Victoria’s Read was born April 1st, 2006.
It’s purpose is to provide a unique leaflet, highlight the women of our community and support not-for-profit women’s organizations.
Owner/Operator: Victoria Evangeline Reed
victoriasread@hotmail.com
About me:
My older brother, James and I were born and raised in North Bay, Ontario. Our parents, Ralph and Theresa Bernard owned and operated a successful automotive garage.
In grade school, I was the pudgy kid with glasses and a lisp. I had trouble saying certain words but it didn’t seem to stop me from making a lot of friends.
By the time I reached high school, I had learned how to express myself through words and I was hungry to learn all there was to know about the english language.
My first job was decorating donuts at a donut shop. It was a good job and it taught me how to communicate with the public. From there, I worked at a day care where I discovered that I loved children and wanted to have some of my own some day.
When I was just 17, my knight in shining armour came riding into my life on the wheels of his shiny black Chevy truck. I guess I was his princess because he asked me to marry him the very next day and just one month later, we were engaged. That was 25 years ago and Frank and I are still very much in love to this day.
Our son, Randy was born one year after we married and our daughter, Laurie followed her devoted brother, two years after. By this time, my writing had taken a back seat for many years. I was committed to giving my husband and children all of my love and attention but I eventually discovered that your talents never leave you.
I was working evenings and weekends at a department store to help pay the household bills. I hated it because I didn’t see my family much. My mom called me one day, informing me that The Near North Senior was looking for a writer. I hadn’t written anything in years but the excitement of writing again kept building inside me. The owner, Claude told me that I could set my own hours. This meant that I could help with the household bills through my work as a writer and spend more time with my family again. How’s that for fate.
A year later, I then heard that The Nipissing Reader was looking for a writer/graphic artist. I didn’t know anything about the Graphic Arts but was anxious to learn that aspect of producing a newspaper. John taught me everything I know but things didn’t work out as expected there.
While talking to my father about my job situation one day, he asked why I don’t just start up my own publication? I stared at him, dumbfounded. It made perfect sense! Why Not!
With a lot of help from Canadore student, Sarah, Victoria’s Read was conceived just two short months later.
Looking back on the years, I can’t help but be so grateful to my supporters, readers and advertisers.
Because of your continuous support, I am where I was always meant to be. Thank you.
Victoria Reed