Happy International Women’s Day!
Over the last five years, we have had so many amazing members. Today we would like to feature a few of the incredible women, past and present, that we have had the pleasure of having as part of our community. We have asked them to share their favourite quotes with us or one that motivates them in the business world to share with other women looking to start their own business.
Kara Kennish
Owner, Tim Hortons
One of my favourite quotes is by Marianne Williamson, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.” My personal motto is, “Keep moving forward”.
Karen Maraj
Owner, Karen Maraj & Associates
One of my favourite quotes that motivates me is,”Pay attention to how you feel. If you feel dread, apprehension or anxiety about a project or situation, something isn’t right.” That gut feeling has meaning.
Amy Lafleur
CPB, Managing Partner at Stamp Bookkeeping Co
My favourite quote is from Brene Brown: “If you are not in the arena getting your ass kicked on occasion, I’m not interested in or open to your feedback. There are a million cheap seats in the world today filled with people who will never be brave with their lives but who will spend every ounce of energy they have hurling advice and judgement at those who dare greatly. Their only contributions are criticism, cynicism, and fearmongering. If you’re criticizing from a place where you’re not also putting yourself on the line, I’m not interested in what you have to say.”
Christina De Melo
Owner, Christina De Melo Video, Photo & Design
A quote I find empowering for entrepreneurial women is from Alicia Keys, “I now understand that trying to be the ’next’ anyone is as foolish as it sounds. The shoes you dream of filling have already been worn ragged through their soles. You’ve got to step into your own kicks, and just do you.”
Heather Peter
Co-Owner, Tea Amo
One of my favourite quotes is from Nora Denzel, “If you don’t take risks, you will always work for someone who does.“
Phillipa Chong
Social Scientist with expertise in Culture, Creative Industries, and Worthiness
“What else am I gonna do?” – I ask myself this everyday. Sometimes I’m scared shitless by projects because it seems like they should be undertaken by “more important” people than me. Or I’m scared of the potential blowback that might come my way – especially as a racialized woman who is putting her stuff out there. But then, I usually think: “Well, what else am I gonna do today?” Lol. Contributing to the world something that you care about seems like a good use of time. That’s why one of my favourite quotes is by Maya Angelou, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
Shannon Laity
Owner and Stylist at Sidenote
One of the quotes I continue to tell myself is to continue moving forward and don’t look back. Unless you are using it as a gauge of how far you have come! Being an entrepreneur sometimes is like riding a rollercoaster. But so worth it in the end. So never give up. What motivates me is having the flexibility especially with a new little one. I also enjoy not having to answer to anyone except myself and working at my own pace.
Suzanne Zandbergen
Owner, The Generator
One of my favourite quotes has always been, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned how important it is to focus on the parts of your business you excel in, and love doing. Anything else just takes away your focus, so finding partners to handle the other parts of your business is key.
Thank you to all of these amazing women! Feel free to share these quotes and add one of your favourite below!
Larissa Drobot
Director of Operations, CoMotion Group Inc
