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| My mother holding me outside our hut, in the village of Las Marias, Yucuaiquin. La Union, El Salvador |
Background: My mom, My hero
My earliest memory of seeing my mother work outside of our home is when she was a cleaning lady in Houston,Texas. We lived in a diverse
community surrounded by many low-income immigrants. I believe my parents had
their work permits at the time, although our family had been smuggled into the
United States like many others seeking refuge from war and strife in their homelands.
I do not know why I ended up going with my mom to the hotel where she cleaned
rooms. My mom, a young woman in her late 20s was working alongside another
woman. They were changing linens, wiping mirrors, vacuuming, and scrubbing
bathrooms. I was outside busying myself skipping and looking at birds.
I did not notice how tiring the work was or
how fast mom and the other lady were expected to move on to the next room. I do remember that they
made it look so easy. Both of my parents have had a talent for
sheltering me whenever possible from hard realities.
As years passed and we moved to Canada, I
still saw my mom laboring and struggling to get ahead. With strength and resilience she overcame barriers to success and accomplished so much. I remember her work in Ft McMurray
where she was hired as an administrative assistant at one of the oil companies
on site. As the work expected of her grew and went beyond her job description,
I remember her advocating for herself to be treated fairly. She was able to
obtain a completely justified pay raise. And she did not stop there, she then
began to advocate for her co-workers who were Venezuelan immigrants with little
knowledge of Canadian labor standards.
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| Mom and I again, this time in Tipon, near Cusco, Peru |
I have been blessed to know many women like
my mom, who work hard in their jobs outside of their homes and then come home
to work hard in their homes. Having been a mom that works strictly inside of my home, I also have a special appreciation for stay at home moms or homemakers. It is a work that pays in kisses and hugs, cuddles and the lovely "thank you, mom".
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The kids loved our field trip to the Pioneer Museum. Aven wrote this 'thank you' on one of the slates that the museum had. Then they all wanted to write thank you on the chalk boards. Stony Plain, AB |
My experience:
My work experience outside of my home has often been within grassroots organizations. Throughout college, university and the first year of marriage I worked with non-profit organizations and community advocacy groups throughout the Greater Vancouver area. Starting in 2008, I began working part-time
and running an event planning business. Working this way allowed me the flexibility
that I needed for when my first child was in school part days. From 2010-2015 I
had a fantastic full-time job. I got the job in part (I think) because it was God's way of
cheering me up a bit. I had read a talk about how God compensates those who
suffer. I had been unable to have children after our first daughter and when
she started school full-time, the quiet in our home was unbearable. There was a
position in the field of Indigenous Relations which came up and being
passionate about the issues surrounding Indigenous people, I quickly began to
research the role more. It was a job related to the field I had studied in university!
Finally, all my tears and effort of putting myself through school paid off. I
applied for the job and got it!
I LOVED it! I loved the communities and
people I got to know and the emerging issues I as able to take part in
resolving. I loved my role as advisor and tried hard to do my best in all that
was asked of me. I learned a lot from the people around me and made forever
friends too.
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| On the way to Fort Smith, North West Territories. One of 2 communities we had to take a bush plane to visit. |
Although things were not easy for me as a mother working outside of my home, I initially had tremendous support from my management team. When I came back from my second maternity leave, the welcome was not so welcome. Pretty soon I was targeted for taking my lunch one hour early to feed my baby. Even though we had an agreement about it, my manager began to make small changes that affected only me. When I was called into an HR meeting and told that my manager was worried, I would continue to have children forever, I knew my time with the organization was up. While I knew the questions regarding my reproductive choices were human rights violations, and normally not one to back down from a fight, I was weary. I could have stayed and fought, and I am confident I would have won. But looking at what I was giving up being there... Looking at my children's beautiful, heavenly faces I knew that my place was with them. Even if it meant financial insecurity and instability. I was ready to be poor again, heck that is easy when you are an expert! I was born in a hut with dirt floors!
The women leaders who should have been
cheering me on, treating me fairly and enabling my success, were instead driven
by draconian attitudes and processes. The irony of having women management who felt
they could dictate reproductive timelines and decisions regarding my body, was astonishing.
It broke my heart and was a catalyst for a transformation in my thoughts about some
polarizing issues for women and women’s health.
I moved on, and as is usual when my Heavenly
parents are involved, I was compensated for the loss of that job in an
infinitely beautiful way.
What Now?
As my family grew, it became clear for me
that in my situation working outside of my home when the children are small is
not the best use of my time. It irks me when people ask: “Do you work?” In my
head there is the answer: “Hell yeah, I work. How do you think the engine of
our family runs? But I know that they are asking do I work outside of my home. My
more diplomatic response is: “I work inside of my home.” Every person I have
responded this way to, usually does a micro-reflection and, likely remembering the
women in their lives who they have seen working at home (in other words, stay
at home moms or homemakers), they acknowledge that what I do is also work. They
then reword their question.
Now as a business owner who specializes in hand-made
products, I again appreciate the flexibility that working for myself affords.
I have many friends who have their own
business from different parts of the world and with different products or
services. It has been wonderful to learn from their examples and ideas. This
post is dedicated to them and to the women workers inside their homes and
outside of it, throughout the world. Thank you for keeping the world spinning!
Many of us have faced tremendous challenges
in our lives. Some of us have experienced loss and discrimination. Many have had
to fight for the right to be independent and have economic participation in the
communities where we live. We all understand that when women entrepreneurs
succeed, the lives of their families are changed for the better and their communities
benefit.
This post is to highlight some of these amazing
women and to thank them for shining so bright.
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| Amy Thiessen-Roy, owner of Fuel Coffee Bar, Onoway, AB |
My husband and I moved to the area in 2011 from Stony Plain. We both grew up in a small town in southern Alberta and knew the small-town life is where we belonged. After having a couple more children, and being strictly mom for a few years, I grew restless. The kids were all in school for the most part, my youngest just in playschool, but with them not needing me as much I was finding I missed having something that I was good at. I was an accountant between having my oldest and my middle, but I was not ready to go back to that lifestyle full time. One afternoon I was sitting visiting at the gym (because why work out when you can just visit in the reception area, am I right??) and the owner of the gym was lamenting on how she wanted to open a smoothie bar but did not have the time. The next time I was there visiting it came up with a few people how a little café that had specialty coffees had just closed and they were missing it. That night I went home and had a long discussion with my husband, and we decided that Fuel Coffee Bar should be a thing! We used the space that had been allocated in MAD Fitness for the smoothie bar, renovated it a bit and it is a small but mighty space full of great coffee. We do still sell smoothies since that was the original dream. Covid19 closed us down just shy of our one-year anniversary, but we made it thru the summer and fall attending farmers markets in Onoway and Alberta Beach. We had so much fun having an outside booth for the markets, they are such a wonderful atmosphere! I am glad to be back in our space inside for winter though. Being a business owner has brought me so much joy and has done wonders for my mental health. I am so grateful for the support of my husband, friends, and amazing community. Fuel continues to grow, and I look forward to being there every day!
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| Rita-Marie Deleurme, owner of Cottage Flair Woodwork, Onoway, AB |
I previously worked on ambulance and as an EMS dispatcher.
My career in EMS lasted 6 years and I knew it was time for a change. I have
always loved being creative and building unique stuff out of wood. I have
been building things for many years and over the years people have told me I
should sell some of the stuff I make. I always thought I would not be able to
do it but in August of 2019 I had decided it was time to open the business. I
called it Cottage Flair Woodwork. I absolutely love what I do and my journey as
an entrepreneur has been a challenge at times but so rewarding! I love being my
own boss. I have always said it takes a community to build business and that is
so accurate. I could not have accomplished this without the support of my
friends, family, and community. At Cottage Flair Woodwork I take pride in the
customer service and quality of the products. I like to involve the customer in
the design process and make something totally unique that will last for years
to come. I am grateful for the customers, suppliers, graphics designers that
have been a part of this journey with me! Stay tuned for all the exciting
things that are happening in 2021 with Cottage Flair Woodwork and thank you for
your continued support!
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| Estela Valdiviezo Roca, Owner of Suayi Cacao Chucho, Cusco, Peru |
Our family business that opened in mid-2019 was born of a dream and a desire for adventure. Each design and product have our soul, mind, and heart. As an entrepreneur who is also a mother, there were doubts and difficult moments and wanting to quit, but with the support of my family I continued to reach my goals. My church community, friends and family were all part of the start of SUAYI CACAO CHUNCHO. With their support and with the quality of ‘handmade with love’ chocolates, I hope to reach the warmth of many homes. I want to share the unique aromas and best flavors harvested in my homeland.
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| Denisse Bueno, Orthodontist, Cusco Peru Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dra.DenisseBuenoCusco |
I am an orthodontist and have had my private practice for 15 years. My studies include Orthodontics, Periodontics and Implants yet my family is my priority. With my husband I help my children be the best that they can be before God. I love being a dentist because I can return the safety and confidence within myself to my patients through a beautiful smile.
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| Natasha Gurney, Make-Up Artist at Seint, Lethbridge, AB |
My Name is Tasha I am a makeup artist as well as a part of a beauty
company called Seint Beauty. I have always loved the Beauty industry and longed
for a way to make it more accessible to women who want a nice routine that does
not take all the time in the world and is user friendly! I believe that beauty
is in every face I see. As a woman of colour finding the right shade of make up
was always difficult. Seint beauty has me covered and I am super grateful for
this opportunity to serve women! Love Your Face XOXO Tasha
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| Sharon Doubt and Nerry Ortigas, mom and daughter duo at Sharon Bryans Designs, Langley, BC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharonbryandesigns Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonbryandesigns/ Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/sharonbryandesigns/ |
We are a small business located in Langley, BC and we sell face masks
for both Adults & Children. At the height of the Pandemic earlier last
year, my mom and I saw that there is a great need for homemade face masks due
to shortages of disposable masks in the market. My mom and I decided to make
masks for our family and friends initially. With my mom’s 30 years of
experience as a professional seamstress by trade and my love for crafting, we
decided to team up and serve our community here in Langley. We were initially
selling on Facebook and due to high demand, we decided to open an Etsy store in
June of last year. We have been busy ever since. It has been a continuous
learning process for both of us as we perfect our design and listen to our customer feedback. My mom and I wanted to create masks that are
not only protective and follow CDC guidelines but also comfortable and stylish
since some people wear them for a long period of time. One of my favorite
things about this job is selecting fabrics that are soft and comfortable. I
want our collection to reflect fabrics that are lovely and bring one joy when
wearing them. I wanted to create something beautiful. Wearing masks is not
always comfortable but it is one of those things that are necessary at this
point so we might as well wear one in fun patterns that we like.
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| Isela Rivera, Surgeon and Orthdontist, Valle Bravo, Mexico |
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| Marina Meléndez Adarga, Owner of Marina's 4 Seasons, Edmonton, AB |
Hello, my name is Marina. I am originally from Mexico, but I live in Edmonton with my family. I love to craft and have a lot of ideas to share. Currently, I make USB lamps and preserved flower jewelry. Check out my page and LIKE
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| Bailey Aulenbach, Owner of Midnight Mama Sleep Consulting, Ft McMurray, AB |
Bailey Aulenbach is a Sleep Consultant and the owner of Midnight Mama Sleep Consulting. She specializes in working with children 0-6 years old. What exactly is it that she does? She works with exhausted parents and helps them get their children sleeping well, and through the night. She also provides TONS of follow-up support, so you are never left feeling unsupported, confused, or frustrated. Moms say they find her approach refreshing, easy-to-follow, and they love the daily support they receive from her as you meet your sleep goals.
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| Sinive, Seely, Executive Coach and Consultant, Lac St Anne, AB Website: http://www.siniveseely.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/siniveseely Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiniveSeely/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinive-seely-64a950a/ |
My name is Sinive Leah Seely. I am a Coach, Consultant, Speaker, Facilitator, Wife and Mom. I grew up on the beaches of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and transitioned to Canada as a teenager having spent half my life down under, and the other half here in Canada. Today I live on the shores of beautiful Lac Ste. Anne.
My company tagline is to
Live an Inspired Life on Purpose, and I believe that is ultimately what we are
all here to do. It is why I get out of bed every morning with the intention to
live each day to the fullest and support others to do the same.
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| Jacqueline Ochoa, owner of Mi Casa Gifts and Designs, Onoway, AB |
