Celebrating A Business Milestone
I am thrilled to announce that my business hit a 25-year anniversary this year. With the many global challenges over the last two years, I thought it was important to formally celebrate it. As you know, I love to travel for both business and pleasure, therefore, I booked a very special trip to Oak Bay, British Columbia – perfect for celebrating a business milestone.
The Business
In many ways, I can’t believe it has been 25 years! From providing food safety training across Canada to being SIAL Canada’s Health Expert since 2017, the time has flown. Looking back, I am grateful for the diverse journey and business opportunities as a health professional. It has had its encounters being a female entrepreneur in male dominated sectors, but I thank a generation of strong, entrepreneurial women ahead of me for paving the way. And that paving continues.
My company and team members have contributed to the success of several very interesting projects and events over the past two decades. As we start 2022, the business focus is on Advisory, Business Development, Communication and Research. Mainly B2B, as that is where we find our expertise truly adds significant value for our clients.
New Website in January
As we are celebrating a business milestone, we thought a new website was in order to reflect the business shift. It will highlight our B2B expertise of Advisory, Business Development, Communication and Research. While focusing on the Agriculture, Food, Health, and Nutrition sectors. Stay tuned for our new website in January 2022.
The Trip Decision
After reading about ideas on how to honour 25 years in business, a gift for the founder resonated! 2020 was a shit show for most. Personally, I endured three deaths (including my Mom), plus a health scare of my own in a four-month span in 2020. This shifted something in me and made me more grateful for all the experiences, to be present in the moment (however tough) and to be open to all types of possibilities.
Travel (especially international) has been complicated and uncertain with the global pandemic. But I still wanted to gift myself with a vacation. Therefore, I decided on the banana belt of Canada and after a quick online search, booked myself at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel for five days. Just in time, because I reserved the room rate eight days before the property was awarded Canada #1 Hotel by Condé Nest!
Oak Bay, BC
I have been to Vancouver Island at least three times prior to this vacation, therefore, knew I liked it. This time was very special. I had a wonderful experience in Oak Bay. It’s a quiet waterfront community and my hotel room had an incredible view of the Salish Sea. Every morning I captured the sunrise from my balcony and swam in the mineral pool when it opened at 8 am.
I ate fish or seafood every day. I went on a boating excursion around the Discovery and Chatham Islands on the best weather day. I learned about the Lone Wolf, met seals, bald eagles, and cormorants. I also witnessed how to kill a crab from the boat captain who had learned many years ago from an elder on the island. As an avid traveler, I usually want to try unfamiliar places, but something shifted this trip. Feeling refreshed and focused. Most importantly, I will be back to Oak Bay and the Oak Bay Beach Hotel.
Community Giveback
For years at Christmas, my company has donated to the local Turkey Drive on behalf of clients and team members so families in need can enjoy food during the festive season. In honour of 25 years in business, we will continue to donate to this charity and increase donations, as a result more families can enjoy over holidays.
Celebrating a Business Milestone Final Thoughts
One piece of advice I’ve learned over the past 25 years – as a sole entrepreneur you actually need a solid team. In addition to my clients, I want to thank my team members especially ClubHub, Interkom, Julie Fitz-Gerald, plus all the junior consultants, volunteers, mentors, colleagues, my accountant, and lawyer.
I’m excited for this next chapter in my business journey and look forward to the continued support of our clients and team.