Thursday, March 14, 2013 The Cloverdale Reporter 9

WOMEN inBusiness2013

When looking up the definit ion of a Life Strategist, I discovered the example below, which explicit ly defines who I am. I recollect having these traits from a very young age and was taught by my parents to be unbiased and nonjudgmental…by always being a friend. I have learned to l isten to my intuition and am not surprised that my l ife path has led me to helping advocate for women by serving as a mentor and facil itator whereby helping develop practical strategies as we walk through Life 101…together. A l ife strategist is someone who loves people and understands the importance of developing others. They are selfless, knowledgeable, experienced, trained, intuitive, nonjudgmental, objective, and offers a three-dimensional perspective of l ife and l iving. A Life Strategist is practices a balanced l ifestyle, serves as a role model, and leads by example.

Life strategists must be understanding and have the capacity to empathize with others. They must extend themselves beyond the confines of traditional counseling by acting in a coaching capacity

The Cloverdale

A special feature of the Cloverdale Reporter

WOMEN2013 A special feature of the Cloverdale Reporter

We salute the hard working women entrepreneurs who

make Cloverdale an amazing place to live, work and play.

Annik Optical ...................604-574-7775

Bell One Touch Wireless . 778-574-4447

Canadian H2O to Go. . . . 604-575-0426

Central Valley Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . 604-575-7007

Chevron Station . . . . . . . 604-574-0040

Clover Care Dental Clinic ....................604-575-4747

Clover Care Medical Clinic . . . . . . . . . 604-574-7883

Cloverdale Dental Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-574-3522

Cloverdale Physiotherapy & Sports Clinic . . . . . . . . . . 604-574-4342

Coast Capital Savings . . . 604-517-7000

Curves For Women . . . . . 604-576-2221

Dairy Queen . . . . . . . . . . 604-576-4811

Dollarama . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-574-2155

D-W Services . . . . . . . . . 604-574-9396

Edward Jones . . . . . . . . . 604-575-0322

Essential Nail . . . . . . . . . 604-575-4602

Express Employment Professionals . . . . . . . . . . 604-575-8181

FHA - Audiology Clinic . . 604-575-5100

FHA - Cloverdale Public Health . . . . . . . . . . 604-575-5100

ICBC Expressway . . . . . . 604-661-2255

Invis-Feisal & Associates Mortgage Consulting .......................604-576-1412

John L Randall Law Of� ce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-576-3889

Just Great Clothes . . . . . 604-576-2030

Kevin Falcon MLA . . . . . . 604-576-3792

KFC / Taco Bell . . . . . . . . 604-576-7450

LS Quality New & Used Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-575-2224

LifeLabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-576-6111

Love Those Shoes . . . . . . 604-575-3831

Marketplace IGA . . . . . . . 604-574-9688

Oschanney Management & Consulting Group CMA’s .................604 372 4116

Petro Value Products . . . 604-576-0004

Quality Wine Cellars . . . . 604-574-4407

Recreation Vehicle Dealers Assoc of BC . . . . . . . . . . 604-575-3868

Rusty’s Neighborhood Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-574-5512

Salty’s Fish & Chips . . . . . 604-575-2115

Sashimi Sushi . . . . . . . . . 604-575-3889

Sizzor’s ‘N Style Unisex Hair & Beauty Salon… ............ 604-372-2525

Shoppers Drug Mart . . . . 604-574-7436

Subway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604-576-5878

Tan de Soleil .....................604-575-1456

The Co-operators . . . . . . 604-575-8711

UPS Store # 382 . . . . . . . 604-575-5095

Annik Optical

Bell One Touch Wireless

Canadian H2O to Go

Central Valley Chiropractic

Chevron Station

Clover Care Dental Clinic

Clover Care

Clover Square Village salutes all the hardworking business owners at Clover Square Village!

10 The Cloverdale Reporter Thursday, March 14, 2013

Dal Turna, Deli Department

Kirsten Shaw, Deli Manager

Shirl

ey Riske, Baker Manager

We’re here to answer your questions and provide the friendly, helfpul service you’ve come to expect.

Enjoy the variety of fresh breads and bakery treats from our Bakery Department, and delicious meats and cheeses from

around the world in our deli. We’re proud to be your destination for the beginnings of memorable get togethers and family dinners.

17710 - #10 Hwy. in Clover Square Village604-574-9688 Open daily 8:00am – 9:00pm

Make itDelicious

this Spring!Picnics, Parties, or just good old Family Fun.

Let our Deli and Bakery Department help!

102-18640 Fraser Highway, Surrey, BC.

(604) 372-3930

HOURSMon - Tue: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wed: 9:00 am - 5:00 pmThu: 1:00 pm - 9:00 pmFri: 11:00 am - 7:00 pmSat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

WE’RE ONLINEwww.eyeoptometry.biz

“like” us at www.facebook.com/eye.optom

Maneet Bains & Dr. Priya Vohora

EYE OPTOMETRY

Dr. Priya VohoraDr. Priya VohoraDr. Priya Vohora

All � us are scared � the unknown but the only thing you can do is to do � atever it is that you want to do and do the b� t you can with no regr� s, you are sure

to succeed!

eye.Optometry is Cloverdale’s newest full service optical boutique. We are an independent optometrist of� ce dedicated to offering the highest quality, comprehensive health and vision care services to all of our patients. Our goal is to make everyone’s experience at eye. Optometry a memorable one.

Being business owners means a lot to us. We had previously worked together at a big chain of� ce and we noticed so many weaknesses and dissatisfaction in the way things were being conducted- not only from an employee’s perspective, but from a patient’s as well. That is what got the ball rolling for us. We had always had a dream of opening our own clinic, how we would do things differently, and what would allow us to stand out from the rest. Being friends and having the same vision, it was obvious to us that we were destined to do this. The age old saying ‘anything is possible’ was really put to the test, but it holds true and we’re proud of our accomplishments thus far.

When you walk in to eye.Optometry, you will notice instantly that this is like no other clinic. From the modern decor, to the array of frame choices; the environment re� ects the ladies’ warm and welcoming personalities. You can count on them to treat you in a polite and professional manner. Their aim to make their patients feel welcomed with the cozy environment and complimentary cof-fee and tea is de� nitely achieved!

True to their roots, and gracious in their attitude, the ladies hold the support of their families in high regard. ‘None of this would have been possible without the support from our families who have been there for us every step of the way to help us accomplish our dream!’

Our advice to other potential women in business? You will never know until you try. That is one thing that we would pass on to any other woman out there who is scared to take the leap into the business world. All of us are scared of the unknown, but the only thing you can do is try. Together with hard work and persever-ance, you are sure to succeed. The leap of faith is the hardest part. Also, having patience. Not everything happens overnight. That is the hardest thing that we are constantly battling, but learning to deal with. We owe a lot to our friends and family that have given us a tremendous amount of motivation. We consider ourselves very lucky, and are very grateful to have such a great support system.

Being such great friends and business partners has also been a blessing. We balance each other out and have an understand-ing relationship that is very hard to achieve. We have a lot to be thankful for.

Helena Lloyd, owner of Mates Uniforms, in the his-toric Downtown Cloverdale is a community-oriented

businesswoman who really loves what she does.

She is a second-generation entrepreneur. Both par-ents were hard working businesspeople who taught her and her family to work hard, be true to your word and treat people like you wish to be treated yourself. That is where she learned about customer service.

Helena tries to go beyond the norm and offer the best service she can. She says, “the most common remark as people are leaving is “thanks for all your help, and of course we reply you’re very welcome, anytime!”

Honesty is what drives her business, as well as the opportunity to meet lots of people, many doctors and nurses with very interesting stories.

Her greatest accomplishment is a program called ‘HUGS’ - Healthcare Uniforms Giving Smiles, a pro-gram where she collects gently used uniforms and sends them overseas.

You don’t have to be a “uniform-oriented” person to visit Helena. A new and exciting item in the store is quality yoga wear and Firma compression wear. When you wear these comfortable leggings you will notice that the slimming effect continues once you take the leggings off. Check it out and say hello!

Mates Uniforms

• MEDICAL • DENTAL

• VETERINARY • CHEFWEAR

Historic Downtown

Cloverdale 5696 176 St

778-574-7004

Helena Lloyd

MATES UNIFORMS

“Mom and Dad...� � taught us

how to work hard, be true to your word and treat people like you

wish to be treated yourself ”

Thursday, March 14, 2013 The Cloverdale Reporter 11

Tricia’s Gems

“My customers have b� ome � iends. � � keep me

m� ivated”

Hours: Mon-Wed 10-5 Thurs-Sat 10-5:30 Sun 11-4pm5679 176th Street, Cloverdale

604-575-3069

WE’RE ONLINE!http://triciasgems.com/ www.facebook.com/triciasgems

There is no doubt about it, Tricia Ellingsen of Tricia’s Gems is a high energy woman who was born for business. She comes from a self employed family, and is married to an entre-preneur. She lives and works in Cloverdale, with her husband, two sons, and a part time dog.

Her boundless enthusiasm and gemstone knowledge have founded her quality products, and expanded into name brand jewellery lines. Tricia’s is excited to carry Trollbeads, Cha-milia, Kameleon, Thomas Sabo, GemDrops, Ice925, Lady Lanell’s � ip � ops, Heet, ELLE, Story and Aagaard Mens lines. You’ll see it all — when it comes to the latest jewellery accessory or time honored favorites for women, children, or men! Her store is the “go to” place to � nd the perfect gift item that � ts anyone’s budget.

“Being a business owner is rewarding but hard work. I love being in downtown historic Cloverdale, where everyone knows each other when you walk down the street” said Tricia. She is proud of that fact that 11 years ago she started her business from nothing, and now employs 10 staff.

Hard work has paid off for Tricia. Her customer � rst attitude is one of the reasons for her success. “We love what we do, people are attracted by our skills and competencies, and by our energy. I am not much of a relaxer, but do enjoy family time by going to our cabin to quad or ski”

With a passion for her community — sitting on the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association; working together for new ways to improve and keep the charm of downtown historic Cloverdale — if she is not donating thousands of dollars to local schools and char-ities, she is donating her time to both her sons’ hockey teams. If you have ever been by the store during any of Cloverdale’s many parades or show n shines you will have experienced her family, staff, and of course Tricia, with her “Webkinz wheel”, handing out balloons, and truly enjoying our community.

This year, Tricia is taking her business to the next level, and launching an online website where customers can go shopping and get their items shipped to their home. The store itself has undergone changes over the years. This year, the store has received it’s biggest face lift. New display cabinets, lighting, paint, and a new “shop-in-shop” experience means you can look and touch Thomas Sabo, Trollbeads and Chamilia as you please.

Most of all Tricia enjoys the day to day interactions with the staff and customers in the

store. “My staff and customers have become my friends, they keep me motivated!”

Melissa Schreiber, Debbie Arabsky, Shayle Meline, Tricia Ellingsen, Debbie Beck, Tamara Smith

Missing, Lynn Kowalski, Karen Staats, Rhonda Schreiber, Susan Colorado,

Marcie has a Master of Arts Degree in Con� ict Analysis and Management and has made frequent public speaking appearances for television, radio, conferences and group functions. Marcie is a life strategist and is the owner of W.I.S.E. [Women In Strength Everywhere].

Are you a woman who is trying to bring change to your life and make transformational life choic-es but don’t know where to begin or who to communicate with to make those changes happen? You are not alone.

There are many women who have a ‘wish’ list a mile long but don’t know how to make ‘IT’ happen or where to go to � nd out. You have come to the right place! W.I.S.E. offers regular in person meet-ings for women to connect, grow, learn and be inspired. Our weekly events allow opportunities for women to network with other women in a fun, professional and safe environment. We offer live events, online events and to help you bring change to your life, we have experts to guide you with quality advice and expertise.

Become a member of W.I.S.E and enjoy member-only perks, events, discounts, and lots more. We Bene� t Women Of All Ages and Provide a Community for women and are committed to under-standing each woman’s unique need; whether it is through business or personal. We endeavor to achieve our goals through a collaboration of a community of women empowering each other via effective and creative solutions, through education and training. We pride ourselves in our diverse and diligent group of women who are committed to assisting others from having walked their own journey. We also offer one on one value and inspirational & informative sessions to empow-er women to show up for their lives with con� dence by helping women to claim their strength enough to rewrite the new story of their life! The SUCCESS of our business is re� ective on trust and respect from the sharing, growth and empowerment through various groups of women of all ages, who � nd joy in forming strong alliances and celebrate their accomplishments by combining their resources without judgment and in gratitude. Follow your dreams…� nd your passion and W.I.S.E. will help you to pursue it. Be the change you wish to see.

Marcie Munro, MACEO, WISE (Women in Strength Everywhere)

(604) 639 - 9473

www.wisewomeninstrength.com www.facebook.com/marcie.munro

www.linkedin.com

Marcie Munro, MA

Women of all ages - from all walks of life who have a story to share and who choose to help ‘tap’ into each others potential by helping drive them toward SUCCESS! WIN-WIN worldwide, are ideal members for W.I.S.E.

“Follow your dreams…� nd your p� ion”

I am a teacher of Meditation and Yoga and founder of the Sookshma Centre for OverallWell-being. I conduct Sookshma Yoga wellness pro-grams to promote healing and rejuvenate the body and mind for overall health & well-being. Please visit our website: www.

sookshma.ca - about the Sookshma Centre, with student testimonials.

Here are some articles on Sookshma Yoga that have been published in various Canadian magazines: http://www.sunita.ca/print.php

Our related non-pro� t centre showcasing our Sookshma events in the Lower Mainland: http://peacetreecentre.wordpress.com/

The Sookshma Program helps individuals of diverse age groups regain, revitalize and rejuvenate all aspects of life including physical, mental,

emotional and spiritual well-being. Sookshma has and continues to facilitate sim-ple lifestyle adjustments for people with complex diseases in order to heal and rewrite their life. I’ve worked with and improved the health and well-being of re-covering Cancer patients, patients with IBS, Colitis, Crohn’s, Arthritis, Diabetes, Asthma, Hypertension, Obesity, Sleep disorders, Depression and Stress, helped children to increase their focus and performance in their education, artistic, and athletic endeavors. More recently I’ve been bringing about transformation in the lives of inmates at correctional centres through Sookshma meditation.

What is unique about the Sookshma Program: it is accessible to anyone, any age group, any � tness ability, anyone with all sorts of health issues or none at all. it is a tool to improve your well being and learn to incorporate a healthy lifestyle to strengthen and empower your physical body, mind and spirit. It is a solution to the challenges we all face dealing with the stress that the modern world and lifestyle expose us to. It is tailor made for everybody who wants to achieve a healthier lifestyle and improve their well-being.

My greatest professional accomplishment to date has been seeing all the peo-ple who have used the Sookshma program as a tool and have bene� ted immense-ly in terms of leading healthier lifestyles, well being, and the success that comes with it re� ected in their improved academic and career performance, � nancial success, improved health, healthier relationships, self-empowerment, increased creativity, the list is endless. I’ve been happy seeing my IBS/Crohn’s, Colitis pa-tients completely recover after being told by their doctors that there was no cure, and no hope for recovery.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers? I’ve learnt that the best advice to anyone wanting to become successful in business or otherwise, is to know that anything is possible and great goals can be accomplished only if you have a healthy body, mind and spirit. Make health your � rst priority, and learn to give your positive energy to that intention, and the Universe will bring success in every aspect of your life to you.

What are you doing in 2013? My goal is to transform the lives of more people through the Sookshma Program, help more people achieve the life they’ve always dreamt of through Sookshma.

Sookshma Centre

778-571-2443

WE’REONLINE www.sookshma.ca

Sunita Bapooji

SOOKSHMA YOGA WELLNESS

Helping people is my p� ion

The Cloverdale Chamber of Com-merce can open the door to new

business opportunities. Our organi-zation encourages membership par-ticipation, interaction, and a strong voice to municipal, regional provin-cial and federal governments.

Our uniqueness lies in the fact that we’re the only Chamber in Clover-dale!

There are too many exceptional in-� uences to list that encouraged me in my business endeavors, but I en-courage you as a new business to join the Chamber of Commerce and get involved in your community. It’s probably the best advice I can give.

I love to play tennis, read and cook in my off-time.

I have a 2013 goal — sign up all the businesses in Cloverdale! Give me a call so we can get started working together.

5748 176 StDowntown Cloverdale

604.574.9802 Email:

clovcham@axion.net

HOURS:MON-FRI 9-5

CLOSED SUNDAY

WE’REONLINE

www.cloverdale.bc.ca/chamber/

Mary Copping, Membership & Administration

CLOVERDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

“� e � rst step in your new busin�

is to Join the Chamber �

Commerce and g� involved in your

community”

Join the Chamber

today

12 The Cloverdale Reporter Thursday, March 14, 2013

Malary’s Fashion Network’s owner, Yvonne Hogenes has al-ways had an entrepreneurial spirit, so growing her business from a small style-oriented store to a full family business that is vertically integrated, in her words was “not a choice!” She believes business ownership gives her the freedom to affect positive changes and help to in� uence her customer base.

And she has. Her niche products integrate health and fash-ion, providing her customers with a unique answer to many issues, from a great � tting bra (Tab Bras) to her Firma line, which is one of the most innovative products to hit the mar-ket in years. Ask her about them. There’s also an education-al component to her business. She believes her greatest in-� uences have been her loyal customers, who tell her what their needs are, and her colleagues, as they learn and grow together.

As her business has grown, one thing that has served Yvonne well over the years is a spirit of persistance and endurance, but most of all, a good ear, to really listen to her customers and � ll their needs.

When Yvonne has “down-time” she spends it travelling, read-ing, knitting and cooking.

Her number one business goal this year is to help raise mon-ey and awareness for SAS Society of Surrey through stra-tegic partnerships with like-minded businesses and product lines. She wants to give back to the community and make a signi� cant difference, and she intends on doing that by sur-rounding herself with great people who want the same goals.

5755 176 St, Surrey, BC

604-574-6402

Like us on Facebook

www.malarys.com

Julie McBeth, Joann Messenger, Yvonne Hogenes and Marion Reid

MALARYS FASHION NETWORK

“You need to s� goals

and dream dreams!

I love being my own boss and take pride in the store’s success.

Our customers are loyal and consign-ment is all about trust — trust that we will look after their clothing and sell it in a timely manner. Our shoppers trust that we have current up-to-date, and in the right season clothing. Both Charlene and I love fashion. We get excited about every customer that comes in the door with their pieces to consign — fun piec-es to change up our displays or trendy pieces to sell. We are constantly research-ing through magazines or on the web trending styles and share this with each customer to help them stay on fashion. I love coming to work every day, and enjoy what I do and each and every customer. Success comes in many facets, not just � -nancial. I tell my children when picking a career, follow what you love, what you are passionate about and you will be suc-cessful. — Paige.

5685 176 St, Surrey

604-576-1010

HOURS:MON-SAT10-5

CLOSED SUNDAY

WE’REONLINE

www.clotheslineconsignment.

comlike us on facebook

Paige Hardy and Charlene Gray

CLOTHESLINE CONSIGNMENT

“I tell my children � en picking a

career, follow � at you love, � at

you are p� ionate about and you

will be succ� ful.”

5748 176 Street, Cloverdale, BC 604.576.1277

WE’REONLINE

www.cloverdale-computers.ca

like us on facebook

Carole Stone

CLOVERDALE COMPUTERS

Tell us about your business! Any business or individ-ual with PC or Mac computer related problems. No job too big or too small. Mobile or in-store repair service of computers/laptops, printers, screens & mainboards. In-stallation and troubleshooting networking & security cameras. Sell new and used on just about everything relating to computers, peripherals, printers & parts.

What does being a business owner mean to you? I like making the big plan work. Making sure all the knots are tied! Orchestrating the big event! I love the challenge!

What is unique about the services you provide? No matter if you’re the Bank or the Regular Guy we do our very best for you. Price wise & as fast as possible. We take care of it all your place or ours.

What has been your greatest in� uence in business? Going from running a home with family to entering business. Much the same. The people have changed.

What is your greatest accomplishment? Being here after 11 years. Even though big box competitors are near-by now my business grows.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years? Any-thing can be � xed!

What do you do for fun? Downhill skiing, ice-skating, dance, reading (though not much time for relax) I also enjoy playing sports with needy kids.

Any special plans for 2013? Open Store #2 & help cus-tomers with security camera installations.

How do you motivate yourself and stay motivated?My customer’s needs motivate me!

I like making the big plan work. Making sure

all the kn� s are tied!

Fedewich & Witt provides legal services includ-ing: real estate transfers, mortgages, wills, pow-ers of attorney, contracts and much more.

I decided to become a notary public as my dad, El Fedewich, opened the notary practice in Clo-verdale in 1978 and he loves his career. I help people with their legal work and through the process I get to really know our clients and their families. I have always enjoyed working with the public, and with words and numbers. It is a great � t for me.

I have been mentored by my father, as well as other notaries. As a director of the Society of Notaries Public for 6 years, I had the privilege of working with some of the best notaries in the province. I learned a lot from the directors and our CEO. The work was very inspiring.

To succeed in business over a long time one must work hard consistently, really listen to your clients and treat them as friends. Training and trusting employees is also essential.

For fun I love to be outdoors. My family skis, snowshoes, bikes, hikes, plays tennis and bad-minton, snorkels and scuba dive. We also love to travel.

My goal this year is to use more technology in our marketing.

Fedewich and Witt

Notary Public

#5661 - 176A StCloverdale, BC604.576.9468

WE’REONLINE

wwwfedewichwitt.com

Trish Fedewich

FEDEWICH AND WITT NOTARIES PUBLIC

“You need to always really li� en to your clients and think them as your � iends.

Ch� k your ego at the door.”

Thursday, March 14, 2013 The Cloverdale Reporter 13

Gloria Mcgalliard604-614-4391

Greyfriars Realty#7, 15531 - 24 Avenue

Surrey, BC604-596-2606

we’re onlinewww.facebook.com/GreyfriarsRealty

Gloria Mcgalliard

Greyfriars Realty

“A satisfi ed client is my great� t m� ivation”

GLORIA MCGALLIARD GREYFRIARS REALTY

Tell us about your businessI am an independent Realtor associated with Greyfriars Re-alty, a well established Brokerage Firm located in the Fraser Valley. We specialize in providing home marketing evalu-ations, and a team structure that insures the best possible customer experience. Greyfriars Realty is also known for their Mortgage Company and Trade Policy program. The re-gion I focus on is the Cloverdale, Surrey and Langley area.

What makes your service unique?I specialize in downsizing. At some point, we all may deal with the challenge of selling the family home and moving on to the next phase in our lives. I have assembled the resourc-es and partners that will provide expert advice and guidance for clients who have reached this point in their lives. Keep a lookout for our free downsizing seminars which we hold several times per year at local community venues.

Greatest accomplishment in business?My greatest business accomplishment was achieving Medal-lion status after my � rst year of business! Medallion status is an award given to the top 10% of producers in the various regions of the Real Estate board.

What do you do for fun?We are an active family that enjoys skiing, biking, social-izing with friends and taking in all the local activities and events in our community.

How do I motivate myself and stay motivated?When you love what you do it’s not hard to stay motivated. I look forward to helping my clients with important decisions and changes in their lives. A satis� ed client is my greatest motivation.

Common Cents

Bookkeeping & Tax

304-15261 Russell Avenue

White Rock V4B 2P7

604-536-6756

WE’REONLINE

www.commoncents-bookkeeping.ca/

Monique Isherwood

COMMON CENTS BOOKKEEPING & TAX

“Keep an open mind and

never stop learning”

We offer professional, commercial bookkeeping services to small to medium sized business as well as corporate & per-

sonal tax services.

As a professional business person and a single parent I wanted � exibility to be part of my daughter’s daily life, so I took my rath-er extensive bookkeeping skillset and decided to start the book-keeping business in 1999. It � ourished and I still have clients today that started with me back at the beginning. As I was turn-ing work away for many years I decided to expand the business into a commercial of� ce and now have staff with backgrounds on various types of businesses giving us more insight into all of our clientele. I have only recently begun the personal and corporate tax side which only made sense. Many of our clients already have a clean set of books; the tax � ling remains very straightforward keeping the cost down. We have become a full service � rm with a 30 year tax accountant on staff.

What is unique about the service that you provide? We aren’t just your in-home bookkeeping service anymore. We offer full-ser-vice in all aspects, and work with government agencies. My staff have years of experience and we also offer one-stop bookkeeping and tax. We have regular of� ce hours and we’re competitive in our pricing. We are the “home of the $50 personal tax return”.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers? Never say can’t. Always stay positive & take the time to get to know your clients because just a few minutes of listening can mean the world of difference to a business owner plus it gives you added insight into their busi-ness.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years? Keep an open mind and never stop learning. And most of all take a chance once in a while. It would have been easy to not expand my business and to just stay in my comfort zone but I have met so many wonderful people along the way that I couldn’t imagine not having done this.

How do you motivate yourself and stay motivated? I just really like what I do. People think that bookkeeping is so ‘boring’ but I � nd that it is really interesting talking to and getting to know different people and their businesses. We have such a variety of clientele that it is just never boring and I’m always learning.

Common Cents

never stop learning”

17582 56A Ave Cloverdale

604-574-4044

HOURS:Mon-Wed 10-5

Thur-Sat 10-am-9pmSunday 10am - 5pm

WE’REONLINE

www.createitemporium.comlike us on facebook

Sisters Stefanie O’Keeffe and Joanna Redfern

CREATE - IT EMPORIUM

“We feel embraced by the community

� Cloverdale and are thrilled to be

entrepeneurs in this great place!”

Sisters Stefanie O’Keeffe and Joanna Redfern have both been in-volved in the arts their whole lives and recognize the importance

of expressing creativity.

On November 1, 2012, they opened up Create-It Emporium in beau-tiful downtown Cloverdale as a new beginning after many years of raising children and working in other careers.

Stefanie has been playing piano her whole life and has taught for the Royal Conservatory of Music, she also holds degree in Biology from SFU. She spent the past ten years raising four kids, with the youngest enrolling in Kindergarten this year. Joanna has been in-volved in theatre her whole life and holds a BEd from U of A and an MA in Theatre from UBC. She has spent the better part of the past twelve years teaching, most recently at the University of the Fraser Valley and raising her two kids. But a year ago, Stefanie decided that when her youngest was in school full time she wanted to re-enter the workforce - but on her terms. After a trip to Europe, she came back with the idea of a “make it cafe” where people could go to an arts studio and � nd their creativity in a variety of arts and crafts.

She invited Joanna to come on board and “Create-It Emporium” was launched. The studio is a culmination of both of their passions for the arts and creativity. At Create-It Emporium you can paint pottery, fuse glass, learn to draw, paint, crochet, knit, sew and hold all your special celebrations in a fun and creative way. Even though they have just opened, they feel embraced by the community of Cloverdale and are thrilled to be entrepeneurs in this great place!

14 The Cloverdale Reporter Thursday, March 14, 2013

I founded my business in 2008 while com-pleting a diploma in horticulture at Kwan-tlen Polytechnic University in Langley. Armed with a passion for gardening and all things plants, I hadn’t any concern of getting wet or dirty. I enjoy being out-doors! I also enjoy meeting people and be-ing able to offer them tips and advice on how to improve their gardens and outdoor spaces.

The focus of my college studies has been landscape design and installation, and I have come away from my training with a sound knowledge of design principles, horticultural practices and plant knowl-edge that I can now share with others.

I believe that a well-designed landscape should complement nature and make use of local resources, and it is my goal to help my customers achieve their desired out-comes based on this philosophy.

Jacqueline Hohmann

Certi� ed Landscape Technician

ISA Certi� ed Arborist PNW7145A

Tree Risk Assessor #1660

5996 186 StSurrey

778.997.2385

HOURS:MON-SAT10-5

CLOSED SUNDAY

WE’REONLINE

www.one� nebackyard.

com

Jacqueline Hohmann

LASTING LANDSCAPES

“a well-d� igned landscape should

complement nature and make

use � local r� ourc� ”