Victoria’s Read

Arezo Akbari was born in Kabul Afghanistan. Her mother, Shakilla  stayed home to raise her five children while Arezo’s father, Naim  worked as an aviation engineer. “Mom taught us to be gentle with  people, treat people with kindness and to always help.  Dad taught us the importance of staying positive and being persistent in what you  want.”

When she was just six years old, Arezo’s parents moved the family to India to escape the life of war. “We lived in India for seven years before moving to Toronto.” In 2007, she and her husband, Moses moved to North Bay. “We still are a very close family so I am in constant contact with them all.” Arezo states that being the oldest of six children taught her how to be responsible and the  importance of unity. “My parents’ teachings still are very helpful to  me with my business. I also feel that it is very important to be   completely honest.”

Arezo struggled all her life with sensitive skin. “I am allergic to  perfumes and chemicals’ so finding something that I could safely use  was a huge challenge.” With the help of her husband, she began  experimenting in her own kitchen. “I took some courses to learn the  basics of soap making and went from there.” Arezo’s first product was glycerin soap. It was a success. With a lot of encouragement from her  husband and family, Arezo began making other all natural body products and in October 2008, she opened Bloom Bath & Body in Northgate Shopping Centre to share her products with the public. She was well  accepted and her business is doing very well.

Arezo would like to take this opportunity to thank her husband for his  steady encouragement and support. “If it wasn’t for Moses and my  family, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Written by: Victoria Reed

Toronto born Sharon Dionne always knew that she wanted to live on the lake. “My older sister, I and my parents often camped in Peterborough. I loved it!” Sharon’s Mother, Patricia was a factory worker who taught her girls the importance of proper etiquette. “She also educated us on the importance of eating well.” Sharon’s father, Gord was a printing foreman. “My father taught us the value of obtaining a trade.  That stuck with me throughout my life and was the driving force behind my graduating from Senece college with High Honours in Computer Programming.”

Sharon met her husband, Rick while living in Toronto. “Rick had a cottage in St. Charles so it was inevitable that we build a cottage on Lake Nipissing since he knew all the good fishing spots there.” A few years later, the couple bought a beautiful piece of property in Callander, worked the land and built their dream home. There they and their four children now reside.

Sharon and Rick have always worked effectively as a team.  “We decided to look into a franchise business and were pleasantly surprised to discover Cartridge World. It offered the most flexibility and we would be contributing to saving our environment.”

Sharon learned that a laser cartridge thrown into landfill can take up to 450 years to decompose and in one year, if the world’s discarded cartridges were stacked end-to-end; they would circle the earth over three times.

By bringing your used cartridges to Cartridge World for a refill or remanufacture, you can help protect our environment and save substantially compared to the cost of a new cartridge.

Cartridge World has programs that allow local community organizations & schools to raise funds by collecting empty printer cartridges. Cartridge World will pick up the cartridges and write your local school or community organization a check.

Lynn Weller grew up in a large Irish family. “My mother, Rosaline taught us that woman can do anything. You just have to take that first step. My father, George was a cross country trucker. He was a very social man who believed in the importance of volunteering your time which he passed on to all of his three children.”

Lynn and her husband, Terry of thirty-one years are originally from Toronto but moved to Cambridge in 1981 to buy a home and start their own family.

While visiting her mother-in law, Lynn and her youngest daughter, Kim decided to check out the countryside and spotted a  farm for sale in Burks Falls “ We decided this was the one for us and I bought it!”

Lynn’s girls developed skin problems at a young age and Lynn could not locate any suitable soap. “I tried many soaps before I decided to make my own. The first soap I made was unscented goatmilk soap. I couldn’t just make one bar so I began giving bars away. People liked the soap and began buying it from me.”

This was to be the beginning KIMTREELANE Soap Company. “ It has both my children’s names in it, Kim and Theresa.”

Her company offers all-natural soap with no preservatives, using high quality products, fragrance and essential oils. “My soaps are made right in my very own kitchen.”

Lynn also sells a wide variety of other hand made products like blankets and rugs. This fall she will be using the wool from her own sheep to weave her blankets.

Lynn would like to take the opportunity to thank The Woman’s Own Resource Center in South River. “I encourage any woman who is thinking about starting their own business to take their  workshops.”

Amanda Johnson is a woman with loads of drive and relentless ambition.

Amanda and her two younger sisters grew up just south of Barrie. “Dad has been self-employed since I was ten years old. He instilled a sense of drive in us. Mom was a stay-at home mom who was always our devoted support unit.”

Amanda came to North Bay to attend Nipissing University where she successfully received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology as well as a Bachelor of Education.  “My husband, Ryan was my DON (resident advisor) and well the rest is history.” Amanda explains with a look of admiration.

After university, Amanda taught at Scollard Hall until leaving on maternity.

Amanda and Ryan have two children. Alexander is almost four and Faith is two. Amanda quickly realized the need for many baby items that just were not available or didn’t have the price or quality she wanted. That was when BearBums Boutique came to be. The Boutique offers quality handmade baby items at a reasonable price like waterproof blankets, bamboo products and baby carriers. For more information, stop into Toy Tree, located in the Northgate Shopping Centre right beside Tim Hortons.

On January 1st, Amanda got the opportunity to purchase The Toy Tree. “I had my products for sale in the store and it was an opportunity to build the business.”

Amanda contributes her successes to her husband, family and day care provider, Tammy. “Tammy is like a second mother to my children. I could not do this without her. I am eternally thankful for her.” Amanda’s husband, Ryan has taken responsibility for the household. “I am very grateful to him.”

Amanda also offered much thanks to the Gateway Pentecostal Church for their support both in her business and family life.”

By: Victoria Reed

Victoria’s Read is FIVE years old!!

I am seldom asked to explain  how Victoria’s Read came to be so I though that I would start the birthday celebrations by telling you my story.

North Bay is my home town. My older brother, James and I were born and raised here. 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 many life-long friends.

By the time I reached high school, I had developed the ability 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 27 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 was soon to discover that your talents never really 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 very much but working these hours meant that we didn’t need to pay for a baby-sitter.

My mom called me one day, informing me that the local seniors paper, “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.

About 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. In between writing articles about local businesses for The Nipissing Reader, my mentor and the papers graphic designer, John taught me everything I know about publishing a successful paper but things don’t always work out as expected.

While talking with my father about my gloomy job situation one day, he simply asked why I didn’t just start up my own publication? I stared at him, dumbfounded. It made perfect sense! I asked myself. “Why not?” I didn’t have an answer. My dad is a such a smart man!

With a lot of assistance and brain storming from Canadore student, Sarah, Victoria’s Read was conceived just two short months later. She’s had a few fashion changes over the years but thanks to Christina, Victoria’s Read is now pretty in pink.

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.

Myself and two of the most important women and supporters in my life, my mother, Theresa and my mother-in-law Phyllis will be at the 2011 Spring Into Luxury Business Show. The Small Business Show Powered by Women, takes place Sunday May 1st, from 11 am to 4 pm at the Clarion Resort Pinewood Park.  Come out and help us celebrate our fifth birthday by entering the draw to win wonderful prizes from my gracious advertisers. All funds raised from the ticket sales will be distributed between the local not-for profit women organizations displayed at our booth.

We’d love to meet you. Victoria Reed

Tracy Couroux began her life in a little village outside of St. Thomas. There, she and her younger brother Doug flourished under the guidance and support of their parents. “Our mother Donna Armstrong, was a stay-at-home mom who taught us all about morals.” Tracy’s father, Len was a truck driver. He taught his children the value of a dollar and good ethics.                               

When Tracy was six years old, her father moved his family to Redbridge, Ontario for better employment. It is here that Tracy grew up. At the age of 15, Tracy’s parents divorced. “I missed my father but the experience was kept positive.”                                                      

 Tracy then moved to North Bay with her brother and mother. “While attending Chippewa Secondary School, I wanted to be an accountant or a hairstylist.” Tracy got a part-time job at a salon and instantly knew that she could not be an accountant, sitting behind a desk all day long. “Hairstyling was for me.”                                                                                              

Thus began her 25 year long career as a hairstylist. She managed a salon for seven years before deciding that she wanted to teach others. “I love teaching. Watching my students flourish and having a light bulb moment is just priceless.” Tracy taught at Modern College and Esthetics for 10 years before being forced to leave due to health reasons.                                                                     

 Tracy is doing fine now thanks to her long lost brother, Rob.  Shortly after reuniting, Rob died of a massive heart attack that turned out to be genetic. Tracy only had Rob in her life for just a short while but he impacted her life in an enormous way.         

 Tracy’s career is back on track and she is now working at the Chopping Block. “The atmosphere here is very positive. Mark and I have the same work ethics and most of the girls who work here, I taught.”

Edna Dickieson is the manager at the Tim Hortons located in the North Gate Square. She has successfully held this position for 15 years. “When the Donut King closed, the owner of Tim Hortons asked if I would like to be the manager of the new Tim Hortons which was going into the Donut King location so I like to joke that I’ve been coming to work at the same spot for thirty years now.”                           

Edna believes in keeping an open door policy with her staff of thirteen. “I like what I do. The people are friendly and my staff is wonderful. I appreciate all the hard work that they do but it’s important to lead by example.”  Edna continues by stating that her bosses are respectful of her and routinely stop by to see how things are going with her.

Edna was born and raised in Newfoundland. There she grew up in a loving and nurturing family along with two brothers and three sisters. “I contribute my managerial skills to my father, Rex. He was a foreman. I would listen and watch him interact with his workers.” Sadly, Edna’s mentor died of a massive heart attack at the age of 64. Edna’s mother and role model, Eliza taught the importance of living an honest life and instilled morals in all her children. “Mom was a beautiful person who lived a good life until passing away at the golden age of eighty-one.”

Edna met her husband, Tom in Newfoundland and the two were married in the month of June 1969. He was in the Armed Forces. They have one son named Sean. The young family were posted in numerous locations including North Bay throughout Tom’s 25 year career and decided to settle in friendly North Bay.

Edna likes to golf and ride on the back of her husband’s motorcycle. “I like the feeling of freedom that riding gives me.”          

 Edna Dickieson has come a long way from the quiet and shy little Newfoundlander.

Sharon Kuehni is the publisher for the fun and family friendly publication called “Coffee News” seen at local restaurants, coffee shops throughout North Bay. She began this new career just eight short months ago and the response has been tremendous. “I am new at being a business owner and love everything about it. I get to set my own hours which enables me to spend more time with my family.”

Sharon is married and has three daughters. “It has been great to be able to partake in the girls’ school activities now and give more time to my church.”

Sharon previously worked in the dietary department at CassellHome . “It was a strenuous job and after having to take time off for surgery, I needed to find something that would be much easier on my body.                                                                                        

Sharon visited her sister last fall in Tillsonburg, Ontario. “We were sitting in a coffee shop that displayed the “Coffee News” and my sister kept saying what a perfect opportunity publishing this paper would be, and that it would be something that would fit my strengths and skills. I decided to call the publisher in that area, asked alot of questions and learned about Coffee News company as a whole. From there I attended a three day ‘Coffee News College’ in Maine where I learned all the aspects of running a successful Coffee News Franchise business.”

 Sharon liked the idea of helping small business owners grow their business and plans to expand the publication in the near future.

Coffee News is a free weekly publication. Each week you can find new and interesting stories, trivia, jokes and horoscopes, as well as local happenings around town.

Written by Victoria Reed

The Mattawa Women’s Resource Centre is celebrating 25 YEARS! 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year, for 25 years. Thousands of women and children have resided under our roof, thousands more walked through our doors for help. We have been extremely fortunate to have a community support us in our many public awareness endeavors regarding violence against women and children, as well as our numerous programs. Throughout our 25 years, we have successfully partnered with other community organizations, in providing the best services and programming.

Many of us have come a long way in this 25 year journey. Surprisingly, most of the original staff is still here. This, in itself, is very unusual as the organizational shelf life of a full-time, front-line shelter worker, averages at 2 years. With 5 of our own here for 25 years, we have another 3 full-timers with no one under 15 years… in essence, we are hosting over 180 years of experience! Relief workers add to our knowledge base enriching our levels of service and life experiences. Each and every woman, that walks through our doors, touches our own lives and contributes to the breathing energy of the Women’s Centre.

November 10th,  we re-enacted our ribbon ceremony, celebrated wellness and indulged in an epicurean feast! Keynote speaker and grass roots shelter activist, Marsha Greenfield, walked us to the start of our Centre’s herstory. A good old-fashioned “Valley kitchen party” followed with Karen Gagne and the Mattawa Girls! The Annual General Meeting then commenced at the Mattawa Lion’s Den, where staff recognition was celebrated. Executive Director Beverly Bell, was celebrated by the staff for her past 20 years at the helm of this crazy ship. Some say our humour, is twisted… true, but we laugh a lot and have an honest sense of wonderment at the strength and resiliency of women. It has been our honour and privilege to walk this path with so many incredible women who trusted us with their pain and celebrations. Helen Keller once wrote, “Walking with a friend in the dark, is better than walking alone in the light.”

At the beginning of this year a friend of mine asked me if I would be interested in getting together & have an open house to showcase our products (she was just starting out as an Avon Rep). I said if we want to do this, let’s do it!! So, in May we had our first show. We got in touch with some local women with small business’ or selling products as a second job like Avon, Regal and Pampered Chef. We called it “Spring into Luxury, Small Business Show Powered by Women”. We had 13 women involved and with little advertising we had about 100 people come through.

We had a lot of call for women to be involved but did not have any more space at our Spring show. So I decided to get a larger place (Best Western) and in the end we had 39 booths so we tripled our size. We called this one Fall into Luxury, Small Business Show Powered by Women!

It was a lot busier. We had over 200 people through this time and now more women want to be involved. So, for our next one which will be in the spring - most likely in May again I will have to get an even larger facility.

We felt this is also a great way to network with the other women in the show. We all had a great time. We voted amongst ourselves for the best booth & that was won by Julie Crea from Silpada Jewellery. Her prize was a free spot in the spring.

We also felt that since we were involving women that it would be great to have a local woman’s charity involved which was True Self (a local training & education center that help women who are at risk of or in an abused relationship). Every woman who had a booth in the event donated a product or a gift certificate that went into a basket and sold tickets on it. ALL of the money went to True Self.                                                                                                

To learn more about this great event, contact Keri Tache at 705-752-5472