In this weekly feature, you will, as the title suggests, Meet the 'Preneurs.  Yes, that's short for "Entrepreneurs," but we're cool like that; we shorten stuff.  All the kids'll be saying it soon.  Just watch.  

Each week, we'll hear from sassy, sizzling' 'preneurs" as they answer a series of questions about their business so we can all learn from each other, find out what cool other enterprises are out there so we can support one another, and also have something to read when we need a break from taking over the world. 


This week, we'll get to know Danielle Kreeft, owner of Dani Press.  I wrote about Dani awhile ago here.  I won't go on and on, but suffice it to say, I love her work and when I want to share some inspiration with a departing client or send a thank-you to a dear friend, Dani Press is my place. 

A little about Danielle: She grew up in Edmonton, Alberta and her whole family is from Holland.  She has a diploma in Journalism and wrote on behalf of the non-profit (that 10% of her profit goes to!) These Numbers Have Faces during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.  She travelled to South Africa 5 years in a row (WOW!)

And now you can meet Danielle...

1.  Describe your business in 5 words (or less)
Honest, Inspirational, Real, Different, Rad.

2. What made you take the plunge into running your business full-time?
I've wanted to do it since I was in high school, I ran out of reasons not to, I got tired of saying, "I can make better cards than these" when I would be shopping for them, I want to work at something i actually love, and I want my children to see their mother living the things that she says - "do what you love, travel the world, be passionate, inspire others, live a good story." I don't have children yet, but I will, so I might as well get started on what kind of example I will be for them now.

3. What is your favourite quotation?
"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea." ~Isak Dinesen

4. How do you celebrate your success?
To be honest, I don't. Maybe I'm too hard on myself, but I feel like I have so much more I want to do that taking a break to get a massage just isn't in the cards right now, though it would be nice.

5. What is your biggest learning about yourself since you started your business?
That I am capable. Sure, I need to work on being self-disciplined and I can put things off just as much as the next person, but I thought it would be so much more of a mission to say, "I own my own business". It's not. You set out to do something and you can. I've learned how capable I am.

6.  Tell us what your plans are for your business - what progress are you planning?
I want to be at the National Stationery Show in New York next spring. That's a big target of mine. I am also working at popping up in more and more stores, building a greater online presence, and getting some bigger names - stores and magazine-wise, to know who I am. But really, my dream is not unlike many others, to get paid to travel. So more travel, absolutely. India and Argentina are on my hit list at the moment.

7. How will you know you've "arrived" - what are your big milestones of success?
Maybe when I sign a distribution deal, maybe when I can financially depend on my work full-time, maybe when I'm in a major magazine, I don't know yet. I've arrived right now, I'm doing something awesome. That's enough for me.

8. How do you practice self-care?
Christ, coffee, the sea, reading, biking, dancing, friends, sleep, TRAVEL.

9. What is one piece of advice you would give to a brand new entrepreneur?
Hustle. No one else is going to do it for you, you have to hustle.

In this weekly feature, you will, as the title suggests, Meet the 'Preneurs.  Yes, that's short for "Entrepreneurs," but we're cool like that; we shorten stuff.  All the kids'll be saying it soon.  Just watch.  

Each week, we'll hear from sassy, sizzlin' 'preneurs" as they answer a series of questions about their business so we can all learn from each other, find out what cool other enterprises are out there so we can support one another, and also have something to read when we need a break from taking over the world. 


Adea and her lovely company, Billy Would, are another glorious find at Make It Vancouver (it's not at all obvious that I'm a fan, is it?)  I like that her work is sustainable while also being completely beautiful.  It also warmed me a little to have been helped by Adea's younger brother at the store - I love it when families band together for the success of one...pretty cool to be a part of, and the earrings I bought as a gift were a BIG hit.  I promise you're going to see a lot of Billy Would, Adea has some exciting plans.
Adea grew up in southern Ontario/interior of BC and was home schooled for the majority of elementary school (translation: LOTS of art :)  Her parents are both artists, and she's the oldest of 6 children.  She is self taught and started 'Billy Would' in 2007.  

Without further delay, here's more: 

1. Describe your business in 5 words (or less)  
natural, sustainable, one of a kind    

2. What made you take the plunge into running your business full-time?  
support and encouragement from friends, family and lovely customers!

3. What is your favourite quotation? 
"We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents." - Bob Ross

4.    How do you celebrate your success? 
Sharing with family and friends. 


5.    What is your biggest learning about yourself since you started your business? 
There's always more to learn, always thinking of new designs. Never get too comfortable.

6.    Tell us what your plans are for your business - what progress are you planning? 
I'm hoping to participate in wholesale shows in the future. 

7.    How will you know you've "arrived" - what are your big milestones of success? 
I feel like I have! I'm able to make a living doing what I love. 

8.    How do you practice self-care? 
That's an ongoing struggle, I'm not the best "boss" and tend to leave things to the last minute. I'm working on that though and have an amazing family that I am able to enlist when needed.

9.    What is one piece of advice you would give to a brand new entrepreneur? 
Believe in your product/business and always be open to advice and help.

10. Describe your company mission and values? 
To provide beautiful unique pieces produced locally using recycled materials and made with integrity and 'heart'. To allow the buyer to feel a positive connection to their purchase, inspiring sustainable fashion, living, and thinking.  

11. What would you say is the theme song of your business? 
Anything you can dance to! I've been loving bluegrass these days.

12. What do you love most about your work? 
Schedule control. It's pretty great.

13. If you were accepting an Academy Award for being you, how would you start your acceptance speech? 
I think you made a mistake...

14. What was the last book that you read? 
Shel Silverstein poems with my daughter

15. What is the single greatest electronic (website, gadget etc) tool that has helped you get to where you are? 
I love my mac

It's Spring here on the Lower Mainland.  Temperatures are climbing, people are making their way to the beaches and patios and uncovering what I like to call "Winter Skin" - pasty, used-to-being-covered flesh that feels doubly naked and free uncovered in the warmth.  

I am fully aware that being a February baby, I was very likely conceived in this euphoria of Spring.  It's the call of nature that when the days get longer and warmer and we are suddenly drawn to all that is positive and completely possible, our juices, um, flow.  

I spoke briefly last week at a networking event about my passion for working with couples and the key thing that I shared was that my favourite couples to work with are those on the brink of something Big; a new home, a new baby, getting married, getting a dog, saying 'yes, I will totally marry you!"  I lovingly refer to these couples as Cute But Delightfully Clueless.  They are in love and excited and all they see is the big, bright future.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, it makes me roll my eyes, but I mostly think it's sweet and it makes me want what they have.  What they may not think of is the nitty-gritty dirty bits that will come up once the sheen comes off and the bills are due, the baby is screaming, and one of them is laid off from work. 

Here are some things that are a great idea to discuss before taking a leap that's super-exciting:

New home: 
-what happens if one of us loses our job and there's sudden financial strain? 
-how will we support one another at managing our new roles of managing a household?  
-who will pay all the bills?  Who will make dinner? 
-what is my partner's financial situation?  
-what is the division of labor for things that will need to be cleaned, bought, fixed, or maintained?

New baby: 
-can we agree on a parenting philosophy?
-who will manage our household when we are both exhausted and depleted from caring for a newborn?
-how we will make our relationship a priority?  
-what do we want to model for our child? 
-when one of us is in need of some space or a break, how will we will communicate that in a positive way?

Getting Married: 
-what are our expectations of our marriage?  How will it look?
-is my partner traditional in his or her values around marriage and our roles within it? 
-what happens when we disagree or one of us feels jealousy or neglected? 
-how will we handle major decisions? 

Getting a puppy: 
-which of us will be responsible for the primary care of the dog? 
-how will we "fit" this dog into our routine? 
-how will we handle sacrifices that need to be made around care of the dog (who will make it home from work on time to take the dog for a walk?  Who will pay for the first big vet bill?  Who will clean up the messes left by the dog?)  
-how we will handle resentment if the bulk of the dog care falls on one or the other of us and it doesn't seem fair?

You get the idea. 

The bottom line is this: 
YOU CAN HAVE THE RELATIONSHIP, THE EXACT RELATIONSHIP, THAT YOU WANT.  
YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE THE SAME RELATIONSHIPS THAT YOUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS HAVE. 

The rigours of our lives have changed; we're expected to do more, create more, and contribute more and to be self-aware and well-rounded as we do it.  Your relationships can change, too.  

My favourite thing is to work with couples and see them Light Up as they see what can be possible and that their relationships can work to fit their individual needs.  It's a beautiful thing.  It's really all about communication and withholding judgement.  

I have ONE spot left for May to work with a couple in my Sizzle Jam Sessions, and 3 spots left for June.  If you know a couple who is cute and maybe a little clueless, I would love to meet them.  I will congratulate them, and then work with them to get them lit up, too. 

Cheers, 
Coach Tara 

In this weekly feature, you will, as the title suggests, Meet the 'Preneurs.  Yes, that's short for "Entrepreneurs," but we're cool like that; we shorten stuff.  All the kids'll be saying it soon.  Just watch.  

Each week, we'll hear from sassy, sizzlin' 'preneurs" as they answer a series of questions about their business so we can all learn from each other, find out what cool other enterprises are out there so we can support one another, and also have something to read when we need a break from taking over the world. 

It seems to me that most women have some sort of shopping vice.  I seem to be drawn to handbags and wallets.  And shoes. And also scarves.  That explains the state of my closet...in any case, I was strolling about Make It - Vancouver and saw June's lovely table, loaded up with delicious scarves...I refrained at that moment, but as Baxter does with cookies, I thought about her scarves throughout that evening and when I returned to Make It the next day (I believe this particular show is meant to be enjoyed over several days), I rushed right over and grabbed myself a stripy little number that I have been wearing ever since.  

I am pleased and proud to feature the talented and very beautiful June van der Star.  June lives and works in Whistler, and was born and bred in beautiful BC (just like me!) She is a self-taught seamstress who has a love for organic fabrics and adventure.  Enjoy!

1.    Describe your business in 5 words (or less)
- handcrafted quality, creative, sustainable style 

2.    What made you take the plunge into running your business full-time?
 - I haven't taken the full plunge... yet!  It's amazing how quickly a ball can get rolling.  I started this as something fun in my spare time, but after you commit to your online store, craft fairs and your customers, it's difficult not to get involved full time. 

3.    What is your favourite quotation?
 -"Sometimes you have to take the leap, and build your wings on the way down." ~ Kobi Yamada

4.    How do you celebrate your success?
 - I don't know if I've really celebrated my "success" - I guess success for me is the fact that I'm still doing this and it seems to get better and busier over time.  If I'm still loving what I do year after year, then that's a success.

5.    What is your biggest learning about yourself since you started your business?
 - When you dedicate yourself from start to finish, I mean really gear down, it's amazing how much work one person can accomplish!  

6.    Tell us what your plans are for your business - what progress are you planning?
  - to be honest, I don't really have a "plan."  since the beginning of conecktion, I have been moving forward day by day, market by market, season by season.  My business has had a very natural momentum, which has made it easier on me; perhaps because I don't have any expectations.  I guess i'm truly going with the flow.
 
7.    How will you know you've "arrived" - what are your big milestones of success?
 - So far, I've been approached by independent retail stores as well as larger scale craft fairs/artisan/designer markets.  when the industry recognizes you as a 'designer' that's a huge milestone! 

8.    How do you practice self-care?
 -I am a huge advocate of self-love!  I can never be too hard on myself, when times get stressful, I head for the outdoors!  i love snowboarding, mountain biking, running, or yoga.  Physical activity partnered with fresh mountain air is a prescription for health and success.  

9.    What is one piece of advice you would give to a brand new entrepreneur?
 - see question no. 3!!  sometimes you just have to take a chance.  

10. Describe your company mission and values.
 -to continue to love what I do and appreciate the people who support me; to produce nothing short of top quality handcrafted designs.

11. What would you say is the theme song of your business?
 -Don't Stop Til You Get Enough - Michael Jackson.  talk about motivation to keep improving and moving forward!

12. What do you love most about your work?
 -coming up with a design that balances style, function and sustainability!

13. If you were accepting an Academy Award for being you, how would you start your acceptance speech?
 -haha interesting question! i would thank my parents.  Without a doubt my family is number one; they give me so much love, support and encouragement.

14. What was the last book that you read?
-The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein.  touched my heart.  

15. What is the single greatest electronic (website, gadget etc) tool that has helped you get to where you are? 
-without a doubt social media.  My business never would have happened if it weren't for facebook.  I posted a few photos of work I had done and received an incredible positive response and the orders started flying in! 

You can find June here:

Her online store
Portobello West Fall Market Sept 22/23, 
Portobello West on Granville Aug 18/19, 
Bizarre Bazaar Whistler, BC Nov 24/25 and more to come....

It's been a busy bunch of weeks over here at Big Life HQ, and we're finally able to share what we've been cookin' up!  

The conventional modality of coaching is that I work with clients for a period of 4 to 6 to however many months to address various relationships in their lives (with food, their job, their partners etc etc), and I'm switchin' it up!  I am now offering, in addition to the traditional way of working, a whole new thing.  I call it a a Sizzle Jam Sesh.  I know, kinda makes me sound like a rock star, doesn't it?  I know.  Anyway.

Here's how it looks: 

For Individuals: We work together for ONE DAY, in one pretty intense session that lasts 3 hours.  We go through, over and into all of your relationships and you leave feeling like you can fly.  You'll have reference materials to draw from, and you'll march back into your life to take it by the horns.  It's more affordable this way, you get it in one shot that you can chew from and revisit as you please, and when it's over, you become a Sizzle Alumni, which affords you all sorts of joy with all sorts of perks.  

The price for the 3 hour Sizzle Jam Sesh is $495 plus HST.  Ta-da.  
Space will be limited to 4 spots each month
------  


For couples (or those in any sort of relationship): It's all the same as above, except it's FOUR hours.  You get the same stuff to reference when you get home, you have the same tools at your disposal, and at the end of it, you may be inclined to take your relationship by the horns, too.  

The price for the 4 hour Sizzle Jam Sesh is $595 plus HST.  
Space will be limited to 2 spots each month

AND WAIT, THERE'S EVEN MORE.

Starting in June, I will host a monthly networking event called Sizzle Soiree.  Picture it: Different women, who both know me and don't, will gather (it will be different women each month, I will be the only constant, so you're stuck with me!), there will be refreshments, there will be food (supplied by a caterer who is on the rise and would like to please your mouth) and there will be a lively discussion.  You will connect with those who can lift you higher and you will be compelled to return the favour.  

Cost to get in (to cover food, etc) will be $20
While we are initially offering this to women, I fully intend to bring in the boys at some point, so please be patient for that. 

---

Phew.  That was a lot of information.  

Here's the call to action: 
If you wanna Jam with me or want more information about anything (including what you may have seen in my Facebook video)(where I got my clothes rack, perhaps?), or you want to get in on the Soiree, send me a message at biglifetara AT me DOT com.  In the meantime, I will work to add a sign-up too-hickey to this site so it can be simpler in the future.  

Stay tuned for a more in-depth look at what a Sizzle Jam Sesh looks like and who it might fit.  I will be writing my little heart out. 

Cheers and Happy Tuesday - Make it a great day!

-Coach Tara   

In this weekly feature, you will, as the title suggests, Meet the 'Preneurs.  Yes, that's short for "Entrepreneurs," but we're cool like that; we shorten stuff.  All the kids'll be saying it soon.  Just watch.  

Each week, we'll hear from sassy, sizzling' 'preneurs" as they answer a series of questions about their business so we can all learn from each other, find out what cool other enterprises are out there so we can support one another, and also have something to read when we need a break from taking over the world. 

I am SO pleased to present for your viewing pleasure two of my very favourite entrepreneurs; Randal and Meralon from Randal Kurt Photography.  

I originally found Meralon through a Google search, of all things, when I was researching doulas...then I joined a "Book Club" and she was there (at which you can sometimes hear the plea 'Can we talk about the book for just a second?') right before she was to give birth to her first son.  In short order, I was introduced to her lovely husband, Randal, and the rest has been history.  Randal's career path is one of those exciting ones I love to tell clients about; he was originally an electronic engineer working in high-tech when he decided to chase after his big dream of becoming a professional photographer.  He took the big leap about 4 years ago and has never looked back.  I, for one, am glad he's documenting this life through his lens.  

Meralon originally had a company of her own, Mamaspeak - a space for the newborn Mom, and ran that until the photography business called the entire family on deck and she joined Randal.  
 
They are both absolutely fascinating to know and speak to and I always feel somehow cared-for in their presence.  Randal has taken my photos and I can attest that he provides a safe place to look your best and sort of makes it feel like you're just hangin' out with your friend as he captures your moments.  I will post one of his shots of me at the bottom so you can behold how young and glorious he made me look!

Now that I've shared my experience of this amazing duo, I will include some official-ish bios of them both: 

Randal
Randal’s eye for seeing the beautiful around him stems from his birthplace and childhood of Bolivia, and other worldly experiences as a young child: Canary Islands, Malaysia, and Singapore. Coming to Canada as a teenager, and completing a Bachelor’s in engineering at Simon Fraser University, Randal’s career path quickly grew, though in the hi-tech industry, leading to senior management roles.

Yearning to return to his creative instincts, and with the help of the same Mastery of Self-Expression workshop that facilitated his meeting his wife Meralon, Randal branched off and started Randal Kurt Photography. Behind the camera he was fulfilling his passion of capturing beauty, especially with weddings and family sessions.

Recognized as a leading photographer in Vancouver’s buzzing wedding and photography community, Randal has received awards in recognition of his talent including the prestigious Best-in-Class Awards in two wedding related categories in 2010 and 2011. But putting accolades aside, Randal’s true focus is on his clients and he believes in delivering a personalized approach to photography to each and every image. It is ultimately about more than pretty pictures.Meralon
Born and raised in New Zealand, Meralon has a Master of Psychology from Auckland University. Interested in the human connection and helping others to see themselves, her coaching and counselling approach is hands on. She has worked closely with couples, families, and youths, helping them re-connect and renew their relationship within a supportive environment.

Her caring, nurturing, and patient nature is exemplified also in her role of Mother to two young boys. With empathy Meralon realizes the need to help new mothers work through the life-altering transition and does so as a doula and through the support groups of her own business: Mamaspeak.

Working with her husband Randal, including assisting while pregnant with her second son, Meralon became the Studio Manager for Randal Kurt Photography in 2009. “I love the way a photograph can remind me of the way I felt in that moment” says Meralon. It is through the Sessions that she hopes to help coach couples, allowing them to discover their own moment.

1. Describe your business in 5 words (or less)
Relationship photography that captures connection

2. What made you take the plunge into running your business full-time?
Randal really took this leap by himself initially - coming from a successful career in the hi-tech world, he wanted to pursue his real passion while using his practical business and technology skills.  I joined him in 2009 and that really helped us both feel like we were making a difference in people's lives, as well as in our own.

3.    What is your favourite quotation?
"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. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?" - Marianne Williamson.  

4.    How do you celebrate your success?
We really like red wine, bubbles and lots of High Fives!

5.    What is your biggest learning about yourself since you started your business?
Randal - How much of a challenge work/life balance can be.  It's easy when you are single to work non-stop, but when you have a family, you HAVE to create boundaries otherwise the bottom falls out.

Meralon - how to work with my spouse!!!!  No, really it's how much I have learned about business.  Not having come from a business background was a steep learning curve, but I have actually learned most things from Randal.  It's much harder learning things from your spouse :)))

6.    Tell us what your plans are for your business - what progress are you planning?
Gosh - what are we not planning?  Right now we are focussed on building family sessions, corporate events and of course, strengthening relationships with our wedding couples.  Last year, we launched LOVE² Sessions, which are connecting sessions for two, so we want to develop this concept and integrate it into all of our work.

7.    How will you know you've "arrived" - what are your big milestones of success?
In many ways we already have arrived - we're actively doing what we love and making a difference. We also think it's important to celebrate the little things - like a great testimony from a couple we've worked hard to build a relationship with.   Those things make us feel as though we are making a difference - both to them and within ourselves.  This has a wonderful trickle effect down to our kids and out to our friends.  Those things are hard to measure but have a lot of value.

8.    How do you practice self-care?
Randal - I love listening to Anthony Robbins and other motivational speakers every morning.  It really helps my morning to start off right.  I also love bike-riding and now I take our 6 year old out with me on Saturday mornings.

Meralon - I meditate every morning for 20 minutes.  I've done this since I was 19 (except a few breaks when the babies were up in the night!), and it really helps me to feel grounded every day.  Even when there is chaos in our household (and with 2 rambunctious boys, you bet there's some!), I feel more grounded and relaxed when I have meditated.  I also go to yoga once a week.

9.    What is one piece of advice you would give to a brand new entrepreneur?
Make sure you know why you're doing what you're doing.  When you face challenging times, it's really easy to lose sight of your direction, but if you have a business philosophy, then the answers are easy.  Also, having a solid business plan helps.

10. Describe your company mission and values?
As relationship photographers, our mission is to bring people together by energizing and capturing a deeper connection between them. We strive to make a difference in the lives of our clients by providing care and attention to them as individuals, as a couple or as a family. We also believe in the products we create for them - ones that will endure over time and bring them back to this time in their lives for many years to come.

11. What would you say is the theme song of your business?
Sometimes: "It's Been A Hard day's Night" - Beatles…lol!!  Most of the time: "At Last" - Ella Fitzgerald

12. What do you love most about your work?
Randal - The special opportunity that we have to connect with people - and the chance to be creative with that is really cool!

Meralon - Working to create something meaningful in our lives and in the lives of the people we photograph.  I am truly grateful for the opportunity to not only be married to a fabulous creator, but to also be his business partner.

Randal - Oh yeah, I love working with my wife!

13. If you were accepting an Academy Award for being you, how would you start your acceptance speech?
"If it weren't for Gratitude, we would not be here..."

14. What was the last book that you read?
Secret Daughter - can't remember author!  (editor's note: this is our book club selection this month - GO MERALON!)

15. What is the single greatest electronic (website, gadget etc) tool that has helped you get to where you are? 
Randal - iPad

Meralon - Phone

And One More Thing!
Meralon and Randal are planning a Mother's Day Special that we think you should know about - this is perfect timing!  

DETAILS: 
WHAT: A mini photography session (45 mins) with you and your Mom
WHEN: Sunday May 13, 2012
WHERE: Vancouver Art Gallery
WHAT'S THE COST: $149 includes admission for 2 into the gallery PLUS a 12x12 custom art print
WOW! HOW?: Limited availablility, so please contact us for details and to reserve your spot **Email  studio@randalkurt.com

Thanks for joining us.  Next week, we will feature another Sizzlin' 'Preneur!  

If you would like to be featured in one of our Friday features, don't be shy!  Please email us at biglifetara AT me DOT com and we will organize some shenanigans together!  Happy Friday, Everyone!

It's been a Big Week over here at Big Life, and I would be a terrible coach if I didn't take my own advice and indulge in some self care.  I just didn't manage to get organized quite enough to put a post together this week and that's okay.  Sometimes you just have to let life smack you on your butt a little. 

We will return next Friday with some sparkly new profiles to share throughout the month of May.  

Have a great weekend, and share with all of us what YOU should consider putting aside to save some sanity.

Cheers, 
Coach Tara 

In this weekly feature, you will, as the title suggests, Meet the 'Preneurs.  Yes, that's short for "Entrepreneurs," but we're cool like that; we shorten stuff.  All the kids'll be saying it soon.  Just watch.  

Each week, we'll hear from sassy, sizzling' 'preneurs" as they answer a series of questions about their business so we can all learn from each other, find out what cool other enterprises are out there so we can support one another, and also have something to read when we need a break from taking over the world. 

This week I invite you to meet Katherine Lazaruk of ICU Image Consulting.  I was first introduced to ICU at a networking event back in February when I met one of Katherine's associates (she was unable to attend) and through that, I made an appointment to meet with her.  Fast-forward to earlier this week when I struck up a lovely conversation at a fundraiser and was excited to discover it was the exact woman I had made an appointment to see!  It was a serendipitous evening, indeed!

Here's Katherine explaining what she does far better than I can: 

Katherine Lazaruk (AICI FLC), owner of ICU is a longtime resident of Vancouver and comes from a performance and education background with bachelor’s degrees in Music and Education. Katherine has trained with Karen Brunger (AICI CIP) and holds certificates in Image Consulting and Advanced Image Consulting from the International Image Institute (Ontario, Canada) as well as First Level Certification with her professional association (AICI). She helps individuals and businesses with all aspects of image, including appearance, behaviour and communication. 

I am thrilled to have met Katherine, and I am even more thrilled/nervous to get to work with her in May!

Here are her answers to our standard questions: 

1. Describe your business in 5 words (or less)
Gentle guidance to authentic image.

2. What made you take the plunge into running your own company?
It was a flash of inspiration. I wanted something that would use all of my skills all of the time and when my corporate training contract came to an end, I decided to go for it!

3. What is your favourite quotation?
Do I have to pick just one?

4. How do you celebrate your success?
I love happy dances, good martinis and good food to celebrate.

5. What is your biggest learning about yourself since you started your business?
I’ve learned to keep my inner critic in check. It’s tough to move forward when your inner critic is always chattering.

6. Tell us what your plans are for your business - what progress are you planning?
I plan to expand to include other independent consultants, double my practice this year and develop a strong MasterMind team.

7. How will you know you've "arrived" - what are your big milestones of success?
I will own real estate downtown, have opened a downtown office, be working 41 weeks of the year and travelling for the rest!

8. How do you practice self-care?
I do a little morning yoga and walk daily. I also remember to breathe and eat as well as I can to keep my body functioning optimally. I have regular play dates with friends and date night with my husband. The little joys really add up.

9. What is one piece of advice you would give to a brand new entrepreneur?
Watch your spending – everything looks so great, so be sure to spend your money ‘on purpose’. Consider what the return on your investment will be before laying down your hard earned cash.

10. Describe your company mission and values.
If I can help one person feel amazing about their uniqueness and terrific about what they bring to the world, then that’s my mission. We stand for integrity, solid technical qualifications, uniqueness and awesome energy.

11.  What would you say is the theme song of your business?
Oh man…Lady Gaga, Born This Way or ‘I’m Every Woman’? I’ll have to give that some more thought. Maybe I’ll write something…

12.  What do you love most about your work?
I love the moment when a client says “OMG, it’s me”. That moment of deep self-acceptance is always gorgeous.

13.  If you were accepting an Academy Award for being you, how would you start your acceptance speech?
Thank you. (boring I know, but good manners, and little chance of being played off the stage.)

14.  What was the last book that you read?
A Dance with Dragons (fiction)  The Speed of Trust (non-fiction)

15.  What is the single greatest electronic (website, gadget etc) tool that has helped you get to where you are?
The microphone. I love to talk.

There are lots of ways to find Katherine: 

• through her website
• on Facebook (and all those other social network places)
• on TV!  Go look at GotoGAL (Choose Episode 7)  

 You can also join her at an upcoming appearance:

•         Langara University College Image Consultant Certificate Program, Effective Presentations
•         University Women’s Club, Girls Night Out, May 3 6-8pm
•         Hosted by Lana Diaz of Staplesonline Silk Luxuries, 1447 Clyde Ave. West Vancouver, a four part talk series,          starting May 10 at 7:00pm with ‘All About Colour’
•         Hosted by Malene Grotrian of Malene Grotrian Designs, Dominion Building on Hastings at Cambie, Client Appreciation Night
•         HSBC Professional Women’s Network, May 31

I found Katherine to be personable and very engaging and I am SO excited to see if she can pry the yoga pants out of my hands when I meet her next month...

Thanks for joining us.  Next week, we will feature another Sizzlin' 'Preneur! And early next week, Big Life will have some exciting announcements in this space, so do stay tuned!

If you would like to be featured in one of our Friday features, don't be shy!  Please email us at biglifetara AT me DOT com and we will organize some shenanigans together!  Happy Friday, Everyone!

In this weekly feature, you will, as the title suggests, Meet the 'Preneurs.  Yes, that's short for "Entrepreneurs," but we're cool like that; we shorten stuff.  All the kids'll be saying it soon.  Just watch.  

Each week, we'll hear from sassy, sizzling' 'preneurs" as they answer a series of questions about their business so we can all learn from each other, find out what cool other enterprises are out there so we can support one another, and also have something to read when we don't feel like working and need a break. 

This story began as many do...I met Desiree through a friend of a friend (of a friend...?) and have kept in touch.  I was always struck by her quiet confidence and absolutely envied her successful business and fun stories of her dogs and clients.  

If you have spent any time with Baxter the Basset Hound at all, you know that I am not actually a client of Desiree's, but that is simply a budget issue for me - I have seen her at work with her own pups and she's brilliant.  And look at her over to the left with the Dog Whisperer Caesar...she keeps great company and knows her stuff!        

Here's the quick and dirty about Desiree: 
After completing the Marketing program at Douglas College, she then became a realtor, but it never really felt like it it fit as well as she would have liked.  Having always loved dogs and been fascinated with human psychology, she saw it translated to dogs and their psychology and went into dog training.  She's been at it for 6 years and worked in grooming for 3 years before that. 

I see her tremendously rewarding work (seriously, her little four-legged clients are always ecstatic to see her!) and am inspired, and I am also in awe of her home life; 4 dogs and a cat of her own means she is really living a Big Life all the time!

1.    Describe your business in 5 words (or less) 
Creating well mannered family dogs

2.    What made you take the plunge into running your business full-time? 
It’s what I thought about from morning until night... dogs, dogs,dogs. (It's still all I think about.) I couldn’t even focus on my other “job” because this was all I wanted to do. Eventually I had to make the very tough choice to leave my job in Real Estate and my notions of what a “proper career” was and I have to say… I am so happy I did!

3.    What is your favourite quotation? 
I have a few, but  “Be the change you want to see in the world” is one of my top ones

4.    How do you celebrate your success? 
Enjoying quiet time with my family. Being with my husband and dogs is all I need.

5.    What is your biggest learning about yourself since you started your business? 
That this is what I was meant to do. I’ve grown into a confident business woman. I not only enjoy what I do (dog training) but I also thoroughly enjoy running my own business.

6.    Tell us what your plans are for your business - what progress are you planning? 
I’m right in the middle of a huge expansion and partnership actually! I will be co-opening a new 4000sq ft dog daycare and training facility, or as we call it a dog “Playschool”, in Langley in the next couple months. Stay tuned for details!

7.    How will you know you've "arrived" - what are your big milestones of success? 
I think this new facility is a huge stepping stone and a huge goal achieved. I had hoped to do it on my own, but having a partner fast tracked it to reality. I hope my growth never ends. I never want to “arrive”. There are always different paths to be taken. Part of what I love about this is the ongoing challenge and goal setting. The sky is the limit!

8.    How do you practice self-care?
I could use a little more practice in self care. I admit my business seeks most of my time and attention. I do some Yoga and walk the dogs. I like to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening… wait, is that self care? LOL Simple relaxation & quiet time to de-stress is really important to me.

9.  What is one piece of advice you would give to a brand new entrepreneur? 
Not everyone is cut out to be their own boss. It’s a 24-7, 7 day a week job that follows you home. Decide WHY you want to be an entrepreneur and speak to several people who already are. Know the pros and cons before you take the leap. Also realize you must wear many “hats”, until you can afford someone to do jobs for you, you will be your own receptionist, marketer, bookkeeper, etc. I would even suggest taking a class on entrepreneurship.

10. Describe your company mission and values? 
I don’t have anything formal in writing, maybe this is something I should do…. How about: “To enrich the lives of dogs and their owners through education”

I also have a little blurb on my website: Desiree believes mis-communication between human and canine is the primary cause of most “bad behaviour”. Insight into a dog’s mind is a priceless lifetime lesson for any dog owner. I want to help you understand your dog, so your dog can understand you! A good trainer should help you form a stronger bond with your dog; to develop a relationship built on trust and respect.

You can easily find Desiree and her services through her website, or through Facebook.  Her site lists current classes and exciting developments, so do check it out!

Thanks for joining us.  Next week, we will feature another Sizzlin' 'Preneur! 

If you would like to be featured in one of our Friday features, don't be shy!  Please email us at biglifetara AT me DOT com and we will organize some shenanigans together!  Happy Friday, Everyone!