February 16, 2007
6 • Women in Business
Maria Small, Owner
Mary Frances Shaw, Owner
Anglz Hair & Tanning Studio
Sears, Invermere
Maria attended hairdressing college in Kelowna and spent many years in the business before moving here 11 years ago, when she and her husband took over Invermere’s taxi service. Maria purchased Anglz eight years ago and has worked hard to create a salon with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that offers all hair services, plus waxing, tanning and the very latest - tooth jewels! Says Maria: “I find it important to work together with my staff. Without good, hard-working employees a business does not succeed.” Drop in to Anglz, located in the Athalmer area beside Subway, or call for an appointment.
Invermere, beside Subway
342-3227
Dee Conklin, Owner
Palliser Printing & Publishing Ltd. After a career in print sales in Calgary, Dee purchased Palliser Printing and moved to the valley with her husband Rod in summer 2003. Since then the business has expanded to bursting point and is undergoing renovations. The only full-service printer in the valley, Palliser offers both commercial and digital printing. Palliser is always looking for opportunities. It has become the Purolator agent for the valley, and is now branching out into the specialty and promotional business. With energy to spare, Dee has also served as president of the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce since 2006.
4-108 Industrial Road 2, Invermere
342-2999
Donna Hazelaar, Owner Hi-Heat Insulating Ltd.
Hi-Heat Insulating does residential and commercial projects, using formaldehyde-free batt insulation. Donna’s business is also certified for the installation of WallBar, a blow-in cellulose fiber that eliminates cavity voids around plumbing and electrical products in the walls. Fiberglass blow-in wool or batts are used for ceilings and attics. “The biggest challenge that I have faced in 19 years has been gaining the respect and confidence of building contractors in an industry that does not have many women working in it, and certainly very few running construction companies,” says Donna. “I like to think that I have done OK.”
www.hiheatinsulating.com
342-7260
Mary Frances Shaw took over the Sears franchise two years ago. In August 2005, she relocated to a larger space downtown. “It was a good move, as there is much more room to provide a greater selection,” Mary Frances says. The Invermere store carries a full line of electronics, appliances, beds, fitness equipment and seasonal merchandise. Although there are many items in the store, the catalogue orders continue to be a very successful part of the business. Spring items such as patio furniture and barbecues have just arrived and are being set up in the store - drop by and do a little spring shopping!
514-13th Street, Invermere
342-6901
Carol Gordon, Consultant Nikken Wellness Products
Carol and her husband Jim McElroy, a massage therapist, moved here full-time seven years ago and brought their flourishing Nikken Wellness Products consulting business to the valley. Several years ago, they took over management of Pleiades, The Wellness Spa, at the Radium Hot Springs pool. Since then they have placed an emphasis on total wellness rather than simple relaxation. “We focus on transforming people’s homes into wellness homes,” Carol explains, with the help of such Nikken products as a clean air system for the home. Other Nikken products include whole food nutritionals, living water, and Swiss botanical skin care solutions.
www.mynikken.net/kiassociates
341-6114
Carrie Rickards, Owner Essentials Department Store
It’s been a busy year and a big learning curve for Carrie Rickards, who took over Stober’s Department store in April and renamed it Essentials. She was ready for the challenge after taking courses in self-employment, fashion merchandising and accounting, not to mention operating the Reflections Women’s Consignment Store for almost two years. Always keeping the customer’s interests in mind, a classroom has been added to the sewing department. Classes include knitting, quilting and crocheting. Carrie also continues to provide a great selection of men’s and ladies’ clothing lines.
729-12th Avenue, Invermere
342-9313