{"id":1649,"date":"2023-06-09T20:55:47","date_gmt":"2023-06-10T00:55:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/?p=1649"},"modified":"2024-05-01T12:32:21","modified_gmt":"2024-05-01T16:32:21","slug":"pride-in-business-celebrating-successful-entrepreneurs-from-the-2slgtbqia-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/blog\/pride-in-business-celebrating-successful-entrepreneurs-from-the-2slgtbqia-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Pride in Business: Celebrating Successful Entrepreneurs from the 2SLGTBQIA+ Community"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We take great pride in being the only national non-profit organization in Canada that provides financing, mentorship, and resources to entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 39. What’s equally important to us is our commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as they embark on their journey in the business world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our utmost priority is to create a safe and inclusive environment for all aspiring entrepreneurs. We want you to feel comfortable and free to express yourself as you launch or acquire your small business<\/a> while working with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This commitment extends to our dedicated team. Currently, 6% of our entire staff and 13% of our senior leadership team identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. We believe in fostering diversity, equity and inclusion<\/a> within our organization and beyond. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We collaborate with regional and national partners such as Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce<\/a> that provide additional support to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In celebration of Pride Month, we sat down with Futurpreneur-supported 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs across Canada who shared their inspirations, challenges, and valuable insights from their remarkable journeys as business owners<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What inspired you to start your business?<\/span><\/span>?<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Steph McNair (<\/span><\/b>Maneland Hair<\/span><\/b><\/a>, Dartmouth, NS<\/span><\/span>)<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I was inspired by my community \u2013 I was aware of the lack of representation in the beauty <\/span>industry and<\/span> was compelled to create a queer-owned safe space.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Steph McNair\nPhoto credit: Ryan Tobin Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/span><\/span><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Alana Fiks (<\/span><\/b>Black Market Provisions<\/span><\/b><\/a>, Winnipeg, MB<\/span><\/span>)<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Black Market Provisions was inspired by our love for food. Ange (Farkas, co-owner) is a Red Seal Chef, and our relationship has always been rooted in food. We started Pop Cart in 2015 to dip our toes into the world of food entrepreneurship and chipped away at our ultimate dream of opening a shop<\/span><\/span>.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Angela Farkas (left) & Alana Fiks (right)\nPhoto credit: 1812 Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Paulo Trindade (<\/span><\/b>Paulo\u2019s Cake Shop<\/span><\/b><\/a>, Toronto, ON)\u202f<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The inspiration was and is always about people \u2013 bringing a unique cake experience to our <\/span>customers, and<\/span> bringing prosperity to the lives of the people involved in the business.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Paulo Trindade Photo Credit: Rebel Howl Studios<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Shawn Raymond (<\/span><\/b>Shawn R Training<\/span><\/b><\/a>, Leduc, AB)\u202f<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m in love with what we, as humans, can do when we put our mind to being a better version of ourselves. I wanted to help make people feel more confident in finding their own balance \u2014 a consistent juggling act of mental, physical, <\/span>nutritional,<\/span> and spiritual\/energetic well-being.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shawn Raymond\nPhoto Credit: Market House Ltd.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Olga Vernev (<\/span><\/b>Great Canadian Dog Cakes<\/span><\/b><\/a>, Vancouver, BC)<\/span><\/b> <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the pandemic struck, we realized that as newcomers, we were vulnerable and needed a strategy to protect our lives from being disrupted. Due to our dog’s health issues, we began feeding him exclusively homemade food, which also proved popular with other dogs in the neighborhood. With the support of <\/span>Futurpreneur<\/span>, this eventually blossomed into a thriving business.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Natasha Vernev (left) & Olga Vernev (right)\nPhoto Credit: Allister Foster<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Who is your target audience?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Steph:<\/span><\/b> Maneland is unique in that it is specifically geared towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The primary focus is creating a space where that community is listened to, valued, <\/span>respected,<\/span> and cared for.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alana:<\/span><\/b> Our clientele ranges through all ages, genders, and walks of life \u2014 the common thread being they all want quality food and fun, interesting gifts!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shawn:<\/span><\/b> My target audience is the individual who is trying to be just 1% better as a human in one of the main areas I work in as a certified CSEP-CPT: Mental, physical, and nutritional health and well-being. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Olga:<\/span><\/b> People who treat dogs as members of their family. Our own dog ran away from Russia with us, even though many people around us considered it reckless. We genuinely believe that dogs deserve the same pleasures as we do (with special considerations for their health).<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paulo: <\/span><\/b>Our <\/span>a<\/span>udience <\/span>is someone who is<\/span> looking for a fresh unique cake or dessert and does not have time to<\/span> pre order. We bring the freshness to their home<\/span>s<\/span>,<\/span> and<\/span> celebrations<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photo Credit: <\/span><\/span><\/strong>Rebel Howl Studios<\/a><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

What are some challenges you faced while building your business? How have you overcome them?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Steph\u202f:<\/span><\/b> There were challenges in finding product companies that would work with a non-binary [owned], queer business\u2014but we found suppliers who are fantastic.<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maneland<\/span> also opened 6 months before the pandemic, which was extremely challenging. There was minimal support for a small business during COVID, but with the help of my loyal clientele and additional funding, I was able to keep <\/span>Maneland<\/span> going.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paulo:<\/span><\/b> The top three concerns are probably managing my cash flow, taking care of my mental health, and being prepared for unexpected situations. I talk to other entrepreneurs and try to get advice from them \u2014 having that reference helps<\/span><\/span>. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Olga: <\/span><\/b>After our experience of running a business in our home country, we can compare and confidently say that there are actually no significant challenges for building a small business in Canada. For each step, there are simple and clear rules to follow, ensuring that everything goes smoothly and correctly. Therefore, we cannot claim to have faced any serious obstacles.<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alana: <\/span><\/b>We wanted to avoid getting burnt out and overwhelmed, so from day one we prioritized work-life balance: We keep the shop closed two days a week, add an extra day off to long weekends, close for a couple of weeks after Christmas, outsource what we can, and remind ourselves that personal lives are so much more important than anything that happens at our business.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

COVID was another big challenge. We spent two years <\/span>adjusting<\/span> the way we operated. We feel like we ultimately got \u201chow to run a business\u201d boot camp training, so it was kind of a benefit in its own way<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our current biggest challenge is fighting the rising cost of<\/span>\u2026.everything<\/span>! Basically, 75% of our goods <\/span>have <\/span> become<\/span> pricier<\/span> over the past year, with no end in sight.<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shawn:<\/span><\/b> In the beginning, I\u2019d catch myself spending way too much time trying to learn a new skill instead of just asking a friend, family member, fellow business owner, or bookkeeper. Sometimes you just <\/span>have to<\/span> own up to the fact that you\u2019re not <\/span>going to<\/span> be a solopreneur forever\u2014and that\u2019s a good thing!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being a trainer, I do feel a sense of leadership, like there\u2019s an expectation that I am \u201ctotally healthy\u201d and <\/span>no<\/span> \u201cfun\u201d. Finding my own balance over the years\u2014being in a fulfilling relationship, running a business and taking care of myself\u2014isn\u2019t always easy, but I know and see firsthand the importance of being kind to ourselves<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photo credit: <\/span><\/span><\/strong>Ryan Tobin Photography<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

How did <\/span>Futurpreneur<\/span> support your startup?<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Olga:<\/span><\/b> Without the involvement of <\/span>Futurpreneur<\/span>, we would not exist. When you arrive in another country to start a life from scratch, you essentially have no resources for a startup. We registered on the <\/span>Futurpreneur<\/span> website during our search, <\/span>and <\/span> the<\/span> business development<\/span> manager promptly contacted us and found us the perfect solution. <\/span>We were able to launch our business shortly after <\/span>with <\/span>Futurpreneur\u2019s<\/span> quick turnaround<\/span> and support.<\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paulo: <\/span><\/b>Futurpreneur<\/span> gave me not only the funds to start my business \u2013 the company showed me support, <\/span>guidance<\/span> and direction. Having a mentor and all the connections I\u2019ve made so far is helping me build my business in a healthy and consistent way.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steph:<\/span><\/b> Futurpreneur<\/span> set me up with a mentor, which was very helpful \u2013 as a new small business owner, it was comforting to have a mentor to be able to talk to and ask questions.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alana: <\/span><\/b>Futurpreneur\u2019s<\/span> funding was not only valuable in terms of us needing the dollars \u2014it also wasn\u2019t terrifying to new entrepreneurs! Working with lenders can be so intimidating, but <\/span>Futurpreneur<\/span> really wants you to succeed and thrive.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Futurpreneur<\/span> also supported us with guidance. When you\u2019re pitching your idea to banks and lenders and landlords, <\/span>etc<\/span>, it can be really disheartening when they can\u2019t see your vision. <\/span>Futurpreneur<\/span> worked with us to ensure our business plan was sound, provided guidance, and ultimately confirmed our belief that we were onto something with this idea.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shawn\u202f: <\/span><\/b>In the beginning, no bank would look at me. <\/span>Futurpreneur<\/span> went out of their way\u2014even during COVID\u2014to ensure that I was not only being supported but being educated. They helped me understand my health and wellness business from so many new perspectives.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Shawn Raymond<\/span><\/span>
Photo Credit: <\/span><\/span><\/strong>Market House Ltd.<\/a><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs who are just starting out?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alana\u202f:<\/span><\/b> Find a way to start your business smaller to see if it\u2019s a viable idea, and start to build relationships with customers, <\/span>suppliers,<\/span> and fellow business owners<\/span><\/span>
Second, prioritize yourself. Your health, personal life, and relationships are SO much more important than your professional life.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third, do YOU! Don\u2019t worry about anyone else. Be authentic in your idea, in yourself, and it will come through in your business and success. Ultimately, people are looking for authenticity.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shawn: <\/span><\/b>Take care of you, invest in you, find the people that support your vision. Let others have their perspective, but don\u2019t let it shake the trust you have in yourself, in your own pursuit of happiness.<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Olga\u202f:<\/span><\/b> Please do not be afraid to take a step forward, even if the circumstances around you may seem hopeless. Later, you will be surprised at how insignificant the things that once seemed insurmountable<\/span>,<\/span> actually turn<\/span> out to be. <\/span> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paulo\u202f:<\/span><\/b> Take care of your mental health, work closely with your business mentor or coach, and do not give up. <\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steph\u202f:<\/span><\/b> Start small, plant <\/span>seeds<\/span> and follow your dreams<\/span>!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to <\/span>launch <\/span>your own business? We\u2019re here to help! <\/span><\/span>Reach out<\/span><\/span><\/a> and <\/span>tell us more about your startup <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Olga <\/span><\/span>Vernev (left) & Natasha Vernev (right)
<\/span><\/span>Photo Credit: <\/span><\/span><\/strong>Allister Foster<\/a><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Note: t<\/span>his Q&A has been edited and condensed.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We take great pride in being the only national non-profit organization in Canada that provides financing, mentorship, and resources to entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 39. What’s equally important to us is our commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as they embark on their journey in the business world. Our […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1668,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1649","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entrepreneurship"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1649","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1649"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1649\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1668"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1649"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1649"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1649"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}