Special Features - Women in Business 2016

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, March 3, 2016 B3

LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

THE FREE PRESS ~ MARCH 2016

Joleen Droste and Allison Tobin / Interior Envy, Fernie

A celebration of Elk Valley Business WomeninWomen Business

#1 - 562 2nd Avenue, Fernie250-423-2006

[email protected]

Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we raise them.

May we be them.

*Amazing Lunches

Daily*

100 Riverside Way | Fernie BC250-423-5000 | Toll Free 1-877-423-5600

email: [email protected] | www.stanfordresorts.com

Celebrating and SupportingWomen in Business

LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCEB4 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, March 3, 2016

Women in Business

PropertyGuys.com

Lisa joined as co-owner in 2014 bringing with her a true passion for real estate and an entrepreneurial spirit. Having successfully

used PropertyGuys.com for the purchase and sale of property in the Bow Valley, Lisa eagerly embraced the opportunity to become part of the PropertyGuys.com team. Her strong background in real estate as a paralegal together with over 12 years in customer relations gives Lisa the knowledge and compassion to empower clients.

Lisa ChristopherCo-owner

Amber joined the PropertyGuys.com team in 2014 as co-owner. She has a Masters Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Royal Roads

University where she engaged in Entrepreneurial and Project Management studies. For the past 10 years Amber has worked for BC municipalities and Caribbean governments in building and land management, while at the same time building her own personal real estate portfolio. For many of us our home is our biggest asset and Amber will ensure you get the guidance and support you need for the marketing and sale of your property.

Amber BiberdorfCo-owner

Did you know?Instead of charging commission, PropertyGuys.com collects a low � at fee—not based on your � nal sale price, but instead on the level of service you choose.Serving the East Kootenay region and the Crowsnest Pass—from Pricing to Legal to Sold™

Services offered: • Marketing media for sellers—social media advertising

• Bene� ts for buyers—guides, alerts, noti� cations, online offers and bookmarking their favourite listings

• Legal advice and guidance provided through experienced third party real estate lawyers

• Mortgage solutions—PropertyGuys.com Mortgage can assist both buyers and sellers with � nancing options

• Listings include high quality photos, virtual tours and an accurate, descriptive write-up of your property

• Online pricing blueprint delivered by unbiased appraisal partners

™

PropertyGuys.com Inc. is a private sale marketing company and each PropertyGuys.com franchise is independently owned and operated (collectively “Us” or “We”). We are not real estate brokers nor agents. We represent neither the buyer nor the seller. We do not trade in real estate. We neither warranty nor make any representations as to the outcome of a property sale. Our Pro Approach may include services which are performed for our customers by third party service providers. Such services are not performed or provided by us. © PropertyGuys.com Inc., All Rights Reserved.

A balancing act

By Jenna Jensen

Typically as I prepare to interview women in business, I know I will always hear great stories of

determination, listen to some unique ways these women balance work and family and see drive and passion from ladies that strive to be the best they can. These things have proven to be true once again and have left me, and hopefully you, with a sense of inspiration and encouragement that finding success in business can be achieved alongside

the responsibilities that most of us women already have with children, families and other commitments and roles within our community.

As I plan for this section I often think of all the women I know in positions within the Elk Valley from dog groomers to truck drivers and wish that I could interview all of them as I know each situation and piece of advice would offer some support and valuable information to other women here in the Valley. I take great pride in the vast network of women within the Elk Valley that add so much to their companies and community through their occupations, and often see these same women coaching, teaching and participating as volunteers.

As a women in business myself as well as being a writer, a Councillor, a mother, wife, daughter, sister and member of various boards and committees I would like to take this opportunity to share a real struggle that I, and many others have or will face - anxiety, stress, exhaustion and being overwhelmed. This is something seen more often in women as we take on more and more, finding it

necessary to seek perfection in work and family and carrying unhealthy emotions that coincide. It is typically, and easily brushed off as being too busy, being too tired and held to the thought that once the next job, report, event is over it will get better but sadly it often never does. I personally have gone from a place where the things in my career and life that usually made me happy became a source of insurmountable stress and even thinking about what was on my plate for the day or week made me want to crawl back into bed and hide. I felt physically, mentally and emotionally drained. Realizing that something needed to change and feeling like I couldn’t and didn’t want to accomplish anything, I sought the help of Dr. Karley Denoon and her training that specifically focuses on this epidemic that faces thousands of women every day. The help and advice I received was invaluable and I learned that reaching out was step number one. I saw very clearly how I, and most women give so much but take little - if any time to refocus and recharge ourselves while we easily ensure the world around us is priority number one. This often affects our health in many negative

ways and leaves us just trying to get through the days instead of really living them.

Changing this will always be a work in progress for me, as I need to try to constantly learn what it means to take time for myself, whether it is reading a book, taking care of my health or making a list of what my real vs. perceived priorities are. Understanding that if I say no to a volunteer opportunity that I don’t really have time for, not putting my kids in every sporting opportunity available and taking a few hours or a weekend without electronics and social media will not make me or my family any less successful or productive. I try to remember that taking these little breaks is not selfish, it is selfless, and finding this balance ensures what we give to all of our roles is really the best of what we have to offer.

As women in business, our jobs are important and central to the vibrancy of our communities. Therefore taking care of ourselves and reaching out when we need a little help is not only important but essential.

LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE THE FREE PRESS Thursday, March 3, 2016 B5

interior envy441 - 2nd Avenue, Fernie * 250-430-7883

Welcometo interior

envy

New to Fernie in 2013, Joleen was looking for a career change and a new passion. Wanting something that would allow her to meet

others, she considered purchasing a local retail store, but was unsure how to proceed. Later that year, on a house-hunting trip to Fernie, came Allison, who would help to answer that question. With a background in Interior Design, (interrupted by a career in the dental field) Allison had big dreams to one day open her own décor store/design firm. With the name Interior Envy in mind, Allison started to look at suppliers, but was unsure as to which direction to go to get the business started.

It was during a casual lunch discussion between their two husbands that the stars began to align. When talk turned to their wives, they quickly saw the similarities and shared desire, and decided that Allison and Joleen should meet. A dinner date was scheduled for later that week and conversation turned to the business Allison was starting.

One day later, the ladies met, and their partnership was formed. “I remember calling Joleen the next day

to ask what her last name was so I could order her business cards!”Allison recalls,

With Allison’s retail experience and Joleen’s business experience, they formed the perfect team and opened their “Pop Up”Christmas store on Nov, 11, 2014. Both wondered what reception they would receive, and were overwhelmed with the support shown by the community. This support and excitement propelled Allison and Joleen to open Interior Envy on a permanent basis in the IGS building, which they did in October of 2015, a decision which gave Allison a “happiness hangover”for weeks.

“To be amongst the other fabulous women in business in this community is very humbling. We are very proud of this town we call home, and having the support from its residents is why we are here. We will continue to bring inspiring collections to you. Wait until you see what is next.”

And, lastly a shout out to the two men behind these two women – you are the reason we get to do what we love!”Alli & Jo.

Joleen Droste and Allison Tobin

“MLA Bill Bennett proudly supports Women in Business throughout the Elk Valley”

Kootenay East Constituency Offi ce100C Cranbrook Street N.,Cranbrook, BC V1C 3P9

Phone: (250) 417-6022Toll Free: (866) 417-6022Fax: (250) 417-6026

Sparwood Of� ce:114 Centennial SquarePhone: 250-425-2114

Toll Free:1-800-668-7729Fax: 250-425-2204

Fernie Of� ce:78 Ridgemont Drive Phone: 250-423-2161

Fax: 250-423-6149

• PROPERTY TRANSFERS • LEASES • WILL PREPARATION • MORTGAGES • AFFIDAVITS & MISCELLANEOUS • NOTARIZATION

Celebrating the difference women make in our communities.

Annette SheppardOwner, Aspire Salon

How many years have you been in the community? I grew up in Elkford. I moved away in 1996 and came back

in 2005.What is your job title, and role?I like to think of myself as proprietor of my salon and sole

employee. Other than that my other job is super mom to two wonderful kids.

What inspired you get into that field of work? How has your role progressed from when you started to now?

When I first moved away from home I worked as a microfiche technician in the oil industry in Calgary. I found myself starving to be creative with all my previous artistic background. Also, I missed interacting directly with people. The best profession I could think of where I would get to be hands on creatively and to work with people one on one was the cosmetology profession.

What are the demands of your job? Are there any unseen demands that people may not know?

Physically it can be draining sometimes. Long hours of standing and sometimes my hands can become fatigued. But it's all worthwhile to see someone smile at themselves in the mirror when you have finished a great piece of work that they get to take home and enjoy.

Do you find any specific challenges of doing your job in a small community?

Like any small town that relies on one industry, I find if the mines are slow I too am slow.

How do you balance work and your personal life? Surprisingly, my clients are extremely understanding of

my personal life. My son is autistic and so I need my hours to be flexible for his needs. My clients all know and are very

understanding of this.What are the highlights of your

job?The number one highlight is

being able to make people happy. I'm glad that I get to work from home and I can make my own hours. A definite perk is being told on a regular basis that I have "magical hands".

What are some of the challenges you face being a women in this role, if any?

I think my biggest challenge being a female in my profession is being taken seriously by a very few clients I have had in the past. Both men and women have tried to undermine me about my knowledge in my field and of my education in general.

Anything else you would like to share?I would like to encourage young women to consider going

into the trade of cosmetology. There is so much to offer from being in this profession. From traveling to staying at home to be the "super mom" you need to be. The rewards are endless.

“I would like to encourage young women to consider going

into the trade of cosmetology. There is so much to offer from

being in this profession.”

B6 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, March 3, 2016

LOCAL WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Sarah LeNeveu, the owner of Lysh Hair Salon, wants you to come experience what everyone has been raving about when they visit Lysh Hair Salon. It is Sarah’s philosophy that every client should be utterly and completely pampered leaving the salon feeling rejuvenated and 100 percent satis� ed with the exceptional treatment and hair style they received.

The staff at Lysh Hair Salon love going the extra mile to ensure their clients are not only satis� ed but wowed! The pampering begins from the moment you walk into the salon. Try to make it a few minutes early so you can sit, relax and rejuvenate in one of our two massage chairs! Enjoy an array of hot or cold beverages and a snack made by local baker, “Caked By Ashley”.

When it’s time for your service, one of our professional stylists will do an in depth consultation with you so you receive the unique style and treatment you’re looking for. Then, if you wish, you can take part in our Lysh Hair Salon “Before and After Custom Photo Shoot”!

Experience one of the best scalp massages around and if you wish for a little extra you can receive an optional scalp or hair treatment with our top of the line hair care products.

Our clients receive friendly and expert hair care advice ensuring they leave knowing the best way to protect and care for their beautiful new hair style. Our professional salon products will leave you feeling, relaxed and rejuvenated. You will love your new style and the expert service provided by the caring and fun staff at Lysh Hair Salon. We guarantee it!

Sarah LeNeveuOwner Lysh Hair SalonHair

461A 2nd Avenue, Fernie [email protected]

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Lori BradishProgram Coordinator, Fernie Museum

How many years have you been in the community?

My family came to Fernie from Rossland in the 1950s and I was born here. I went to Isabella Dicken in Grade 1 shortly after it opened. After graduating from Fernie Secondary I went to college, a number of times throughout my 20s, moving to and from Fernie many times and then finally moved back for good when I turned 30. My husband and I made our home at the ski hill and we’ve been there over 20 years now.

What is your job title, and role? My job at the Fernie Museum is mainly

developing and coordinating programs that tie into the exhibits we host in the second floor Gallery. That involves a work continuum - developing the program con-cepts, writing and applying for grants to fund the programs, lobbying corporate sponsorship, coordinating personnel and volunteers, planning and promotion of the event and delivering the program.


Years ago an old friend asked me if I was interested in getting involved with the museum board. At the time my chil-dren were small, I was working part time

and felt I couldn’t fit it in. Fast forward a few years and everyday when I dropped my kids off at school I would see Laura Nelson’s car parked outside the museum and knew she was working non-stop on a volunteer basis, on the rehabilitation of the museum building. I couldn’t stop myself from trying to help. It started with cleaning and scraping and painting then led to sitting on the gallery development committee and then led to being asked to curate the exhibit celebrating Fernie Alpine Resort’s fiftieth anniversary. Then I was asked to join the museum staff as a part time program coordinator.

What are the demands of your job? Are there any unseen demands that people may not know?

Working with non-profit organizations is very rewarding but can also be tenuous. At the museum we are always looking for new approaches to reach various audi-ences, to tell our community’s stories. But as we are reliant on grant and sponsorship dollars to do that much of the time spent working on program development can be for nothing if our applications are not suc-cessful. Our goal is to make our exhibits and programming accessible to as many people as possible and grants and sponsor-ship enable us to do that.


I think being in a small community like Fernie actually makes the job somewhat easier. When I reach out to the community I often find I’m dealing with people I have known for many years and I can get things accomplished that much faster.

How do you balance work and your personal life?

In a place like Fernie there are untold ways to spend your leisure time so it’s easy to find a balance. Growing up here I have always enjoyed outdoor activities but more recently I have been exploring my creative side taking courses at the Arts Station. Sometimes I find there are too many things I want to do and not enough time.

What are the highlights of your job?I always describe myself as the Party

Planner at the museum. I get a real kick from creating events that people embrace - whether it’s a talk by a local author, a themed dance party or a panel discussion. We have had great support over the past few years for our exhibits and events and that gives the staff great satisfaction.


From my experience gender equality

seems to be the norm in the arts, culture and heritage fields. I find I have worked with women and men equally in my job and at this level there doesn’t seem to be challenges for either gender. I think the biggest challenge for women is to still find that balance between work and their personal life.


Dee HoldenOwner, Elements of Self

Nina SranFernie Pizza & Pasta

Nina has been the owner/operator of Fernie Pizza & Pasta since October 2013, balancing her time between her family and her business.By listening to what the customer’s are asking for, Fernie Pizza & Pasta has a loyal customer base.

1221 Unit B 7th Avenue, Hwy 3 ~ Fernie, BCHOURS: Sunday to Thursday, 4pm to 10pm

Friday and Saturday, 4pm to 11:30pmLunch ~ PICK UP ONLY ~ Monday to Friday, 11am-2pm

Pizza & pasta250-423-4231

See our full menu at WWW.FERNIEPIZZAANDPASTA.CA

Everyday Specials Wings ~ PastaBBQ Chicken

Home of fresh and tasty pizza.Now offering gluten free and thin crust!

Elk Valley Wine & U-Brew

250-423-3530 • 592-8th Ave, [email protected]

Sharon celebrated 5 years of business

ownership this January.

Come in and start your batch today

and enjoy wine all summer!”


I have lived and worked in Fernie for close to 20 years. During that time I have spent some time away, gypsy toeing around in other beautiful towns for training and such. I have recently moved to Kimberley.

What is your job title, and role?

I offer Raindrop Essential Oil Massage, Reiki and Registered Holistic Nutrition at Inside Out Fernie Wellness.

Through individual healing sessions, Women’s Circles and Herbalism workshops ranging anywhere from an afternoon to a week long, I help in facilitating one’s inherent connection with Nature, calling joy, peace and vitality back home. I also work part-time as an Early Childhood Educator at Aqamnik with the beautiful children of the Ktunaxa Nation.


It gives me great joy to share some of the healing modalities that have helped me in my healing journey. I feel wide-eyed with wonder as the natural world continues to inspire and heal me everyday and in every way.

How do you balance work and your personal life?

Nature is my medicine, I find balance by going outside and doing almost anything. I enjoy dancing, yoga and spending time with friends. I try to

spend one day a week enjoying purposelessness.

What are the highlights of your job?I am honoured to share in the personal

choices and changes in the lives of incredible people. I so enjoy experiencing the deep smiles that emerge from the treatment room after sessions.

Anything else you would like to share?Thank you Fernie, you are a gorgeous and

truly spectacular Community:)

“I am honoured to share in the personal choices and changes in the lives of incredible people. ”


Christine MckieFrank J. Mitchell Elementary School Principal


I was born and raised in Sparwood, left to attend university, and after teaching/administration in Invermere, the Okanagan, Cochrane and Cranbrook my family and I moved back to Sparwood two and a half years ago.

What is your job title, and role? Currently, I am the principal of Frank J.

Mitchell Elementary School. My first responsibility is always to students; ensuring that they have a safe, caring, learning environment.

What inspired you to get into that field of work?

Teaching was always in the back of my mind throughout my childhood years. I started first year university with the idea of becoming a lawyer and by the winter semester of that year I transferred into education.

How has your role progressed from when you started to now?

I had the opportunity to take on leadership roles as a teacher, when I worked with School District #6 in Invermere, and the experiences piqued my interest in administration. I took on a short stint as our high school Vice Principal in 2003, went on to complete my Masters

degree and then became one of the high school Vice Principals in Invermere in 2005. I left Invermere in 2007 and spent one year in the Okanagan (where I met my husband), and then four years in Cochrane In 2011, we returned to the Kootenays, where I took on the principalship of TM Roberts in Cranbrook. A year later, the principalship at Frank J. Mitchell opened up and I was thrilled to be selected to fill the position.

What are the demands of your job?The needs of students are always my first

priority. It’s definitely a delicate balancing act to ensure that the voices of parents, teachers, support staff and my responsibilities to the school board and district are met. I try to approach each situation from the lens of “what would I want for my own children?”


When I worked in Cochrane, we lived in Calgary. I seldom saw students outside of school. In some ways, it was nice as when I left at the end of the day I was just Christine, not Christine the vice principal. However, I also love the connections you make with students outside of school, in a small town. I like seeing the kids doing things they’re passionate about, outside of school. It makes for a deeper

connection with students and their families.

How do you balance work and personal life?

I’m not sure if that’s entirely possible. My family is my number one priority and I try to ensure the people that work for me know I respect that same priority for them. I purposely don’t go into work on the weekends or in the evenings, unless necessary. However, I am able to do a lot of work from my computer so when my boys go to bed I’ll often answer emails, and take care of other responsibilities.

What are the highlights of your job? I love getting to spend time with students

in their classrooms and I have always enjoyed connecting with kids through coaching. Kids love to share a piece of their schoolwork in my office. I get excited talking about good teaching and learning practices. Essentially, the highlight of my job is getting to spend my day with kids and adults that care deeply about kids having a great day at school.


My philosophy is not to approach student discipline with a heavy hand. When a student is brought to the office for discipline, they often need an adult willing to listen to them. I rarely raise my voice to students. I express my disappointment, and together we work through a process in which the student has to take ownership of their mistake, then together we come up with appropriate consequences and a plan to ‘fix’ the mistake. Some staff and parents would prefer to see a tougher approach, and may perceive that a male principal would bring this kind of philosophy to the school.

Women in Business

342 - 2nd Avenue, Fernie • 250-423-4666• [email protected] • www.thefreepress.ca

The Free Press

Jennifer Cronin (front), Bonny McLardy, Laura Burke, Andrea Horton, Leah Scheitel and Miranda De Baughn

Women have played an integral part in the making of history, including the local history around us. Their role has influenced the way of life in the Elk Valley and make up

the tapestry of the area. Hence it’s only right that we celebrate women in business, along with all other aspects of daily life.

During the Second World War, women had a unique opportunity. While their husbands, fathers, brothers and friends were conscripted to join the armed forces, it left many professions without the workforce to make essential wartime products. Women dutifully filled these roles, flourishing in trades and businesses previously dominated by males.

Although male dominance thrived in many of these industries after the war ended, it was the first chance women had to show that they could not only do these jobs, but they could do them well.

The Elk Valley is home to many astounding females who are proof that they can play with the boys. They set up businesses that re-invest in local initiatives, as Katrin Taylor has done with the Elk Valley Thrift Shop, which has donated nearly $180,000 back into the community. They run successful sports organizations, as Barb Anderson does with the Fernie Ghostriders, ensuring that the organization runs like a well-oiled machine. They debate new policy for the local governments – Mayor Mary Giuliano, Councillors Lois Halko and Mandy McGregor and Denise Bertrand are perfect examples, as they are involved in the political landscape of Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford, respectively.

Our local media channels feature strong female voices. The ladies at the Fernie Fix run a monthly publication, showcasing stories from around the Valley, and here at The Free Press, along with our token male reporter, we

pride ourselves on delivering news relevant to the local communities. It’s these businesses and the women behind them that keep the area

alive with activity and we are proud to honour them. It’s 2016 and while we are still working for equality in business and life, women such as the ones in the Elk Valley will open the doors for future generations.


Trysta VandaleFor the love of the game

Alexandra DeMartiniAssistant Manager of Operations

Women in Business

Alexandra has lived in Fernie since 1986, and joined Save-On-Foods (formerly Overwaitea) in 2006,

accepting a position as pharmacy clerk. In 2008, she was promoted to Assistant Manager of Operations, a position that requires a great deal of interaction with the public and staff, which is Alexandra’s favourite part of the job.

In a position that has many moving parts, the ability to multi-task is key, and, although admittedly hard at first, juggling the varied duties of her position has become easier over time. As the grocery manager in charge of non-perishables, a day of work can consist of ordering, managing the grocery staff, speaking to food representatives and unloading freight with a big power jack as well as a multitude of other tasks. “Every day is different. I work a lot of freight, and there is lots of physical activity in the job. It is not for everyone,” Alexandra shares.

The fluctuating numbers in the customer base also provides a unique set of challenges in the Fernie store. With a large population in the winter, and not a lot of room to store the stock, the balance of ordering between stock and space can be complex.

In the transition from Overwaitea to Save-On-Foods Alexandra feels the store now caters more to their customer base, noting the improvements made to the deli, and the huge natural section. She loves the updated look, and the feeling of rejuvenation.

Alex is a proud member of the Save-On-Foods team and is committed to Going the Extra Mile for customers in our community.

792 2nd Avenue • 250-423-4607

Tara HatchAthletic Therapist Fluid Motion Therapy

Women in Business

FLUID MOTION THERAPY • 250-946-6722info@fl uidmotiontherapy.com • www.fl uidmotiontherapy.com

Fluid Motion Therapy and Bracing was established in 2008 after Tara Hatch became a

Certified Athletic Therapist. Her knowledge and passion to help people return to their daily activities has made her well known in the Elk Valley.Tara specializes in full athletic rehabilitation and custom knee braces for ligament instability and osteoarthritis, but also can provide

expertise with various other bracing requests. When Tara is not at work, you can usually find her taking advantage of all the wonderful activities the Elk Valley has to offer with her young family.

Tara Hatch, BHSc, CAT(c)Certi� ed Athletic Therapist

By Jenna Jensen

Trysta Vandale began her curling career at the Elkford Curling Rink at the age of

six years old. Since then, her passion for the sport has only increased, as well as her success with each passing year. This year, Vandale played lead for the B.C. Women’s Team in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, showing all of her fans and supporters locally and nationally that small town girls can make it big.

Terry Vandale, Trysta’s mother credits her daughter for having amazing focus and skills from the start. “I was a coach at the rink when Trysta was young, so she was often on the ice and watching. When she tried it, (curling) she had an immediate love for it, and was really good. As she got older, she was competitive and saw much success throughout her junior years winning a gold, followed by a silver in the B.C. Winter Games, being a part in bringing the first high school level win banner to the rink here in Elkford,” says Terry.

As Trysta aged out of the junior curling category, her love of the sport

continued as she curled in Alberta during college and finally made the choice to move to Vancouver so she could again curl competitively. This year, her team qualified for the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, with an intense week of eleven games and teams from across Canada vying for the spot to take the championship and head to the 2016 Ford World Women’s Championship.

At the close of the Tournament of Hearts, the B.C. team did not place at the top, however Trysta’s mom has seen her daughter’s dreams come true, and knows she will continue to play hard and see many more wins in her future. “We are so proud of them all to take this spot for B.C. and play in the Tournament. This really has been a lifelong dream for Trysta, and we are all so very proud,” says Terry.

Terry continues to speak with, and inspire young curlers whenever she has the opportunity telling the story of her daughter and reminding them that coming from a small town rink will never hinder their success when they put their minds and energy into something they love.


250-425-2423 Stop at the visitor center to see what we have to offer!

The Sparwood Chamber

of Commerce salutes all

Women in Business

Norma McDougallManager, Sparwood Chamber of Commerce

Norma is currently the Manager of the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce, for the last 41/2 years. Norma was raised in Calgary, moving to the Crowsnest Pass in 1979, and Elkford, before settling in Sparwood in 1986. She and her husband Cal have run numerous businesses in the Valley for over 32 years. Norma was on the board of the Sparwood Chamber for over 12 years. When they needed someone quickly that knew Sparwood, the Chamber and business, Norma immediately stepped in to help. Being in business herself and now assisting business, was a good fit. There are two sides to running the Sparwood Chamber. One is advocating and working for the business community, plus organizing and running numerous networking events, and the flip side is running the Visitor Center,

being town ambassadors, and assisting with tourism projects. Running the Chamber has been a fun and very rewarding job.

Norma has always been very involved with her community, a member of the Curling and Golf Clubs for over 30 years, running the

junior golf program and very instrumental in starting, and the President of the Elk Valley Swim Club for over 6 years. Norma has been very happily married to her husband Cal for over 27 years, have 2 children Adam & Layne and their precious grandson, Boston. In her spare time Norma enjoys keeping active, entertaining and enjoying time at their cabin at the lake with

friends and family. Sparwood has been a great town to run a business and raise a family; it has so much to offer, and will be a great place to retire.

“Sparwood has been a great town to run a business and

raise a family; it has so much to offer, and will be a great

place to retire.”

Stephanie FlemingOwner, In� nitea T-Bar & Boutique

Women in Business

501 1st Avenue, Fernie • 778-519-5258

Infinitea T-Bar & Boutique was originally opened as a partnership in 2012.

In October 2015 Stephanie Fleming became sole proprietor of Infinitea and has big plans to continue building Infinitea as a locals meeting place and special event venue.

Infinitea’s values have always included healthy home cooked food, original and unique drinks and a comfortable welcoming space for everyone. Since its opening Infinitea has won the Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year Award in 2013, was a finalist for Business of the Year in 2015 and has recently been awarded Silver for Best Live Music Venue in the Fernie Fix 2015 Best of Fernie.

Stephanie has many plans for more events & collaborations with the community and looks forward to the next exciting chapter of Infinitea.

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Special Features - Women in Business 2016