Mary Lou Mamye established Stratford's Own Barbershop in June of 2012. Specializing in men's haircutting, styling, and grooming, the barbershop's popularity grew quickly, expanding from one barber to four working behind the chair in a short time. In 2015, Mary Lou had the opportunity to take over the adjacent unit and started Stratford's Own For Her, Hair Studio and employs two Master Stylists and an aesthetician.
Steadily outgrowing the space for both businesses, Mary Lou is excited to take them to the next level. In August 2021, she will be relocating, rebranding, and integrating both businesses into a brand new 3,000 square foot unit. The newly integrated business will be an AVEDA Concept Spa and will have four facets; a classic barbershop, salon, spa, and an AVEDA retail boutique.
Based on that growth and with a goal of hiring more staff in the future, Mary Lou applied to the Accelerate HER PEI program in 2020 to seek mentorship and training to help manage the growth, and best prepare for the planned success of the next phase of the businesses for herself, and her team. Her application was successful and she joined the cohort of the 12-week pilot program in January 2021.
What would you like to share about your experience in the program?
The Accelerate HER PEI program was very informative and inspiring. Learning to create a goal map and navigate through the various landmarks to ultimately reach my set goal, was truly enlightening. The networking opportunities and resources made available are invaluable in helping women succeed in business.
What did you like best about the program?
Truly, fabulous. The organizers kept it organized with the chosen topics and presenters while keeping us informed as to what was taking place. Although we are a diverse group of entrepreneurs, all topics were relevant to each of us.
How would you describe your experience with the mentor you were matched with for the program?
Very nice, easy to speak to, relatable and VERY knowledgable.
What do you anticipate will be the impact on your business as a result of having participated in the Accelerate HER PEI program?
Besides creating another network of like-minded female entrepreneurs, the biggest impact the program had on me was that there is so much help out there to help your business grow. I had no idea how to access some of the help offered. For instance, who knew that I could hire a business strategist or that someone out there specializes in writing business plans etc? I plan to take advantage of all I've learned from implementing a goal map, funnel writing, speaking to my audience etc.
For more information, visit:
Stratford's Own Barbershop Website
Stratford’s Own Barbershop Facebook Page
Stratford’s Own For Her Website
Stratford’s Own For Her Facebook Page
Supplier Diversity Series - Session #2The Atlantic Canadian Women in Growth Partnership (ACWGP) is hosting the second of three online presentations about supplier diversity Thursday, May 13th from 12-1pm ADT | 12:30-1:30pm NDT.
Register for Session #2 here!
Rather than it being a barrier, for PEIBWA member Elsa Antonia, starting the New Year in the second year of a pandemic actually inspired her to take the leap and pursue her energy healing Reiki practice as a full-time business. An ancient practice, Reiki is still a relatively new health option for many, but it’s proving to be in demand and providing positive results for her clients.
Tell us about your business.
I have Master Level Reiki Certification and have been practicing since 2004. In my practice, I strive to be a clear channel, allowing Universal energy to flow through me and into you, my client. I work to balance your energy field and unblock stagnant energy, but also channel spiritual energy. This connects you to your own intrinsic healing resources - your energy body and spirit. Sessions can address physical or emotional issues. I've worked with clients on a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, chronic or acute pain, migraine headaches, back pain, sinus infections and sleep disorders, as well as with clients who come for energy healing as a compliment to their conventional medical treatment for cancer or other health issues.
What inspired you to start your business?
I've been doing energy healing since 2004, but never made it my business. I always treated it as karma yoga - selfless service - and spent my days working for other people. But in the new Year, I felt a calling to expand my energy healing practice into a business. Soon after, I was approached by new clients. Things naturally unfolded from there, with me settling into an office space at the Charlottetown Area Health Clinic and expanding my practice. Nothing brings me more joy than relieving suffering and connecting others with wellness and vitality. I feel privileged to do this work.
Have you experienced any unexpected surprises since starting your business?
My intuition has become very clear since I've been working on more and different clients. Each person's energy field is unique, and part of my work is to sense where the blocks are in the client's energy flow. I can feel this with my hands hovering over a client's body - the energy feels different where the blocks are, sometimes thicker, or colder, or prickly. Then I use different techniques to release the block and get the energy moving in a healthy way. It's been wonderful to work on clients with different energetic needs and watch them change positively over the course of several treatments.
What have your successes been?
Seeing my clients release what's not serving them, letting go of old emotions or physical pain and feeling stronger, clearer and happier - this brings me a lot of joy. I go into every session with no expectations of the outcome. I do my best to prepare myself, to be a clear channel for the healing energy to come through me, and to be sharply observant so I know what's being asked of me as the practitioner during the healing session. But the result of the healings I can't dictate - all healing is essentially self-healing. The client connects through my hands with the Universal healing energy and the result comes from that interaction. When clients are ready, I teach them self-healing practices they can do at home to support their process, such as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), exercises to balance their energy centres, and meditation.
I also write a blog (found on my site, elsaantonia.com) on spiritual growth and healing, with a focus on emotional support. Clients can find posts organized by emotion or topic designed to assist their daily self-care practice.
How has COVID-19 affected your business? Has it changed the way you operate? Taught you any important lessons?
I opened my business in the thick of COVID-19, but we have been fortunate here on PEI to be able to practice this kind of work despite the pandemic. People need healing and to strengthen their immune systems now, more than ever. Energy healing is one modality that can help the body to naturally heal and strengthen its resilience.
Other than COVID-19, what challenges has your business faced and how have you overcome them?
My own shyness and introversion! I am a quiet and introspective person. I have a tight circle of deep friendships, but I am not a social butterfly, so networking doesn't come naturally to me. I love seeing clients, and I'm warm and friendly, but I have never found self-promotion easy. I am learning to "put myself out there" more. Joining the PEIBWA was part of that. :)
Is there anything else we should know about your business?
I'm covered under most extended health insurance plans, which makes my service a bit more accessible to most people. Energy healing feels different for everyone, and reading about it can only give a pale representation of how it feels to receive it. At the most, it can be life-changing, freeing you from pain, emotional wounds or alleviating health issues you're struggling with. At the least, it's deeply relaxing, soothing and energizing. To find out what it will be for you, come see me and try energy healing for yourself!
For more information about Elsa’s services visit her website or her Facebook page.
If you are a current PEIBWA member and would like to submit your profile for future consideration, please fill out this simple online form!
Based on the success of our recently completed pilot program, we’re rolling out our second Accelerate HER PEI program, beginning May 12th - and we are building our list of potential Mentors.
Learn more about the Accelerate HER PEI program here.
Apply to Become a Mentor Here
NEW! PEIBWA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL CHANGES AND HIGHLIGHTS
PEIBWA is switching to a new standardized annual membership renewal format as of June 1, 2021
Membership fees for 2021 are not increasing.
Members will now be able to automatically renew.
General Information
PEIBWA offers 5 membership levels to suit your organization’s needs:
Membership Level
Number of Members included in Bundle
Annual Membership Fee (without HST)
Annual Membership Fee (including HST)
Student / Retired
1
$25.00
$28.75
Individual / Small Business
3
$78.75
$90.56
Business
10
$157.50
$181.13
Patron
$262.50
$301.88
Corporate Partner
25
$500.00
$575.00
1. Have PEIBWA membership fees increased?
No! There has been no increase to fees for 2021 for any of the membership levels. You will continue to receive member discounts to attend PEIBWA events such as workshops and our annual Symposium..
2. How has the membership billing changed this year?
PEIBWA is moving to a standard annual renewal date of June 1st as of 2021.
Scenario 1: I have a membership in good standing (active and paid as of May 31, 2021 with renewal due after June 1, 2021). Will my membership renewal date automatically be advanced to June 1, 2022?
Yes, it will. In essence you are receiving even more value for your membership with additional months being credited to you. This applies to everyone on your account, for example, if your company has a Business level membership, you can have as many as 10 members on your account including the bundle administrator. All members will have their renewals advanced.
There is no action required of you until June 2022.
Scenario 2: I have let my membership lapse, but I would like to become active again.
We are thrilled to welcome you back! With this transition to a new membership system you will need to create a new account. All lapsed accounts will be suspended as of June, 2021, so if you have not reactivated before that date, you will be required to complete a new profile. Once you have completed a profile and paid your membership dues, your account will be activated, and your renewal will advance to June 2022. To avoid creating a new account, please reactivate before June 1, 2021.
Scenario 3: I am not a member but would like to become one. If I wait until after June 1st will my dues be prorated?
Yes! We will be offering a monthly prorated membership option. If you start or restart your membership after June 1st, a prorated monthly rate will be in effect. The rate will be calculated on a monthly basis, and renewal will again be set at June 2022. (*Corporate membership level is not eligible for a prorated fee.)
Example:
Join PEIBWA anytime in the month of August 2021:
Your membership starts immediately but your membership fees are prorated so you only pay for 10 months, i.e. August - May 31, 2022
Your membership will renew on June 1, 2022.
3. Can I pay my membership fee by e-transfer?
Unfortunately, we are currently unable to process e-transfers but are hoping to offer that service in the future. We can accept all major credit cards or you may make a payment by cheque addressed to PEIBWA to be mailed or dropped off during regular business hours at
25 Queen Street, Suite 25, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4A2
4. Will my account auto-renew in June 2022 (and subsequent years)?
Yes! All active accounts will be set to auto-renew. This will make it easier to enjoy the benefits of membership long-term without having to worry about taking care of this task each year. Simply select the payment options on your profile to indicate which method of payment you would like to use.
Should you prefer not to automatically renew your membership, you will need to deselect the auto-renew option on your profile.
5. Can I change my membership level part way through the year?
No, not until the new membership year, i.e. June. You would make that change when you renew your membership.
6. How can I get a copy of my receipt or invoice?
Sign into your account at PEIBWA site and under your Member Profile select Invoices and Receipts. You will find all member associated payments and invoicing.
Supplier Diversity Series begins May 6The Atlantic Canadian Women in Growth Partnership (ACWGP) is hosting a supplier diversity series! Join us for this 3-part series to learn how supplier diversity could help you achieve your business goals.
Session 1: What is supplier diversity? Thursday, May 6, 2021 from 12-1pm ADT | 12:30-1:30pm NDT Register for session 1 | Register for all 3 sessions
Session 2: Presentation from WBE Canada Learn about the certification process and supports for women business owners. Thursday, May 13, 2021 from 12-1pm ADT | 12:30-1:30pm NDT Register for session 2 | Register for all 3 sessions
Session 3: How supplier diversity is working A panel discussion with corporations and local certified women business owners. Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 12-1pm ADT | 12:30-1:30pm NDT Register for session 3 | Register for all 3 sessions
PEIBWA has launched Transitioning Toward Growth, a suite of three programs, funded by the Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture through the Canada-PEI labour market agreements to support women in business across Prince Edward Island.
The three programs include:
These programs aim to support women business owners in various stages of growth and to provide assistance at a critical time of recovery as a result of COVID-19.
For more information about the individual programs, click on the links above.
We've created one online application that captures the three programs, which is available (along with additional information about each program) at this link.
Preview the application HERE
APPLY NOW
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT!
Join us on Friday, April 16th at 10:00 am to learn more about PEIBWA's brand new initiative accepting applications, Transitioning Toward Growth.
The three programs within this initiative include:
a) Accelerate HER PEI; b) MAPS 2.0; and c) Moving Women Online 2.0
This information session will provide details about the individual programs, the eligibility criteria, time commitment, and the application process. There will be ample time allotted to answer your questions.
Whether you're a potential participant, service provider, or community partner referring clients to resources - this session will orient you to PEIBWA's new programming targeted for women in business!
NOTE: Registration is required to attend. This session will be offered both in-person at PEIBWA's Rural Women's Business Centre in Central Bedeque and virtually. Health and safety protocols including social distancing are in place at the Rural Women's Business Centre. If you are joining us virtually, you will be provided with a Zoom meeting link once you complete your online registration.
Each of these programs aim to support women business owners in various stages of growth and provide assistance at a critical time of recovery as a result of COVID-19.
The Transitioning Toward Growth initiative is funded by the Province's Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture through the Canada-PEI labour market agreements to support women in business across Prince Edward Island.
We are updating our registry of professional service providers interested in being informed about upcoming PEIBWA sponsored programs and opportunities. If your organization provides professional services (eg. legal, human resources, business consulting, web development, etc.) and would like to be added to the registry, we invite you to submit your profile, using THIS LINK. All previous submissions remain on file; this call is for new submissions only. If you have any questions about the registry or would like to update your previously submitted information, please contact PEIBWA Business Development and Membership Officer Jane MacIsaac at jane@peibwa.org.
