International Women’s Day What does it mean to Powell River women?
Women are a driving force in Powell River’s economy and the warp and weft of our social fabric. But all too often, we don’t take the time to recognize our accomplishments. International Women’s Day, March 8, is a time to remember the work done by brave women who helped carve out the space for us to reach our potential. Of course, that work continues today, even here in our own community, as women take a leadership role in business and politics, at home and abroad. Walk into any business in Powell River, from retail to forestry, and you’ll find women not just in the front office, but making decisions that affect our economic future. We asked some of our community’s female business leaders to tell us what makes them tick, and what they hope to see from women in Powell River in the coming year. Gaylene Massullo
Marika Varro
Westview Agencies
Tree Frog Bistro
Why: I really enjoy helping people to find insurance coverage that best suits their business operations. I get a lot of satisfaction from meeting new people and getting to know my clients; I feel like I am a part of their team.
Why: I get great satisfaction when a day or a function goes well and customers leave with a good taste in their mouths.
Other passions: Spending countless hours with my horse, Bree, preparing for this year’s show season in the dressage ring. I also enjoy helping young equine enthusiasts! I hope to see more women in business in Powell River. We can learn a lot from each other; I’d like to see us network together more often.
Kim Miller Powell River Chamber of Commerce Why: As the manager, I love working for and with local businesses. Other passions: I enjoy fellowship at the morning Rotary club and the good work we are doing in the community. I also enjoy every moment I spend with my grandkids. I hope to help many more women in business promote their unique skills and expertise, through the Chamber. Networking connections and social events are just some of the ways. I also hope that when my granddaughter grows up there will be more sustainable employment within our community so she can raise her own family here as I have done.
Janmeet Kaur Little Hut Curry Restaurant Why: I always wanted to cook, learn and interact with people around me. My business helped me to fulfil this.
Other passions: I love hiking, biking, watersports and reading biographies. I hope I never lose my interest in finding a need and filling it. I thought about retiring, but I still want to do something, because I really enjoy working with people. I’d like to see, throughout the world, women treated equally and respected for what they do. I think the government could provide more information for women entrepreneurs.
Jackie Marjerison Westview U-Vin U-Brew Why: I enjoyed working here so much, I bought into the business. People are really happy when they’re making their own beer and wine, and it’s great to interact with them and help them.
Other passions: Being a homemaker and keeping my house immaculate. My husband keeps buying and I keep maintaining them! I hope to maintain and run my business successfully and also be socially and environmentally responsible by adopting good practices where I can.
Eve Camenzind
Your Dollar Store With More
Why: I love working with customers and enjoy the human interaction. Finding new products and trends keeps me on my toes.
Other passions: My family, hockey and Powell River. A long walk on a crisp day. And I enjoy a good bottle of wine, of course! I hope that more women will consider taking the leap and owning their own business. It takes a lot of courage, but the rewards are well worth it. I enjoy the freedom and being in control of my own destiny. You get out of it what you put into it and I know women here have so much to give.
Other passions: Toastmasters, volunteering with community organizations, and running. I hope: I’d like to see more women taking the plunge to run their own business, despite how scary it may seem. Women In Business (WIB) is a great support and networking group and I encourage women to join. Owning your own business gives you a tremendous amount of freedom and satisfaction. It’s important to recognize what you need to stay happy. For me, it’s that freedom. It keeps the smile on my face.
POWELL RIVER LIVING • march 2014 •
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