Business Women of Squamish 2021

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THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021 | 13

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

2021

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14 | THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

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WOMEN IN POLITICS: Advice for getting started An increased presence of women in government has been associated with a number of benefits, from improved confidence in democratic institutions to greater public spending on health and education. Here’s some advice for women who are inspired by our own Squamish leaders and want to get involved too.

START LOCAL

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March 8 marks International Women’s Day.

WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE How to claim your seat at the table

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here are a variety of obstacles that can prevent women from achieving their career goals, whether it’s assumptions about their leadership potential or a lack of support for work-life balance. Here’s some advice to help women thrive in male-dominated fields and claim their seat at decision-making tables.

Redefine expectations. The bias about “bossy” women persists, but pushing yourself to be assertive and not hold back in discussions can boost your self-confidence and change how these traits are perceived in female employees.

Find your own voice. While it’s important to be confident, women should avoid trying to emulate “masculine” leadership traits if

that isn’t who they are. Instead, recognize the value in the unique strengths and perspectives you bring to the table.

Forget about perfection. Women have a tendency to only apply for a job if they think they meet all the criteria for the position.

Don’t be afraid to take risks and seek opportunities where you can learn as you go.

Build a support system. Women can benefit from finding a mentor as well as sharing resources and knowledge with other women in their field. In addition, having a supportive partner who takes on an equal amount of responsibility at home is key.

Adopting these attitudes in the workplace can help you achieve your career goals and empower other women to do the same.

Reflect on the problems that affect your community and how you could fix them if you were in government. Even if you don’t run for office right away, identifying causes you care about will give you the drive you need to pursue a career in public life. Additionally, this will help you identify where you should direct your efforts to have the most impact. Consider different levels of government, the school board or lobbying groups.

GET TO KNOW THE PEOPLE AND THE PROCESS Volunteering for a political campaign or working for an elected official is a great way to gain practical skills and learn the ropes. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to interact with people from all walks of life, hear their concerns and familiarize yourself with the issues that matter most to the community.

Ashley Davis Relationship building a key for real estate success

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604.999.9195  @mysquamishhome  @mysquamishhome

riends help their friends find a home.

And if your friend happens to be a real estate agent … well, you are clearly in luck when it comes to navigating the buoyant property market.

That’s because Squamish Realtor Ashley Davis considers creating relationships with her clients as important as it is planting that “sold” sign on the front lawn of your new home.

“The majority of my clients are referrals,” Davis says. “I don’t usually do a lot of marketing. I prefer to work with my clients who come my way based on the previous relationships I have made with other clients.”

The fact most of her contacts are referred speaks volumes about her service in an ultracompetitive market where getting the right Realtor to work hard to meet your needs, while staying within your means is vital.

“I sincerely care about what my clients are getting themselves into, and I am not afraid to tell them if it’s not a wise investment, even though they may have fallen in love with a property,” Davis says. “I am always there to say look in another direction if things are not right, even if it means giving up an easy sale.

“I would never want to get someone in a position where they haven’t gained any real growth

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Don’t wait to be a ‘perfect’ candidate to get into politics.

AVOID LINGERING ON THE SIDELINES You don’t have to wait until you’re the “perfect” candidate to run for public office.

If you have decent public speaking skills and a passion for making a positive difference in your community, you can have a real impact.

Besides, the best public servants are those who continuously learn from their constituents and colleagues.

Finally, women who are successful in politics don’t go it alone.

Find a mentor, reach out to family and friends for support, and get assistance from organizations that offer training and advice.

in value in their home.”

Davis adds she is very much on the investment potential side when it comes to choosing a home.

“Real estate is the best investment you can make,” she says. “It doesn’t take much to get involved in the market, especially with rates as low as they are now, and if you can do it at a young age, you have plenty of time to build up your value.”

Davis should know.

She was just 17 when she was determined to buy her first property, and even approached a bank for a mortgage.

“Any time that you think you can get into the market, you should do it,” Davis says. “It is always beneficial.”

And she decided from early on that becoming a Realtor was her calling.

“My parents always assumed I’d be a doctor or lawyer,” Davis says. “But I thought that I could help people in other, often less stressful, ways by finding them a home that can also be an important and powerful wealth building asset for them and their family.”

For more information about how Ashley Davis can help you in the Squamish area, email her at ashley@mysquamishhome.com, call at 604-999-9195, or check her Instagram and Facebook.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021 | 15

Co-working concept catches on as Squamish workforce evolves For the past three years, Susan Chapelle has been welcoming professionals to their new “office space” in Squamish.

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hapelleco-foundedAligned Collective with ZannyVenner, who is just as passionate about the Squamish employment environment as Chapelle.

Aligned is a co-working centre in downtown Squamish (201-38085 2nd Ave.) that offers secure and flexible access to a variety of workplace settings. Coworking spaces focus on helping small businesses in Squamish connect with each other and flourish.

“The growth of Squamish has been very rapid, and the development has been high density residential in most places,” saysChapelle. “When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many small residences and families found they were struggling to find space and meet the new online demand for connectivity” What Aligned Collective offers is a choice of workspaces ranging from shared to private and dedicated.

There are separate common and boardroom areas that can be booked for client meetings, which can be staged under current social distancing recommendations.

Open 24/7, users can choose from an array of ways to use the facility - from daily drop-in to monthly use.

The concept of Aligned Collective has taken a while to catch on as the local work sector grew and adapted.

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info@alignedcollective.ca www.alignedcollective.ca

“It was a struggle in the beginning,” Chapellesays.

“When we first opened, very few people understood the concept of co-working. That type of workspace could only be found in larger, more urban communities.”

While it was a challenge to educate the community on Aligned Collective’s benefits, Chapelle was ready.

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Fortunately or unfortunately, I am no stranger to startup culture. My first business in Squamish was one of the first integrative healthcareclinics in the Sea to Sky corridor,” Chapellesays.

Now, even though there are still challenges for the business, Chapellesays the community has changed to include many more workers who may not have the financial capacity to afford their own workspace, let alone a home.

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There are many people who live out of their vans in the Squamish area,” Chapellesays. “Without resources in the community, having a space to connect is important to building a healthy startup culture”.

Among those spending time at Aligned Collective are filmmakers, graphic designers, social workers, insurance brokers, social media experts and a good share of University instructors from not just Canada, but the U.S. “The Pandemic has driven many to come here for the outdoor lifestyle,”Chapellesays.

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This was such an essential need in the community for individuals who required desk space, but couldn’t afford all the amenities, taxes, Internet access, local coffeeand tea, and other infrastructure we offer,” Chapellesays.

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And if you have been at home with your family or partner for extended periods of time during the pandemic, being able to get out to work can be a welcome change that allows you to be out and connect with your community in a safe, clean, quiet space.”

For more information about how you can benefit from some personal or shared workspace, visit alignedcollective.ca.

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Barbara Gloor Award winning realtor offers professional real estate service

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fter building up and selling two successful businesses in Vancouver, Barbara Gloor came to Squamish with her husband back in 1995 to start the Sunflower Bakery Café.

“It was the best move I made, and I was overwhelmed of how supportive the community was and what a great place this was to raise our family,” says Gloor, a Squamish realtor.

Gloor always had a feeling that Squamish was a hidden diamond in the rough and that it would only be a matter of time until everyone wanted to live here.

After successfully selling the bakery business in 2008, Gloor opted to go into her next venture as a real estate professional.

In 2009, she joined the Re/Max Sea to Sky Real Estate office and never looked back.

(604) 892-4428 www.barbgloor.com barbgloor@telus.net

“Through all the ups and downs of this business over the past 12 years, it’s the people I meet, it’s hard work, patience, a positive outlook and dedication that keeps me going. A common theme with being a long-time entrepreneur and successful realtor is the relentless work ethic, commitment and dedication,” Gloor says.

Gloor gives her all to her clients, offering the best professional services, and surrounds herself with a team of professionals.

Her service includes tips for preparing and staging the home for sale, strategic digital marketing campaigns, 3D video tours, professional photography and top-notch negotiating skills which all make for a successful sale.

She believes in putting her client’s best interests first, listening to their goals and helping them achieve them with a stress-free experience.

“When my clients are happy and successful, then I feel happy. It’s a journey with my clients that extends far beyond the closing,” Gloor says, adding that going from business owner to building an honest, trustworthy and successful real estate career has been fulfilling and very rewarding.

“I enjoy my work and grateful to live in this beautiful area.”

Gloor’s advice for people considering buying real estate is to get pre-approved for a mortgage, and then, get into the market.

“Any real estate is better than no real estate. As the saying goes, ‘don’t wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait!’ Start with what you can afford now,” Gloor says.

To see local listings and to get in touch with Barbara Gloor, visit www.barbgloor.com.

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16 | THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

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Paula Owen Special focus on the customer helps create a perfect picture

something out of each person. That’s what I love the most about what I do.

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hen you view one of Paula Owen’s photographs you see much more than just a mere image, you witness the result of a true relationship between the subject and photographer.That is what Owen strives to put into every session she has with a client.

Paula Owen is an officially accredited photographer by the Professional Photographers of Canada Association and is an international award winner for her newborn and family photography.

Those achievements are also evident in the community, which has recognized and rewarded her efforts with a consistent parade of readers’choice awards in local media for best Squamish photographer from 2017 to 2020.

“For me, that’s the biggest honour because those are my clients who voted for me,” she says. “And I am very grateful for their support.”

“Being technically correct as a photographer is definitely important. But how you make someone feel during your photo shoot is just as vital.

(604) 815-8933 www.paulaowen.ca info@paulaowen.ca

“I want a client to walk away from their experience with me feeling relaxed and good about themselves, and to have that show in their photos.”

“You hear so many stories. Everyone comes with a different experience, and I like to talk to people,” says Owen, a native of South Africa who came to Squamish in 2006 and set up her own business, Paula Owen Photography in Squamish in 2015. “You have to draw

“I look at each subject and discover what it is about them that I want to show and make them shine.”

She accomplishes that by putting clients at ease and finds laughter an effective way.

Part of her enduring success has also been the dedication she maintains to keeping her approach fresh for each photo shoot.

“I can easily get bored of something and move on to the next challenge, but photography has always kept me interested,” she says.

“I am always stretching myself in creative terms, letting the client know I am thinking about them individually.”

That commitment also flows into her care for community causes, both local and overseas.

In the past, she has organized a fundraiser for the local food bank and women’s centre, donated proceeds from a Christmas photoshoot to Healthy Hearts, a Squamishbased, girls leadership program, and also donated to causes in South Africa.

“I try as much as I can through the year to show my gratitude for the support I have been given through my life,” she says.

For more information about Paula Owen Photography, visit the website at paulaowen.ca.

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Kirstin French

ll-natural solutions for a cleaner, healthier A community Be kind to yourself—and the environment.

That’s the message Kirstin French, Owner of Be Clean Naturally in Squamish, has put at the forefront of her business since day one.

Be Clean Naturally handcrafts things like soap, toothpaste, laundry soap and dish liquid, all in the store, which is located in downtown Squamish (38140 Cleveland Ave.).

Be Clean Naturally sells locally crafted, all natural, cleaning and personal hygiene products made with sensitive skin and the planet in mind.

And as an herbal apothecary, they also sell dried herbs for making teas and tinctures, as well as spices for culinary use.

Kirstin was born in Squamish, has lived there all of her life, and witnessed first-hand how new developments have impacted the local environment.

www.becleannaturally.ca/ becleannaturally@gmail.com

The turning point for going all natural was when Kirstin met her husband, who suffers from allergies to man-made ingredients and used all-natural cleaning products.

“I remember seeing how the local landfill, in particular, had grown from being relatively flat to this huge mountain,” she says.

“Synthetics make him break out in hives,” she says. “And, when I started using his laundry soap, dish soap and shampoo, my 20-year battle with acne cleared up within a few weeks.”

“So, when I started my business, I was acutely aware of my desire to not contribute more to that.”

From then, she vowed to only offer naturally made products to the community.

A big part of that commitment was to be a leader in re-filling products, and keeping to the promise to minimize packaging on products.

604.898.8889

“Plus, we offer re-fills and make most of our products here from natural, non-synthetic ingredients,” she says.

“Items we sold would not be packaged twice,” French says.

“For example, we wouldn’t have a jar that was placed inside a box.

“It was going to be as simple and minimal as possible.

For the first four years, the business was run out of her home, with sales done at farmers’ markets locally and in Vancouver.

“That allowed me to grow things at a nice, steady, organic pace,” she says.

The store location was opened six years ago and helped not only expand her customer base, but send her “green” message further afield.

To learn more about the products and process at Be Clean Naturally, visit the website.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021 | 17

Janine Reynolds ‘Zen time’ part of the experience at Billie’s House

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o what you love, and it doesn’t feel like work.

It’s often said. But Janine Reynolds, owner of Billies House in Squamish (38082 Cleveland Ave.), is truly living it.

The store, which features flowers, gifts, plants and decor, has been a mainstay locally since 1973.

Reynolds and her husband, Francis, purchased it in 2018.

She had just concluded her maternity leave and was preparing to resume her work as a massage therapist when she learned her favourite shop in the community was for sale.

“I loved it because it had been around for so long, and we wanted it to be part of the community,” Reynolds says.

“Those kinds of relationships are essential to me.

Especially since I have already created so many while working with people locally through my massage therapy business.”

Plus, she simply adored the shop’s aesthetic, which is known to locals as “Billies.”

(604) 892-9232

“It was always something new and different, and I got the opportunity to work with so many beautiful things,” Reynolds says. “It also showed so much potential since Squamish is growing so rapidly.

billieshouse.com

“And it was nice to employ a group of women who were doing something they love,” Reynolds says.

“That part is very important for me.”

billies@billieshouse.com

But, she didn’t have any experience in the floral

side of the operation.

“That was the challenge,” Reynolds says. “Flowers, and helping make someone’s home beautiful, is a very emotive business to be in because you often deal with some of the biggest events in peoples’ lives - from birthdays and anniversaries to graduations and weddings.”

Fortunately, Reynolds used her experience in restaurant management to partly help guide her way.

“The food and floral industries are similar because in both cases, you are working with perishable products,” she says. “That made me feel quite comfortable.

“But I still had a lot to learn, so being surrounded by so many lovely and talented people - many of which stayed with the business when we bought Billies - makes it easy, fun, and memorable.”

At its very essence, Billies is simply a good-forthe-soul place to be, something not lost on those passing through its front door.

“So many people come in, and I can see they feel it’s such a relaxing place,” Reynolds adds. “They come in not to shop but to have a ‘zen time,’ which is fantastic and encouraged.

“That’s exactly what the store is all about.”

Essentially, Billies is more a sanctuary than a store.

“Creating that is really important for us. People don’t have to come in and buy anything. It’s all about the experience and joy of being in here.”

For more information and a look at what’s in store, visit Billies House on their website at billieshouse.com.

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Lynn Gifford Squamish counsellor enlists the healing power of the great outdoors

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ever underestimate the power of Mother Earth..

Squamish counsellor Lynn Gifford, who runs her practice Totem House, is using the great outdoors of the Squamish area to help her clients heal.

With the public health protocols of the COVID-19 pandemic keeping interactions limited, Gifford has turned to a safer and more informal way to meet with clients and offer her assistance with a unique “walk and talk” service in many of the wonderful outdoor spaces around Squamish.

“I have found when I offer outdoor sessions my clients really thrive because I think there’s some relief outside in terms of emotional space,” says Gifford who has spent the last 45 years in nursing and counselling, and moved to Squamish in 2018.

“When there are difficult conversations happening, a little bit of space, nature, and the movement of your body walking can be soothing and healing.”

Gifford says she has considered continuing the walk and talk sessions once public health restrictions have subsided because many clients seem to prefer the outdoors.

“It seems people do well with alternative ways of healing,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be all talk. There are other ways to heal with nature, movement, and being in a supportive relationship with others.”

While she offers virtual appointments, too, Gifford says one-on-one sessions in a traditional counselling environment can be limiting, especially for new clients or those with trust issues.

(604) 657-2930

“When a client is in a small office space, and a stranger is looking at them when they feel vulnerable and are having struggles, it can be intimidating,” Gifford says.

totemhouse.ca

“During a walk and talk, a client can ease into things, develop a rapport, and get comfortable with me. Then, if the client choses, we can move to an office setting, using the appropriate physical distancing and PPE, if a little deeper work is required.” Optional spaces choice and nonjudgement can empower clients to consider personal change.

lynn@totemhouse.ca

It’s that commitment to provide a trauma informed approach to providing care which is a hallmark of Gifford’s career that included being the coordinator of forensic nursing—which focuses on care for those who have suffered violence—in the Emergency Department of Surrey Memorial Hospital.

“Most of the time, the patients were the victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other forms of violence in the context of intimate relationships,” she says.

“While I was doing that work I began to understand how important a relationship is with people you are trying to help heal.

“So, I started to move my personal clinical practice from treating physical needs to responding to a person in a holistic sense—heart, mind, body and spirit.”

Through that, Gifford says she developed an understanding of how, particularly, mental health is impacted by emotional, physical, and spiritual trauma.

“That got me very interested in that line of work,” she says, adding she went back to school to earn a masters in leadership to help equip her to help influence how nursing care is provided to trauma victims.

“I felt inspired to bring that change to the nursing profession,” she says.

When Gifford recognized she needed to move out of that direct contact work, she still wanted to provide care in other ways and returned to school in 2016 and earned her masters in clinical counselling.

“I wanted to continue offering care for people experiencing burnout and vicarious trauma through nursing, and fellow first responders such as paramedics, firefighters, police officers, clergy, and Crown counsel who are on the front lines of human service work,” Gifford says. “I recognized the world is beginning to hear and respond to the people who provide this essential frontline care.

“And more needs to be done to keep this group of providers safe.”

For more about how Totem House can help you, visit totemhouse.ca.

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Squamish offers many unique ways to get physical.

How to stay physically and mentally fit in uncertain times

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he COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of women across the country. Some are on the front lines of the crisis, others have lost their jobs and others still are working from home while taking care of their children.

Regardless of how the pandemic has affected your life, it’s important to be aware that ongoing stress can take a toll on your health. This can result in a loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, weight gain, frequent headaches, problems with digestion and more.

In these uncertain and unsettling times, here’s a look at what you can do to take control of your physical and mental well-being.

occasional treat is good for morale) Make time for relaxing activities every day (meditate, listen to music, read, etc.)

Avoid spending too much time scrolling through social media Create an evening routine to help you sleep (start by putting away your devices at least 30 minutes before bed)

TAKE CHECKUPS SERIOUSLY

Whether you’re 17 or 80, there are steps you can take to improve your physical and mental health. Here are some habits you can adopt that’ll serve you well during the pandemic and long after it’s over.

Regardless of your age, it’s important to attend follow-up appointments after any treatment or surgery. In addition, be sure to keep up with the screening tests recommended for a woman your age. This might include a mammogram, pap test, bone density test or fecal immunochemical test (to look for signs of colon cancer).

Your family doctor might also advise that you get vaccinated against certain illnesses such as shingles, influenza and human papillomavirus.

GET SOME FRESH AIR EVERY DAY

CONTACT SPECIALISTS AS NEEDED

Exercise for at least 150 minutes per week (dancing, running, weight training, etc.)

Limit your consumption of coffee, alcohol and tobacco products Reach out to a professional if you notice a decline in your mental health Keep in touch with friends and family (opt for phone and video calls rather than text messages and emails) Eat a healthy, balanced diet (although the

If you experience pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to seek treatment. Reach out to the right health-care professional, and schedule a consultation before the situation deteriorates.

Remember that mental health ailments are as important to treat as physical ones.

By adopting healthy habits, taking checkups seriously and contacting specialists as needed, you’ll help mitigate the potential health consequences of living in turbulent times.

ADOPT HEALTHY HABITS

Leadership instills law firm’s focus on the community Many successful organizations benefit from a culture established and passed down from the top.

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imply put, good leadership gets the job done—and plenty more.

At law firm Race & Company, which has offices in Whistler and Squamish, its corporate identity comes in part from one of its early partners, Nancy WilhelmMorden, who helped bring a woman’s profile to the job.

“Nancy graduated from law school in 1983 and became a partner here in 1987. In the 80s, there were not as many women in law as there are today,” says Kathleen van der Ree, one of Race & Company’s partners. “And to become a partner within a few years of being called to the bar was a huge deal at the time.”

604-892-5254 Raceandcompany.com Brie Reilly b.reilly@raceandco.com Karin Emond – k.emond@raceandco.com Kathleen van der Ree k.vanderree@raceandco.com

Even now, the dropout rate among young female lawyers is higher than that of their male colleagues, due to the difficulty of balancing motherhood with the billing expectations of private practice. But because of Wilhelm-Morden’s trailblazing, it’s been “normal” at Race & Company to have a strong female presence.

“It’s been part of our culture for decades,” van der Ree says. “Most of our lawyers are women.”

“As a firm, one of our core values is certainly family engagement,” says Brie Reilly, another partner with Race & Company. “Plus, what we bring to the practice of law is a focus on family life outside of work, and engagement in the community,” van der Ree adds.

“I started with the firm as an articling student, and immediately learned that the community engagement was a big part of the firm’s culture,” van der Ree says. “It was important as a young lawyer

to not only get my name out there, but to help build a better community by lending time and expertise, especially with non-profit boards.”

Support from the firm to help make this happen includes being able to take time off to attend meetings with the various community organizations.

Race & Company also ensures community grants are built into the firm’s annual budget to provide an additional helping hand.

One example is the firm’s sponsorship of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce’s “Women of Whistler”. Race & Company’s lawyers also support many local non-profit boards including the Howe Sound Women’s Centre, Squamish Senior Citizen’s Home Society, Community Foundation of Whistler, Pemberton Off Road Cycling Association, the Rotary Club of Squamish and the Chambers of Commerce in both towns.

“A part of the emphasis on community came from Nancy, who was a dedicated volunteer who served several terms as a municipal councillor, and then later as mayor of Whistler,” Reilly says.

Community involvement can also be a two-way street for young professionals.

“Taking on not-for-profit leadership roles not only benefits your community, but it also helps you learn and grow as a lawyer,” van der Ree says.

For more about Race & Company, visit their website at raceandcompany.com.

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Roxana Dees Feel better naturally with an alternative approach to health

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hen two worlds collide, the result can often create a wondrous outcome as shared knowledge and perspective combine to form a rich and novel approach to innovative solutions.

That’s the setting Squamish business Euphoria Natural Health has developed and extends to its clients.

And it’s one Roxana Dees enjoys providing for everyone using her naturopathic clinic, which offers alternative medicine alongside traditional methods.

“We are not taking sides. Our main mission is to use natural means as much as possible to bring people to a state of good health,” says Dees.

“That’s what the word euphoria means in Greek achieving a natural state of health.”

Dees, a former patient of the clinic, bought the business last December because she believes it delivers an expedient level of care that seeks to treat the root cause of an ailment and provide a better standard of health, rather than merely addressing symptoms.

“Buying a brick and mortar business during a pandemic was something none of my friends and business advisors encouraged me to do,” Dees says. “But after being a patient of Euphoria’s for nearly two years, I experienced the support, hope, and ultimately the healing it provided.”

(604) 390-4455

So, when she heard the clinic was up for sale, Dees knew it would be a good match for her as a business.

euphorianaturalhealth.com

“I felt that Euphoria was a gift to the community, and it would be my personal mission to acquire the business and manage it. It would also be my passion project.”

clinic@euphorianaturalhealth.com

Dees says her background, which includes a bachelor

of science in biology, with a focus on epigenetics - the science of how your behaviour and the environment can cause changes that influence gene expression, and ultimately the quality of life - would be a “perfect fit to take Euphoria to the next level.”

At the heart of the business are a group of local practitioners.

“We have a unique team that includes three naturopathic doctors and a medical doctor,” Dees adds. “We also offer a chiropractor, as well as a physiotherapist and an osteopath, to deal with anything from chronic fatigue to acute pain management, hormonal imbalances to gut illness, from Lyme disease to cancer. A great focus of our clinic is women’s health.”

With input from the practitioners, Euphoria aims to promptly get patients the help they need to get back on track.

“We operate as a private medical clinic, giving access to all the same lab testing services at a regular clinic,” Dees explains. “And we offer the widest range of treatment options in terms of alternative medicine and treatment modalities, including IV therapy, which is a quick way to replenish energy and support immunity by administering vitamins and supplements via intravenous means.”

Patient access during the COVID-19 pandemic and its public health protocols is also available through telemedicine using online video meetings or phone connections.

For more information on how Euphoria Natural Health can help you, visit their website at euphorianaturalhealth. com and follow them on social media at @euphorianaturalhealth on Instagram and Facebook.

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Squamish kids’ camp can be a big change-maker I

f you step back and look at your life so far, can you pick out a specific time and place where everything changed so dramatically that it made you what you are today?

For some of us, that may be difficult.

But ask Vanessa Doak, and she will narrow it down very precisely.

“I would never be the person I am today had I not been sponsored to go back time and time again to the one camp I cherished as a child,” says Doak. “It was the greatest gift of my life.”

Changing the world, one leader at a time

Doak, who grew up among other families like hers under the poverty line in Toronto, owns and runs Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds, her own camp that strives to deliver a similar impact she experienced for boys and girls from Squamish.

“My family never had the means to send me,” she says.

“So, I am consciously aware I was very lucky to have all the experiences I had. It’s also something that has kept me in camping and put me where I am today.”

Doak says the camp culture she thrived under was all-accepting.

604-848-8168

“I was a real tomboy growing up,” she says, “a little rough around the edges, which went hand-in-hand with how I grew up in Toronto housing.”

healthyheartsbc.com

But she met camp staff who offered her the simple opportunity to just be herself … for once.

healthyhearts@telus.net @healthyheartsbc

“They (camp staff) wrapped me in love.

It was the first time in my life I could let down

my guard and just be me,” Doak says.

“That’s the amazing and beautiful thing about camp.

Nobody knows where you’ve come from and you can be yourself, not like at school where you feel the need to wear a mask,” Doak says.

“Even the quirkiest of kids are put on a pedestal because you learn to appreciate those differences,” she adds. “It’s like a Utopia, a dream place where they can be 100 per cent, authentically themselves.”

Doak has been running camps for both girls and boys under the Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds banner for the past four years.

“Each season I grow the camps a little, adding another program,” she says. “Now, years later, I have been able to work with more than 400 families in Squamish, and run camps for kids as young as three.”

All the while, the camp’s foundation remains committed to be welcoming.

“Kids come to camp knowing they are not going to be judged, teased or bullied. They are going to be supported and uplifted,” Doak says. “And as I see them grow in that environment, I sometimes get a glimpse of myself at that age.

“That to me is a most beautiful image to see—one of freedom for a child to be themselves.”

For more information about Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds and the variety of camps it offers, visit their website at healthyheartsbc.com.

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20 | THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2021

SPECIAL FEATURE

squamishchief.com

A challenged world is a stronger world.

The District of Squamish acknowledges the challenges, sacrifices, risks, efforts, choices and contributions we, as women and those who identify as women, make every single day.

"I’ve always been lucky enough to love the work that I do, but I have struggled with the balance of work, family and personal time, all while pursing my career goals."

"Mothers become excellent at prioritizing, balancing tasks, pivoting when things go sideways and considering the needs of others."

"Demystifying a traditional, male-dominated industry and encouraging women to be visible and speak up is what I hope to contribute."

"It wasn’t until I entered the workforce that I encountered gender bias. These experiences only served as learning, and have fuelled my motivation to be the best I can be, to rise above the gender bias."

"Having to be late or leave early to meet your family needs will not offset the gains you will have in being a compassionate leader and helping your team meet their goals with emotional intelligence and a productivity muscle that is exercised every day."

"I made a conscious decision to surround myself with other leaders, both men and women, who value hard work, personal balance and how they can both be achieved successfully. Although we still have a ways to go, I’m dedicated to being part of this evolution."

"I appreciate that I am in a position to affect the empowerment of women: to lead our culture of respectful behaviour and equality, to support the growth of women that I work with and in the community."

#ChoosetoChallenge