FORTYUNDER40
2016
to open a shop. Despite having no business background and very limited funds, I opened Malenka Originals four months later. Biggest biz obstacle: When I wanted to open the shop, I went to the bank with my business plan, expecting them to at least offer me a small business line of credit. Unfortunately, I was wrong. Retail businesses are risky, and many fail in the first few years. The bank wouldn’t take a chance on me – a young mom with no real assets or business experience. I turned to my family for a small seed loan of $15,000. Anyone opening a retail business knows that doesn’t go far. So, I was very strategic and kept to a very tight budget. Instead of starting in a high-rent, busy area, I picked an out-of-the-way spot in little-known Britannia Village in West Ottawa. I kept the retrofit to a minimum, knowing I didn’t have much money to spare. Not using traditional advertising, and not having any drive-by traffic, I relied on social media to build an audience. I also used my skills and experience in communication and journalism to build a story and brand that would get noticed. It worked! Within a few months of opening, we were profitable.
The business saw 82 per cent growth from the first full year to the second. As of this year, we’ve moved to a wonderful hightraffic location in Hintonburg, and we were able to spend more money on the retrofit this time. Biggest influence: British artist and entrepreneur Annie Sloan. I admire how she conducts herself in business and how she has grown her now-worldwide brand. She has taught me about patience and principles. I’ve also learned about the importance of sharing ideas and teaching, as well as giving back to the community. Biggest lesson learned: To have perseverance and patience in equal measure – work hard and be driven when it comes to achieving your goals, but don’t expect everything to happen all at once. First job: Salesperson at a shoe store Advice I’d give the younger me: Enjoy the process as much as possible. Running a business can be a non-stop, busy, stressful and sometimes daunting experience. But it also offers incredible experiences and lessons you wouldn’t find in any other job. Take those moments to really savour what you’re doing. I chose this career because: I wanted to
Ottawa’s biggest and best celebration of entrepreneurship save furniture; I wanted a creative career; and I saw an amazing opportunity. When I was a kid, I wanted to be: An actress or a lawyer. But now in retrospect, with the career path I’ve chosen, I understand why I had such a close bond with my grandfather. He passed away when I was six years old, but he has been a huge influence and inspiration for my business. An immigrant from the Ukraine, he was a master of French polishing (an art for refinishing furniture) and an antique restorer and had a shop in Calgary for 30 years. He used to call me “Malenka Katrina” – a Ukrainian term of endearment meaning “darling” or “little one.” I named my business in honour of him. Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Fury FC Favourite local summer event: CityFolk Preferred social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram Company Twitter handle: @MalenkaKatrina
Jason Bellefleur, 32 president and physiotherapist, Bellefleur Physiotherapy Birthplace: Chatham Company: We provide individualized, one-on-one physiotherapy services. Education: Bachelor of science in physiotherapy, University of Ottawa (2006) Charitable involvement: Orléans Chamber of Commerce Biggest biz achievement: Being able to provide meaningful employment for the people of Orléans, but more specifically to provide physiotherapists with an alternative business model to what is currently available in private practice in Ottawa. Biggest biz obstacle: Quitting my full-time job to enter the uncertainty of launching my own business. Having a young family and not being trained as a business owner but being a physiotherapist by profession, I had to place a lot of trust in my own abilities and
ON BEHALF OF ALL BDO PARTNERS Congratulations To the 2016 Forty Under 40 recipients
People who know, know BDO.SM Assurance | Accounting | Tax | Advisory
11 OBJ.CA
www.bdo.ca
MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016
We believe delivering exceptional client service is the foundation of being a trusted advisor. BDO professionals are committed to providing clients with practical local advice and insight, tailored to their industry, unique priorities and ambitions. Similar to the Forty Under 40 recipients, BDO is committed to supporting our local communities. Each year, we strive to make a positive difference coast to coast through a variety of charitable causes.