To sum up the night with a quote from a favorite book "Brilliance - Uncommon Voices for Uncommon Women" (at my store LOL) states: Brilliance may be difficult to describe, but we all know it when we see it. It's a bright idea. a daring decision, an ingenious insight, a soaring aspiration or a wise compassionate action. This quote describes this fabulous evening to a tee by celebrating all of the very talented and brilliant women that night!
Brett & I had a blast! The night began with a VIP cocktail room for finalists and sponsors. All 23 finalists were just buzzing with excitement! I was so nervous to say the least!
We were then directed to enter onto the red carpet as we were individually announced, pause for the camera flashes... and presented a beautiful statue with our name engraved! Dinner was delicious and we had great speakers from government officials to other businesses to congratulate us all on such an achievement! The gala, MC'd by Maralee Caruso, CTV News Anchor, was well attended, with more than 450 people.They then played video bio clip on each finalist right before their respective categories and then the winners announced with an official envelope opening! It was like being at the Oscars.
My name wasn’t called but the experience and achievement of being a finalist is such an honour! All of these women were of outstanding caliber - it was great to meet them and was truly an amazing lifetime moment for me! This was not an easy task to be a finalist. After less then a couple of weeks to submit a very extensive book highlighting the growth and story of GSIB, and then succeed through the judging process and to be recognized by the judges as a finalist worthy, is not an easy feat, and all of these women are very special to be recognized!
"Each and every one of our 23 finalists are to be commended on their success in business. We take pride in the integrity of our submission and judging process and anyone named as a finalist is certainly a successful business woman. The nine women who won Awards in ten categories on May 20th will join an esteemed group of Woman Business Owners who have stood before them as winners of these prestigious awards,” said Christine Dubyts, President of WBOM and President of Dubyts Communications Inc. "Launching and running a business is a challenge for anyone. Being a woman business owner brings with it a unique set of challenges and it takes a true entrepreneurial spirit to embrace those challenges, managing risk andultimately reaping the rewards. The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year gala is our opportunity to recognize and celebrate these successful women.” Women represent a growing economic force in Canada:
· There are more than 821,000 women entrepreneurs in Canada.
· Women in Canada make up a larger share of the self-employed than in any other country.· Women contribute in excess of $18 billion to Canadian economy each year.
· Since 1976, the average annual growth rate for self-employed women has been 5.3% compared with 2.2% for men.
· One-third of self employed Canadians are women.
· Women entrepreneurs hold ownership in about 45% of Canadian small and medium enterprises.
Each day I am living the life I have imagined. As women entrepreneurs our life is full of everyday cares, concerns, commitments, our dreams, hopes and plans, our mistakes, setbacks & triumphs. Sure there is a lot of stress, anxiety, and major juggling but I wouldn't change it for the world.
Thank you everyone for your warm wishes, good lucks and lots of hugs!!
It is with deep felt thanks to the continued support from my husband, children, our parents, my GSIB Girls, close friends and customers. Without their support GSIB wouldn't be so successful. They helped put wings on my dreams to soar. I can only imagine where my dreams will take me next!
I hope my story inpsires other women to trust their dreams and take a leap! Thank you!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Finalist for the Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award
I am so very excited and honored to be one of 23 finalists for the 18th Annual Manitoba Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award (WEYA).
It has been such an amazing process. We each had to create a submission package for the judges highlighting our story and things we have accomplished. It was like a more creative business plan. Regardless of what happens I now have a book that shows me what I have accomplished in a short amount of time to make my dreams come true. I will be able to cherish it and hopefully add to it.
http://www.gonescrappin.ca/2010%20Finalist%20Press%20Release.pdf See the link for the full press release!
I can't wait for the gala night on May 20th to find out who the winners are! Brett and I will be dressing up for a night out in Winnipeg at the Lombard. I am so excited and have my fingers and toes crossed. Wish me luck!
It has been such an amazing process. We each had to create a submission package for the judges highlighting our story and things we have accomplished. It was like a more creative business plan. Regardless of what happens I now have a book that shows me what I have accomplished in a short amount of time to make my dreams come true. I will be able to cherish it and hopefully add to it.
http://www.gonescrappin.ca/2010%20Finalist%20Press%20Release.pdf See the link for the full press release!
I can't wait for the gala night on May 20th to find out who the winners are! Brett and I will be dressing up for a night out in Winnipeg at the Lombard. I am so excited and have my fingers and toes crossed. Wish me luck!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Rossburn Easter Egg Hunt
A few years ago Kendra and I began an Easter Egg Hunt. We had 2 little boys and thought this would be so much fun for them. It's amazing how it has become a family tradition for our children and the memories they share.
Over the past few years we have had more children and lead even busier lives. So this year we were grateful for the Rossburn Chamber of Commerce take over, add a fantastic lunch and help it continue to be annual community event.
It will continue to be a family tradition for us and trust me there is nothing quite like watching 25-50 children running around gathering easter eggs. It is pure chaos but the most adorable! From ages 0-9, you never know what kind pure enjoyment you will see. It is an experience like no other!
Each of my 3 children vary so much. This year Dalyn had to gather as many eggs as possible, Haley wanted only "the pink" eggs and Noelle was content to scoop up just a couple - toddle around shaking eggs (she's just walking so a little unsteady). Each year Dalyn also looks forward to feeding the bunny a carrot (during Kendra's photo shoot). It's amazing that he has never forgotten this moment since he was 2. Their ability to remember the neatest things continues to astound me. When we started the Egg Hunt - Haley wasn't even a month old and Noelle wore that dress today. I also see how they are growing up so fast.
I am so grateful that our community will continue to host this event. Children from all around can come and begin new family traditions and memories - just like ours hope to enjoy this for year's to come! So mark on your calendars to come join in the fun next Easter in Rossburn!
Over the past few years we have had more children and lead even busier lives. So this year we were grateful for the Rossburn Chamber of Commerce take over, add a fantastic lunch and help it continue to be annual community event.
It will continue to be a family tradition for us and trust me there is nothing quite like watching 25-50 children running around gathering easter eggs. It is pure chaos but the most adorable! From ages 0-9, you never know what kind pure enjoyment you will see. It is an experience like no other!
Each of my 3 children vary so much. This year Dalyn had to gather as many eggs as possible, Haley wanted only "the pink" eggs and Noelle was content to scoop up just a couple - toddle around shaking eggs (she's just walking so a little unsteady). Each year Dalyn also looks forward to feeding the bunny a carrot (during Kendra's photo shoot). It's amazing that he has never forgotten this moment since he was 2. Their ability to remember the neatest things continues to astound me. When we started the Egg Hunt - Haley wasn't even a month old and Noelle wore that dress today. I also see how they are growing up so fast.
I am so grateful that our community will continue to host this event. Children from all around can come and begin new family traditions and memories - just like ours hope to enjoy this for year's to come! So mark on your calendars to come join in the fun next Easter in Rossburn!
Monday, September 28, 2009
!st Home Routes Concert was AMAZING!
We hosted our very first Home Routes concert the other night at GSIB. Alan Rhody was our musician and we were the last stop on his circuit!
He was fabulous and was a very good intro for us into the home routes program!
With 31 (plus 3 kids) we had a full house! He was the nicest guy to have stay at our house! And was a great way to explain to our 3 children (ages 4 1/2, 2 1/2 & 9 months) why we had people/song writer's coming to stay in our spare room. He is a Grandpa too - so our kids warmed up to him pretty quick!
Our old heritage general store was such a warm and cozy atmosphere and the acoustics were phenomenal with the wood walls & ceiling. A guest said it was a good/or even better then concerts in his home town of Jacksonville, FL.
I decided to bring my 3 little ones to the store for the 1st concert - my baby was clapping to the first two songs and then "crashed" for the entire evening. My 4 year old had to go home at intermission as he'd had enough. And my 2 1/2 year old opened "the dance floor" near the end of the evening. She was enthralled to say the least and was ready to dance all night. Can't wait to post those pictures.
Everyone thought Alan's music was excellent and loved how he gave background info on the songs - why he wrote them or why he liked such and such song or artist. It was such an easy going night and seemed to fly by. He gave everyone their money's worth by playing probably way longer then usual! But we loved it! We were toe tapping, slinging along and moving to the music! Being there - having a world class talented musician in Rossburn - in my store was like a dream coming true! I have always loved music and was always saying to my husband I wish we could go to concerts like these. Light bulb - it's happening right here!
I think the only thing I regret was not having as much time to visit with him. By the time: arrive/set up/eat/concert/bed/breakfast/pack up/leave - it happened so quick! Oh well maybe next time - I'm already starting a scrapbook!
Can't wait for our next one - David Stoddard on Oct. 25th. We already have very few seats left and after Alan's fantastic performance - we are assuming the calls will start flying in once word gets around! So call 859-3334 to reserve your seats!
Kelly & Brett Hunter Rossburn, MB
He was fabulous and was a very good intro for us into the home routes program!
With 31 (plus 3 kids) we had a full house! He was the nicest guy to have stay at our house! And was a great way to explain to our 3 children (ages 4 1/2, 2 1/2 & 9 months) why we had people/song writer's coming to stay in our spare room. He is a Grandpa too - so our kids warmed up to him pretty quick!
Our old heritage general store was such a warm and cozy atmosphere and the acoustics were phenomenal with the wood walls & ceiling. A guest said it was a good/or even better then concerts in his home town of Jacksonville, FL.
I decided to bring my 3 little ones to the store for the 1st concert - my baby was clapping to the first two songs and then "crashed" for the entire evening. My 4 year old had to go home at intermission as he'd had enough. And my 2 1/2 year old opened "the dance floor" near the end of the evening. She was enthralled to say the least and was ready to dance all night. Can't wait to post those pictures.
Everyone thought Alan's music was excellent and loved how he gave background info on the songs - why he wrote them or why he liked such and such song or artist. It was such an easy going night and seemed to fly by. He gave everyone their money's worth by playing probably way longer then usual! But we loved it! We were toe tapping, slinging along and moving to the music! Being there - having a world class talented musician in Rossburn - in my store was like a dream coming true! I have always loved music and was always saying to my husband I wish we could go to concerts like these. Light bulb - it's happening right here!
I think the only thing I regret was not having as much time to visit with him. By the time: arrive/set up/eat/concert/bed/breakfast/pack up/leave - it happened so quick! Oh well maybe next time - I'm already starting a scrapbook!
Can't wait for our next one - David Stoddard on Oct. 25th. We already have very few seats left and after Alan's fantastic performance - we are assuming the calls will start flying in once word gets around! So call 859-3334 to reserve your seats!
Kelly & Brett Hunter Rossburn, MB
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Fall Events!
Hello Everyone,
Welcome summer! The weather is beautiful and now I am back to work at the store (officially). I guess I have been playing hooky/maternity break for long enough!? Oh my – Noelle is 9 months! Yikes!
So… I look forward to visiting and catching up with everyone at GSIB! We have lots happening over the next few months (not enough room in this issue to fit them all in) but below is a brief rundown of everything. More details, coupons and info on our special 3 Day fall clearance in the magazine! Visit http://www.gonescrappin.ca for more info!
Also, just a reminder that this month our Dinner Night is on Friday! We are serving homemade lasagna served with fresh baked garlic bread, Caesar salad and dessert! Only $12.99/person! Either eat in or take out! This would make a great supper to take out to the field! No prepping or stress required! Call 859-3334 to reserve!
GSIB Fall Event Listing:
SEPTEMBER:
24th Product Challenge Night 7:30 p.m.
25th Dinner Night (make a reservation or call for take out!)
26th Music in the House - Alan Rhody: Advance Tickets required. $15 per person / $90 for Season.
30th Sketch Night
OCTOBER:
5th Flower Arranging Class - 1 p.m. $35 - Thanksgiving Table Centre Piece Idea.
8th Wing’s Night 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
14th Product Challenge - Hint: Halloween Supplies
21st Book Club 7 p.m.
22nd Halloween Party, Portrait Studio and begin the Rossburn Chamber of Commerce Digital Camera Scavenger Hunt.
23rd - 24th Scrap Pink Weekend Crop: p.m. on Friday
27th Flower Arranging Class - Create a fun and unique Halloween Arrangement 3 p.m. $35 all supplies included.
28th Christmas Card Class with Janet. 5 p.m. & 7p.m. Sign up for the time slot that works best for you or take both and make all your handmade Christmas cards for friends & family! $15/class. All supplies included. Bring basic tool kit and adhesive.
17th Photography Courses with Damian, Don’s Photo Wpg. Education Specialist. Class #1 Beyond “Auto” Seminar $40 (10 a.m.), Get your camera out of the “auto mode” and learn how to use your other settings.
Class #2 Mastering Your Camera! $50 (1 p.m.) Hands on workshop with Damian and one on one time to address questions regarding your own camera. Class #2 space is very limited! $80 for both classes.
25th Home Routes Concert: David Stoddard 7:30 p.m.
28th Digital Photo Book Class #1. $50. Includes 3 or 4 classes to create a photo book for yourself or perfect as a Christmas gift for friends or family. Examples include: Grandma’s Brag Book, Family Recipe Book, Best Friends, etc. Photo Book printing not included. Prices with vary on size of book individual would like to create.
29th Dinner Night
30th Rossburn Chamber of Commerce Halloween Haunt beginning at 5:30 p.m. at skating rink. Supper, laser tag, kids activities, casino games, prizes and more!
NOVEMBER:
3rd “5” Workshop - Where will you be in 5 years?
Join Kelly and learn how the next five years can be the most exciting and satisfying years of your life - or just another five years. This workshop will include a "playbook for life" that features thought-provoking quotations and real-life examples to serve as both a spark and a road map. See how your dreams can really come true! 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Healing Zone in Shoal Lake. $175/person. Includes “5” Workbook.
4th Digital Christmas Card Class: Create a Christmas card in time for the holiday season. 1 p.m. or 7 p.m. $5/person. Does not include card printing. Cost may vary depending on quantity and size.
10th CLOSED at 4 p.m. for Holiday Decorating
12th Member’s Only Sneak Peek Gala Party: Store open at 7 p.m. to Member’s Only Event! Enjoy complimentary appetizers, sparkling beverages and a special sneak peek at the Holiday unveiling before the Christmas Open House. Member’s must attend to receive a special limited edition ornament hand painted by Val!
13th -14th Christmas Open House: 1st 15 people each day to make a gift purchase over $25 will receive a limited hand painted ornament by Val.
13th Dinner & Dessert Night
16th Flower Arranging Class:1 p.m. Create a Christmas candle & floral table centerpiece. Just in time for the holiday season. $45. All supplies included.
19th Women’s Night:7:30 p.m. Guest speaker and Certified Life Coach - Thomasina Charney.
24th After School Kids Class: Ages 8 & Up. Decorative Tile $10.
DECEMBER:
1st Home Routes Concert: Bob Evans 8 p.m.
4th Chamber Christmas Community Event: lighted parade, activities, store specials, Christmas Tree, Wreath & Gingerbread House Auctions, food and more!
21st - 24th Countdown to Christmas!
23rd Book Club 7 p.m.
Watch for more events such as
Artist in the House, Women’s Night, etc!
Contest: Enter a 12x12 Halloween Layout featuring pictures from 2008 Halloween before Oct. 20th for a chance to win a $25 GSIB scrapbooking gift card!
Kel
Gone Scrappin' In Bloom
Welcome summer! The weather is beautiful and now I am back to work at the store (officially). I guess I have been playing hooky/maternity break for long enough!? Oh my – Noelle is 9 months! Yikes!
So… I look forward to visiting and catching up with everyone at GSIB! We have lots happening over the next few months (not enough room in this issue to fit them all in) but below is a brief rundown of everything. More details, coupons and info on our special 3 Day fall clearance in the magazine! Visit http://www.gonescrappin.ca for more info!
Also, just a reminder that this month our Dinner Night is on Friday! We are serving homemade lasagna served with fresh baked garlic bread, Caesar salad and dessert! Only $12.99/person! Either eat in or take out! This would make a great supper to take out to the field! No prepping or stress required! Call 859-3334 to reserve!
GSIB Fall Event Listing:
SEPTEMBER:
24th Product Challenge Night 7:30 p.m.
25th Dinner Night (make a reservation or call for take out!)
26th Music in the House - Alan Rhody: Advance Tickets required. $15 per person / $90 for Season.
30th Sketch Night
OCTOBER:
5th Flower Arranging Class - 1 p.m. $35 - Thanksgiving Table Centre Piece Idea.
8th Wing’s Night 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
14th Product Challenge - Hint: Halloween Supplies
21st Book Club 7 p.m.
22nd Halloween Party, Portrait Studio and begin the Rossburn Chamber of Commerce Digital Camera Scavenger Hunt.
23rd - 24th Scrap Pink Weekend Crop: p.m. on Friday
27th Flower Arranging Class - Create a fun and unique Halloween Arrangement 3 p.m. $35 all supplies included.
28th Christmas Card Class with Janet. 5 p.m. & 7p.m. Sign up for the time slot that works best for you or take both and make all your handmade Christmas cards for friends & family! $15/class. All supplies included. Bring basic tool kit and adhesive.
17th Photography Courses with Damian, Don’s Photo Wpg. Education Specialist. Class #1 Beyond “Auto” Seminar $40 (10 a.m.), Get your camera out of the “auto mode” and learn how to use your other settings.
Class #2 Mastering Your Camera! $50 (1 p.m.) Hands on workshop with Damian and one on one time to address questions regarding your own camera. Class #2 space is very limited! $80 for both classes.
25th Home Routes Concert: David Stoddard 7:30 p.m.
28th Digital Photo Book Class #1. $50. Includes 3 or 4 classes to create a photo book for yourself or perfect as a Christmas gift for friends or family. Examples include: Grandma’s Brag Book, Family Recipe Book, Best Friends, etc. Photo Book printing not included. Prices with vary on size of book individual would like to create.
29th Dinner Night
30th Rossburn Chamber of Commerce Halloween Haunt beginning at 5:30 p.m. at skating rink. Supper, laser tag, kids activities, casino games, prizes and more!
NOVEMBER:
3rd “5” Workshop - Where will you be in 5 years?
Join Kelly and learn how the next five years can be the most exciting and satisfying years of your life - or just another five years. This workshop will include a "playbook for life" that features thought-provoking quotations and real-life examples to serve as both a spark and a road map. See how your dreams can really come true! 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Healing Zone in Shoal Lake. $175/person. Includes “5” Workbook.
4th Digital Christmas Card Class: Create a Christmas card in time for the holiday season. 1 p.m. or 7 p.m. $5/person. Does not include card printing. Cost may vary depending on quantity and size.
10th CLOSED at 4 p.m. for Holiday Decorating
12th Member’s Only Sneak Peek Gala Party: Store open at 7 p.m. to Member’s Only Event! Enjoy complimentary appetizers, sparkling beverages and a special sneak peek at the Holiday unveiling before the Christmas Open House. Member’s must attend to receive a special limited edition ornament hand painted by Val!
13th -14th Christmas Open House: 1st 15 people each day to make a gift purchase over $25 will receive a limited hand painted ornament by Val.
13th Dinner & Dessert Night
16th Flower Arranging Class:1 p.m. Create a Christmas candle & floral table centerpiece. Just in time for the holiday season. $45. All supplies included.
19th Women’s Night:7:30 p.m. Guest speaker and Certified Life Coach - Thomasina Charney.
24th After School Kids Class: Ages 8 & Up. Decorative Tile $10.
DECEMBER:
1st Home Routes Concert: Bob Evans 8 p.m.
4th Chamber Christmas Community Event: lighted parade, activities, store specials, Christmas Tree, Wreath & Gingerbread House Auctions, food and more!
21st - 24th Countdown to Christmas!
23rd Book Club 7 p.m.
Watch for more events such as
Artist in the House, Women’s Night, etc!
Contest: Enter a 12x12 Halloween Layout featuring pictures from 2008 Halloween before Oct. 20th for a chance to win a $25 GSIB scrapbooking gift card!
Kel
Gone Scrappin' In Bloom
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Canada Day Challenge
Well I've been enjoying the nice weather. Last week I disappeared to the Lake with the kids for an entire week. It was really nice to get away from it all. Plus, it was Canada Day and we enjoyed the fireworks from our friends boat. This week I am busy with Dalyn's swimming lessons!
So this month's scrapbooking challenge is to subitted a one or two page layout celebrating this year's Canada Day. Please email or drop off your layouts by August 15th!
So far I seem to only be updating my blog every month but my goal is to be at least bi-weekly!
I am enjoying the summer so far and looking forward to more time spent at the lake. Dalyn & Haley (and Noelle) love the fresh air. And are excited for a bunch of firsts - fishing, boat rides - late nights around the camp fire and more. We also have LOTS happening at the Gone Scrappin' In Bloom. We are very excited to have one or two professional chefs come to the store and do some fantastic grilling on June 23rd. This will kick off our Christmas in July (23rd - 25th) with delicious lunch & dinner specials, free food samples, store specials and more! My staff and I are so excited and hope everyone can come take part and help us celebrate!
My good friends Lasha & Tawna are also planning Yoga classes with times ranging from early morning, lunch hour & evenings so there is a time that would accomodate almost everyone's schedule. I can't wait to sign up and try to soothe my ever active mind! :-)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
April Challenge Winner & May Challenge
Congratulations to Kelly Luhowy for winning the April Draw. Kelly come see me next week for your prize!
It seems April flew by and already it is the middle of May! Where does the time go when you are having fun?
I had a great Mother's Day relaxing with my kids. I even got a decorated spruce tree as my "Mudder's Day Tree!" So this month the challenge is to showcase a layout celebrating the relationship between a Mother & Child. This layout must be completed this month only and you have until June 15th to email or drop off your completed layout at the store to be entered to win a $25 prize package!
I am now busy sorting through the store and my house (including my scrapbook stash) for things to sell at my personal yard sale and my store yard sale. It is so hard deciding what to part with from my scrapbooking stash -but I really want to make room for new stuff. Even though I am a pack rat - my close friends know I love everything new. I am truly a latest and greatest type person! So as I have been telling my kids - it's time to clean house. The store is especially getting a thourough clean sweep this week so be sure to check out the yard sale this week and 70% Off clearance items next week. I only do a massice sale like this once a year - so now is the time to find some awesome shopping deals!
Happy scrappin' & until my next post - sign up for store news by email at www.gonescrappin.ca
Kel
It seems April flew by and already it is the middle of May! Where does the time go when you are having fun?
I had a great Mother's Day relaxing with my kids. I even got a decorated spruce tree as my "Mudder's Day Tree!" So this month the challenge is to showcase a layout celebrating the relationship between a Mother & Child. This layout must be completed this month only and you have until June 15th to email or drop off your completed layout at the store to be entered to win a $25 prize package!
I am now busy sorting through the store and my house (including my scrapbook stash) for things to sell at my personal yard sale and my store yard sale. It is so hard deciding what to part with from my scrapbooking stash -but I really want to make room for new stuff. Even though I am a pack rat - my close friends know I love everything new. I am truly a latest and greatest type person! So as I have been telling my kids - it's time to clean house. The store is especially getting a thourough clean sweep this week so be sure to check out the yard sale this week and 70% Off clearance items next week. I only do a massice sale like this once a year - so now is the time to find some awesome shopping deals!
Happy scrappin' & until my next post - sign up for store news by email at www.gonescrappin.ca
Kel
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