to introduce themselves, talk about where they are from and a bit about their business.

We now have guest speakers from all walks of life and so many interesting topics to explore.

We are engaged in our community and have become involved with HOPE (Helping Out People Exploited), breast cancer fundraisers and silent auctions for battered women. We lighten it up with games and door prizes.

We strive to be influential entrepreneurs in our community and make an effort to be recognized as dynamic women.

For more information about West K Women of Influence, contact Fran Kubic, with Sensei Laser and Vein at 250-768-5355, or June Swenson, with Quality Ink, at 250-768-4657.

Barb Dumbovic Barb Dumbovic started her business making perogies and cabbage rolls in May 1995. For many years you could find Barb and her truck serving breakfast and lunch from May to October at the Farmers Market, and also on Sundays at the Rutland Hall.

Barb has grown from those days to her own restaurant, Barb’s Delight, located in the Blue Heights Complex. Barb is serving up “food done right” Monday thru Saturday. Her menu has expanded to include many delicious dishes, soups, salads, and sandwiches and, of course, her amazing breakfasts. As well, frozen perogies and cabbage rolls are available for take home.

Barb gives back to the community; one way is through her “Perogy Eating Contest,” where she has partnered with local charities to help raise funds and awareness. Watch for this year’s bigger and better contest to be held May 30th.

One taste of her perogies and cabbage rolls will have you coming back for more!

Barb’s Delights

2789 Hwy 97 N, Kelowna, BC (778) 478-9921

In 1983 Ducky Down opened its doors, and in 1988 Gwen and Adriaan bought the business after emigrating from Holland and they’re still going strong.

After 27 years at the same Pandosy location, Gwen and Adriaan are proud to provide good, old-fashioned customer service – they really know their stuff(ing)! They provide luxury bamboo bedding to many B&Bs, and guests love the sheets so much they have them shipped to their homes, (as far away as Florida and Australia)! The selection of pillows and duvets is extensive. They are pillow experts! Everything from down-filled, Tempur-pedic, latex, wool, and polyester; all excellent choices to make your sleep a restful one. If you have a pain in the neck, see Ducky Down!

They also refurbish any size of old and well-loved duvets and pillows, and make them like new! You can have them refilled with down. Besides down, they also carry wool and silk-filled quilts.

Exclusive to Ducky Down are the new latex gold organic mattresses made in Vancouver – for the best natural and restful sleep.

Gwen and Adriaan invite you to visit their quaint store to see and feel the latest 100% cotton prints from France. They are proud to serve Kelowna and area, and beyond!

2821 Pandosy St., Kelowna

250.762.3130

www.duckydown.com

Heather Friesen With Flip Flop Books being open just over one year now I realize that I am not the only one that loves to read and would like to thank everyone that has supported me during this time. My passion for books and the dream of owning my own bookstore as a young girl, has only been exceeded by the people I have met over the past year.

We carry a large variety of authors and I always try and recommend books that will be as interesting as the people that want to read them. I am always here to lend a hand with Book Clubs being my specialty but am well versed in the worlds of romance, suspense, fantasy, and historical fiction.

A tablet will never replace the feel of a real book, a good book is an escape from reality, you can go anywhere, see anything and feel another persons joy or sorrow.

Discover Flip Flop Books!

150A GRAY ROAD RUTLAND 778-753-0655

Logo

Erika Hansen Ageless Okanagan Experience what it’s like to be flawless. Instantly Ageless has already stirred up a frenzy of excitement in both men and women who can’t wait to get their hands on this amazing product with the jaw-dropping results. Instantly Ageless, Luminesce, and the complete Youth Enhancement System by Jeunesse, are now available in Canada.

Erika Hansen, is a proud mother of three young children, and long time resident of West Kelowna. As independent distributor for Jeunesse Global, Erika loves the continuous opportunity to meet new people and connect with others in the community while sharing these remarkable products and expanding her team.

Let’s talk, contact Erika today for a consult.

Erika Hansen Independent Distributor 250.899.5160 Erika@agelessokanagan.com | www.agelessokanagan.com

Z26 5 Women in Business 2015

Heart monitoring only a click away Shelley Nicholl Contributor

Full patient monitoring is only a click away Gerhard Winter knows his health is fine; he’s monitored through daily check-ups. And, the best part is, he doesn’t even have to leave home.

Winter is part of a trial for people with multiple chronic diseases that allows him and his care team to keep in touch with his health care via the Internet.

It’s called Internet Chronic Disease Management (iCDM) but Winter calls it, “The greatest thing ever invented. It’s like you have a doctor and nurse in your house.”

The project, which started three years ago and now has more than 220 people with chronic disease in B.C. taking part, is headed by Dr. Scott Lear,

Women today are living longer, but that doesn’t mean that they still don’t face major health challenges. Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) is a leading cause of death for Canadian women, and yet many are not aware of this threat. In fact, most Canadian women have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Women who have diabetes, come from certain ethnic backgrounds or are menopausal are even more at risk. a Heart and Stroke Foundationfunded researcher.

It’s designed to primarily help people with two or more chronic conditions living in remote locations to manage their illnesses at home.

“A multi-disciplinary, teambased approach with the patient as a full participant is the most effective way to manage chronic diseases, such as heart disease,” says Dr. Lear.

“When patients don’t have easy access to all team members, it can affect their

care. We’re looking at a way to bring that level of care to them in their home and the online program can do that.”

Patients such as Winter use a system called MyHealthConnect to check in regularly, from daily to once a week, to monitor their health stats.

It takes less than 15 minutes a day and, if the doctor or nurse spots something irregular, the patient is notified.

In turn, if the patient has questions, there’s a direct link to someone who can see his

Deanne Neufeld BSW, MSW, RSW

Deanne Neufeld is a registered therapist and owner of Heart to Heart Counselling and has over 17 years of counselling experience. Deanne works extensively with couples as well as individuals with issues ranging from life transition, personal growth, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, coping with stress and illnesses, and spiritual well being.

Deanne utilizes a holistic approach focusing on strengths and solutions. She has the ability to draw from numerous treatment techniques to meet the needs of individual clientele and has devoted her time to facilitating insight, providing support and teaching coping skills to enhance functioning and life satisfaction.

Deanne is a dynamic speaker and has presented and facilitated at local conferences, across Canada and internationally.

Connect with Deanne and see how her energy and creativity can help to transform your life today.

Heart to Heart Counselling

#6-1638 Pandosy Street Kelowna, B.C. 250-300-7064 email: deannen@shaw.ca www.h2hcounselling.com

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Karen Erickson CFP Regional Director

Nicole Roussel Associate Consultant, EPC

information right away.

Winter, a former machinist, has high blood pressure and suffered from a lung infection, so regular monitoring makes sure he’s lowering his risk for heart disease.

“I’ve become more aware of myself,” explains Winter.

“I have to be aware every day of my blood pressure and weight.

“I seldom see my doctor anymore because I’m involved in the program.”

Because of research, such as Dr. Lear’s, more people are living longer, healthier lives while coping with heart issues.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation 2015 Heart Report, 50 years ago, the typical heart patient would have been about 55-years old and told to convalesce at home for months.

Now, the average heart patient is 71 and manages his condition with a healthy, active lifestyle—just as Winter does.

As well, the technology that helps Winter with his care was nowhere to be seen in the 1950s.

The Heart and Stroke report also notes that, 60 years ago, cardiovascular disease was responsible for almost half of all deaths in Canada; that number

has been cut almost in half.

Back then, there was only a 65 to 70 per cent chance of a heart attack patient surviving; now that number is 95 per cent.

There are amazing accomplishments for cardiovascular disease, but more needs to be done.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation reminds Canadians that heart disease and stroke is the second leading killer and a leading cause of disability.

Each year, more than 66,000 Canadians die because of heart disease and stroke and nine out of 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s mission is to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery.

A volunteer-based health charity, we strive to tangibly improve the health of every Canadian family, every day.

Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together we will make it happen.

Shelley Nicholl is the communications manager for the Heart and St roke Foundation BC & Yukon. heartandstroke.bc.ca

News from your community kelownacapnews.com

CAPITAL NEWS

Women slower to recover than men from heart attack

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Three days after her 44th birthday, Grace Dierssen recognized the ominous signs of a heart attack.

It wasn’t a good time for a health crisis. She was scheduled to leave on a European vacation the next week.

She ignored the discomfort, exhaustion and breathing difficulties, wondering if perhaps her symptoms were all in her mind, and headed off to work.

Hours later, she couldn’t stand the pain and went to a walk-in clinic. Immediately, she was in an ambulance heading to H the emergency room.

Dierssen’s heart attack was ( her catalyst for a complete f lifestyle overhaul.

She quit a high-powered job w in software development and b e-commerce, prioritized exercise f and a healthy diet, and is finally spending time focusing on her s own well-being.

“As women, we tend to put s everyone else’s needs ahead of ours,” she says. t “And I was conscious of that h in my own recovery. I’ve learned to stick up for myself, and put d my health first.” p Good advice that’s supported fi by findings in Dr. Karin Humphries’ recent Heart and r Stroke Foundation-funded study.e Dr. Humphries, the UBC Heart and Stroke Foundation Professor in Women’s Cardiovascular T Health, along with Dr. Mona Izadnegahdar, followed women t

I started creating Dare to Dream 18 years ago. The idea was to do something that I love while helping people improve their life by supplying products and services that are especially for them. We carry something for everyone, including jewellery, crystals, new age and self-help books, CDs and DVDs, Feng Shui and Colour Energy products, incense, oils, salt lamps, singing bowls and unique gifts.

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I have enjoyed meeting and getting to know those of you who have come into the store over the years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my customers for supporting me and allowing me to help you or to introduce you to the world of Dare to Dream. I welcome others to come and experience all that we have to offer.

Come in to relax, learn, grow spiritually and heal physically, emotionally and mentally.

E TO DREAM R DA Body, Mind & Spirit Centre

#33-2070 Harvey Avenue 250-712-9295 www.daretodreamkelowna.com

SCAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2015 5 Z27

Baby hearts continue to beat the odds Shelly Nicholl Contributor

Scars of survival and hope are etched across the tiny bodies of three B.C. babies born with congenital heart defects.

Moments after giving a textbook birth to twins, Miranda Brown’s elation turned to fear.

One of her new sons was immediately whisked away for testing when the nurse detected a heart murmur. An hour later, a serious face delivered the news.

“They said he needs a better echo and his blood was mixing,” Miranda recalls. “I had no clue what that meant.”

She did understand the severity of his condition though, when she and Henry were

readied for an emergency air lift from Kamloops to Vancouver and she asked the doctor, “Can he die?”

The grave answer was: “Yes, he can.”

“I couldn’t even breathe,” Miranda says. “It was so terrible.

It was so big. I couldn’t even comprehend it at that point.”

Born on Nov. 12, 2013, with a hea rt with just three chambers and completely lacking a pulmonary artery, Henry was kept alive by a drug to temporarily keep the heart and lungs connected like that of a baby still in the womb.

He had his first open-heart surgery within five days of life, but struggled until another grueling eight-hour surgery at

four months that implanted an artificial artery and a patched the hole in his ventricle to create the required four chambers. He improved immediately.

“It was amazing,” says Miranda. “He was pink. It was instant.”

Henry’s condition is still complex and fragile; he has some breathing issues and has to be fed through a tube still, but developmentally, he’s on the same level as his twin Seamus, who has no health issues.

Henry’s other seven siblings are fine, too. Henry is expected to have another surgery anytime within the next two years as well as in the future to replace the arteries as he outgrows them.

Research continues to look into recovery barriers for men and women HEART FROM A26

(including Dierssen) and men under the age of 55 for a year after their heart attacks.

They discovered that throughout recovery, women’s health statuses lagged significantly behind the men’s, from symptoms to physical function and quality of life.

Women were not making the recovery they should relative to men in their first year.

“That has important implications for society,” says Dr. Humphries.

“If, on average, men recover and women don’t, then we need to better understand why that’s happening, and what we can do to help them.”

Although heart disease is a leading cause of death for women in Canada most studies in the past focused on men alone and assumed that the findings would apply to both genders equally.

So when Dr. Humphries discovered that recovery results don’t translate across gender that easily, she identified a huge gap in knowledge.

She is helping pioneer a new field of study on prevention and care for women with heart disease.

“Many of these women have jobs and children, and are perhaps looking after older parents.

Making lifestyle changes can become very hard, when you have all of that other stuff to worry about,” Dr. Humphries says.

Drs. Humphries and Izadnegahdar are looking deeper into the barriers patients of both sexes face in their recovery, by studying how men and women respond to healthy lifestyle behaviours recommended after a heart attack.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s mission is to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery.

A volunteer-based health charity, we strive to tangibly improve the health of every Canadian family, every day. Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together we will make it happen.

Henry was the victim of one in 10,000 odds of such a heart defect. But, heart conditions in babies are not that unusual; one in 100 babies is born with a congenital heart defect in Canada.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Heart Month Report explains that, “Thanks to medical advances in Canada and around the world, survival of children with congenital heart disease has greatly improved.

Sixty years ago, fewer than 20 per cent of infants born with complex heart defects reached adulthood, but today, more than 90 per cent do.”

And children with heart defects can expect longer, healthier lives.

According to the report, “Improved care throughout their lives can help them to avoid or manage complications

and live life to its fullest.” *** A year ago, Karter Thistlethwaite was anxiously waiting for a donor heart as his own heart had been affected by dilated cardiomyopathy, diagnosed when he was six months old.

As the days and months slipped by, however, Karter’s heart managed to heal itself enough to take Karter off the transplant waiting list just before Christmas.

It’s a cautious victory and one mom Brandee Brown is celebrating moment by moment.

Her diagnosis right now: “He’s a rock star.”

Karter will need a donor heart in the future, but having his own heart working means he can postpone the transplant and complications that could arise from such an operation

until he’s stronger.

“There’s still a big black cloud over our heads,” Brandee explains.

“But we try to live as normally as we can.”

Karter was diagnosed in the womb with a heart block and required a pacemaker eight days after he was born Oct. 2, 2012.

When his condition worsened at six months, he had to have his second pacemaker—a dualchamber pacemaker—installed.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s mission is to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery.

A volunteer-based health charity, the foundation strives to tangibly improve the health of every Canadian family, every day.

Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together, we will make it happen.

Kayla, Kelsea, Lindsay, Dr. Noa Oz, Nicole, Heather, Rhonda The experience and compassionate staff at Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital love your pets!

Six Veterinary Assistants help Dr. Noa and Dr. Oz in their veterinary practice.

They also have a full time groomer, Vanessa Brunt. Along with admitting patients, dispensing necessary medications and specialty foods the women run the lab, deal with the cat boarding facility and lovingly take care of the animals in their charge.

They also assist Dr. Noa, who does most of the orthopedic and routine surgeries in the hospital.

Their great love of animals inspire them all to go the extra mile to help all the animals of the community of Central Okanagan in many ways.

We all appreciate them very much for their hard work and commitment to the hospital and its patients.

Our Amazing Team

—Shelley Nicholl

112-2476 Westlake Rd. West Kelowna 250.769.9109 www.kelownavet.ca

They said it…

“A further sign of health is that we don’t become undone by fear and trembling, but we take it as a message that it’s time to stop struggling and look —Pema Chödrön directly at what’s threatening us. ”

Sandra Avila-Carr Sandra holds a Bachelor of Accounting Degree and a Diploma in Business Administration Management.

She has 25 years of experience in the industry working both independently for small and large organizations.

Sandra speaks two languages, English and Spanish, and offers an array of services from bookkeeping, monthly financial statements, business analysis, payroll, inventory control and personal income tax.

Through her practical experience in industry she has developed a detailed reporting package for clients requiring full monthly operational statements giving them complete control and insight of their finances. Sandra prides herself on giving value for money allowing her clients to concentrate on their business.

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Z28 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Adding empathy to a business leader’s toolbox In the 1990s, Italian scientists studying a laboratory monkey to understand how his brain worked as he cracked open a nut, chanced upon a new discovery.

When a researcher entered the lab and absentmindedly picked at a nut, the same neurons lit up in the brain of the observing monkey as when the monkey himself engaged in nutcracking.

The researchers thought the MRI machine was on the blink, but further investigation uncovered something of much greater import—that primates and humans (elephants too and possibly even mice, dolphins and dogs, among other species) are wired to understand another creature’s plight. In short, the ability to empathize is in our DNA. One of the biggest advocates

for empathy of our time comes from a surprising source: U.S. President Barack Obama.

In times of economic meltdown, global poverty and the increasing threat of terrorism, surely the leader of the free world is clutching at straws when he urges us to simply be a bit nicer to each other?

Therein, says a Harvard Business Review report, lies a common misconception—that empathy is about compassion, tolerance and sensitivity.

“It’s not about feeling sorry for people or giving them the benefit of the doubt,” stated the Harvard Business Review report.

“It’s an act of imagination in which you try to look at the world from the perspective of another person, a human being whose history and point of view are as complex as your own.”

When Obama won his second term, commentators attributed his success in large part to his ability to empathize (and by extension his opponent’s inability to do the same).

“There was plurality of voters (by a margin of 10 per cent) who felt that Barack Obama understood what they were facing, or to be more exact, that he was ‘in touch’ with their problems,” wrote one commentator.

Obama hadn’t just chanced upon what might be his greatest attribute as a leader; his application of empathy was a conscious and considered move.

“The biggest deficit that we have in our society and in the world right now is an empathy deficit,” Obama has said.

“We are in great need of people being able to stand in somebody else’s shoes and see

Lori Burns & Jan Johnson Now at rnard 541 Be

It’s been a big year for Jan Johnson and Lori Burns at Tigerlily Fashions.

They sold their building at 575 Bernard last June and moved to a new location at 541 Bernard (right beside Cruzwear).

Says Jan “We had a great offer on our building and decided that it was the right time to sell. Then we found a great new location in the same block, so we jumped on it. The move was really fun, as we just rolled racks down Bernard to the new location - it looked like a scene from the Fashion District of New York.”

The new spot is bright and very urban. “We love it!”, says Manager Karen Gardner. “It’s only a block down the street but there is a lot more activity all around us.” Their focus hasn’t changed - they still feature Canadian-made styles like Gilmour, Michael Tyler and Libra, with a focus on the woman of 35+ who wants to look stylish but still feel comfortable. Other popular lines are Soya Concept, Tribal, Lois Jeans and Simon Chang. “We love Canadian-made, but we also shop the world to find styles that are unique to Kelowna,” says Lori. Tigerlily is also getting quite a reputation for having ultracool accessories - bags, necklaces, earrings and scarves. Better check out this fun store in their new digs soon!

541 Bernard Ave., Kelowna 250-762-8384

Christy Phillips Born To Birth was inspired by Christy Phillips, whose gift to the Okanagan was to bring a very special childbirth education program to Kelowna in 2010. For 5 years now Born To Birth has been providing hundreds of expecting-parents something better: HypnoBirthing® - the Gold-star prenatal education class that works so well by eliminating fears, teaching ultra-depth relaxation, and empowering parents to take control, for a safe, calm, and more comfortable experience!

What’s unique about HypnoBirthing and Christy’s other services is the focus: Helping individuals achieve their goals by focusing on what they want, rather than what they don’t want, offering a unique philosophy and effective techniques that go beyond birthing to inspire confidence in achieving other goals and a more satisfying and joyful life.

A “Twice-HypnoBirther” herself, Christy brings passion, incredible insight and enthusiasm (and humour!) to every class at the Lovin Livin Centre, an inspiring sanctuary above the Marmalade Cat Café on Pandosy St. “Thank you dear midwives, doctors, nurses, plus all the chiropractors, massage therapists, naturopathic doctors and all other “moms and dads” that fill my classes, your referrals and continued support are very much appreciated!”

HypnoBirthing® HypnoMothering™ Fertility Support, Breastfeeding Support and More!

www.borntobirth.ca 250-808-6321

the world through their eyes.’

While empathy is still often regarded as a ‘feminine’ skill, a ‘soft fluffy thing relegated to HR,’ Obama’s presidential endorsement has given it a renewed focus—and one that doesn’t just consider empathy as a vital people skill, applied by managers focused on the wellbeing of their teams and understanding their customers.

Empathy can have a dramatic affect on the bottom line of both individuals and corporations large and small.

L’Oreal sales agents who are more empathic sell on average $100,000 more than those without empathy.

Waiters who are more empathic get 18 per cent more in tips.

Even debt collectors who are more empathic earn more money, says Belinda Parmar chief executive officer of Little Miss Geek.

“The empathy era is about bringing empathy into all aspects of business…driving sales…and from shop floor right through to the board room, ” Parmar said.

In the book ‘Empathy drives profit,’ the author tells how a Scottish Housing Association took a more empathic approach to employee relations and was rewarded with 87 per cent staff engagement rates and, by extension, a rise to 90 per cent in customer satisfaction.

And when a technology website got hold of Apple’s staff training manual, much was made of the tech giant’s emphasis on empathic customer relations.

Another ringing endorsement of empathy came from another unlikely source—the U.S. military.

In his article ‘Leadership In A Combat Zone’, LieutenantGeneral William Pagonis, director of logistics during the Gulf War, wrote: “Owning the facts is a prerequisite to leadership. But there are millions of technocrats out there with lots of facts in their quivers and little leadership potential.

“In many cases, what they are missing is empathy. No one is a leader who can’t put himself or herself in the other person’s shoes. Empathy and expertise command respect.”

So are we born with empathy or do we acquire it?

“The answer is both,” says Daniel Goleman, in his book, ‘What Makes A Leader.’

“Scientific inquiry strongly suggests that there is a genetic component to emotional intelligence,” Goleman writes.

“Psychological and developmental research indicates that nurture plays a role as well.

“How much of each perhaps will never be known, but research and practice clearly demonstrate that emotional intelligence can be learned.”

Studies have also pointed towards empathy being akin to a switch we can control.

Stress hormones have been found to act like blockers, indicating that when we’re stressed, we’re less likely to empathize with others. And psychopaths, who it’s long been theorized are ‘missing’ the empathy chip, are in fact in full

possession of it—they simply have the ability to flick it on and off at will.

It might be more useful then, to think about empathy as a quality which can be nurtured.

We all have the tools to become a communicator— a voice box, the ability to put thoughts into words; but clearly some are better communicators than others, having nurtured their inherent qualities.

This Lifehacker article has some lovely suggestions, summarizd below, for how you can nurture your own empathic abilities: Listen more: Study the person you’re conversing with, paying attention to what they say and do, and what their body language is telling you at the same time.

Force yourself to slow down, beware of interrupting, and find ways to demonstrate that you’re absorbing what the other person has told you.

People watch: You can pick up a myriad of clues about what people are thinking and feeling by observing them in everyday life—in group situations, in meetings, while commuting.

Take time to wonder about their lives, what challenges they might face, and how they might be feeling.

Get under the skin of your challengers: We all have people in our lives whose motivations, ideas and ideologies seem at odds with our own.

When clashing with a coworker, take a step back and try to see the situation from their point of view, without judgment.

They said it…

“Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself. ”

—Mohsin Hamid, Pakistani writer

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SCAPITAL NEWS

Kelowna Chamber offers peer support Darcy Nybo

being nominated.”

To help balance things out, Grover trained to become a peer mentor for the Women’s Enterprise Centre.

Caroline Grover, chief executive officer of the “I can now parlay my business experience into Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, has her work cut supporting other women who are looking to start out for her. their business. We are actually looking for women The Kelowna Chamber is now the second in the start up phase of their business,” she said. largest in the province with over 1,250 members.

“This new group will allow 12 women to “We have everything from microbusinesses to meet regularly for eight occasions in a safe and large corporations in our membership,” she said. confidential environment and bring forward “Last year we started a Women’s Leadership challenges that they are facing.

Network because we realized there It also helps keep everyone on was a need for a peer-to-peer track. group for executive women “Once you’ve made the leaders. commitment to come, you’re “We were able to identify accountable.”

25 women who said yes and The Kelowna Chamber also would be interested in creating has a different approach when the group.

“We’ve gone on to grow that it comes to their staff. group and continue to get the “At the chamber we tend word out through our members. to hire people who are just We also have events that are beginning their careers,” said now targeted to that very Grover. specific demographic.

“This way we are able to “These events are more of provide a work environment of interest for women for their support and mentorship. We can Caroline Grover career development paths.” share our experience with some When it comes to students, the of our junior staff and we learn a lot Kelowna Chamber now has a Launch Students from them as well.” into Business program, which helps students and Grover said the Kelowna Chamber has also young graduates build networks in the business adopted flex hours for all its staff. “We do have a community and help them to stay here. predominately female staff here, and we offer very “We see more young women take part in this flexible hours to accommodate the different life program than young men,” said Grover. stages of our staff,” she said.

When it comes to young professionals, the “I definitely support business owners who want numbers are almost reversed. to look at a more adaptable work environment “There are far more young men than women and suggest they have a good look at what the being nominated for the BDO Top 40 under 40 in issues are in their businesses. Once they’ve done business,” Grover said. that they should look into flexibility, especially “I think it reflects that women are more modest when it comes to retaining employees. Respecting about their achievements. It is improving, but people and helping them keep a work balance there are still more young men than young women goes a long way.”

Contributor

They said it…

“Most of us are having trouble juggling. The woman who says she doesn’t is someone whom I admire but have never met. ”

—Barbara Walters,

“What I wanted was to be allowed to do the thing in the world that I did best…

When I did that success found me. ” —Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Bakeries in the U.S.

Deanna Stone Deanna moved to Kelowna in 2008 to start her career in law after completing her Bachelor of Law degree at the University of Alberta. Deanna focused her practice in the areas of Estate Planning, Real Estate, and Business Law. She enjoys establishing personal connections with her clients and assisting them with big life moments including buying and selling their homes, starting new businesses or growing existing ones. Deanna’s practice also includes employment law, strata property law and first nations land transactions.

Deanna is actively involved in the community as a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Okanagan, Ringette Canada, the Kelowna Apple Triathlon, and the Kelowna Bar Association.

When not at work, she enjoys spending her winter weekends up at Big White. In the summer she can be found on the biking trails or on the lake soaking up the beautiful Okanagan sunshine.

410-1708 Dolphin Ave. Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9S4 T: 250.980.3362 F: 250.868.9011

Women in Business 2015 5 Z29

www.saveonfoods.com Kathy Kittle

Manager of Operations, Cooper Rd.

Celebrating 100 years in business, Save-On-Foods is BC owned and operated and proud to serve the Okanagan area! We’re focused on finding unique and creative ways to bring our customers everything they love about Save-OnFoods including quick and easy meal ideas, great selection & value and friendly & helpful service. We’re committed to supporting local producers and love to sponsor and participate in community events and causes such as Across the Lake Swim, Help Hunger Disappear, Kelowna Food Bank, Salvation Army, JDRF, BC Children’s Hospital and our latest drive, “Points for People” proceeds benefit the new Interior Heart & Surgical Centre. Kathy Kittle was the recipient of Save-On-Foods’ 2012 Personal Achiever award, and is proud to have been with the company for 25 years. As the Operations Manager at our Orchard Plaza store, she works with the team to make sure our store is the best place to shop and a great place to work. Come on in – we’d love to serve you!

Terralyn Gotro

Pharmacy Manager, Cooper Rd.

I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2001. Immediately following graduation, I started with Overwaitea Food Group and have worked as a pharmacist at Save-on-Foods (Orchard Plaza) ever since. For the majority of this time, I have specialized in the management of our blister packaging program. However in December 2014, I took over the role of pharmacy manager at this location. I would like to welcome all new and previous patients to our pharmacy.

Judy McMorran

Assistant Operations Manager, Lakeshore Centre

Judy has spent the past 25 years serving our customers in West Kelowna and Lakeshore Center stores with her superior customer service skills. Judy moved across the lake to join our team as an Assistant Operations Manager 3 years ago and has earned respect through her leadership style and positive Team Member relationships. Judy over the past 25 years with Save on Foods has learned many aspects of our business including Front End Customer Service, Pricing, Hiring, Training, Scheduling, Grocery Department and Front End Operations. As a positive contributor to the success of our business Judy was named our store’s Personal Achiever for 2014, a very well deserved award.

Judy’s biggest reward since entering the management side of our business is being able to help our Team Members learn and advance within our company as well as the rewarding interactions she has with all our valued customers.

Tamara Wheeler

Deli Supervisor, Lakeshore Centre

Tamara has been with the Overwaitea Food Group for the past 28 years, the first 27 years looking after her customer’s needs in Grand Forks. While in Grand Forks Tamara started as a Cashier, then moved into positions in Price Changes, Cash Office, Store Trainer and yes even the store columnist where she wrote a column called Tamara’s Tidbits. In 2014 Tamara made the move from Grand Forks to accept a promotion in Save on Foods, Lakeshore Center, Kelowna. This first year for Tamara in her new Supervisory role, has included time learning and supporting our Produce Department, our Bakery Department and recently moved into our Deli Department as Supervisor. Tamara’s biggest reward since stepping into a management role is how she thrives on the responsibility and the challenge of the job. Tamara has a great attitude with an open, honest style which creates a positive environment in our store and with her teams.

Tina Richardson

Bakery Supervisor, Lakeshore Centre

Tina has spent the past 20 years in 4 of our lower mainland stores before accepting a promotion and joining our team in Save on Foods, Lakeshore Center, Kelowna. While learning the business in the lower mainland Tina worked as a Photo Department Manager then moving into the Bakery Department, working her way up to an Assistant Bakery Manager. In January of this year Tina accepted the promotion to Supervisor in our busy Bakery Department learning the ins and outs of a new store and bringing with her a wealth of Bakery experience and knowledge. Tina’s biggest reward since moving into a supervisory role is mentoring her Team Members and watching them flourish and continue on with their career aspirations.

Deidre Armatage

Management Team, West Kelowna

Deidre (Dee Dee) Armatage has worked for Save On Foods for 22 Years. Her years of customer experience show through as she maintains the service desk solving customer and team member issues with a calm and professional atmosphere. Her technical experience includes looking after payroll and cash up.

She also possesses the knowledge and experience to ensure daily and weekly price change promotions are executed. She has just recently been promoted to supervisor. With her newly added to our management team, we are positioned to move forward growing our community involvement, team support and customer service.

KELOWNA

3 LOCATIONS

101-1876 Cooper Road 250-860-1444

KELOWNA MISSION 3175 Lakeshore Road 250-860-7783

WEST KELOWNA 2475 Dobbin Road 250-768-2944

Z30 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Celebrating 20 fantastic years of making Little Creek Dressing in the Okanagan!

Many thanks for your tremendous support! ❤ Donna Denison

www.littlecreekdressing.com

Helen Day, P.T. & Associates Consult, Educate and Treat has been helping Kelownians get their health back and end their suffereing for 23 years. As well as offering standard physiotherapy the owner Helen Day, has developed two new programs to address emerging areas in Healthcare.

The Five Point Protocol for Pain This addresses the huge increase of multiple site, persistent pain due to the aging population.

The FIVE F.A.C.E.S program Teaches you how to maintain the shape, health and therefore youth of your face.

This is a healthy, all natural alternative to Botox for anyone concerned with aging.

Helen Day, P.T., founder of Consult, Educate and Treat, has a driving passion to help people with the highest quality of care possible.

2178 Pandosy St., Kelowna 250-448-0438 www.consulteducatetreat.com

The business case for business women The World Economic Forum has identified women as the fastest growing economic force in the world today.

It has been recognized by government, industry and individuals that the BC economy needs more women leaders—in business, on boards and in growing industries.

The opportunity to support women in business was seized at the BC Economic Forum—Women as a Catalyst for Growth, a sold-out working forum that took place in Vancouver in October 2014.

Co-hosted by The WEB Alliance (weballiance. ca), a consortium of women’s business networks in BC, the inaugural event aimed to further the conversation around women in business to create action strategies for economic growth.

Now the forum’s success has spring-boarded into Catalyst for Growth: Women for the BC Economy, a 30-month project to expand the conversation to other regions in the province.

The first phase of the project involves regional consultations throughout B.C., which will give men and women in several communities around B.C. the opportunity to be a part of the dialogue.

Phase two will involve the implementation of action items and the development of unique solutions and resources to address some of these issues.

The business case for increasing women’s contribution to the economy is well-documented —and so are the areas where women are underrepresented.

The WEB Alliance, the Premier’s Women’s Economic Council and their partners have compiled some interesting statistics as a background to the project: Women on Boards • In Canada, women represent 47 per cent of the workforce, but only 15.9 per cent of board

members are women.

• Organizations with more women board directors outperform those with the fewest with a 66 per cent higher ROI. Women Entrepreneurs • Women start businesses at a greater rate than men, but male-owned businesses are 3.5 times more likely to exceed $1 million in sales.

• A 20 per cent increase in revenues from women-owned businesses would annually contribute another $2 billion to the Canadian economy.

Women in Non-Traditional Roles and Emerging Sectors • Less than 25 per cent of employees in these fields are women, and there has been little growth over the past 10 years.

• Emerging sectors are poised for significant growth but project a gap in skilled workers available to fill positions in these sectors.

“The business case is clear. Women’s Enterprise Centre is excited to work with women and men across the province to create real dialogue and implement action items that will increase women’s contributions to the B..C economy,” says Laurel Douglas, chief executive officer of the Women’s Enterprise Centre in Kelowna.

The Women’s Enterprise Centre is the leading business resource for B.C. women who own a business or are thinking of starting a business. The WEC team of professionals provides business loans up to $150,000 to start, grow or buy a business, and also offers workshops, business advisors, mentors, resources and a supportive community to help women start, grow and succeed in their business.

1-800-643-7014 womensenterprise.ca facebook.com/wecbc

She said it…

“The business case is clear. Women’s Enterprise Centre is excited to work with women and men across the province to create real dialogue and implement action items that will increase women’s contributions to the B.C. economy.

—Laurel Douglas, CEO of the Women’s Enterprise Centre

News from your community • kelownacapnews.com

Kelowna Toyota will be celebrating 45 years in business this April!

The staff at Kelowna Toyota, many whom have been coming to work for decades, know our product well and have aligned themselves with the Toyota attitude of “Make Things Better”. This philosophy is evident in all aspects of the dealership, from sales and leasing, to service and customer care.

The success of Kelowna Toyota is in part the dedicated staff who are consistently providing knowledgeable and quality service. They are all there to make your experience at Kelowna Toyota as enjoyable and stress free as possible.

We would like to extend a huge “Thank You” to you, our customers, for your continued support over our 45 years in Kelowna. Our customers make our growth possible.

KELOWNA TOYOTA .com COMMUNITY DRIVEN

Front left to front right

Chelsea (Reception/Service) • Aud rey (Leasing) • LaDonna (Reception • Shanna (Service) • Cary (Service ) ) • Sandy counting) • Missing Stephanie (Reception(Ac )

1200 Leathead Road

250•491•2475

www.kelownatoyota.com

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Kelowna Women in Business president Patricia Chandler is all about helping women become successful in business.

KWIB was established in 1993 as a not-for-profit organization created in order to give a voice to Kelowna businesswomen, whether they be professionals, run their own businesses or work for others.

“Our main goal is for business women to meet each other and connect, do business with each other and support each other,” explained Chandler.

“We do that through our meetings and networking.

We bring in speakers to help educate and help women be successful.

“Our strategy this year is to build on education. Our February meeting is about financial planning and March will be a partnership with the Women’s Enterprise Centre on how to grow your business.

“We also have people coming in to talk about social media and a panel coming in to talk about their success stories and how they became successful. “ Chandler says the group’s goal is to ensure women are connecting and forming relationships that help their business.

“When we know a new woman is coming to a meeting, we make sure we introduce ourselves and then introduce them to other

Women in Business 2015 5 Z31

Members of the executive for the Kelowna Women In Business non-profit support group. businesswomen,”Chandler said.

“We have an executive sitting at each table, which helps match up people who may be of interest to each other.

“We also have a new young adult membership, which gives all the benefits of full memberships at a lower cost.”

Things have changed in the seven years since Chandler joined KWIB. “When I joined in 2008, it was predominantly women in multi-level marketing. We’ve seen a shift to more selfemployed people starting businesses in their own career field,” she said.

“A lot of women are at a point where they should be in middle management but there aren’t that many opportunities here in the Okanagan, so they start their own business. It also helps out with their life balance.

“Most women, once they

start their own businesses, say they will never go back to working for someone else. There is a limited amount of jobs here for them so they create a niche market for themselves.”

Chandler noted KWIB meetings have brought back the fine art of the elevator speech.

“Everyone gets a chance to stand up, has 20 seconds to introduce themselves and their business, and then sits down,” she explained.

“This way other members know who they want to connect with after the initial introductions. And we’ve just launched a testimonial page for KWIB and are launching a profile page to highlight members on a rotating weekly basis.”

Every year the executive of KWIB selects a charity for which they raise funds from November to the end of June.

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Melodie Sharma “Miss Melodie” is the proud owner and Director of Kelowna Dance & Performing Arts. With more than three decades of dance behind her, including 20 years of teaching, she has studied dance at internationally renowned studios creating a solid background in choreography and technique. Always wanting to increase her standard, Miss Melodie completed her 3 year program to become a certified ADAPT teacher. In 2014, Kelowna Dance lead and performed in the “Dance the Magic Parade” in Disneyland. Kelowna Dance believes in giving back to their community and has done so by supporting the Kelowna Community Food Bank and the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation. She has also volunteered her time to train competitors for COHA’s “Swinging with the Stars”. Kelowna Dance is proud of all their alumni, some of whom have gone on to dance professionally for the likes of Hilary Duff, Randolph Academy, LUX Dance Company, Ballet Victoria, The Banff Centre, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Toronto Dance Theatre (TDT), and several notable cruise lines.

Kelowna Dance & Performing Arts is an award winning, dynamic, and high spirited dance studio that offers outstanding technical training in a positive environment. Our professional teaching staff offers competitive and recreational levels of instruction in various dance disciplines, with a concerted effort on best developing a dancer’s individual interests and potential.

110-1634 Harvey Ave Kelowna, BC V1Y 6G2 (778) 478-0760

www.kelownadance.com

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Z32 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Redefining ‘ME’ Time Today, women are busier than ever. Between work, soccer practice, making family meals and helping with homework, we tend to neglect ourselves and don’t enjoy ‘ME’ time. bal’

the Girls of Glo ith w on ils W t At Global Fitness we say it’s time to make ‘ME’ ‘Owner W. Bret time a priority! Feel at ease leaving your little ones in the care of our Children’s Activity Centre and sweat! We pride ourselves on having 3 studios with 90+ classes a week of Group Fitness, Spin, Yoga, Pilates, Bootcamp, Zumba, PiYo, Fit Kids and more. Schedule an appointment with our certified Personal Trainers or Kinesiologists to feel stronger and empowered. Relax afterwards and have a massage with our Registered Massage Therapist.

Global Fitness & Racquet Center is Kelowna’s premier fitness facility and home to 80,000sq.ft, including CrossFit, tennis, racquetball & squash courts.

Call or come down today and give new meaning to ‘ME’ time. Global Fitness- More Than A Gym.

www.GlobalFitnessKelowna.com

1574 Harvey Avenue • 250.860.6900

Andrea Lindal Lexabi Communications is a Digital Communications Firm that specializes in Social Media, Email Marketing, Blogging & all the strategy involved in making your digital marketing work for your bottom line!

Concerned about your brand’s social media exposure? Blogging? Email Marketing?

Strategy? Conversion? And how it’s all supposed to work?

Want to find someone you can work with to take care of all your digital marketing needs?

Or, train you to do it yourself?

With over twenty years of Marketing, Communications & Advertising experience, we are specialists AND THAT’S WHAT WE DO. When you work with Lexabi Communications, you have a MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER that will be your ‘front-counter communications service’ for your business digital marketing objectives.

www.lexabi.com • 250.215.1122

A path to recovery for eating disorders Ashley Polson Contributor

My name is Ashley. I am 31 and a survivor of an eating disorder. June of this year will mark my eighth year in recovery.

During my struggle, I was unable to do many things. Many days, even getting out of bed and leaving the house took more energy than I had mentally and physically.

I struggled for seven years. It was a daily struggle trying to eat, to fight the negative, harmful thoughts in my head, to not excessively exercise, and to properly take care of myself when it had become a foreign concept.

I sought help which was a challenge finding the level of care I needed. When I found appropriate treatment, it changed everything.

Not only did I get my life back, but I was given that gift by someone I had met only through the Internet who came into my life at just the right moment and helped save my life.

Recently, that person passed away, and I cherish even more the gift that I was given because I have gotten to where I am today because of it. Recovery gave me my life back.

I gained a sense of self. I learned how to use my voice when I had lost it for so many years. I learned how to take care of myself and nurture myself instead of deprive myself of things.

I was also able to finish college courses and have a long-term job for the first time. I became more engaged in family events and have gotten to see my nieces and nephews grow up.

I have been able to share my story and mentor others who are struggling and seeking recovery which has given me a sense of purpose and strength to keep moving forward in my own recovery. Some days, I still struggle with body

Although there is no single known cause of eating disorders, several things may contribute to their development: • Culture. Extreme thinness is a social and cultural ideal, and women partially define themselves by how physically attractive they are.

• Personal characteristics. Feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, and poor self-image often accompany eating disorders.

• Other emotional disorders. Other mental health problems, like depression or anxiety, occur along with eating disorders.

image and not liking what I see in the mirror. It can become difficult with all the weight loss/diet ads that exist, and I try to limit how much I see regarding that. I also work on positive self-talk and remind myself of just how far I have come.

I do not pay attention to what new fad diet people are trying or get caught up in what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ in terms of food. I nourish myself according to what works for me and eat all foods in moderation. I am an individual, and what is right for me might not be right for someone else.

I have learned to care for myself and am still S learning to find a balance between food, size, w shape, and acceptance of where I am today. It m has been a learning process, and one that keeps y evolving as time goes on.

People often think of recovery as a straightforward path, you learn to eat properly, learn to manage negative thoughts, feelings, and urges, you might need to gain some weight back, and then you are expected to just magically be okay again. That is not the case.

Recovery also brings about a sense of loss, and a grieving process can often occur. You go from living a certain way for so long and then all of a sudden are expected to undo it all and follow a new way of life. Even though living with an eating disorder is very difficult and potentially lifethreatening, it also can be a safety net for some, but one that ultimately traps a person.

Learning to let go of that is a long process, but it is possible. Through learning healthier coping skills and having support from friends, family, and a therapist, recovery can happen. Even though it has been a difficult journey for me and some days might feel impossible to get through, it really has been worth it. For those who are still struggling, I encourage you to reach out and seek help wherever you can find it. You are worth it.

• Stressful events or life changes. Things like starting a new school or job or being teased and traumatic events like rape can lead to the onset of eating disorders.

• Biology. Studies are being done to look at genes, hormones, and chemicals in the brain that may have an effect on the development of, and recovery from eating disorders.

• Families. Parents’ attitudes about appearance and diet can affect their kids’ attitudes.

Also, if your mother or sister has bulimia, you are more likely to have it.

Michelle Urbanovitch Lana Belvis is a Licensed Optician and owner of Inspired Eyes Creative Eyewear. Inspired Eyes was founded as a mobile optical service and recently expanded to include a charming new boutique in downtown Kelowna. With an eye for style and an expert understanding of optics, Lana is passionate about helping you to see life more clearly, inspiring you to take a bold step to embrace a new style and ensuring you feel great in your eyewear.

LANA BELVIS Licensed Optician • Rx Eyewear • Sunglasses

Visit us in store and ask for your free lens cleaner and gift card!

Visit us on Facebook and like our page to enter our “Win a Free Frame” contest!

• Magnifiers • Ready Readers

@InspiredEyesBC /InspiredEyesBC

be inspired. express yourself. see life.

1560 Pandosy Street, Kelowna 250.862.5900 | www.inspiredeyes.ca Store Hours: Tues-Fri 10-5:30, Sat 10-4

Michelle Urbanovitch is an Okanagan Valley Independent Gemmologist with over 30 years experience.

Her passion is Party Rock’s Jewellery, an in-home fine jewellery party business.

Your Friends and Family learn about Rock’s and Gem’s and have fun doing it. Her fascinating presentation of exclusive fine jewellery and gemstones collected all over the world, offer expert skilled valuable information and brilliant designed jewellery reflects a wide range of the industry’s unique tastes and distinction.

Please see website for all Party Rock’s Jewellery details, don’t forget Culinary Gold Medal Chef Bernie Senuk will be your Chef for your home party.

Michelle’s focused on high-quality service and customer satisfaction. As well as being your own personal jeweller she does jewellery appraisals while you wait. By Appointment Only!

Diane Lazauskas and Maxine DeHart believed in me, Women in Business is all about Women Empowering Women to Believe In Yourself.

250-448-5986 diamonds4u@shaw.ca www.partyrocksjewellery.com

Women in Business 2015 5 Z33

CONTRIBUTED

SCAPITAL NEWS

Kelowna Women in Business provides networking, inspiration and education to support the success of women in business.

Some of the Okanagan College Bachelor of Business Administration students with Heather Banham(second from left) are (from left)Stephanie Baziuk, third-year management; Karen Vandergaag, fourth-year finance; and Shanti McLean, thirdyear accounting.

Students get prepped for the business world Darcy Nybo Contributor

Heather Banham, Dean of the Okanagan School of Business, at Okanagan College, says she’s very optimistic about the future for her graduates. “The community here places high value on our graduates, so we do have a high proportion of graduates that stay and work in the area,” Banham said.

“The skills they develop throughout the program are in demand with employers. Although some of the graduates do move out of the Okanagan to find work, once they’ve gained experience in their field, they tend to move back.”

One thing she has noticed is at times there are more opportunities than graduates.

“We have recruiters come from all sectors at our employment fairs. Our main objective is to serve the community here in the Okanagan, but we do have a mandate from the provincial government to increase international students,” she said.

“A lot of them will go home after graduating.

Some of the colleges in Alberta and Ontario offer a two year business admin diploma and we have memorandums with them so they can come here and complete years three and four for their Bachelors of Business Administration.

“Our programs encompass accounting, finance,

Come out, meet us and get involved

marketing, human resources, tourism hospitality management and management. They develop the skills and a knowledge base that employers want.”

Banham notes there is an equal amount of male and female students in the program.

“We haven’t seen any trends as to which courses have more men or women taking them.

We may see a variance from year to year, but nothing noticeable. In business education you are using your head, you don’t have to be physically stronger. You just have to have a work ethic and have strong employable skills.”

One thing that does stand out is entrepreneurs returning to school to get more education, Banham says. “Often entrepreneurs realize they need someone to do what they can’t, or they have to go back to school. We’re here to help them with that. We have six course certificates, 20 course diplomas and 40 course degrees offered by the business school.

“We do get more mature students who realize they need something on the certificate side, or those who are looking to get a diploma. We have very flexible learning paths for all levels of business people.”

Banham offers this advice for young business people: “Your first job is not going to be your last.

You have to be willing to get educated in the area of what you want to do.”

Barbara Munn I specialize in Residential Real Estate in the beautiful Okanagan. I have a bachelor of Arts Degree, Certifications in negotiation and conflict resolving, Interior Decorator and Home Stager.

I have been in the home improvement business for over 25 years and focus on a consultation approach in meeting clients specific needs that form a long and lasting relationship. I love what I do and do what I love.

1-1890 Cooper Rd., Kelowna 250-860-1100 Cell: 587-297-1523

Upcoming Events March 11 Moving Up! Business Growth Strategies in Partnership with the Women’s Enterprise Centre April 15

Social Media: How to make it work for you

May 13

Women of the Okanagan Panel Discussion

June 12

Charity Wine Tour to raise funds for Wish Come True Society

2015 Executive (Back Row) Becky Robar, Patricia Chandler, Aura Rose, Tracy Wright (Front Row) Jackie Froese, Michelle Belanger, Lisa Alentejano, Julie Hoffman, Reen Rose, Michelle Duford (Missing) Roberta Gizen, Corina Terai

“

…In a very short period of time, Kelowna Women In Business has helped me to get out and meet a number of amazing women within our community, has exposed me to great speakers, and has opened opportunities for me to make meaningful connections with supportive women both from a business standpoint but also from a personal level.

”

Thanks KWIB. Looking forward to many years of “belonging”.

Nikki

kwib.org

Z34 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Fundraising idea all about community Darcy Nybo Contributor

In 2014, Lea Liddicoat approached Rose Sexsmith with an idea she’d read about online.

It was called 100+ Women Who Care and it was started in Jackson, Michigan. They raised $10,000 at their first one-hour meeting.

“I thought it was a great idea,” said Sexsmith. “We still have the Wild Woman Wise Woman foundation, but I wanted an easier way to raise money for local charities.”

The premise behind the Kelowna group is simple. You

become a member and pledge to donate $50 every four months.

You don’t even have to show up and four post-dated cheques will work just fine. If you do decide to participate, the meetings are held every three months.

“When you come to the meeting you write down the name of a local and registered charity you want to support,” explained Sexsmith.

“We draw three names and those three people have five minutes each to talk about their charity. Then we vote. We announce a winner and the

Some of the 100+ Women Who Care with their donation envelopes for CHMA Common Bond (from left) Shelagh Turner, Jody Pihl, Rose Sexsmith, Susanne Berger, Nicole Rustad and Candace Geisbrecht.

Lisa Hilts Lisa Hilts has gained National and Regional recognition for her outstanding work in Commercial, Strata, bare land and Residential Homes. Lisa’s diverse background in negotiations combined with sharp marketing and sales skills are some of the many reasons why so many clients have come to trust Lisa with their largest financial investments and Real Estate decisions.

Celebrating her 10th year in Real Estate March 2015. Lisa respects and enjoys the privileges and relationships she has with her clients, new and old, and all of the professions, the sphere of influence and the astounding network of professional lawyers, home inspectors, appraisers, mortgage brokers, builders, developers, government bodies and city planners that Lisa has built a rapport with and that she deals with on a day to day basis.

In less than nine months of Lisa’s career, she went on to earn her first Master Sales Award. In 2006 Lisa achieved her Platinum Sales Award. In 2007 she was rewarded with the prestigious Diamond Award. 2008 she was bestowed with the 100 Percent Executive Club, Top 10% Club and Top 1% Club Awards. During 2009 - 2013 she has been complimented with the Top 10% Executive Club and the 100% Executive Club awards.

Lisa’s road to success is a result of being a top producer month after month, year after year, proving she has a recognized ability to negotiate.

Lisa’s honesty and integrity have made her a confident people’s choice for Real Estate professionalism.

“I am so grateful for the people I have had come into my life and I enjoy the business and all that comes along with it. I want to thank all of my clients and I also want to thank all of my network of people. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have achieved the success I have today.”

people present pull out their chequebooks and write them out to that charity. Those not in attendance have their cheques in a safe, so we fill out the charity name for them.”

Their first meeting in July of 2014 raised $3,750 for the Kelowna Women’s Shelter.

Their second meeting in October was a fundraiser for the Karis Support Society, a local charity which provides programs and safe housing for women.

That night $5,500 was raised.

Their latest meeting was in January and CMHA Kelowna’s Common Bond was the recipient of $5,050.

Common Bond is a dynamic women’s philanthropy group, with the mandate to raise awareness and funds to promote and support the mental health of young people and families in Kelowna.

“These women are first hand passionate about mental health and CMHA Common Bond,” said Sexsmith.

“I remember being at an event recently where a young man, just 10 years old, was speaking. He told of how he was eight when he was diagnosed with autism.

“He said that once they had a name for what he had, people liked him more, and he liked himself more. That really affected me.”

The 100+ Women Who Care in Kelowna is a group of local women who care about their community.

As one of their members said, “It’s like snowflakes. If you have one and it falls on the ground it will probably melt, but when you get more, they stick together, you can build things with it.”

Sexsmith says more than 130 women have now signed a commitment letter, which means they have committed to donating $200 over the next year.

“My $200 will only make a small difference to local

Donna Bennett Donna loves getting to know her client’s specific needs and desires, and then uses her first-hand knowledge and passion for travel, to make their trips magical.

Together with her husband Greg, who has 17 years of experience in the travel industry, they have formed “Travel with Greg and Donna.”

Their knowledge will save you time, as they will work out the details for your holiday, and you can make the memories!

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charities,” said Sexsmith.

“But when you add 100+ women donating the same amount, that is huge.

“I feel it’s really a part of human nature to give and help other people. You feel better when you do things for others.”

Sexsmith knows the feeling well. She got into fundraising back in the 1970s.

Today, she is well known for the charity events she hosts at Rose’s Pub and Hannah’s Grill.

“If a charity approaches us we usually sell them a set menu of a burger and a beer (or wine) for $6. Whoever is doing their fundraiser will sell tickets for $10, $15, or $20. Those charities will be making up to $14 a ticket. They add on a silent auction and some people have raised up to $10,000 a night.”

For Sexsmith, business and charity go hand in hand. “It’s community,” she said, “it’s all about community. What’s good for one is good for all.”

1328 Water Street, Kelowna

1 (888) 768-6777 Ext. 303 donna@kvi.travel www.travelwithgd.com

SCAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2015 5 Z35

Preserving those New Year’s resolutions Tristaca Curley Contributor

If you are like the majority of Canadians, you made a New Year’s Resolution in January.

And like the majority of us, it has probably fallen by the wayside as we near the end of February.

Most New Year’s resolutions fail not because of poor intentions, but because there wasn’t a clear plan about how to achieve them.

But February offers you a second chance to makeover those resolutions in a way that will help make them stick.

One of the most important aspects of my work with clients is effective goal-setting.

We need to have challenging, but reachable, goals and a way to measure our success.

We do that by making goals that are S.M.A.R.T. The acronym letters break down as follows: • Specific—What is it about

your lifestyle specifically that you want to change? Getting healthier or eating better are lofty goals indeed, but not specific enough.

Is it that you want to be more active? Well then make the goal specific, such as, “I will try out one new yoga class this week.”

• Measureable—Six months from now, how will you measure whether you’ve attained your goal? For example, your New Year’s resolution might be to broaden your cooking skills, so perhaps you decide to find one new meal to cook each week.

Now, define what steps you must take to get there—enroll in a cooking class, search online for new recipe ideas.

Prepare a grocery list and decide on a day to try out the new recipe.

• Attainable—Are you both willing and able to sustain the behaviour change? Working out every day at 6 a.m. might be a legitimate way to fit in your

exercise, but if by February it still hasn’t happened, you need to find another alternative.

Perhaps you can seek out a buddy to hit up the gym or go for a walk with over lunch hour.

Surrounding yourself with fit friends is a highly effective strategy to keeping yourself active.

• Rewarding—What do you want to get out of this resolution? By keeping our eyes on the prize we are much more likely to put in the hard work needed to make behavior changes stick.

Self-motivation has been found to be one of the key predictors of successful lifestyle changes.

If you’d like to be a better cook, focus on the fact that cooking at home and eating out less will save you money as well as your waistline.

It also provides an opportunity to share valuable time with family.

He said it…

“The medical literature tells us that the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and many more problems are through healthy diet and exercise. Our bodies have evolved to move, yet we now use the energy in oil instead of muscles to do our work.

—David Suzuki

•Timely—When will you start your goal? You have to give yourself a timeframe or you’ll spend the rest of the year thinking about the goal and not ever translating it into action.

For example, give yourself until the end of March to try preparing at least three new

recipes.

Remember to continually revisit these goals.

Identify what obstacles stood in your way and how you can overcome them during March.

Perhaps you need to seek out the support of a friend or health care professional.

Research shows that those who sustain behaviour changes long-term do so by monitoring their progress and keeping themselves accountable.

Tristaca Curley is a registered dietitian in Kelowna. fuelingwithfood.com

Miriam Oranu B.Sc. Pharm It has always been my dream to offer pharmacy services in a way that makes sure the patient is the most important part of the healthcare team. At the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, healthcare is more than the prescription. It involves understanding the best way to prevent disease; knowing how to recognize worsening symptoms and what to do about them. It involves having a pharmacist you can depend on to answer health questions and follow-up with your health plan to make sure you are getting the best from your therapy.

Some of our ongoing clinics include diabetes clinic, bone density clinic, respiratory care and spirometry, cholesterol testing, hearing tests, and weight management programs. We also offer free delivery, free blister packaging, easy prescription transfers and medication reviews. Feel free to contact us and find out how we can help.

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Celebrating 20 years in 2015

Helping to build a thriving community of women entrepreneurs across BC for 20 years!

20 ears15

y in 20

Women’s Enterprise Centre helps BC women entrepreneurs start, grow and succeed in business through our business loans, workshops, mentors and resources.

Since 1995, we’ve invested in our clients with the support of our volunteers and partners, and we’re proud to be part of a thriving community of catalysts for growth in BC. Here are just a few examples of our volunteers — empowered women giving back in the Okanagan:

Tracy Gray Discover Wines Loan Client Kelowna

Terri Knox TerriKnox.com Volunteer Mentor West Kelowna

Shirley Higgins Events by Shirley Past Board Member Vernon

Tracy originally came to WEC in 2003 for a business loan to launch her business. A winner of several entrepreneur awards, Tracy has been a WEC Mentor and contributor for our training materials. She is now a Kelowna City Councillor and role model for young women.

An innovative and high-energy motivational speaker and entrepreneur, Terri has volunteered with WEC as a oneto-one mentor and peer mentoring facilitator. Over 5 years, she shared her knowledge and built confidence in more than 15 women entrepreneurs in the Okanagan.

Shirley is passionate about helping, motivating and inspiring other women who share her love for business.

A former WEC Mentor, Shirley also served on the Board of WEC from 2004 to 2011 and is now an active member of Vernon Women in Business.

Go to wec.ca/20years to see how you can be a part of our Catalyst for Growth events in May 2015! womensenterprise.ca | 1.800.643.7014 | @businesswomenbc

Financial support provided by:

Z36 5 Women in Business 2015

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Bliss Bridal Boutique staff (back row from left) Malrie Lynn, Maria Graziano, Chelsey Hebert and Ashley Camp (front row) Serafina Graziano and Cristina Graziano.

Jaime Briggs Jaime has been an award-winning professional REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty since 2006. Jaime specializes in relocation, selling/listing residential homes and new home construction.

Jaime has always been highly involved in the Kelowna business community and is a member of The Rotary Club of Kelowna.

Jaime knows the real estate market is a busy and ever changing industry. As one of the top REALTORS® in her office, she works hard to keep up-to-date on the newest innovative technology and ongoing changes in the marketplace.

For the latest Real Estate advice, market statistics and property listings go to www.BriggsOnHomes.com

250.215.0015

www.BriggsOnHomes.com www.facebook.com/Jaime.BriggsRealtor

Facing challenges of the business world Barry Gerding bgerding@kelownacapnews.com

business worked, and asked the owners for first consideration should they ever want to sell.

That wish was granted in September 2011, and she purchased the business with the idea of having something she could work at with her two daughters.

Graziano said the first year was tough because, while her mother actively worked the seamstress side of the business, it kept her from giving the time required to run the bridal gown sales side of things.

“That first year, the management team and staff from the previous owners largely remained in place, but after a year my mom began to realize there needed to be a greater ownership presence on the sales side, something she didn’t have the time for because of the demands of being the seamstress,” she said.

So that’s when Graziano entered the business picture. She was the prime family candidate to take over a management role as her sister is a ballerina based in Toronto and couldn’t make the same time commitment due to the demands of her dancing career. “She is not yet ready to come

For Maria Graziano, making the shift from UBC Okanagan to Kelowna’s small business sector was personally a game changer.

She saw her career transforming from working in the stable position of an academic advisor at the university to managing what was evolving into the family business, Bliss Bridal Boutique in downtown Kelowna.

“I went from a stable job to a business environment. I went from a job that was stable, where I never had to worry about getting a paycheque, never worry about the university folding and I wouldn’t have a job…that was a huge move for me,” Graziano recalled.

“I went from that into a situation where I had to get enough traffic through the door to generate a paycheque.”

Graziano’s mother began working for the previous owners of Bliss Bridal Boutique a decade ago, after answering the shop’s job posting for a seamstress.

As the years went by, Graziano began to see more about how other aspects of the

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Women in Business 2015 5 Z37

BLISS FROM Z36 back and work for the family business just yet. She comes back home in the ballet off-season during the summer and goes to some of the market product shows in the U.S. and overseas on buying trips,” she said.

Graziano’s immediate focus was to understand why sales had dropped off considerably in the first year of ownership and why the staff were unhappy.

She felt there needed to be more leadership team building among the staff and a more savvy, modern approach to sales and marketing, and expanding the brand in the growing world of social media.

She concluded that Bliss Bridal is 100 per cent about sales, which are developed from relationship building with customers, having the right product to meet their customers’ needs and address the emotional side of making it a positive experience for the bride-to-be.

“So we needed to provide that ‘wow’ moment for our customers. Buying a wedding dress is not like buying a car, it needs to have that element of being a teary-eyed experience. The reality show (TLC series) Say Yes to the Dress has really changed how the business runs today,” she said.

“Some people want to replicate that experience they see others have on television…you come in with the wedding consultant, everyone has opinions about which dress looks the best and at some point you have that ‘yes moment.’

“Others aren’t always as comfortable in that situation, but nine out of 10 brides want to have that wow moment when deciding on their wedding dress.”

While Graziano admits to facing challenges in running a business she never thought about initially, her decision-making and team building skills resulted in some quick positive dividends.

A year after Graziano came on board, sales increased 20 per cent over the previous year, and the store has since gone from a staff of three to 10. Even her mother’s seamstress services has seen her add two new positions.

“After that 20 per cent increase in sales, even my accountant asked me, ‘What did you do?’ I just said I concentrated on building relationships with my staff and my customers.

“No matter what, you made sure people are happy, and if they aren’t I want to know why and switch it. In the retail world, you can’t make every customer happy, but you listen and make decisions that show you care about the business.”

She meets with her staff daily for morning meetings to see what is ahead for the day, and has gained a better understanding of the challenges managing an all-female staff.

“I think the difference between men and women in that regard comes down to sensitivity.

I find there is more of an emotional sensitivity

reaction to decisions they may not be crazy about at the outset, but I always say if we try something new to help the store and it doesn’t work, we’ll change it.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is that static doesn’t work, you get left behind. You have to feel positive about doing something new, try it, and if it doesn’t work change it.

“You want to listen to your staff and be sensitive to what their opinions might be, but still have enough management style authority to try something new.

“I think people ultimately want to be included in the decision-making process. But it’s a two-way street. If a staff person comes to me with an idea and I think it has good validity, I will run with it.”

Graziano said the small business sector is a different world from academic life at the UBC Okanagan campus, and she clearly sees the pros and cons of both worlds.

“I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in entrepreneurial management, so the leap into the business world wasn’t totally foreign to me, and I’ve always been interested in management,” she said.

“But it depends on the day in thinking which world I prefer. I feel nervous about the future of Bliss and how things change with people Internet product buying and so forth. Times like that I think the corporate world has its advantages. But I also remember how I was not intrinsically challenged enough in my previous job. Taking a risk and running with it is more fun and challenging than having a safe job because I’ve learned more in the last two years than I learned in 10 years working at the university.”

But Graziano is also quick to acknowledge that her academic life gave her the foundation to feel confident in managing a business today.

“It’s definitely not something I could have done as well without having worked for a great institution, to see both the good and bad of leadership, to see what policy decisions do for people and even if it does put people in that box, why that policy does help to keep everything in line. Everything has its place and purpose, and I learned that from my experience at UBCO.” Looking forward with Bliss Bridal Boutique, Graziano says her goal is to exceed $1 million in sales for a year, and to continue to build the store brand up with Okanagan shoppers.

“I’ve spent the past two years building the inside of the house, now I want to go outside of the house and strengthen our brand.”

She is also optimistic about the completed revitalization of Bernard Avenue, where shopper traffic has notably increased since last summer.

“I’m very supportive of what the Downtown Kelowna Association is trying to do for downtown businesses and excited what our new mayor has in store for local businesses as well.”

Terry Simpson For the past four years Terry has had the pleasure of bringing exciting, leading edge, contemporary furnishings and home decor pieces to Kelowna.

Terry is very excited to let everyone know that she has moved into a beautiful new space on Lakeshore Road - 3937 Lakeshore Road - the new modern white building beside Total Eclipse Spa! She is still carrying all the same great lines like Martha Sturdy, Jonathan Adler, Designers Guild and has added many more in a bigger and better way. As the new digs are now at Lexington and Lakeshore, Terry has decided to change the store’s name to LEXI & LAKE HOME. Drop by and see all the fabulous new furniture, art, lighting and many more great home ideas!

LEXI & LAKE HOME (formerly ZED Home)

3937 Lakeshore Road Kelowna, BC V1W 1V3 778-477-4787

Z38 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

The UBCO ballroom is newly adorned with two enormous, colourful butterflies flanking a central chrysalis, the artistry of renowned Canadian artist Jack Shadbolt.

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Lily Wilkinson Proprietor of Amni Apparel • Knowledgeable and experienced Fashion Designer • Completed several of her own clothing designs • Orchestrating all aspects of girls modeling training and shows nationally and internationally • Well versed Merchandiser and fashion and trend forecaster • A Seamstress with knowledge of fabrics, material, process techniques Lily completed extensive education with Harper Arrington Digital Fashion Pro of U.S.A. Represented as one of the judges of several National Women’s Modelling Fashion Shows.

Lily has continued her interest in women’s fashion and modelling since the time of Pioneer Supermodel Cheryl Tiegs and Christie Brinkley and continued with research and development of women’s fashion to date.

Amni apparel brings you the most outstanding and extraordinary contemporary styles of clothing from Adam Jacobs, Lana Lee, Lasania, Mia More, Elena Wang, Leo Star, Temptation, Minkas, Elloquent and many more.

A reputable local business woman with a charming and friendly personality always ready to provide you with outstanding quality professional services.

“Walk in as an earthling and walk out like a star.”

Amni Apparel 14 - 565 Bernard Avenue Towne Centre Mall www.amniapparel.com

Shadbolt sculptures enhance UBCO’s University Ballroom It may be winter, but two bright and colourful butterflies have made a recent and dramatic appearance at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

Susan Belton, UBC’s public art collection curator, is celebrating the installation at the Okanagan campus of a second artwork by renowned Canadian artist Jack Shadbolt.

This time, two enormous, colourful butterflies flanking a central chrysalis have been installed in the Ballroom inside University Centre.

Titled Primavera, the wooden construction is 9.5 feet high, 20.5 feet wide and weighs 1,100 pounds. The sculpture now covers the south wall in a room used for many special events and public functions.

“Its great size made the placement in the ballroom a daunting prospect,” said Belton. “We required consultation with a structural engineer and the use of a brilliant installer who came up with a way to use three enormous scaffolds to winch the work into place.”

Primavera comes to UBC Okanagan as a generous art loan from Kelowna’s Tantalus Vineyards. It was initially created by Shadbolt for an installation in Vancouver’s MacMillan Bloedel Building in 1987.

Shadbolt made the work in the same year as Tree of Life, now installed in the Reichwald Health Sciences Centre on the UBC Okanagan campus.

“Given the enormous size of both works, it is amazing to think of someone at the age of 78

constructing such massive pieces,” said Belton.

“Together they represent the artist at the height of his career, and we are incredibly fortunate to have them both here.”

Primavera shows Shadbolt working to create something that addresses his notion that life is an uncontrollable, exuberant force that changes and flourishes, just as a butterfly transforms and emerges from its chrysalis.

Shadbolt had said he saw the butterfly as a powerful symbol of the natural and spiritual will to survive through change and transformation, which Belton notes is “the perfect theme for this campus, which is in a perpetual state of metamorphosis.”

Two years ago, celebrated Canadian poet Patrick Lane received an honorary degree from UBC Okanagan.

He gave an emotional and inspirational Convocation address about a blue butterfly he once found on a cold December day in Kelowna— very near the current site of the UBC Okanagan campus. The butterfly theme, its renewal and exuberant life, is well symbolized at the university.

“We are extremely grateful to Eric Savics and Tantalus Vineyards for the loan of this important artwork,” said Belton. “Far-sighted and creative individuals like Mr. Savics enrich our campus immeasurably.

Born in England, Shadbolt lived and worked in B.C. until his death in 1998.

Barbara Newman Barb has consecutively been an award winning professional Realtor® with Royal LePage Kelowna. She brings to her clients a background in business, accounting and marketing. She works hard to educate her clients to help them make an informed decision to achieve the best outcome. As a former northern BC resident, mother of two and full-time Realtor®, she understands what relocating to a new city involves and helps her clients “find their way”. She works hard to stay up to date on the latest changes in the industry with a focus on the latest technology and internet marketing to access global buyers. For the latest listings and market information, go to www.barbnewman.ca

250.808.0196

SCAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2015 5 Z39

Entrepreneur’s insights on how to tap into creativity Everyone wants to be more creative but sometimes coming up with good ideas is easier said than done.

If you could use a dose of inspiration, take some cues from Alex Shlaferman, founder and CEO 2of Brooklyn-based Vante Toys.

The 21-year-old New York University dropout is a selfmade millionaire who earned his first $10,000 at the age of 11 by selling a DVD of himself teaching a levitation trick.

At age 15, he began pitching kitchen gadgets at state fairs across the country, making up to $8,000 a day.

After saving $30,000, Shlaferman launched his toy company in 2010, spent three years building relationships with major retailers, set up a factory in China, and turned Vante Toys into a multimillion-dollar company that now employs 40 full-time staff members.

His latest invention, Wallet Ninja—a credit card-sized multi-tool that functions as a screwdriver, iPhone stand, bottle opener, and more—has reaped nearly $10 million in sales since hitting the market last year.

He has also inked deals with more than 25 major retailers and top distributors in more than 25 countries.

Here’s what he says you need

to do to get a creative edge— come up with an idea without worrying about how you’ll make it work. *** As a child magician, Shlaferman found the secret to inventing the coolest tricks was coming up with the most absurd idea, then reverse engineering it to figure out how to make it work.

In other words, he generates ideas without worrying about method.

“You don’t think of how you’re going to do something first,” he says. “You think of what it is you want to accomplish and then you work backward.” *** Acknowledge that anything is possible.

Most people need to break a barrier in their mind that limits their creativity.

“People have these assumptions, ‘Well isn’t that going to happen? Aren’t there rules to this? Isn’t it supposed to be like this?’ And the way I always respond is, ‘Says who?

You could do anything that you want,’” says Shlaferman. *** Travel to faraway places, but by yourself.

Sure, it’s nice to go places with friends but doing so also

keeps you in a comfort zone in which you won’t be taking risks and meeting new people.

Shlaferman has traveled alone to several countries in Asia and South America.

“When you travel alone, you force yourself into a survival mode where you have to do things and you have to meet people and you have to push yourself to figure out what’s going on unless you want to be in your room all day,” he says.

“It’s the most exhilarating, inspiring, creative thing that there is.” *** Think.

It sounds simple, but considering the gadgets most people have in hand most of their waking hours, it’s easy to thoughtlessly check out by scrolling social networks or wasting time online.

“When was the last time you just sat there for a good 10, 15, 20 minutes and just thought?”

Shlaferman asks.

“Albert Einstein used to take really long walks whenever he had a problem. He would walk for hours just thinking and thinking about things.” *** Always take the rarer opportunity.

If you get a chance to do something that doesn’t present

itself every day, go for it.

“The only things you’ll regret in your life are the things you didn’t do,” he says. “So don’t think too much about it. Just do it.” *** Instead of protecting your ideas, talk about them with everyone.

Plenty of entrepreneurs hold their ideas close to them for fear someone will steal them away.

But making a good idea actually come to fruition involves a tremendous investment of time, energy, and often, money.

“It’s a 24/7 life dedication and to assume your friend or

a stranger is willing to put in that amount of effort and has that passion for something that you are discussing is totally unrealistic,” Schlaferman says.

“Discuss your ideas with everybody. Don’t be scared, and you’ll be shocked at how much insight that you receive.”

Darlene Pappas Darlene Pappas, co-owner of 1st Class Auto Glass & Upholstery Ltd. has been helping people for over 15 years find the proper parts for their vehicles - new and old. She is an expert at finding the hard-to-find things, and never stops looking until all avenues have been travelled.

She excels in customer service and everyone is greeted with the utmost respect and courtesy; your experience at 1st Class Auto Glass will be one that you walk away from extremely happy.

She and husband Dean specialize in automotive glass and feature ‘glass express’ so you don’t have to contact ICBC or your private insurance company – it can all be done right from their office. They also offer pick up of your vehicle from home or work, and try and work around your schedule.

They also specialize in upholstery along with convertible and landau tops. They carry a large selection of factory in-stock vinyls and materials so that seat rip is easy to take care of. They take pride in the fact that they know their jobs and know them well - you can’t specialize in something if you do 30 different things!

They also work on marine upholstery and tops. So, when summer comes, make sure the boat’s in good order so you can enjoy it for the whole year, and it’s in good shape when it’s time to put it away.

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'Serving BC Communities for over 30 years’ Elena Tostenson, co-owner and front store manager of the locally owned Pharmasave in Glenmore takes pride to offer a full service neighbourhood pharmacy that provides a free prescription delivery service and a loyalty points program to satisfy Elena Tostenson all of her customers’ drugstore needs. Elena carries a wide range of unique gifts, jewellery, accessories and cosmetics to create an enjoyable shopping experience for her customers as well. She believes that one of the greatest assets to her business is working with a strong team of individuals who understand and care about their customers. The friendly staff specializes in health care, offering such services as travel medicine, vaccinations, foot care, support stocking fittings as well as vitamin consultation and skin care advice.

Elena and her staff invite you to visit the Pharmasave in Glenmore and look forward to serving you soon.

Lorraine, Liz, Ashlee, Frances, Elena, Faye, Katlin, Sarah, Emily

Pharmasave - Glenmore Lorraine, RN Ashlee, Pharmacy Assistant Emily, Pharmacist

437 Glenmore Rd. #105 • Kelowna, BC • (250) 861-4443 www.pharmasavekelowna.com • Visit us on Facebook Pharmasave Kelowna-Glenmore

CAPITAL NEWS

ALISTAIR WATERS/CAPITAL NEWS

Z40 5 Women in Business 2015

kelowna | penticton | oliver Wicked Wine Tours specializes in: ➤ custom wine tours ➤ craft beer and distillery tours

Okanagan federal Liberal candidates Karley Scott, Central Okanagan-Similkamen-Nicola; Connie Denesiuk (left), South OkanaganWest Kootenay; and Cindy Derkaz (right), North Okanagan-Shuswap joined veteran incumbent Vancouver-Quadra MP Joyce Murray (second from right) at a forum recently held at UBCO on the topic of women in politics.

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Being a Business Woman in the Okanagan doesn’t have to be a challenge.

Join our network of like-minded women when you become a member of the Women’s Leadership Network and benefit from mentorship, support and fabulous events. www.kelownachamber.org

Amanda Kazakoff Ever After is so excited to be celebrating 7 years in business this year!

Amanda proudly opened Ever After almost 7 years ago. She has enjoyed the experience of sharing her store and life with many familiar faces who have become like friends and family throughtout the years.

With a wonderful and bright store offering 2000sq feet of crafting happiness, Ever After has become a familiar destination for those who live in the area and for those who are here to visit our beautiful city. In addition to the retail portion of her store, Amanda also continues to teach several classes most weeks... offering step by step classes that help you to learn techniques in card making, scrapbooking book making and more... Ever After is here to help you explore your creative side!

Friendly and helpful customer service, years of experience.

Rubber stamping. Die-cutting. Stenciling. Cardstock. Patterned Paper. Embossing. Pens & markers.

Ribbon. Glitter. Adhesive. Painting. Stickers. Embellishments. Tools. Flowers. Albums and more!

Like us on facebook. Sign up for our newsletter.

339 Banks Road • 250-762-5223 www.everaftercrafter.com

Liberals seek out more women as candidates Alistair Waters

awaters@kelownacapnews.com

The federal Liberal Party is off to a good start in the Okanagan to keep its vow for half its candidates to be women in the next federal election.

Three of the party’s four candidates in the valley ridings are women—Karley Scott in Okanagan Similkameen Nicola, Connie Denesiuk in South Okanagan-West Kootenay and Cindy Derkaz in North Okanagan-Shuswap.

Recently the trio joined Vancouver-Quadra Liberal MP Joyce Murray at a forum about women in politics at the UBC Okanagan campus.

Ironically, the forum was organized by the only man running for the party in the Okanagan, Kelowna-Lake Country candidate Stephen Fuhr who was not able to attend.

The four women urged everyone, regardless of gender, to get involved in the political process.

Scott, who won the Liberal nomination in Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola just last month, is a lawyer and mother of two who was recently called to the bar.

She said she is running for three reasons—her

children, her community and her country.

For her children, a girl and a boy aged six and eight, she wants to be a model for her daughter to show women can excel in leadership roles and for her son, she wants to teach him to respect women in those positions.

For her community, she said she wants to see its diversity better represented and having lived all parts of Canada, she wants to help bridge the aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities of this country.

Scott is Metis. She is very proud of her country, its rule of law and its Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which she said is the envy of many other countries.

But she noted that 86 years ago, women in this country could not even vote, let alone run for Parliament.

The Person’s Case changed that when five brave women, who became known as the Famous Five, challenged their lack of legal status in the courts and won.

“I recognize that I stand on the shoulders of the women who have gone before me,” said Scott.

SEE CANDIDATES Z41

Cathy Biagi Ritchcraft Gallery and Framing has been part of the Kelowna framing and art community for over 35 years.

My name is Cathy Biagi and I am proud to be into my fourth year of ownership. I have been involved in this industry for more than 25 years.

In the Ritchcraft tradition, I continue to design and produce creative and quality picture framing. Now our store is so much more.

Ritchcraft has evolved into an eclectic boutique focusing on local and handcrafted artisan products. You can find a wonderful selection of unique and high quality pottery, jewelry, glassware, metalware, scarves, cards and more. Colorful, original art surrounds the gallery and we have one of the largest selections of picture frame samples.

Come see why we are “Kelowna’s most creative picture framing boutique!”

RITCHCRAFT GALLERY & FRAMING

103-3957 Lakeshore Road Kelowna, BC V1W 1V3

250-764-6447

ritchcraft@hotmail.com ritchcraftgalleryframes.com

SCAPITAL NEWS

Women in Business 2015 5 Z41

CANDIDATES FROM Z40 In the upcoming federal election, Scott will challenge incumbent Conservative OkanaganSimilkameen MP Dan Albas. That riding will have its boundaries and name changed in the next election as a result of redistribution. But it will still include West Kelowna.

Scott, like the other three women she was speaking with, said prior to running for the Liberal nomination such a move was not part of her life plan.

But Scott and the others all felt it was important to let their name stand and to get involved in the process.

Unlike Scott, Denesiuk did have political experience prior to running for the nomination in South Okanagan-West Kootenay.

She sat for seven terms as a school board trustee in the Penticton-Skaha School District and chaired that board for several years. She is also a past president of the B.C. School Trustees Association.

Denesiuk said she decided to seek the Liberal nomination in part because of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s reaction to the “Robo-call” scandal which stemmed from voters in a Quebec riding being called prior to the last federal election and deliberately given wrong information about where to vote.

“I expected him to be outraged, and he wasn’t,” said Denesiuk.

She is also upset by the Conservative government pushing through so-called omnibus bills containing reams of legislation on many issues, all wrapped into one bill.

She said many of the included issues were important and should have been properly debated in Parliament on an individual basis.

The third point that prompted her to seek the nomination was her concern that Harper, several years ago, had prorogued Parliament rather than face a confidence vote by MPs because its was

clear his then minority government would not have survived.

Derkaz, who is also a lawyer, said she is concerned about the lack of young people who vote, saying it’s very important to turn that around.

“Why aren’t youth engaged in politics?” she asked the forum audience.

One young woman responded that she believed it’s because Canada’s current crop of federal politicians do not speak about issues that young people have concerns about.

Derkaz said over the last five years, she has increasingly become concerned about what she feels is happening to Canadian democracy , pointing out that 12 of the 16 former Status of Women offices across the country have now been closed by the government.

She also cited the issue of missing and murdered indigineous women in this country, saying the federal response has been shameful.

Derkaz said the justice minister saying there is no need for a special inquiry into the issue because it is covered by the government’s “tough on crime” legislative packed is “obviously wrong.”

While Murray also criticized the current Conservative government and Harper, she also offered some advice for those seeking public office.

Murray, her party’s defence critic, an MP for 14 years and before that a B.C. MLA and cabinet minister, said personal contact is critical in any effort to get elected, giving voters an up-close and personal view of a candidate.

Murray said when she ran in the federal byelection that got her elected for the first time in Vancouver-Quadra, she knocked on thousands of doors over a nine-moth period after winning the nomination.

She won that by-election by just 158 votes.

“Which doors made the difference? I don’t know,” she said.

But, she added, some obviously did.

Call for Chapter Executive Volunteers Women in Leadership Foundation (WIL) is thrilled to announce it is starting a Kelowna Chapter.

WIL’s vision is to advance women in leadership & empower the next generation. We invite you to get involved as a volunteer or business/community partner.

Vancouver - Kelowna - Calgary - Edmonton - Toronto - Montreal - St. John’s

Email Resume or LinkedIn Profile to: Info@womeninleadership.ca WWW.WOMENINLEADERSHIP.CA

Opening doors to C an you see th e p o s si bil i tie s ?

They said it…

“For me, a better democracy is a democracy where women do not only have the right to vote and to elect but to be elected.”

—Michelle Bachelet, head of UN Women, former president of Chile

“If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing.”

—Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female prime minister

Personal Service Passionate About Real Estate Proven Marketing Program Professional Staging

“American politics are too dirty for women to take part in, there’s something wrong with American politics.”

—Edna Ferber

“The woman who can’t influence her husband to vote the way she wants ought to be ashamed of herself.

1

—E.M. Forster

(in a good way.) different different (in a good way.)

Sharon & KELOWNA

BLACK We believe in women in business accentinns.com

accentinns.com

5 Locations across BC

5 Locations across BC

A s s o c i at e s

personal • passionate • proven

250.878.5533

R e a l E s t a t e C o n s u l t a n t • s h a r o n b l a c k @ r e m a x . n e t • w w w. s h a r o n b l a c k . c a 100-1553 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6G1 • Each office is independently owned and operated

Z42 5 Women in Business 2015

CAPITAL NEWS

Dragica Roy Thanks to Ted Abercrombie and the federal government’s Self Employment Assistance Program, as it has made my business a success.

For 20 years my hair salon has provided for me, my family and I also paid back taxes to the federal government and to the country

I love, Canada.

I want to thank all my clientele, and the federal government who has assisted small businesses like mine all across this fine country. To live in a country like Canada that has a strong and stable government, and have an income that provides me a great living, is something many in the world can only dream of, this is top notch.

Also thanks to the trades that provide skills one can use for the rest of their life; oh if only more parents had their children get a trade rather than walk the halls of the Ivory Towers and academia land.

Oh I almost forgot if you are looking for a happy little hair salon try giving this number a call out in North Glenmore.

Dee’s Home Hair Care

Kelowna, BC 250-763-1608

Georgette Johnson Georgette Johnson has been the proud owner and operator of Turtle Island Gallery, Kelowna’s Native Art Connection for the past twenty years. Located in Cannery Lane, in the Heart of Kelowna’s arts and cultural district.

The Gallery features beautifully created Northwest Coast works of art from various tribes along with featured distinguished native artists from across Canada. You will discover a stunning collection of wood and stone carvings, totem poles, original paintings and exquisite hand carved silver and gold jewellery. Come by for a visit and indulge yourself!

Everything Uniquely Native 115-1295 Cannery Lane, Kelowna 250-717-8235

Mon.-Sat. 10-5 & Sunday in the summer www.turtleislandgallery.com | /Turtle-Island-Gallery

Swankies Gourmet Hot Dogs With years of experience in the financial world, Linnea Feist decided to broaden her horizons and start a new adventure in life.

Something like no one here in Kelowna had seen or tasted… so she opened Swankies Gourmet Hot Dogs in 2013 with her partner Ben Cramb. It wasn’t a far stretch for Linnea as she had grown up in the restaurant business with her parents Betty and Willy Feist….it was a perfect fit for Linnea and her family.

Swankies is located in Rutland on the corner of Rutland and Leathead roads. It offers a variety of unique and gourmet hot dogs….26 in total ranging from the number one dog the Master Perog to Leggo My Bacon, the Swisshroom and right down to the Swankies Classic or a Puppy Dog for the kids. Along with those oh so delicious hot dogs Swankies offers homemade soups and chilli, butter tarts and cookies. And yes they have vegetarian options as well as entire gluten free hot dog options – a little something for everyone! When asked why open a hot dog shop?

The answer is simple: a hot dog touches everyone from ages 5 to 95….we wanted to be different, something new and exciting and a fun place to come with our “loungy” jazz-style music and old school pin ball machines. It’s not just about the food at Swankies. It’s about the experience!

101-555 Montgomery Road 778-753-0220

Pregnancy care centre helps face challenges Theresa White

Contributor

“You may remember me,” an early morning caller told our volunteer peer counsellor.

“I came to your centre four years ago. I was the girl with really long hair.”

Since the opening of the Okanagan Valley Pregnancy Care Centre in 2006, more than 800 client-friends have come for support to face pregnancy-related challenges.

Our volunteer welcomed the call but admitted she didn’t remember “the girl with the really long hair.”

The caller carried on to explain the reason for her contact. “Four years ago a doctor referred me to the pregnancy centre after my pregnancy test was positive. I was young and alone and scared and this changed everything. I had no idea what to do.”

At the centre, she said, “No one judged me or told me what to do. You knew I needed a safe place to talk and really be heard. You understood how I felt and answered all my questions.”

After that initial visit to the centre, she explained, she moved away from Kelowna to be closer to her family in another area of B.C. “I’m sorry I never contacted you again to let you know you how things worked out,” she added.

“I carried on with the pregnancy even with no support from the father. I chose an open adoption and placed my daughter with the most amazing loving couple. We’ve stayed good friends.”

She continued with the best part of her story: “I just got married this summer to a great guy. We live on a farm and we’re very happy.

“Our wedding party was unforgettably special.

My daughter’s dad, the adoptive father, walked me down the aisle. And my daughter was our flower girl!”

She wrapped a bow around the gift of her call, saying: “I just want to say keep doing what you’re doing. Because flower girls grow.”

Theresa White is executive director of the Okanagan Valley Pregnancy Care Centre.

Paving the way for young entrepreneurs of the future Okanagan College, School District No. 23 and the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission have partnered to co-organize the annual Young Entrepreneur Program (YEP)—Dragon’s Den Edition.

The Young Entrepreneur Program (created in 1994) provides an opportunity for middle school and secondary school students to develop their business and entrepreneurial skills.

Teams of middle and secondary school students compete with each other in formulating a product or service that they would develop and

present as a business plan and are able to use to create a summer job.

The plan is broken down into three tasks—creating a product or service, developing a financial plan and a marketing plan.

Students work from February to May and are judged throughout the competition by business professionals from many areas of the community.

Student teams are mentored throughout the competition

by Enactus Okanagan which is comprised of third and fourth year business students from Okanagan College. The competition is open to students in Grades 7 through 12.

Over the years, students have emerged from the competition to be successful entrepreneurs and operated their own businesses.

Yard crews, web design, graphic design, sign making, pine beetle wood pens, and clothing design have been just a few of the successful ideas that have emerged from previous competitions.

Volunteers are needed to assist with the competition.

If you would like to help out in one of the following areas please contact Sandra BallanBrown by email at info@ investkelowna.com or call 250-469-6280.

Laura Pelletier Laura has been involved with Kwikfit4u Canada for 7 years and owner for the last 2 years. She is a Certified Natural Health Consultant, and WBV Trainer in West Kelowna.

Kwikfit4u Canada is a whole body vibration (WVB) equipment supplier in Canada and U.S. Whole Body Vibration has been the hottest workout trend on the market as per ‘Muscle Magazine’.

Laura started using WBV for her own health and fitness issues 7 years ago, and has been so grateful that WBV came into her life - “I can’t be without it!”

She works with people who want to lose weight, the physically fit, people with little or no mobility, and the wheelchair bound.

Studies have shown good results for suffers of MS, M.D, F.M. Parkinsons, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, pain control, Lupus, circulation problems and the list goes on…

Laura offers packages to anyone who wants to try the WBV trainers, and free try-outs to anyone who wants to see if this is for them.

Visit Kwikfit4u at Body and Soul Mar. 7-8 Vernon Rec Centre; Women’s Fair Parkinsons Rec Mar. 15; Health Show April 25-26 Kelowna Curling Rink.

Try It!

Regain, maintain your health and fitness in 10 minutes per day

www.kwikfit4u.com Laura@kwikfit4u.com 250-769-5552

WFG brings financial solutions typically reserved for the weathly to families from all walks of life.

WORLD FINANCIAL GROUP

Office: Office: 250.869.0101 250.869.0101 Monday Monday - Friday - Friday 8:30-5:00 8:30-5:00 Saturday Saturday 10:00-4:00 10:00-4:00 Sunday Sunday Closed Closed Always Always open open online! online! www.Century21Kelowna.com www.Century21Kelowna.com 251 251 Harvey Harvey Avenue, Avenue, Kelowna Kelowna BC BC V1Y6C2 V1Y6C2 Each Each Office Office is independently is independently owned owned and and operated operated

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Our 2015 Women in Business

Myrna Myrna Park Park

Broker Broker Owner Owner

Cherylee Hale

Brenda Neubauer

Debbi Lachelt

Deannie da Costa Zahara

Aaron Aaron Moss Moss

Heather Brown

Denise Martell

Shelley Bixby

Jinky French

Robbyn Ingram

Melissa Lachelt

Wilma Gonzales Lepage

Amanda Amanda Westrheim Westrheim Annette Annette Lipkovits Lipkovits

Danielle Danielle Grundy Grundy

Jackie Jackie Large Large

Janet Janet Sime Sime

Paula Cryderman

Justina Justina LeeStolz LeeStolz

Kim Kim Waldherr Waldherr

Lisa Lisa Moldenhauer Moldenhauer

Marcia Marcia Bufford Bufford

Marta Marta Michta Michta

Maureen Maureen Yakimchuk Yakimchuk

Monique Monique Kaetler Kaetler

Sandra Sandra Ciolfi Ciolfi

Tamara Tamara Terlesky Terlesky

Taylor Taylor Musseau Musseau

TeriTeri Fisher Fisher

Terri Terri Ann Ann Novello Novello

Tara Williams

No Family Left Behind • Your Dreams • Our Strategies

WORLD FINANCIAL GROUP INSURANCE AGENCY OF CANADA INC.

2009E Enterprise Way

250.869.4110

2015

WOMEN BUSINESS in

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