Mint Manitoba Spring 2023

Polymer clay accessories to complement any style!

Meet Lauren, the artist behind L.D.B Designs. Bringing to life her visions of creating designs since she was little. All pieces are handmade, super lightweight and 100% hypoallergenic.

www.ldbdesignsinc.ca

Capsule ColleCtion

BY STYLE BAR PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Capsule wardrobes make the art of getting dressed that much easier with the idea that a few core staples can be mixed and matched to create a range of standout looks.

While everyone’s personal style certainly varies, we’re routinely intrigued by how various creatives define their capsule wardrobes for potential inspiration.

Classic bright white denim is back for spring, and the cargo or utility look is everywhere this season.

This high rise pair features utility inspired details (without going full-on cargo pant), for a look that’s both trendy and polished.

The High Rise Utility Jean features a super high rise waist, wide leg with cropped hem. The stretch fabric keeps you comfy on the go!

Get your layer on with our versatile coat. Not only is this trench coat great for those rainy and gloomy days, but it’s also trendless and a fit for any ensemble.

Trench - Tobi Trench Coat $132 Pants - High Rise Utility Jean, $98

Neutrals are the core of the ultimate capsule collection. The way to get print and depth into your collection is by adding a timeless Stripe top. Neutral prints are the key to keeping a minimalist capsule wardrobe interesting. Incorporate neutral prints like a striped top. Neutral prints are easy to wear with other prints for a fashionable look

Nothing is as versatile as a neutral tone cardigan or sweater. It pairs well with all your bottoms from leggings, to trousers, to jeans. Layer under a jacket, or overtop a dress shirt. This is a Core staple for every women’s wardrobe. explandaero que cullaboribus ea consequaest, sae aut offic te por repelente voloreiur sendebis deris velendu ciuntibearit utas sum quidis vel mi, in

Sweater - Crochet Cut Out Sweater, $89 Stripe Shirt (Sold as Set Only) Sydney Stripe Set, $112

If we had to pick a number one in this mix of staples, it would be the blazer. It’s the epitome of modern-day cool and sophisticated dressing.

You’ll be in the door at 8:55 with a no-nonsense look in the Ashby Black Oversized Blazer! Sleek, lightweight woven fabric creates a relaxed, breezy fit as it shapes this office-approved blazer with a collared neckline, and skinny tuxedo-style lapels.

The open-front design is framed by long sleeves with light padding at the shoulders, while faux welted pockets add a chic by long sleeves with light padding at the shoulders, while faux welted pockets add a chic finishing touch at the front!

Make sure your wardrobe is stocked with all the timeless classics, like the Just USA 90s Slim Bootcut High-Rise Jeans! A bootcut jean that’s simple to style for any season. A slim fit with just enough stretch flatters your curves, while a top-of-foot hem lengthens your legs (and looks great with every shoe).

Blazer - Ashby Oversized Blazer, $129

Jeans - Slim Bootcut Jean, $89

Sweater - Crochet Cut Out Sweater, $89 Stripe Shirt (Sold as Set Only), Sydney Stripe Set, $112

Southport’s Newest Gem - Apex Aesthetics Manitoba’s Destination Medical Aesthetics Clinic

by Sarah Smith photos by Studio 78

Rhonda and Chris McCallister are no strangers to business building in the Portage la Prairie area. They’re pillars of their lively community known for creating jobs, economic growth, and bringing top notch services to their local area. Their most recent venture however is one that has a particularly personal backstory.

Apex Aesthetics is a brand new medical aesthetics clinic the McCallister’s have been busy building. After many months of thorough preparation, they officially opened their doors in early 2023. This clinic is anything but ordinary. Every element from the latest technology they’ve invested in to the handpicked expert team is unlike anything Manitoba has seen before. Perhaps what’s most unusual is their refreshing philosophy of treating each client holistically as a unique individual who requires personalized care. This three part foundation of top-tier technology, skilled staff, and attentive service is the secret recipe bound to lead this clinic to abundant success.

The Story Behind Apex Aesthetics

This venture didn’t occur by accident. The journey of how this clinic came to be all started in 2012 when Rhonda McCallister had a life changing health scare. This led her down a rabbit hole from which she emerged with a new mission to help women suffering with the same trauma she experienced.

Rhonda was visiting the Brandon Regional Health Center for a routine postpartum women’s health surgery when she almost lost her life. She hemorrhaged on the surgical table and had to be hastily transported into the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg to receive emergency care. If it wasn’t for a neighbour and nurse present in the Brandon hospital who advocated for her to be relocated, she doesn’t think she’d still be here today.

Amazingly, Rhonda and her husband Chris took this neartragedy all in stride. They believe everything happens for a reason, and as soon as they discovered a recent medical

technology innovation that can provide a safer alternative to risky women’s health surgeries, they knew they had to bring it to the people of Manitoba.

What Sets Apex Aesthetics Apart

Women’s Health Treatments And More

This game-changing technology is the EmpowerRF InMode Therapy system. It’s brand new to Canada with only a small handful of clinics currently offering this service. It’s the most advanced women’s wellness solution available for treating urinary incontinence, providing pain relief, increasing blood flow, treating pelvic floor weakness, and much more. This surgery-free solution uses a combination of bipolar radiofrequency (RF) and electrical muscle stimulation energy frequencies (EMS) in a completely customized manner to address your personal concerns. It requires no recovery downtime, no incisions, and no general anesthesia; yet it yields amazingly effective results.

The revolutionary services at Apex Aesthetics don’t end there. They offer Medical Grade Skincare, Laser Hair Removal, Skin Rejuvenation and Correction Services, NonSurgical Face and Body Remodeling, as well as Injectables. Each service is unlike what you’ve seen at other clinics thanks to the latest improved technologies and techniques from the professionally trained team. You can expect warm, friendly and helpful service to help you navigate these treatment options as soon as you enter Apex Aestethic’s doors.

A Unique Customer Experience Strategy

Every customer experience begins with a free consultation to craft a plan to make your personal aesthetic and health goals a reality. A truly refreshing take on the classic “one-size fits all” model far too often applied to aesthetic procedures. The team at Apex takes your personal preferences, concerns, and physiology into account before crafting a plan that will best serve your goals. They offer a full range of treatments with subtle to dramatic results available; all

RHONDA & CHRIS MCCALISTER

“The team at Apex Aesthetics has been curated for both their skill and expertise as well as who they are as human beings. We know you’ll feel your shoulders relax as you step through our doors and meet warmth and positivity, even before you receive world-class treatments.”

Rhonda & Chris McCallister

Meet the team

done from the foundation of holistic health and safety. Their mission is to help you look and feel like the best version of yourself with absolutely no compromises to your overall wellbeing.

When speaking with Rhonda and Chris, the very first thing that stood out was their “people over profits” mentality. They believe that focusing on creating lasting relationships with clients by delivering the best possible care provides more meaningful returns. This was echoed across the board with every decision they made building this business. It’s safe to say not a single corner was cut!

The Team and Services

The team at Apex Aesthetics is a prime example of this. The roster includes Dr. Joe Kim as Medical Director, Janet as a Cosmetic Nurse Injector, Rebekka as Medical Aesthetician, and Taylor as the Clinic Manager. This dream team was specifically selected to provide complimenting areas of expertise that cohesively cover the broad range of treatments available. More importantly, each of these specialists have a warm demeanor that inspires trust, and a desire to thoroughly understand the unique situation of each new patient that arrives at the clinic.

Morpheus8 is another of the outstanding luxury procedures new to Canada that the Apex Aesthetics team is excited to deliver. This skin treatment can be used on the face or body to remodel its surface and reveal a smoother, more taut and youthful appearance. It combines radiofrequency and microneedling in a minimally invasive manner to provide powerful stand-alone results, though it can also be used with injectable treatments to further enhance their effects. The biggest clue to how big Morpheus8 technology is about to become is solely the vast numbers of world-famous celebrities, influencers, and beauty editors that rely on this new game-changing treatment to look their absolute best.

It’s safe to say that all of the services available at Apex Aesthetics are out of the ordinary, but a final noteworthy treatment is their Diolaze XL laser hair removal. Unlike regular laser hair removal, Diolaze only requires 6 treatments, is far more comfortable, and provides much more thorough results. Gone are the days of countless sessions with painful lasers and unimpressive results!

Aesthetic treatment technology has truly improved by leaps and bounds in the past few years, and Apex Aesthetics has conveniently brought these innovations to the central location of Southport to provide province-wide access to these worldclass treatments.

We’ll be keeping an eye on the Apex Aesthetics team in the coming years as they help make Manitoba a more radiant and confident place. There’s truly nothing more empowering than taking care of yourself. Rhonda & Chris McCallister have created a luxurious environment for you to do just that with holistic health at the forefront.

Apex Aesthetics

204.241.2000

DR. JOE KIM, MEDICAL DIRECTOR REBEKKA BREWER, MEDICAL AESTHETICIAN

TAYLOR VANDENE, CLINIC MANAGER JANET MUSTERS, NURSE INJECTOR MEDICAL AESTHETICIAN

MORPHEUS8

The Morpheus8 is a celebritytouted fractional skin treatment that stimulates collagen production of the underlying layers of the dermis. By targeting the deeper layers of the skin, tissues of the face and body can be remodeled to reveal a more radiant youthful appearance.

The Morpheus8 uses radiofrequency (RF), a scientifically proven method to remodel and rebuild collagen. It is delivered through a matrix of micro pins to get to the deeper layers of the skin with almost no downtime.

WHAT ARE INJECTABLES?

Injectables are a category of treatment that includes neuromodulators such as Botox® and Dysport®, as well as dermal fillers such as Restylane® and Teosyal®. Injectables are used to relax facial wrinkles like frown and smile lines and also contour and create structure and volume in the face. They can create a more youthful and rested appearance by reducing the appearance of fat loss and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Injectables can also have a medical application for conditions like excessive sweating, jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and tension headaches.

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

DIOLAZEXL

Unlike waxing, shaving, threading, or stinky creams, laser hair removal addresses the root of the problem. Laser hair removal with Apex’s DiolazeXL is very comfortable, only requires a few sessions to be permanantly free of existing hair.

Most patients will notice a significant reduction in hair regrowth after only one session and with repeat sessions following a custom treatment plan, will experience smooth and hair-free skin forever.

WHAT IS NON-SURGICAL SKIN CORRECTION + REJUVENATION?

In addition to the Morpheus8, which uses radiofrequency delivered via micro pins, Apex Aesthetics can improve skin’s radiance, smoothness, and overall complexion through both the

Lumecca, which uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), and the Forma, which utilizes bipolar radiofrequency technology. Your practicioner will custom create a plan with the technologies that will best help you achieve your desired results.

WHAT IS MEDICAL GRADE SKINCARE? ALUMIER MD

We proudly carry and recommend AlumierMD, a medical grade skincare. AlumierMD encompasses cosmetic products as well as products registered as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs (USA and Canada), Natural Health products (Canada) and prescription drugs (EU). Medical Grade Skincare is formulated with higher levels of concentration, purity, and effectiveness than what you can purchase off the shelf. Therefore, you can only access AlumierMD products through your professional, under their guidance and recommendations tailored to your specific needs. AlumierMD creates with active ingredients at their optimum percentages in order to deliver visible results for multiple skin conditions, tailored to your skins needs.

HOW CAN WE HELP WITH WOMEN’S WELLNESS?

One of our main missions for creating Apex Aesthetics was to bring women safe and effective solutions for pelvic floor and vaginal health.

EmpowerRF is the most advanced and comprehensive feminine wellness solution available. It powers a variety of women’s health-specific tools and technologies, such as the VTone, Morpheus8V, Morpheus8Body, Tone, and FormaV. EmpowerRF uses a combination of synergistic complementary energies, including bipolar radiofrequency (RF) and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), to address common feminine wellness concerns.

Treatments are customized and tailored to meet your specific needs and conditions. All EmpowerRF procedures are performed in a medical aesthetics office. EmpowerRF is minimally invasive with no downtime.

EmpowerRF will help you regain your self-confidence and improve your quality of life.

“We are proud to bring this life-changing technology to Southport and all of Manitoba.” Apex Aesthetics

“There is no definition of beauty, but when you can see someone’s spirit coming through, something unexplainable, that’s beautiful to me.” LIV TYLER

The Future of Health and Wellness

Body Measure is celebrating five years!

by Melina Elliot and Erica Henderson, Co-founders, Body Measure Inc.

Say goodbye to trial-and-error health and hello to Body Measure Inc. Located on St. Mary’s Road in Winnipeg. Body Measure uses the latest scientific techniques to assist in weight loss, bone and liver health, urinary incontinence, and challenges due to menopause.

Body Measure has cut through the noise by giving Manitobans access to a range of highly advanced services designed to optimize your health, identify risk factors, and take charge of your life.

As the first company in Manitoba to bring Dexa scan access to the public, and Canada’s first full-service body composition analysis and treatment company, Body Measure has made their name a trailblazer in the field of health and wellness. Offering a wide range of highly sought-after services such as the gold standard Dexa scan, metabolism testing, as well as the celebrity favourite Emface. It is their highly supportive, zerojudgment client experience and industry expertise that truly sets them apart from competitors. Body Measure

prioritizes serving their clients with kindness, excellence, and ongoing support.

Erica Henderson and Melina Elliott (Body Measure’s cofounders) recognize that “ideal healthy” looks different on everybody and that one size almost never fits all. The founders identified a major gap in the health and wellness industry and knew just how to fill it – by replacing the guess work with science.

Melina Elliott holds an MSc in Community health and brings a career of focused work on wellness among the ageing. She and co-owner Erica Henderson are certified as Obesity Management Counsellors by the World Obesity Federation. Henderson is also a certified Radiation Technologist who has been working in the health care industry for the last 30 years.

Erica is registered with the CAMRT and the MAMRT and is certified in the essentials of densitometry. She has also worked in the fitness industry for over 25 years

“When you are a client at Body Measure, you can get continued support. Any questions or concerns you have during your journey; we will be here to help” Henderson states.

as an instructor and a trainer. Together they lead a team of professionals that work together to help guide clients toward life-changing health solutions.

This summer Body Measure will celebrate its fifth anniversary! In the last five years the range of services has grown significantly.

The original Dexa scan supported by the metabolism test and Fit3D scan now work together with the new liver test, Emsculpt Neo, Emsella and Emface.

“The key to all our technologies is that they are noninvasive” notes co-founder Erica Henderson.

One example of this is undoubtedly their Emsella chair. Body Measure is the only certified Emsella provider in Winnipeg. Not only does the technology non-invasively improve incontinence in women and men, it also drastically improves sexual function. Even more impressive, 95% of clients treated reported a significant improvement in their overall quality of life. The majority of Emsella clients either no longer require hygienic pads or have been able to significantly reduce their use of these pads in their day-today life.

A single Emsella treatment takes just 28 minutes on a specialized chair. Six sessions over three weeks are all it takes to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. “Our clients no longer worry about sneezing, laughing, coughing, jumping, or running. And, many people, including men, find they no longer wake up multiple times a night to use the bathroom,” says Elliott.

Looking to improve your health but are not sure what to book? A great start is the General Wellness Silver package. This includes a Dexa scan to look at body composition, a Fibro scan to look at liver health and a Resting Metabolic Rate test to measure your metabolism. After the testing you will sit down with one of our experts for a consultation. The consultation will provide you with an actionable plan for diet and exercise.

“When you are a client at Body Measure, you can get continued support. Any questions or concerns you have during your journey; we will be here to help” Henderson states.

To find out what Body Measure can do for you, go to www.bodymeasure.ca

Body Measure Inc.

Unit E, 1086 St Mary’s Road, Winnipeg, MB

www.bodymeasure.ca

info@bodymeasure.ca

204.691.1887

Hunter Logozar, DEXA technician

Emsella Chair Emface

Melina Elliot, Erica Henderson

BY MEGAN THOMAS THE CONSCIOUS VILLAGE

Generations ago, a woman's sole focus was on the home and family. I love that in 2023 we have more options as women. What I don't love is the fact that our gendered expectations didn't budge ..they accumulated. We must do all the things and do them well! It's no wonder that my female clientele are anxious beyond anxious. The moms are overloaded and the women who aren't moms tend to be struggling with their worth because they aren't there yet or simply don't want to be. It's a mess.

This is a multi layered issue, however, there is one common theme I see in my clientele; asking for help = weakness. This belief grows strong in our society. Think of the main, female caregivers in your childhood. Did they ask for help? Would they rather die than admit defeat!? ..start there. We spent our younger years watching these women, carefully downloading how a woman interacts with and responds to the world.

Really sink into the memories you have, small or large! What are the emotions being cast off by your caregiver? I watched my own mother use every limb of her body at once; taking calls for her job, making lunches, dinner and pie from scratch, while making extra pies to sell ..I never saw her sit and have no recollection of her asking for help. She was and still is a busy-body. Of course, if one finds joy in busy work, all the power to them but this wasn’t working for me.

When I became a mom, I struggled to balance housework and with being present with my brand new baby boy. It took me years to unlearn this way of being ..and a colicky baby was the catalyst. I really struggled with my feelings of worth, not having the clean house and home cooked meals. My mom would NEVER serve toast for supper!

I redefined what worth meant to me and released those narratives that didn’t serve me. As my family and my dreams of having my own ThetaHealing practice grew, I had to learn to ask for help because I was getting burnt out fast. My body was turning against me in my overwhelm, I was struck down with migraines that would keep me from caring for my children. I needed help and I was having a hard time asking for it. I had to admit that I could not do it all. So I started small.

Asking for help, the baby steps version. Ask a neighbour for a cup of milk, for example. Ask a trusted person to watch your kids for 30 min while you take a solo walk. Make a deal with a friend, ask each other for help and be ok if the answer is no. All these small steps make it easier to ask for help and accept it when your call is answered.

The importance of asking for help. You deserve help just like everyone else!

ExpertAdvice

Collagen can also:

• support healthy hair.

• strengthen nails and improves skin elasticity.

• improve joint health.

• increase protein intake.

• support bones health and reduces bone density loss.

HORMONE SUPPORT

Gone are the days that hormone supplements are only for women. It happens when you have too much or too little of one or more hormones. This broad term can mean a variety of different hormone-related conditions. Hormones are powerful signals and can impact your overall health and quality of life.

You may need hormone support if you are struggling with:

• low energy levels

• weight management

• difficulty sleeping

• cystic acne

• mood imbalances or headaches

DIM (Diindolylmethane) is one of the most commonly used and highly impactful hormone balancing supplement. DIM is a compound your body creates when you eat cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli. It’s not just for women.

Fuel Up

Choose the best for you!

BY CHELSEA MCDERMID, PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE STORE MANAGER / TEAM LEAD

Supplements can be intimidating, and walking into a store can seem overwhelming. We are here to help breakdown the stereotype of supplements, and how we can help you improve your well being by incorporating something new.

Have you thought about your general health and how you can implement supplements into your daily routine? A lot of the products we carry can be extremely beneficial to people of all levels of health and fitness. These products include Anti-Aging and Hormone Support, Sleep Aids, Greens and Antioxidants, Probiotics and Digestive Support, Cleanse and Detox Products, Joint Support and much more.

Here are a few of our favorite products:

PROTEIN

In order to maintain your lean muscle mass you require an average of 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight every single day!

Protein is extremely important in building muscle because the amino acids (the building blocks of protein) help repair and maintain muscle tissue. After a workout, protein helps you recover from workouts because muscles slightly tear during exercise.

Did you know that a protein supplement is the #1 recommended product for weight management?

COLLAGEN

Collagen is responsible for skin elasticity and healthy joints. As you age, your existing collagen breaks down, and its harder for your body to produce more. While collagen makes up so many critical parts of our bodies, it’s not only beneficial, but essential for good health.

Collagen can help you if your goals are: to increase protein intake & increase muscle mass. improve joint health and relieve joint pain. improve overall health of hair, skin, nails and reduce wrinkles.

You may think of estrogen as only a female hormone, but it’s not. Men also benefit from DIM. Some of their testosterone changes into estrogen and is metabolized in the liver. Levels of a certain kind of estrogen may lead to higher risks of cancer in men, just as it can in women.

GREENS

Green powders are a popular way to help reach your daily recommended intake of vitamins and minerals, as they support your body’s immune system and energy levels.

Greens can help you if your goals are:

• to increase energy and improve sleep.

• improve digestive health and contribute to healthy gut biome.

• weight management.

• to build and tone muscle.

• overall health and wellness.

Greens can also:

• increase nutrient intake.

• improve recovery.

• improve and support gut health.

• aid in nutrient absorption.

REFINED SUGARS

White Refined Sugar can have toxic effects on the liver, similar to the effects of alcohol. Overconsumption of white refined sugar can contribute to diabetes, acne, heart disease, depression, and can even cause resistance to Leptin, an important hormone that regulates hunger and tells you to stop eating.

FUNCTIONAL FOODS AND HIGH PROTEIN FOODS

Supplement King offers a wide variety of functional foods that are inclusive to many dietary restrictions. Some of our most popular products are:

• Sugar free / gluten free BBQ sauces, syrups, condiments and wing sauces.

• Low sugar / high protein snacks - both sweet and savory.

• plant based / vegan friendly high protein snacks - both sweet and savory.

• Gluten free, dairy free, and soy free snacks.

• Sugar free, ready to drink energy drinks.

• Low sugar, high protein ready to drink protein shakes and iced coffee.

“ A daily dose of an Omega 3 supplement(1285 MG) is equivalent to over 4 OZ of wild salmon or 16.5 OZ of light tuna. If you’re not eating fish every single day, you should be supplementing omega 3’s”

Looking at supplements with a new perspective, in the same way that we may have coffee in the morning, lotion to hydrate our skin or in the same way we look at melatonin, we can see how they are beneficial to our body and overall health.

Talk to our team about adding more greens, collagen or protein to leverage how your body performs in your daily life.

Supplement King Portage La Prairie skportage@supplementking.ca

204.692.3835

CHELSEA MCDERMID (INSET) MILLA LINDE, SUPPLEMENT KING PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE

Thriving in the Second Spring of Menopause

BY SYLVIA SUNSTRUM

Menopause can come with a shamed and unspoken experience for many generations of women who receive the messaging that it’s not possible to thrive post menopause, and that ageing is a terrible thing. While it can bring physical, mental and emotional experiences that may be unpleasant, menopause is not the end of the road. Perspective plays a huge role in how we enter peri-menopause and menopause regardless of whether it is naturally or surgically induced.

What is your perspective of menopause? Is it a time of distress and discomfort? A signal of aging? Are you of the mindset the best years are behind you? Are you hyper focused on your symptoms? Or do you see this season of life as a coming of age and a time to discover or rediscover your power, purpose, passion, and authenticity?

As we enter into Spring, it reminds me of the name given to menopause in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and that is “Second Spring”. This coming of age,in traditional Chinese family life, where the grandmother has a very important and respected place in the family. I love that the Chinese refer to this season of life as the second spring. They consider it a time to reflect on life and turn our focus inward to nurture ourselves.But more so to represent a new beginning.That rings true for me, as this season of my life already has had an ongoing theme of self-love, self-care, and self-reflection.

The secret is that for those who have chosen to embrace menopause as a force of transformation, who have really said a big YES to themselves, their post-menopause can deliver a Second Spring. A vibrancy and zest for life that is comparable to their first spring of their teens and twenties, except without the self-doubt, the lack of confidence and the desire to fit in no matter what.

Perimenopause and Menopause is natural, but the symptoms of peri/menopause can make you feel your life is on ‘hold’ and you probably miss the old you. Menopause is like the ultimate selfhelp tool. It wants us to become the woman we long to be; authentic, powerful, self-aware and confident. But how do we get there? We all know about night sweats, mood swings and loss of libido, but what is not widely understood is that alongside the physical symptoms, menopause is also a psychological process.

It is in fact a healing. We are being asked to slow down, to cultivate a deeper kindness towards ourselves.Instead of pushing through, we should tend lovingly to our exhausted selves as we would tend to a garden.

I am not saying it is easy, it can feel awful and some women suffer with symptoms during this time. But attitude changes everything. If we can greet the challenges with a curiosity, understanding that we’re being asked to heal and transform for the better. The stress and embarrassment, which makes ALL menopause symptoms worse, can be less intense or not present at all.

You’ll start to have new ideas about work, projects, adventures you might enjoy, it’s like the buds on the trees starting to swell. The trick here is not to rush out and go go go, but to receive the new energy and ideas to nourish yourself and keep growing and evolving.

Then next time you’re with a group of women, keep an eye out for the Second Springers. They’ll be the ones learning new things, cracking up laughing,making fabulous art, exploring new avenues,not caring if others approve and having the time of their lives! Let’s celebrate this season of our life! What a gift.

Attitude changes everything. If we can greet the challenges with a curiosity, understanding that we’re being asked to heal and transform for the better.

Managing Chronic Illness as an entrepreneur

BY MICHELLE VIROG

Chronic illnesses are difficult to deal with daily, but they can be even more challenging when you are an entrepreneur. There is always the looming question of how your illness will affect your business and if you'll be able to keep up with the demands of your company.

Michelle Virog created Soteria, a safe space for entrepreneurs with chronic illnesses to gather virtually. It's a way for entrepreneurs to share tips and advice with one another and help each other gain perspective on how to balance their health and their workload.

“We work differently,” Michelle says. “Many of us have outlying symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, or chronic pain. We must be able to manage the ebbs and flows of these symptoms while keeping up with our business. Other business groups don’t have this as a focus or provide a space for us to talk about our health. That’s why I knew I had to create Soteria.”

Besides providing this virtual community, Soteria also uses innovation and interactive elements for the members involved.

“I’ve been part of hundreds of virtual courses and communities… Soteria needed to be different and it needed to be simple.” Michelle explains that while Soteria isn’t based on Virtual Reality, she still tries to make it an immersive experience. Members get their own interactive, custom Zoom Background so when we get on calls, it feels like an escape. Members are also encouraged to log in from anywhere without judgement. They can log in from bed or log in without camera if they aren’t feeling well.

The resources inside Soteria are simple too. “I didn’t want members to have to spend a lot of time watching training videos… I want them to be able to focus their energy on what counts in their business… which I’ve developed a planner for.” Michelle mentions that she’s created a planner that is available to members of Soteria and she’s hoping to launch separately this Spring 2023. “You need a separate planner for business and a separate planner to monitor health. That’s crazy. My members already have a hard time concentrating and focusing. We need everything in ONE spot.” She says that her planner is a printable document where her members can plan business goals based on how much energy they have and they can monitor their daily amount of energy with the planning sheets.

There’s a lot of other stuff too… a mobile app, resources to help members manage their brain fog, concentration and chronic pain management. “We even have a custom playlist. The playlist uses binaural beats which help members focus and be more productive as they listen to music. One benefit is that we’re proactive and prevent members from spiraling downhill… just another symptom of the chronic illness lifestyle. We want to be motivational and upbeat.”

We asked Michelle what’s in store for the future of Soteria.

“I’ve surveyed my target market and it’s shocking to see the lack of support not just within Canada, but around the world. Most of us with chronic illnesses have multiple diagnosis. And either medical appointments and/or symptoms get in the way of us holding down a typical 9 to 5 job. In a way, working for ourselves is imposed upon us because we don’t have any other choice. Part of my future is to educate more corporate businesses around this stigma as well and provide them with any educational resources or workshops they may need to help support their own employees living with a chronic illness. We also want to ensure our website and community is fully accessible to ALL individuals. We have a member who is vision impaired so it’s important that she can access all items within the website. This may involve adding additional tech and/or creating voiceovers.”

“Part of my future is to educate more corporate businesses around this stigma.” says Michelle

Rejuventate with Serendipity Massage

Connecting and helping you through your wellness journey.

About Serendipity Massage

Hi, my name is Tanya Moscall, the owner and a registered massage therapist at Serendipity Massage since 2015. I had many obstacles in my life that made it quite difficult. With guidance of my parents and friends, I overcame many obstacles that life presented to me, and from that, I have managed to create a stable business. After receiving my diploma, I aplied to MTAM for the support and guidance of offering massage therapy in Manitoba.

Theraputic Massage

The first treatment in massage we do a body analysis to see if there is a dysfunction present, or if the client is wanting a relaxation massage. I ask a few questions and go through a range of motion to understand the body more. I then will

examine the tissue to see if there is any tone within the tissue. After I collected the information required, I then progressed into a treatment for the client. Within the treatment provided, I require the client to be present, to provide feedback when asked on the pressure applied throughout the treatment. Stretches are also given after the treatment to help the client achieve their wellness goals. I do encourage another booking to see if the changes I implemented within the tissue have remained.

Skin Care

Serendipity Massage has created our very own skin care line that includes facial and body products. Giving you a holistic approach to overall wellness.

Serendipity Massage

330 St Mary Avenue, Suite 300 Winnipeg, MB 204.801.4392

www.serendipitymassagewpg.biz

info@serendipitymassage.biz

Services offered at Serendipity Massage

Trigger Point Therapy

Deep Tissue Massage

Cupping/Graston Technique/Myofascial Release

Hot stone Massage

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Prenatal Massage

Swedish and Therapeutic Massage

Be our guest!

Quality cuisine & impeccable service

BY MELANIE GERODIAS-MITCHELL, DIRECTOR OF CATERING AND EVENTS, SPRUCE CATERING CO.

Picture this – the fast paced, fast-food environment of A&W and the love ballad “Grow Old With You” from the wedding planner – and how those two odd combinations led me to this direction in my career.

My parents immigrated to Canada from the Philippines, and I grew up in inner city Winnipeg. Taking a year after high school, to work to save for my education and to help my parents. Traditionally, as a Filipina, it’s expected to work in the medical field, but I was drawn to the hospitality industry. I graduated from Red River College with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

My heart and soul belong in the hospitality industry. It’s the first place that I found fear, and grew through the challenges. Exploring all the corners of the industry, learning and sharing stories and experiences, it is where I was able to let go of my ego, and where I found my voice as a person. Food is the heartbeat of our lives.

Spruce Catering Co is operated by Diversity Foods Services – a four-pillar sustainable social enterprise that services markets throughout Manitoba. I bring to the team 20 year of experience in the industry, where, together, we are dedicated to redefining food services to capture an ecologically sustainable framework.

They say great things in business are never done by one person, they are done by a team of people. I am grateful to lead a team of excellent individuals who have been by my side since the early days of my career.

Spruce Catering Co. has participated in community events such as Taste The Nation and Women’s Wine Food for International Women’s Day. We are a recent committee member of FortWhyte Alive Sunset BBQ that raised almost $300,000 for school funds and equipment for school programs. In 2018 and 2020 Diversity Foods Services received LEAF – Greenest Restaurant.

Spruce Catering Co. caters to a wide range of events, from, local business catering, to corporate events, galas, weddings, and fundraisers. We have catered intimate events for 2 people, to large gatherings of 1500. When you are planning your next event, contact me to create an exceptional tasting experience.

MELANIE GERODIAS-MITCHELL

The Pennyloaf is an artisan bakery on Corydon Ave. in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Vanessa and Pepper Foster along with partner James Fiebelkorn acquired the 7 year old bakery in July of 2022.

The Fosters were drawn to the bakery for the same reason as The Pennyloafs clientele. The amazing handmade breads and pastries are outstanding. Residing in River Heights from Los Angeles, a friend brought over some Pennyloaf treats. The croissants tasted just like they came out of a Parisian patisserie, they just couldn’t get enough. Needless to say, they were hooked so much so that they pursued and acquired the bakery.

The Pennyloaf is special not only because every one of the breads is made from an 8-year-old sourdough starter, each item is handmade by talented bakers and then baked in a wood-fired oven.

This isn’t an easy process. The Pennyloaf’s dough goes through a 3 day process allowing the the dough to rest and rise so it can then be shaped and baked. The amount of time and effort that goes into each loaf as well as getting the oven fired up to the right temperature is what it takes to bake the bread perfectly soft on the inside with the perfect crust on the outside.

The pastries are top notch and go through a similar process before they can be baked. They offer a wide variety of items from morning buns, cruffins, Croissants, cookies, cakes and so much more. They are always adding new offerings to keep the menu fresh and interesting.

During the week they offer some of their most popular loafs, Country, Multigrain, French and Rustic White. They offer pizza dough and fine foods daily. The weekends are exciting with a larger variety from lavender honey, fennel and sesame, olives and herbs sauerkraut and many more. In fact, the sauerkraut comes from Pepper’s family’s local business, Elmans who are very well known for their pickles sauerkraut and mustards.

The Pennyloaf is no longer just a Bakery, it offers fine foods, using the freshest ingredients all made by their in-house chef. like pesto, olive tapenade, garlic spread, olive oil, granola, croutons, and more. They have slowly been implementing a home aspect to The Pennyloaf as well with cozy Turkish blankets and candles made under the growing brand and look to continue evolving both those areas with branded Pennyloaf products, aiming to be a lifestyle experience.

They offer an extensive espresso menu made with love by a gifted local barista. Returning customers come in just to get the beverages he offers plus enjoy their morning chats with his warm and enthusiastic character. Everyone on the Pennyloaf team tries their very best to ensure a pleasurable experience for the clientele. “We feel blessed to have the team that we do. They take pride in their jobs.”

In fact the whole team is like family, spending long days connecting over baking and creating which only enforces the bonds they all share.

The Pennyloaf Is authentic and old world but contemporary in its offerings. There is a true tradition in the way they bake. “There is nothing automated in the kitchen everything sold has been painstakingly made by the bakers. Coming into the Pennyloaf we only looked to contemporize the brand but not the kitchen. Changing the logo but not the recipes, adding new offerings but keeping the same brilliant bakers”.

The future of the Pennyloaf is to expand the shop, adding seating and a larger area for new items to come. Starting with panini sandwiches towards the end of March and adding catering as well as baskets for every occasion.

This summer the herb garden will be in full bloom, adding a farmer’s market on the weekends. With the goal of becoming a one stop shop with cheeses, deli meats, organic veggies, herbs as well as flowers. Future expansion will include home/kitchen, outdoor baking items, clothing and even pet items.

The Pennyloaf is also entering the wholesale market. They are in the beginning stages of setting up distribution of all their fine foods and bread throughout Manitoba and across Canada.

Follow them on Instagram @thepennyloaf and/or visit them on their website thepennyloaf.com as it expands to offer you more items and easier ordering with the order for pick up button you can just pre-order any of the daily offerings before they run out!

Cider Release Party 2023

Treat yourselves to the the first tastes of 2023 Vintage Reserve Ciders, food, fun, and nature of the farm and cidery. Purchase your tickets at: www.woodengatecider.brownpapertickets.com

Wooden Gate Cider

Small Batch Ciders, Wine + Beer

Located in rural Manitoba, just outside of the small community Pilot Mound, Wooden Gate Cider is owned and operated by husband and wife duo – Clinton and Pamela.

Passionate about well-crafted reserve ciders and wines, together, they are creating 100% Manitoba made delicious, international award winning cider and wine.

Head Cider maker, Clinton Cavers has been making hard cider, wines and beer for nearly 20 years. His love for Manitoba fruit shines through in incredibly tasty local cider. Manitoba has a lot of unwanted or wasted prairie fruit. Wooden Gate Cider uses that unwanted fruit, either through local organizations participating in their apple fundraising program or buying fruit from your backyard tree directly from you. These apples, along with specific Manitoba varieties and local berries and fruit, are blended into the best vintage cider Manitoba has to offer.

Every year brings in a new taste of the Prairies. Some of this year’s reserve offerings are Orchard Queen, a 100% Kerr crabapplecider, Late Harvest, a hard cider that has been picked late in the season, and an as yet unnamed cider, a special blend of late harvested apples from old orchards in Manitoba.

These vintage ciders are released once a year and change each year, based on the fruit itself, the growing conditions, and harvest conditions.

These small batch ciders are limited in quantity, and you will have an opportunity to buy them at the annual Cider Release party in June, 2023. In conjunction with World Cider Day, the new vintage release weekend is June 2, 3 and 4th, 2023.

This release party is a must attend event, and one that will kick your summer off right.

Wooden Gate Cider

Order online: www.louisemb.com/m/wooden-gate-cider woodengatecider@gmail.com

204.245.0636

Olive Tapenade Bow Tie Pasta with Italian Sausage

INGREDIENTS

Items from the Pennyloaf

Pennyloaf Olive oil

1 large jar of Pennyloaf Olive Tapenade

1 jar of Pennyloaf Black and White bow tie pasta

Coarse salt with herb

4 mild Italian sausages cut in cubes/sliced and casing removed

3 tablespoons of olive oil

3 large cloves of peeled and finely chopped garlic

3 tbsp of coarsely chopped parsley to finish with 2 pinches of salt

4 hefty tbsp of the olive tapenade

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium skillet on medium heat, add olive oil.

2. Once heated, add salt and garlic. Stir until the garlic is coated in the oil and salt.

3. Add sausage and cook until browned.

4. Add olive tapenade and cook for another 5-6 min (till the sausage is coated and asauce is created from the oils of the tapenade.)

5. While the sausages are being cooked, in a separate pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil.

6. Add salt or oil to the water and add pasta.

7. Place cooked, drained pasta into a large bowl, add in the sausage and all the sauce.

8. If it’s dry, mix in another tablespoon or two of the tapenade and drizzle with olive oil.

9. Sprinkle the parsley on top and serve hot.

Pasta is ready when they float to the top. Taste for texture. If you prefer al dente, remove right away or cook slightly longer for a softer texture

Chicken Pesto

INGREDIENTS

Items from the Pennyloaf

1 small jar Pennyloaf Pesto

1 fresh baguette

1 jar Pennyloaf Hot Honey

Coarse salt with herbs

Pennyloaf Olive oil

1 baguette cut in half then sliced down the middle

1 tbsp Hot Honey for drizzling

1 small box of small heirloom tomatoes, sliced into rounds

2 chicken breasts, skinless + boneless

5 tbsp olive oil

2 pinches of salt

10 basil leaves, coarsely chopped

Shredded mozzarella

DIRECTIONS

1. Wash and dry chicken. Coat with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 pinches of salt. Cook in a skillet or in the oven.

2. Cool the cooked chicken, then shred and set aside.

3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

4. Cut the baguette in half and then sliced down the middle so that you have 4 long slices.

5. Spread the pesto on each slice, place the shredded chicken evenly across the slices.

6. Add the tomatoes then top with mozzarella cheese.

7. Sprinkle the tops with basil and put on a baking pan.

8. Bake till bread is lightly crusted and cheese is fully melted. Remove from oven.

9. Drizzle with the hot (spicy) honey and serve.

ExpertAdvice

BY NINA QUARK, OWNER HUT K PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Sustainability has always been a pillar of ours at Hut K, but we’re seeing more brands taking this into consideration with the pieces they’re producing. Each year, strides are being made to utilize more recycled and renewable materials.

Lighting has largely gone LED- yay for energy savings! This will only continue to pick up speed as it becomes increasingly apparent that we need to take better care of our planet. Investing in high quality pieces isn’t a trend but it’s now more important than ever to help reduce our environmental impact. Purchasing poorly made pieces that need to be replaced every few years is not a sustainable approach.

We view lighting as the jewellery of a space. It has a significant impact not only on the look of your room but how you feel in it. We’re still seeing a lot of statement fixtures balanced with simpler pieces, but we love a layered approach! Maybe you have potlights throughout your home but mixing in a great floor lamp and/or table lamp allows you to really set the mood regardless of what that may be- you can never have too many options!

Hosting is back in full swing for 2023! We finally have our dining rooms reclaimed for dining and people are excited to host in their spaces again. Whether it’s a larger table or more comfortable chairs to hang out and chat all evening, we’ve got options to help revive your spaces for entertaining and making up for lost time!

Gone are the days of all things grey. People are ditching the grey floors, grey walls, grey cabinets and opting for warmer neutrals. People are embracing a more natural aesthetic. I think we’ll continue to see a lot more beiges and browns. White oak has been having a moment and I don’t think that’s going to be slowing down anytime soon.

We’re also going to be seeing a lot more colour and unexpected pops of colour in 2023. People are excited to inject more life and fun into their environments.

This means no more single accent colour but choosing your own palette of colours that play well together. We’re seeing a lot of bold oranges and greens balanced with pale blues, yellows and purples.

You can still achieve a cohesive, neutral feeling space while still introducing small doses of colour. The Scandinavians

are the best at doing this so I’m always looking to them for colour inspiration!

2022 was the year of the archway and soft curves. I see this continuing as the 1970’s aesthetic is making a big comeback! We’re seeing this curvilinear approach throughout furniture, lighting and accessories. I love that this style really softens our often more rigid, modern homes.

On that same sentiment, we’re really embracing a more eclectic look overall. I love a space that feels collected as opposed to something that was purchased all at once or as a set. This is also such a great way to introduce vintage or statement pieces. These rooms tell a story and feel way more personal. Things don’t always have to match! You’re allowed to have two different lounge chairs that fit the users each in their own way. Play with scale and texture!

2023 is here and we’re seeing some fabulous trends gaining momentum in the design world!

NINA QUARK

Green Charm

Enhance your workspace with our interior plant design.

by Camila VinCo owner of Green Charm

Founded in 2020, Green Charm began its journey as a plant subscription business. It has since found its roots and bloomed into an interior plant escape business.

Originally from Brazil, I found my love in designing workspaces with plants and helping improve the well-being of people at work. Green Charm now offers a wide variety of LIVE indoor plants, trees and pots to offices and establishments to improve the company’s ENVIRONMENT and employees’ WELL-BEING.

Moving to another country gave me such a strength that nothing seems impossible to achieve. Plants helped me to heal from the pain and suffering I encounter during all these years away from my family, and a beautiful seed was planted and now I am flourishing after so many years of hardship. Plants gave me hope and comfort during these hard times. I believe that nature has a huge impact on our mental health and that we should be surrounded by nature for more hours of our day.

Now more than ever plants are trending. Businesses are becoming more aware of their employee’s well-being and the importance of creating a welcoming work environment. I am extremely happy to be able to do what I love and be part of the change in today’s workspace.

How do we get started?

We take a look at your workspace, listen to your vision or help you to picture one. I analyze your environment and determine what live plants will do well according to your office light, environmental conditions and your plant goals for the office. We then work on a design and implementation timeline together.

We also offer weekly plant maintenance so there is extra work for you or your employees. Plant replacements are included in the plan to ensure your space is always looking its best.

Moving to Canada 9 years ago has led me on this path to make a better future. I am grateful that I have been able to use the healing powers of plants to bring life back to office culture. Let’s work together to make your space beautiful and healthy.

Houseplant Spring Care Checklist

How to get houseplants ready for spring

The snow is melting, the sun is peeking through the clouds, and the days are getting longer… You know what that means? Spring is upon us! And while it may still be too early for the ground outside to thaw, now is the perfect time to start preparing indoor houseplants for spring. Just like how we say goodbye to mittens, hats, and boots, plants also need help transitioning between seasons.

After months of winter dormancy, they require some extra special care. So, get your green thumb ready with this handy spring checklist!

5 Spring Houseplant Care Tips and Tricks

Water More Frequently

First, treat your houseplants to a deep drink. As the temperatures get warmer and sunlight shines in through the windows, plants soak up more water. Therefore, it’s a good idea to adjust your watering schedule.

Dust Off Leaves

Next, wipe down foliage. Houseplants accumulate a surprising amount of dirt and dust. In fact, this layer of debris can actually block the pores in a plant which leads to chlorophyll degradation (AKA pale, withered, discolored leaves). To prevent this from happening, gently wipe houseplants with a moist cloth. It is called “spring cleaning” after all!

Prune

Third, grab the trimmers. Houseplants with any dead plant material such as rotten stems, curled leaves, or withered flowers should be cut off to encourage new growth. Plus, it’s a nice way to reshape your plant.

Repot into a Bigger Container

Don’t skip this next step – it’s vitally important. Check the bottom of your plants to determine if they should be repotted. Do you see balled up roots? Pushed up soil? Mineral deposits around the rim of your pot? These are all signs it’s time to find a larger container. Most gardeners recommend resizing to a pot that is 1 to 2 inches wider in diameter.

Fertilize

Lastly, give your houseplants a boost of energy with fertilizer. Many popular houseplants do well on organic liquid fertilizers at 1/4 or 1/2 dose strength. Organic compost tea is also easy to make and 100% natural. A win-win! The goal is to provide our green friends with nutrients to maximize healthy growth in April, May, June, and beyond.

Enjoy Happy Houseplants this Spring

There you have it, plant lovers!

204.803.3118

Five ways to get your houseplants ready for springtime after a cold, dark winter. Whether your home is filled with dozens of luscious tropical varieties or one simple spider plant, everyone can make the seasonal transition easier on their houseplants this spring.

Meet Jeshveenia Kaur!

JVY Candle Co. is a home-based business that started in Spring of 2022 by me; Jeshveenia! My passion for candles started when I was a young girl; I always loved smelling the sweet floral scents and aromas of candles and incenses. Each scent always reminded me of a fond and loving memory of my grandmother.

Growing up, I purchased and collected candles that reminded me of the beautiful sweet nostalgic scent; I never paid much attention to how a candle was made or what type of wax and oils were used. I simply purchased candles based on the scent. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I discovered the candles I’ve been purchasing over the years were made from paraffin wax and other petroleum biproducts that can be harmful to humans, pets, and the environment.

Discovering this, I began my journey about 2 years ago, where I spent night after night researching and experimenting with different types of wax, fragrance oils and wick trying to create the perfect candle. After many trials and errors, heartbreak and frustration; I finally made the perfect candle! Taking a leap of faith and believing in myself I started my small home-based business- JVY Candles Co.

My mission with JVY Candles Co. is not only to educate candle lovers like me but it’s also to bring happiness and joy into people’s lives while providing a relaxing unique spa like experience in your own homes and workspaces.

JVY Candles Co. proudly makes candles using 100% vegan soy wax that is not only FDA approved but also Kosher certified, and use the highest quality of organic fragrance oils. All our candles feature a primed cotton wick that is lead and zinc-free. Each candle is handmade and poured in Winnipeg, MB with the highest attention to detail, which is housed in a beautifully crafted re-usable glass vessel featuring a customized label designed.

204.915.7916

Meet Macy, a businesswoman who has achieved success in the midst of the pandemic. Macy is the owner of Neat & Social Creative Solutions, a business that she started in the year 2020.

Macy is a Social Media Manager and Strategist based in Winnipeg. She started out as a blogger back in 2019 and graduated with a Diploma in Social Media Marketing in 2021.

Aside from being a small business owner, Macy is also a parttime technician at St. Boniface Hospital, a mother and a wife. Her favourite part in doing all of these? She gets to meet and help different entrepreneurs and creative people all around the globe.

“I started my official & public digital content journey in 2019 as a blogger and influencer. At first, my posts were mostly about my love for clothing and motherhood (OOTDs and my experience as a first-time mother). And then, I focused on product reviews and creative photo editing. As my blog evolves, so as my passion.

“I slowly recognized my eye for little details when it comes to different profiles, creating content and other must-haves when it comes to social media, especially Instagram. Neat & Social was born, even before I had a name for it.”

Macy encourages everyone to tap their creativity and collaborate with other like-minded people in their own industry.

Neat

204.881.1882

“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle”

“I help busy entrepreneurs with their social media needs so they can focus on their business”

- Macy Olalia, Neat & Social

Stop Being Your Own Glass Ceiling Own Your Goals!

BY HEATHER LEE CHAPMAN HOLISTIC HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH FOR CONSCIOUS BUSINESSES

Have you ever felt like you are ready for a breakthrough and something always gets in your way, holds you back and redirects your attention away from what truly would bring you closer to your goals?

I have been there and I am about to share with you what had me smash my own glass ceiling that was holding me back from my greatest potential again and again!

Hi, I am Heather Lee Chapman, you can call me H! I love helping people transform their lives and achieve their goals! I have been doing just that for over 13 years and studying human potential & performance from a holistic perspective for over 17 years. I just love testing out this vehicle (body) we were given to travel this journey called life through!

I find it so fascinating how our mind works and how we became who we are today. We really are co-creators and throughout my series of articles this year in THE MINT EXPERIENCE I will be sharing with you the foundations of

how your mind works, how to make this year's glass ceiling, next year's floor and how you can create life by design!

I bet you don’t know what you don’t know! Read that again, the first time I heard it I was speechless (this does not happen often… if you know me, you are laughing right now, I am sure). We do not even know what we have not learned yet… There is so much out there for us to discover! Are you ready to take this journey with me on self discovery and mastery so we can own our minds and goals?

Firstly, let’s talk about what is Neurolinguistics Programming (NLP) and how to reframe our thoughts! NLP is the study of excellence and how to reproduce it. It has and is still being used by the elites today in marketing, politics, sales, and so much more … Remember you don’t know what you don’t know! Learning how your mind perceives, interprets, integrates, incodes and reproduces the model of the world you are surrounding yourself in, that is creating your reality is amazing! You see, you can not out grow your environment or model of the world you surround yourself with.

Why is it that two people can go on vacation and when asked to recap it, they have different stories? This is because their perception and mental filters are different. So how did we get these mental filters you ask, well from that environment you grew up in. That is why my Mother can speak German well and I can not, we grew up in different models of the world. Begin to think of the model of the world that you grew up in! What were the thoughts, beliefs and conversations around money, politics, the economy, health, finances, friendships & relationships, happiness, career/business, your positive impact on the world and more.

Your mental filters are created because of the environment and model of the world you were brought up in. You operate on autopilot 95% of the time based on these mental filters and this is your own glass ceiling!

Your Glass ceiling is your self image that was created through these mental filters! It is time to change your mental filters, your self image and your results! It is time to smash your own glass ceiling!

The first step is to begin to observe the “peanut gallery”, all those thoughts going on in your head! What is positive, helping towards your goals and what is negative, moving you farther away from your goals? You and your results are a sum of our thoughts, feelings, beliefs & actions! What is the majority of them focused on? Where your intention and focus go, energy grows! Decide today that you will focus more on what you desire than what you do not!

3 tips for a mindset shift:

1. Observe what you do not desire (contrast) and decide to focus on what you prefer!

2. Design a new self image of who you will be with your goal achieved!

3. Mind your environment as you will become it!

Sabourin Web & Media

Website Design & Digital Marketing

webandmedia.ca

Dedicated to Crafting Authentic Designs & Powerful Branding Solutions

Website Design •

Social Media • Digital Advertising

Content Marketing • Branding and Design

Our creative studio develops digital strategies for business. We merge design with data to produce successful campaigns that deliver measurable results. We work with local brands to achieve their unique brand marketing objectives.

Sabourin Web & Media leverages industry insights and a strong sense of customized style to support our clients in achieving their digital marketing goals. We’re proud to be a women-owned business with a perfect blend of technical and creative forces. Data informs every service we offer.

Owner Carolyn Sabourin is a digital marketing expert and passionate web developer who aims to empower local businesses. Helping brands craft their unique voice through modern technology drives us to make ours one of the best marketing agencies in Winnipeg.

Ready to take your brand to a new level?

Let us help you surpass your marketing goals with proven strategies and creative designs. Learn more at webandmedia.ca

Carolyn Sabourin Owner Sabourin Web & Media Digital Marketing Expert & Web Developer

The Women’s Resource Centre

Dedicated to providing support and mentoring for all women and their families

BY MIA BASTIEN, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT,

The Women’s Resource Centre Brandon was established in August of 1989 by various local individuals and interest groups. Growing and surviving through the many challenges of a non-profit organization, the Women’s Resource Centre is an integral part of the community.

We continue to see a rise in the need for services for women and their families. The after effects of COVID has increased this demand due to stress, lack of access to programs, loss of income and increased isolation increased the risk of violence to women.

WHO IS THE WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTRE?

We are a team of specialists from diverse fields, committed to delivering low-barrier, trauma-informed programs, services, and counselling on issues affecting women and children. This includes family violence and sexual assault while encouraging respect, diversity and equality with a feminist perspective.

WHO USES THE CENTRE?

Our organization serves all self-identifying women in the Westman region. Women from northern and rural communities reach out for our support. Though our headquarters are in Brandon, our Centre serves a large geographic region in the province.

WHAT IS A COMMON MISCONCEPTION ABOUT THE CENTRE OR WOMEN WHO FREQUENT THE CENTRE?

A common misconception is that family violence and sexual assault is something that only impacts a specific group of women. These issues are non-discriminatory and they penetrate all social strata and backgrounds. In our work though, we understand the complexity of intersectionality and recognize that depending on various circumstances, the barriers, and solutions for each person that we help, will look different.

for a Purpose

WHY IS CENTRE IMPORTANT TO THE COMMUNITY?

Without it some of our most vulnerable community members would fall deeper into holes that they cant get out of. We work closely with various levels of government, stakeholders, and other service providers to find solutions for those that seek our services. The level of accessibility that we embody in our work is essential to the survival to those in need and that is why the Centre is important to the community.

WHAT ARE OTHER WAYS THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP?

The community can help by recognizing that family violence and sexual assault are community issues that require community responses. By changing the narrative around these issues we can begin to holistically work as a community towards a solution. Also understanding, that help can look so many different ways and all ways are deeply appreciated. It means donations that can range from monetary, items or time. Someone can help by sharing information like following and sharing our posts. That is outreach that helps us and that can also reach someone in need of our services.

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE BREAKFAST PROGRAM

The breakfast program is a wonderful and ongoing collaboration of our organization and United Way. Its purpose it to create a safe space where self-identifying women and their families can receive a nutritious breakfast to begin their days. We understand that food security is an ongoing issue that has recently increased and that we currently are the primary organization to offer such a program. Registration is not required and women can just show-up between 9:3012pm to eat in a safe and supportive environment. It also serves as an important contact point for those same women to connect with our team and seek other support services and build a relationship with the Centre.

WHAT IS THE PURSE FOR A PURPOSE?

Basic items provide a level of support and dignity to numerous women seeking our services.

Whether women have left their environment and seeking shelter or financial abuse from violent partners results in withholding these items, it provides a great level of security and comfort to all those that receive them.

A list of ideal items would include: shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotions, tampons and/or pads.

Drop off your filled purse at The Women’s Resouce Centre (see website below for hours of operation). We are open all year long to accept your Purses!

The Women’s Resource Centre 729 Princess Ave Brandon MB www.thewomenscentrebrandon.com

reception@thewomenscentrebrandon.com 204.726.8632

SHAMPOO

CONDITIONNER

SOAP

DEODORANT TOOTHPASTE TOOTHBRUSHES LOTIONS TAMPONS/PADS

THE WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTRE

L-R IN PHOTO- MELISSA HORNBY(COUNSELLOR), KIM IWASIUK(DIRECTOR OF COUNSELLING & ADVOCACY), NICOLE FUNK(COUNCELLOR), ROSABEL SACRAMENTO((SPANISH SPEAKING COUNSELLOR)

Creating a Community of Support

Tips for Women in Leadership

The biggest mistake women make is thinking that you have to do it all on your own. Too many women believe they have to be able to handle it all themselves, the responsibilities they have at work, meeting their monthly/quarterly targets, sorting out child care, taking care of the groceries, meal planning and cooking, etc. And asking for any help, whether it’s physical, mental or emotional support would be a sign of weakness.

It's ok, we’ve been told for a long time not to show any weaknesses as women, especially when in business environments and as leaders because it would cause you to be seen as less capable and likely hurt your chances of promotion.

Except if that were true than anyone who asked for help would be seen as incapable and would not be successful in their careers or business. And we all know that’s not the case. In fact, if you keep holding onto this belief you could actually be causing yourself to feel even more isolated and with the possibility of experiencing burn out.

But do you know how you can actually achieve success in your career or business, it’s by building a strong community and network for you to thrive in.

Often times we say it takes a village to raise a child, the same is true for you to achieve success as a leader. Most men network easily and call in their favors or assistance when they deem it is needed. Men often don’t hesitate to ask to be connected to someone that can help them move along in their career, overcome a professional challenge. Men build networks and communities around different interests and professionally this also leads to better job opportunities, higher salaries and jobs with more authority.

Women in contrast often focus on a tight night group of women forming their inner circle but often avoid more networking opportunities because they fear it can come across as insincere or that they have nothing of value to contribute. And then added to the difficulty for asking for help or support, is it any wonder that you feel more isolated?

Rather than seeing networking as a staged or insincere way of getting to know people who you could ask for support in the future, begin seeing it as a community that you are building and focus on building out relationships. And continuously expand your network, allowing you to bring in new ideas and perspective. Growing your network also increases the chance that new career opportunities come your way as well as increasing your own influence and impact.

HERE ARE 3 EASY WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR NETWORK:

1.

Go out for lunch once a week with someone in your network. This can be someone you already know or with someone you have just met. And this works well both for your professional network as well as your personal network. Don’t expect to get anything out of lunch other than getting to know the other person better, and the beginning of your investment in the relationship.

2.

Reach out to someone who is in a role that you would love to move into either as a next step or within the next 3-5 years. Ask them if they are open to having a coffee with you and tell you more about their role and responsibilities. There is often little resistance to this because people love talking about themselves, and you get a chance to get an inside look into the position and the company that the person is working in. And always ask if this person could recommend someone else you should speak to. Most people are willing to help and support you if you just ask.

3.

Networking drinks & events. This one is almost always the most difficult as not many like the idea of walking into a room full of strangers. You may need to go to several different types of networking drinks and events in your area before you find one that suits your style and has the type of people you enjoy getting to know. Focus on quality and not quantity as you meet people, and if there is one or two individuals that you enjoyed connecting with, think about asking if they want to go for lunch or coffee at a later time.

Building your own community of support can seem daunting as you begin and if you do it consistently you will begin to see a snowball effect, as your network grows over time and meeting new people and/or the right people becomes easier.

And remember, asking for help or support is not a weakness, it is a sign of strength showing that you have the self awareness that you can’t do it all on your own but that you do know the right people to ask to get the job done. Asking for help allows you to access new ideas, it allows others to step up and provide their expertise, especially if you are managing team member this gives them an opportunity to develop their own skills and experience.

That is having an impact! That is being influential! That is what will help drive your success!

BY REANNA KHAN

My love for photography began in Trinidad. Initially drawn to landscape photography, I actually fell in love with Brand photography. I still had that same passion to be a small part of a business journey but through photography I watched business owners go from behind the scenes to front and center. It was spectacular to watch people celebrate their journey and see how much passion went into every aspect of their business. To say I’m hooked to the high of translating the essence of a business to something physical and visual is an understatement.

As a creative, entrepreneur, professional or business owner there will always be a new speaking opportunity, new service/product launch or content needed for your social media channels and website. Instead of scrambling to book a last-minute shoot, I offer comprehensive packages that will have images ready at your fingertips every time.

WHAT IS A BRANDING SESSION?

As a brand photographer my job is to help you and your business build a vault of imagery that is tailored to your unique business needs. My goal is to not only help you bring your vision to life, it’s to build your digital assets that will support you in every aspect of your business.

As a creative, entrepreneur, professional or business owner there will always be a new speaking opportunity, new service/product launch or content needed for your social media channels and website. Instead of scrambling to book a last minute shoot, I offer comprehensive packages that will have images ready at your fingertips every time.

WHAT KIND OF SESSION DO YOU NEED?

I offer a few different services, which include a quarterly subscription package that gives you access to create fresh content every quarter to match product/service launches, new campaigns and overall, whatever your branding needs are. I also offer one time brand sessions if your content just

needs a little spicing up.

I also offer content days, which are essentially mini sessions. They are 30-minute sessions at a beautiful studio or outdoor location. These sessions are great for creatives or entrepreneurs that need a few images to add to their portfolio but don’t necessarily need a full brand session.

Last but not least, I recently launched the Luxury Edition. A quarterly event for creatives, professionals and entrepreneurs to celebrate their business and capture some much-needed content. During this event, I source a beautiful elevated location, book makeup and hair, and wine and dine you with some sips and eats while you prepare for your 45 minute brand session. This event is really to celebrate you and your business, and encourages you to take a moment to reward yourself for all the long days and late,

WHAT HAPPENS AT A BRAND SESSION?

When you book a two-hour brand session with me, it’s all about connection and I take you on a journey to prepare for that initial brand session. Once you book, I send you a little homework to get to know your business a little bit more, then we meet and design your photoshoot, really tailor it to your needs and then at the brand shoot we execute a well put together plan that ensures it meets all your needs while having so much fun.

When you book your service with me, you are making an investment in your business. I am the photographer that is going to put the work in to ensure our session goes off without a hitch. Let’s work together to execute your vision.

“I believe in photography as an investment in your business, and that investment should continue to be accessed as your business needs it..” Reanna Khan

“I believe in photography as an investment in your business, and that investment should continue to be accessed as your business needs it.”

Reanna Khan

owner

The Oxford dictionary states: “Hygge is quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment that promotes emotional well-being”. Hygge is being mindfully aware of the fullness of your life. This awareness brings gratitude and only expands as you begin to savour special moments each day. You begin to feel a true state of just ‘being’ … another way to say it … feeling happy!

As sisters, our hygge journey started long before we had ever learned of it. We first embarked on a hygge-inspired life as young girls while spending quality time as a family with our parents and brother. For example, we have fond memories of our winter road trips to various ski hills and relishing in the cozy nights drinking hot chocolate in front of a wood-burning fireplace while reminiscing about the day or rolling around in the freezing snow before plunging into a hot tub. Not only did we come to look forward to these times, but we are also grateful for the rituals and traditions created at home from sitting together for cozy family dinners, making pickles with our parents and grandparents, playing games, to having TV dinners while watching Little House on the Prairie. While we didn’t know the word, we were lucky to be living a hygge filled life.

As we grew up, we continued to enjoy these types of moments with our own families, whether it was during a bonfire, a long hike in the woods, or snuggling under the blankets for movie night. But, as life does, everything changed with the blink of an eye. With the loss of my second daughter everything came sudden to a halt, and through the grief, I was forced to re-evaluate everything. Working my way through that grief was not easy, but I was lucky enough to find some solace in a variety of mindful adventures from gardening, fermenting, camping, hiking and most important of all, being with those who made me feel safe. It was these intentional moments that helped me work through the grief I was feeling.

Unknowingly, while embracing this as a path to healing, I had been working towards a stronger hygge-centred life by becoming more grounded and appreciating the wholeness and simplicity of it. Being able to define these moments through hygge and becoming more mindful of what matters, has made me a more positive and lighter person. With that in mind, in 2019, along with my sister Lisa, we created Hygge in a Box to deliver some seriously needed coziness for those who could benefit from the health aspects of taking care of yourself, slowing down, and carving out a few moments to say ‘ah’… it’s hygge time.

Based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Hygge in a Box is a seasonal subscription box and corporate gifting business. We love searching high and low for products that are purposeful and that can help others take a moment to themselves. All boxes are carefully curated to ensure that they contain unique non-mass-produced items, and it is important that we support as many Canadian businesses as we can and give back to the great country, we live in. We also ensure that our products are as natural as possible, made with sustainability in mind, organic when available, from ethical/Fair-trade sources, and made with love by the makers. Through this, we have partnered with hundreds of small makers (mostly female owned) and have been able to help them get their incredible products into the hands of others across the globe.

Hygge in a Box is also proud to be the winner of the A Year of Boxes best New Box in 2019 and Best Spiritual/Wellness Box in 2022.

Hygge is more than a cup of tea in front of a fire – it’s a choice to embrace the moments in life, whether big or small, that have meaning in their simplicity and comfort.

If everyone had a dog for a friend – not because they thought they should get a dog, or to do dog sports, or to guard the house, or because families have dogs – if people got a dog for a friend, and then learned to treat that dog as a friend, the world would be a very different place. A kinder, warmer and better place.

Westman is mutts about Good Puppies and Good Dogs!

Wet noses and wagging tails at Grassroots and Grasslands.

BY ALYSSA FLETCHER PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Grassroots Grooming first opened their doors in 2014 by Alyssa Fletcher. With her love for animals, she knew that she was on the right path. Jumping forward to 2023, Alyssa, along with Kyle McFarland have grown their business to a secondary location that is dedicated to large breed dogs.

WHERE THEY STARTED.

Alyssa and Kyle have always been pet people. Alyssa gained her experience in Northern Ontario as she worked at a vet clinic and the SPCA. She started bathing at a grooming salon on her days off and was happy to accept a full grooming apprenticeship when she moved back to Manitoba.

Eventually Alyssa wanted to start her own salon, and Grassroots Grooming was born. The new grooming salon was so busy that Kyle joined Alyssa to keep up with the demand. In his off time from grooming, Kyle sought out training and received his training certificates through Karen Pryor.

With each their own strengths and preferences, Alyssa loved working with small dogs, but Kyle wanted to work with large

breeds. As the demand increased, they took the leap, and opened a second location that takes in the larger size dogs. Grasslands Canine Development Centre has the space to let larger dogs run and train.

WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO GRASSROOTS & GRASSLANDS?

The specialized daycare is unique in the way that they offer a curriculum. Their goal is work with the dogs so that people find their training reinforced. Curriculum is supported with the Good Puppy and Good Dog training classes to further support dogs and their parents. Recall, crate games, mat work and games are just part of the dog’s days, and they have come to anticipate and love the routine of the curriculum.

Dogs need downtime and are supported with food toys stuffed with canned food during rest. They have a daycare staff to dog ratio of 1:10 which is groundbreaking in the area. Outdoor play is always supervised which facilitates a clean environment, as messes are cleaned up as they happen.

In the evenings, Kyle helps guide families who struggle with reactivity and communication loops with amazing success keeping dogs in homes.

Dogs in their care - get care. Floor time is maximized by keeping ratios small, supported with rest periods and puzzles. Staff are well versed in positive reinforcement training and dog body language. Behavioral assessments and vaccine protocols help keep dogs safe and with regular attendance our clients are regular not transient so we can really bring the dogs forward.

Although grooming is an unregulated trade, their staff is required to participate in standardized testing and certify through Canadian Professional Pet stylists. Senior groomers hold multiple specific breed certifications, giving clients the best services possible. Apprentices and clients seek them for their proven standard of care. All dedicated to their craft, they have all signed an oath about treating dogs humanely and with kindness.

Holding each other to high standards, their team supports each other to be able to help each other with puppies, senior or inexperienced dogs. This builds a positive team environment and has the best interest of the dogs in mind.

WHY THEY LOVE IT!

When dogs start out at Grassroots, just after they get their first round of vaccination and carry forward with the team, they really get to know the puppies and their family. Some dogs are really introverted and you can tell without the socialization they might have struggled, but with committed parents they can help to bring resiliency to even the most shy dogs.

One dog was being fostered, was incredibly insecure and attended their puppy class. On their suggestion of the small

Grassroots Grooming

1502 Rosser Ave Unit 1

Brandon MB

www.grassrootsgrooming.com

204.727-3467 (DOGS)

dog daycare while he was still a puppy, his confidence really increased. His foster home became his permanent home and they often reflect on the drastic change he made with the combination of group classes and daycare.

Kyle has many success stories of owners who go from being scared of their own dogs, to being teammates that are able to work on focus, arousal and impulse control. The goal is for dogs to remain happily in their homes.

“Pet ownership is more than just a job to us. If you see a product in our lobby we use that product. We spend our weekends hiking, joring and training because that’s what we want to do,” says Alyssa. “We love our pets and wanted to open a facility that we would be comfortable bringing our own pets to. Enrichment is part of the program and we staff to be able provide a high level of care.”

Grassroots and Grasslands aims to help develop and foster canine-human relationships. Their goal is to build a safe social community of dogs and their parents with an interest in developing dog owner communication, bonds and trust by focusing on pet hygiene, mental stimulation and social playgroups to maximize the canine – human connection.

To learn more about Canine Development, how it may be a fit for your furry family member, or if it’s time to for a grooming to get Spring ready, reach out to the team. Your puppy and dog will be wagging it’s tail with joy!

Grasslands Canine Development Centre

245 17th St N

Brandon MB

www.grasslandscdc.com

grasslandscdc@gmail.com

204.720-4485

ALYSSA FLETCHER, DOG, KYLE MCNARLAND

Stiletto Studio is Winnipeg’s first heels dance company. Heels explores our innate sensuality through dance. In Heels, you will learn to be comfortable with natural movement while simultaneously toning and strengthening your body.

We encourage people of any age and body type to come break a sweat in style. We offer 10 week sessions 3 times a year. At the end of the 10 weeks of training, strut your stuff and demonstrate your newly acquired skills in an exciting themed showcase. Suitable for all, many different level classes available gives you the opportunity to tailor moves to your ability by adding different elements to push yourself!

I grew up dancing my whole life in various styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, latin, and musical theatre. I spent my 20’s in Toronto and there I also learned this trending style of dance called Heels.

I was working a head office corporate job at a bank while also dancing in Toronto. Eventually I knew I wanted to move back to Winnipeg, and knowing heels dance hadn’t been introduced yet it was a risk but I really wanted to pursue bringing the style to Winnipeg and pursuing my own business. I am gratefule to say that, it’s now 7 years later and we’re still going strong.

We give you the experience from start to finish! You can come in as an entry level student to dance and leave feeling like a superstar. In our welcoming atmosphere we offer a non competitive approach to dance and have fun while doing it.

So many clients who have never stepped foot in a dance

studio let alone wore heels before walk in the door intimidated and insecure. The 10 week session really builds self-esteem and challenges each dancer to become their best, strongest and sexiest version.

All of our instructors are welcoming and supportive, we see them grow in confidence each week, but the true magic is once they hit the stage and feel the adrenaline of performing for a live audience. I always say to trust the process, because during the 10 weeks while learning choreography isn’t always easy, but once they get through it they feel empowered, and also make great friends along the way.

I enourage people to visit Stiletto Studio so they have something for themselves. It’s a form of self love to dedicate an hour or a few a week to build up your physical, and emotional strength. Getting to dance off your blues and leaving your problems at home. Most of our clients work full time jobs, or have families to take care of. This is a great escape from the daily grind to really do something for themselves.

Heels dancing really reaches in and pulls out your inner confidence.

We welcome anyone and everyone 18+ willing to dance in heels of course. We offer classes for all levels, whether you’re a novice or experienced dancer we have a class for you.

www.stilettostudio.ca

dani@stilettostudio.ca

“Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she will conquer the world.” – Marilyn Monroe

Dani BoGe

Mission, vision, purpose

We are here to support and inspire!

ATVGIRLS

is a small, but growing brand that is representing and inspiring women of all ages to get outside, get muddy and get on machines.

We aim to make the ATV community a space for women all over the world, an put some pink on the trails.

With a team of 20+ ladies and counting, we are bringing the ATVGIRLS brand to the trails, ATV races and events throughout North America.

This brand is for any one who has been riding for 50 years, 5 minutes or has been thinking of it.