I recently collaborated with Vancouver Waxlings founder, Margot J. Leviton and five other female-owned local small businesses for a Valentine’s Giveaway on Instagram. Margot’s prizes were the Bae and Babe candles featured in the photo above.
I originally met her through social media–She was offering a sample of her Key Lime Pie Candle. And coincidentally we also have a mutual friend. It is a small world and the pandemic has shown us just how connected we are as one.
M:When did you open your business?
VW: Waxlings was created in April 2020 when I dislocated my shoulder and could no longer see my Vancouver Healer clientele.
M: Did you always want to own your own business?
VW: I didn’t really think about it. It was hobby that turned into a business. I’ve had my own massage/healing practice since 2006.
M: Where are you from? If you moved to Vancouver, why did you move here?
VW: I grew up in North Vancouver.
M: What was your inspiration for your business?
VW: During the COVID-19 shutdown I saw my clients getting very depressed. I thought if I could create scents that would connect them to happy memories–I could help them.
Vancouver Waxlings Founder Margot J. Leviton
M: Did you go to university and if you did what did you study/major in? Which university did you attend? Would you advise others to pursue a degree before opening their own business?
VW: I went to WCCMT (West Coast College of Massage Therapy).
No, not these days. You really don’t need one if you have entrepreneurial savvy and can navigate social media.
M: What would your advice to future owners with dreams of owning their own business be?
VW: Go for it. If you have the drive and a great business concept–Just do it!
M: Do you have a philosophy in life or famous quote you would like to share with everyone?
VW: Just. Be. Kind. It. Costs. Nothing.
MILESTONES
Are there any milestones for your business that you would like me to mention in the Feature?
When I landed my first stores Dip Co. Delights and Larry’s Market.
If you would like to learn more about Margot’s yummy Vancouver Waxlings candles, please visit their website, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Welcome to Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC.’s new Small Business Feature Series. Vancouver based, Oenomel Chocolates, is the first business to be featured and just in time to celebrate their first year anniversary.
Oenomel is a Greek word that means sweetness and strength. It’s what Melody hopes her chocolates bring to people.
I met Melody Hu, founder of Oenomel Chocolates on Instagram. I was intrigued by this lovely, ambitious organic chocolatier and started following her profile. She has graciously invited me to her local events but unfortunately, my schedule has not allowed me to attend thus far. My fingers are crossed that I will be able to join her next one!
Melody Hu, Founder of Oenomel Chocolates
M: When did you open your business?
MH: I launched my business on February 24th, 2021. So, in a way, my business is my Valentine. I have so much passion and love for it!
M: Did you always want to own your own business?
MH: I have always dreamt of building a brand that incorporates values, such as craftsmanship, sustainability, and wellness. And using that brand as a tool to create wealth for my loved ones.
M: Where are you from? If you moved to Vancouver, why did you move here?
MH: I was born in China and spent my childhood both in Shenzhen, the Silicon Valley of China, and Auckland, where sheep outnumber humans. I finished high school and got my Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where I studied Neuroscience and started my first venture, a macaroon startup business. And gradually, I fell in love with this city and decided that I wanted to build my business and home here.
M: What was your inspiration for your business?
MH: I wanted to create a product that incorporates health, wellness, and craftsmanship. I chose chocolates because there are too many sweets that are unhealthy. They tend to be filled with saturated fats and harmful amounts of sugar. I only use natural ingredients and organic, fair-trade chocolates that are sweet and delicious.
Blood Orange & Almond Blood Oenomel Chocolate
M: What did you do before opening your business?
MH: After graduating from UBC, I worked as an intern in a stem cell research company in Vancouver and then in business development for an international law firm in Shenzhen, China. I gained invaluable experience from both jobs.
M: If you were in a different industry, did you enjoy your former career?
Looking back, I did enjoy my former careers. When I worked in the law firm, I had guidance, and learned to work with others in a team. These are lessons that I have brought to start and develop my own company as an entrepreneur.
M: Would you advise others to pursue a degree before opening their own business?
MH: I was glad that I got a degree before opening my own business. University was an experience beyond what I chose for my major. I learned to learn, I gained mentorship from professors who have expertise in their field, and I joined clubs where I made lifelong friends.
University life has a lot to offer if you embrace it. There are many famous successful entrepreneurs who don’t have a post-secondary degree, so it is possible to succeed in business without a degree.
But you should know yourself and know what environment and path are best suited for your career development. And no matter which path you choose, you have to believe in yourself, have confidence, and never give up.
Oenomel Valentine’s gourmet truffles and bonbons
M: What would your advice to future owners with dreams of owning their own business be?
MH: See the value in yourself and your business and bring these values to people you wish to serve.
Work hard, understand and love yourself–Do these things well, and extend it to your employees.
Don’t stop learning, don’t be afraid to try new things and fail.
Never give up. There’s always a way to succeed.
M: Do you have a philosophy in life or a famous quote you would like to share with everyone?
MH: “Dream big, start small, begin now.” — Robin Sharma, The 5 AM Club
MILESTONES
Oenomel Chocolates is celebrating its first year anniversary on February 24 and although it is a a startup business, it gives back to the Metro Vancouver community.
In December 2021. Oenomel Chocolate organized a fundraising event and raised 200 CAD for a non-profit organization to distribute food to insecure communities.
Over 20 local musicians, artists, and businesses participated, and over 100 guests joined us for a beautiful Warm Company and Wine Evening. It was an event worth remembering.
In 2022, Oenomel Chocolate continues to support charities with good causes. We will be organizing fundraising events and making donations to charity through the sales of some of our products.
If you would like to learn more about Oenomel products please visit their website and support them by following their on IG and FB.
I discovered Little Pink Door Boutique (LPD) 3 years ago when I was on my lunch break at Northwoods Village, in North Vancouver, BC. I noticed their mannequins outside their store and they were having a sale.
I went in planning on just trying on a white off-the-shoulder blouse that I found on one of their mannequins but about 15 minutes later I walked out with the aforementioned blouse, white Joseph Ribkoff capris with pom-poms, sandals with bling AND a matching bracelet! I was preparing for the following year’s Le Diner en Blanc (i had just attended the exclusive event).
I met Deb that day and had a great time chatting with her. I thought she was the Owner of LPD but she said no, that would be her best friend, Colette Bennett.
M: When did you open Little PInk Door Boutique?
C: I opened Little Pink Door on March 1st, 2016! So this month actually marks our 5th Year Anniversary! Usually we do a big birthday celebration with an in-store event with live music, appys, and wine.
In the past, we have seen up to 90 women in attendance at our event. This year with the pandemic we won’t be able to do that! However it’s a big milestone for us as it is not only our 5th Birthday but also it’s the 5th year in a row that we have won Favourite Boutique on the North Shore with Reader’s Choice!
We are planning a Facebook Live Event on Thursday, March 25th from 7-8pm. We will do a fashion show, have tons of giveaways, announce our donation to Sage Transition. Still working out the details but want to make this a fun, engaging and memorable event!
M:Did you always want to own a clothing boutique?
C: So, I’ve always LOVED clothes and the Fashion World! I remember spending all my allowance on Fashion Magazines and would go through them page by page. However, I really hated the experience of shopping: finding unique items, the service and the overall process.
Back in 2011, I started to turn my dream into a reality and developed a business plan to open up a clothing boutique. I already knew I would name it Little Pink Door! I’ve had the domain for more than a decade and back then used the website to showcase my photographs. I have a huge passion photographing doors. And of course, PINK is my favourite colour hence — Little Pink Door!
Colette Bennett Owner of Little Pink Door Boutique
M: Where are you from? If you moved to Vancouver, why did you move here?
C: I was born and raised in North Vancouver and have lived here my entire life. I absolutely LOVE the North Shore and can’t think of a better place to live!
M: What was your inspiration for your business?
C: Well, my inspiration was to create a retail space that was completely unique to what was currently out there! My vision is to be a leading go to boutique destination for women by providing them with the perfect blend of product, customer focused experience in an in store environment that fosters friendship, trust and loyalty!
The inspiration for the store design was to make it feel like a beautiful dream walk-in closet filled with so many wonderful and beautiful things!
M:A little bird told me that you used to be in marketing. Did you enjoy your former career?
Yes, I was. And I still am! Marketing Little Pink Door is my passion! Back at LPD’s inception I developed the brand strategy, brand personality and logo. Today I look after all the marketing efforts including developing unique promotions, social media, and CRM (Customer Relationship Management).
M: What did you do prior to opening Little Pink Door?
C: Before opening Little Pink Door I worked in the Corporate world in Marketing for 25 years! I worked for some fabulous companies and some not so fabulous.
The one fabulous company I worked for was Starbucks for 10 years and was their Marketing Manager for Western Canada. It was at Starbucks where I learned and developed skills in brand marketing and understanding the importance of marketing an experience over simply a product or service.
It was the best education I have ever had and I believe what I learned from Howard Schultz (former CEO, Chairman and Founder of Starbucks) has helped define Little Pink Door and the success we’ve had to date.
M: Where did you study marketing or was it a profession you fell into? If you studied it, which institution did you attend?
C: Once I left high school I went to Emily Carr and wanted to become a professional Fashion Photographer. I finished the first year and got accepted into the photography program but couldn’t afford it!
From there I accepted an entry level position at a large company. They were willing to pay for my education part time so I decided that the most creative part of business was marketing so that’s what I decided to pursue. I went to BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology) and did the Marketing Communications program all part time in the evening. It took 5 years to complete! A fabulous program and school!
Little Pink Door’s Positive Affirmations on IG
M: What would your advice to future owners with dreams of owning their own boutique be?
C: From an emotional standpoint – don’t let anyone talk you out of your dream. Surround yourself only with people that help feed your passion and are positive. Stay the course.
From a business perspective – develop a robust business plan that includes all aspects of your dream business. Include financial forecasts, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, competitive analysis, define your target market, and develop a marketing plan.
The business plan for LPD took me 2 years to develop and it became the foundation of my business. And I still do annual business plans that I share with my fabulous team of ladies who work with me so we are all aligned on where we are headed!
M: Do you have a philosophy in life or famous quote you would like to share with everyone?
“Dream more than others think practical. Expect more than others think possible. Care more than others think wise!” — Howard Schultz
MILESTONES
M: Are there any milestones for Little Pink Door that you would like me to mention in the Business Feature?
C: As mentioned earlier, we are celebrating our 5th Year Anniversary with a live Facebook Event on Thursday, March 25th from 7-8pm! And we are also celebrating that we have won Reader’s Choice Awards for Favourite Local Boutique on the North Shore for the 5th year in a row!
If you would like to learn more about Little Pink Door Boutique visit their website, follow their Instagram, and their Facebook page to join the festivities for their 5th Year Anniversary.
I met Adam Swanson, Founder of QRZones via Instagram as it has now become the norm — networking business contacts and meeting new friends online. After exchanging several messages with Adam, I interviewed him on Zoom and was delighted with how much we had in common.
He was born and raised in North Vancouver, BC. Adam recently graduated from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops with a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science.
Last summer during the chaos of the pandemic and one of the BLM (Black Lives Matter) marches that he participated in, he was inspired to spread POSITIVITY, to uplift people and build a platform to give back to the community. This is when QRZones was born …
QRZones Unique Advertising Opportunities
Adam is not motivated by money. He enjoys teaching others and sharing his knowledge of computers. He loved leading a workshop for kindergarten to grade 7 children and developing a curriculum of computer science and coding.
He wants to propel people to open their minds and drive home his message that technology doesn’t have to be hard to learn. Adam uses easy to understand language to make people more comfortable with computers and how they can help us — to show us, laymen that it is a matter of ‘learnability’.
Adam is full of exciting new ideas and opportunities for Small Businesses to grow by saving money and the environment with QR Codes. I have met a kindred spirit who demonstrates my Love of Local! During our meeting we discussed working together to promote and market Local Businesses. Our shared love of building community, spreading positivity, and bringing people up can ONLY grow stronger.
6 Ways QR Codes Can Help Grow Any Business
This is the core of Adam’s mission, “lifting others up because when we do, we lift ourselves with them.”
To learn more how Adam Swanson and his team at QRZones can expand your business, visit their website and follow their Instagram.
MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote entrepreneurs, both male & female and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them, and you, my subscribers.
To provide and build a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of a business, art, or a NEW YOU …
I “met” Cindy Stibbard via Instagram. We started following each other and became a part of each other’s online communities. I have met a few other Local Business Owners this way last year. And especially now during the pandemic, building community and networking has shifted to mostly online interactions.
M:What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?
I was born in Toronto, Ontario but I grew up in Tsawwssen, British Columbia with my parents, two brothers, one sister and a house full of cats and a dog!
I held numerous part-time jobs as a teenager delivering newspapers for the Delta Optimist, working the drive-thru at McDonald’s, a clerk at Phamasave Drugs, a server at a local Chinese Restaurant and a dancer on the BC Lions Pride Dance Team until the Grey Cup in 1994.
In 1993 I graduated with Honours from South Delta Senior Secondary School. I then attended Simon Fraser University while I worked part-time at Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver during the day, and served at Earls Tin Palace in West Van at night.
M: What did you want to do when you grew up?
C: Growing up I always wanted to be a TV news anchor. I thought that it would be a fun job and I used to set up mock newsrooms with my siblings. We would pretend we were reporting on the day’s events.
M: What did you studyinuniversity?
C: I really wanted to go to Carlton University or Ryerson because they were known for their broadcasting programs; however, my family’s finances didn’t allow it.
I started out pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Communications at SFU. When I realized that it wasn’t the direction I wanted to go in, I changed my majors to Psychology and Education and followed the path to become a teacher.
StudySpot Vancouver – Steps for the Successful Completion of Homework
After completing a B.A. in Psychology, I went into the PDP (Profession Development Program) for teachers and completed my B.Ed with specializations in Learning Disabilities and Primary French Language.
M: When did you move to Vancouver? Why did you move to Vancouver?
C:My family was transferred here about 36 years ago, when I was 8 years old, from Toronto. My dad was in the construction industry and development was thriving in BC, so we settled in Tsawwassen about 40 minutes outside of Vancouver.
M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?
C: Actually, getting divorced was my inspiration for starting both of my businesses. StudySpot Vancouver came first in 2019 – an Executive Function & Academic Coaching business – spawned out of my decades of experience in the field of Education.
I knew I was going to have to go back to work, after being at home for 11 years raising my kids. I wanted to develop something that would allow me the flexibility to continue to raise my kids, become self sufficient, and at the same time support students in an environment that didn’t confine me to the four walls of a classroom.
Cindy Stibbard with her children, Photographer – Sarah Jane
While I was going through my divorce, I was faced with many people around me going through a similar experience and I wanted to be able to help them. That’s when I discovered the CDC Intensive Divorce Coaching Training program and dove right in.
It opened up many new doors of opportunity and empowerment for me as I walked the path of entrepreneurship as a newly single mother. Nothing has been more life altering and powerful to me than pursuing my career aspirations during what has been the most difficult transition of my life.
M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?
C: I absolutely LOVE connecting with women who empower other women. There is nothing like the support of women when we truly embrace each other, our strengths, and our bonds.
Through this journey the last 2 1/2 years, I have grown substantially as a person and have made connections all over the world with people who have changed my perspective of myself and who have given me the courage to believe that I can do anything in this life of mine.
StudySpot Vancouver – Photographer Sarah Jane
M: What would your advice be for Boss Babes in the making? If they are contemplating leaving a secure 9-5 job with benefits – what would you say to them? Should they take the leap?
C:START UGLY. I was always the type of person who needed to have all my ducks in a row before beginning anything. Everything had to be in place, I needed to have loose ends, tied and processes followed and systems set up. But what I have discovered in my entrepreneurial journey is that none of that really matters at the beginning.
If you have a dream, or a passion that you are afraid to start, know this – it doesn’t matter how you start, as long as you START! And it’s HARD work, really hard work. It’s many hours of unpaid determination day in and day out, but if you’re in it for the right reasons, if you truly love what you are doing with your soul… If you are confident with your WHY and your vision is rooted in passion and the genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others, then success will follow. Start ugly, as long as you start!
M: Any last words? What’s your favourite positive/motivational quote or book?
C: My favorite quote of all time comes from an unknown source but it is one that has resonated deeply with me for quite some time… I have it framed over my bed and I read it every day:
“It’s impossible,” said pride.
“It’s risky,” said experience.
“It’s pointless,” said reason.
“Give it a try,” whispered the heart.
Cindy Stibbard, BA, BEd, CDC, CHCC, ABA of StudySpot Vancouver is a Certified Divorce, Career, & Transition Coach. If you would like to learn more, you can follow her on Instagram.
Welcome to my new series, Mayumi & Mama Izumi’s Foodie Adventures! Today marks my first installment and I’m very excited to write about Fets Whiskey Kitchen. It was my second and Mama’s first time at the yummy eatery and bar.
Located in East Vancouver’s Little Italy on ‘the Drive’, Fets is nestled beside Havana and across the street from Grandview Park.
Mama and I ordered their Country Fried Steak and the Cooper’s Breakfast. Fets’ Country Fried Steak is crispy on the outside and the organic meat is moist and tender on the inside — the best I’ve had. It is accompanied by Maker’s Mark Bourbon white gravy, rosemary biscuit & bread, sunny side up egg, hashbrowns (with sauteed onions), and a dash of greens (with pickled onions). Delish!
Fets’ Country Fried Steak and Cooper’s Breakfast
The Cooper’s Breakfast is so tasty that my mouth is watering reliving my memories of it. It is comprised of braised local pork, black beans, sunny egg, and cornbread. All the flavours in both dishes enhance rather than compete with each other. It is gourmet comfort food and my gourmand compliments go to the chef.
Not only am I a foodie, but also a coffee connoisseur. Fets did not disappoint. They serve Western Canadian, Canterbury coffee that is filled with multi levels of roasted flavour notes.
Canterbury coffee at Fets Whisky Kitchen
A definite must if you haven’t already had the pleasure to nom at this wonderful Commercial Drive restaurant. Besides the yummy eats, the customer service is also top notch and they have a heated patio. Need I say more?
Kristin Ames and I graduated from Carson Graham Secondary together. One of my first memories of her is from grade 8 when she invited me to her birthday/slumber party. There were 5 of us: Kristin, Tracy Meredith, Judi Hector, Hanna Barber and I (Some of the girls’ last names have since changed but I am using their maiden names).
I don’t remember all the details of her birthday party but I do remember we had fun and the next day we swam in her swimming pool and her Mom made us brunch afterwards to eat on her patio.
It is with great pleasure that I introduce you all to my dear high school friend, Kristin Ames, Founder of Fit LIfe Coaching.
MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entrepreneurs and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them, and you, my subscribers.
To provide and build a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of art, a business, or a NEW YOU …
M: What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?
K: I was born in Vancouver and grew up here in North Vancouver. I had a pretty typical childhood, played sports, was involved in music, lots of social activities. I’ve always liked to be busy and for as long as I can remember, I have had a pretty full plate.
My parents were both university professors, so there was a lot of pressure to excel academically. I can’t really say I regret it though, I learned how to set goals and work hard from a young age, a skill which has served me well over the years. We were always encouraged to set the bar high.
M: What did you want to do when you grew up?
K: My mom loves to tell the story that when I was 3, I said I wanted to be a ‘fruit cocktail’ waitress. I’ve never heard the end of that one.
Kristin is baking with protein powder & gives us tips on her Instagram page.
I knew I wanted to be involved in business in some aspect, but I had envisioned working for a big company, not for myself. It was the 80s, the era of movies like “Working Girl” and “Baby Boom”, and corporate opportunities for women were on the rise. That world seemed glamorous to me.
M: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?
K: I tried college and university, and I felt a business degree would set me up for the future.But quickly found the rigidity of the programs and having to take classes that I had no interest in just to satisfy degree requirements frustrating. When I was 21, I was offered an opportunity to article at an accounting firm by my old boss who I had worked for in high school.
At that time, you could work full-time and go to school at night to get your professional accounting designation. I didn’t even blink; I left university immediately and went to work for an accounting firm downtown.
All I did was work and study for the next 7 years, but I finished my CGA (now rolled into the CPA designation) and by that time I had enough work experience to get a really good job. I didn’t know then that I would end up on a very different career path!
M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?
K: A couple of years ago I sold my former business, Posy Floral Design, wanting a change of pace. I started to think about how I could still run my own business, but have the flexibility of being able to travel, take care of my family, and enjoy life a bit more.
Fitness has been a big part of my personal life for the last 15 years, and several years ago I developed an interest in sports nutrition. I had also been reading a lot about the online fitness industry and was intrigued with how seamlessly that business model seemed to fit with what I had been envisioning for my future.
Kristin Ames is the ultimate Boss Babe! She started not only 1 but 2 businesses!
I went back to school and got certified as a Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach and Health Coach, which rounded out the practical experience I already had.
I know so many women in their 40s and 50s who have put themselves last for years, working on careers and raising families, neglecting themselves along the way. They don’t know what to do so they do nothing, figuring it’s ‘too late’ to make a change.
Having been there myself at one point in my life, I know that all you need is the belief that you can change and the right people to support you.
This was my inspiration to create Fit Life Coaching; we create customized fitness and nutrition programs for women who want to get back in shape and feel confident again.
M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?
K: I love the feeling of being completely in control of what happens, that the sky’s the limit. There is always something new to learn, some way to grow and get better. Sometimes I have trouble falling asleep at night because I just want it to be morning so I can get up and start going again … The feeling that each day is a blank slate, full of possibility. It’s a feeling you just can’t replicate working for someone else.
M: What would your advice be for Boss Babes in the making? If they are contemplating leaving a secure 9-5 job with benefits – what would you say to them? Should they take the leap?
K:Don’t feel that where you start is where you have to end up. It’s okay to want different things at different times in your life. People get stuck because they think they have to keep doing what they are already doing – but that’s crazy!
If you are so passionate about something that you can’t stop thinking about it and want to do it all day every day, then absolutely stop thinking about it and start doing it. Passion for what you do and hard work will get you through almost any obstacle.
M: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book?
K: There is a perplexing fear of losing and making mistakes in today’s world. We are taking competition away from our children as though it’s a bad thing. I don’t get it. Some of the biggest lessons I learned in life were through my failures and losses; if I hadn’t had those experiences I would never have learned about resilience. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from taking chances.
Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow.” – Mary Tyler Moore
If you would like to learn more about Fit Life Coaching, follow her on Instagram and her website.
MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entrepreneurs and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them, and you, my subscribers.
To provide and build a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of art, a business, or a NEW YOU …
I met Gordon Tang when I was 14 years old before he started his salon, GT & Co Hair Studio on East 2nd in North Vancouver. My Mom had her hair done by him and recommended him to me. She said he was, “sugoku jouzu (which means really good or skillful in Japanese)”.
And I have been going to see Gordon since then for over 20 years. Mom was right — Gordon is great! If you ask him to only cut 1/2 an inch off that’s all he will cut. And so talented in the way he cuts and styles hair.
Once I find a person, company or product that I like, admire and enjoy — I stay loyal. I am that “sought after customer” that businesses dream about. Not only do I stay loyal to the company but I also spread the word. I created a hashtag on Instagram #fortheloveoflocal with a heart emoji and without for this exact purpose. I spread the word about a Local Business through my love for them.
So without further ado — It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Gordon, Owner of GT & Co and my stylist since I was in high school.
M: What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?
G: I was born and raised in the Hong Kong countryside. My childhood consisted of lots of farming and lots of pets.
M: What did you want to do when you grew up?
G: I wanted to be aprofessionalsoccerplayer.
M: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?
G: I studied businessat Langara College and then I studied hair design at Vidal Sassoon in London, England.
M: When did you move to Vancouver? Why did you move to Vancouver?
G: I moved to Vancouver with my family in 1979 for a better education and more opportunities.
M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?
G: I started my business in 1986. I cut my friends’ hair in high school and it was then that I found my passion — I love to talk to people while hairdressing.
M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?
G: The ability to control my own finances, hours and being able to learn from my customers; and to have the ability to implement their good ideas.
M: What would your advice be for Boss Babes in the making? If they are contemplating leaving a secure 9-5 job with benefits – what would you say to them? Should they take the leap?
G: If you believe in yourself and your dreams and are willing to work hard, you willfind success
M: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book?
G: My favourite quote is, “nothing ventured, nothing gained“.
Gordon is old school and does not have any social media platforms or website forhis salon. If you would like to make an appointment with him, please tell him that Mayumi sent you!
GT & Co Hair Studio is located at: 130 2nd St E, North Vancouver, BC and their phone number is: 604.988.9813. The salon hours are: Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entrepreneurs and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them and you, my subscribers.
To provide and build a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of art, a business, or a NEW YOU …
I first met Francisco Sonora, Owner of Tequila Cocina Restaurant at the Lonsdale Ave Magazine launch party as I did our first Male Boss Babe, Eamonn Duignan, when we were introduced by the magazine founder.
Francisco is affable, friendly and very easy to talk to. He is in the perfect industry …
M; What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?
F: I was born and raised in Mexico City and have an older brother. I grew up in an ordinary family, playing soccer in the streets and drinking water from the hose in the summer.Nintendo was also something I enjoyed playing back then.
I helped our family in a small restaurant, doing everything fromwashing dishes to cooking, and serving customers.
My mom who raised my brother and myself with a strong work ethic and morals, set a good example for us.
Tequila Cocina’s yummy nachos
M: What did you want to do when you grew up?
F:Having my own restaurant was always one of my dreams because cooking is one of my biggest passions.
Also, I wanted to have my own family and I feel blessed now to have baby Ana, she’s my sunshine!!
M: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?
F: No I didn’t.
M: When did you move to Vancouver? Why did you move to Vancouver?
F: I moved to Vancouver when I was about 20 years old and worked in construction for years (which I still do).
First, I visited on vacation and loved it and all theopportunities that are here. I’m lucky to get to live in thiscity.
Tequila Cocina’s live entertainment on Friday Nights – Mariachi Los Dorados
M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?
F: We first opened on May 31st, 2019 but it took us about one year to build and renovate the place.
We are going to have our first anniversary in a couple weeks. It falls on a Sunday and we will be preparing a lot of specials for our customers.
M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?
F: Well, I’m just the face of the restaurant but there’s a team of many people involved who I appreciateandhave to thank.
We have become a family at Tequila Cocina — from my business partner, Mami Matsumura, to kitchen and front staff and of course, my wife and baby who are my motivation to keep me going everyday.
M: What would your advice be for Boss Babes in the making? If they are contemplating leaving a secure 9-5 job with benefits – what would you say to them? Should they take the leap?
F: I’d say just go for it, everything is going to make sense down the road.
Vancouver is an open ocean full of fish and we are the fisherman. Martin Luther king once said, “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
M: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book?
F: There’s a quote that I like and it goes something like,
“The key to success is start before you are ready. Don’t look for happiness, create it …”
I had the pleasure of meeting Shane Meier last year when I walked into Goodlad Clothing and introduced myself.
I chose to visit his store because I wanted to feature their Men’s Clothing in my First Annual Fashion Gala, “For the Love of Local”. And to my delight, Shane agreed on the spot. He was also a gracious host and gave me a tour of his store, barber & coffee shop — All contained in the one location.
Shane told me the reason he named his store Goodlad. It was his grandfather’s last name. Grandpa James Goodlad’s portrait was rendered by an amazing local artist, Kevin Keeler. It is hung in the center of Shane’s store & shown above .
A portion of my fashion show ticket sales will be donated to Not for Profit Organization, Harvest Project. Designer garments from their thrift store, Clothes For Change will be highlighted and 3 suits designed & constructed by VCC (Vancouver Community College) Fashion Design students will be auctioned and all proceeds will be going to help families in the Harvest Project program. Stay tuned, I will be announcing when and where the gala will be taking place when it is deemed safe to do so.
Goodlad Clothing Store – Men’s Fashion in North Vancouver
MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entreprenuers and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them.
To provide and build a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of art, a business, or a NEW YOU …
M: What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?
S:I was born and raised in Saskatoon, Sask (Saskatchewan) but lived most of my life in the Lower Mainland.
Spent about 30 years in the Film/TV Industry both locally and in Los Angeles, as well as across most of Canada. Currently live in Yaletown but cannot wait to get to the North Shore where my business GOODLAD is located.
M: What did you want to do when you grew up?
S:I had ZERO clue. Lol … In FACT, I didn’t know what I wanted to do (for the rest of my life) until I was in my late 30’s.
Acting was a hobby and that was it. I was too small to play most sports as a kid so Film/TV performances were a natural fit for me and I was very fortunate to get work steadily as a kid.
M: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?
S:I did not. I moved to LA when I was 17 and lived there for a year. THAT was my post secondary education.
M: When did you move to Vancouver? Where in Vancouver did you move to?
S:We moved from Saskatchewan around 1988. I lived and grew up in Coquitlam.
M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?
S:Goodlad was born about 2 years ago. We officially opened for business in August 2018 so we are still new!
Inspiration came just wanting to be a business owner. I’ve always worked for myself my whole life in the Film World.
I wanted to open something special where people would gravitate towards. I wanted each person that comes through the doors to have a great experience.
Goodlad’s Coffee Shop – drink coffee & grab a breakfast sandwich or snack
M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?
S: If you ask ANY of my staff I DO NOT use the term BOSS in or around the shop. I am their colleague. Co-worker. Mentor. I just so happen to be the signing officer on their paychecks — That is it.
I do, however, like being able to do just that. Mentor and point people in the right direction.
I was once in their shoes. And learning from people with experience only helped push me in the direction I wanted to go.
M; What would your advice be for Boss Babes in the making? If they are contemplating leaving a secure 9-5 job with benefits – what would you say to them? Should they take the leap?
S:YES. Take the plunge. Commit. A lot of people get scared and stay in their 9-5’s and are miserable for most of their lives.
Goodlad Barber Shop – get your hair cut, and a shave while you shop
Being an entrepreneur is one of the most exhilarating experiences I have ever had. Stressful at times, but once you see what you have created for people, there is no better feeling.
I may have brought this mentality from my performing days…
M: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book.
S:Never be afraid. Attack projects with KNOWING that you will succeed. Hard work always pays off in the end.
Motivating books?? Gino Wickman writes a ton of VERY useful books for running anything from 2 to 2000 staff business. Very useful for me when opening Goodlad.
And you cannot go wrong with Mr. Jordan Peterson’s “12 Rules of Life”. It’s a true game changer!!
