Everyday is International Women's Day in Fenelon Falls
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish”
-Michelle Obama
International Women’s Day is taking place on Monday, March 8th. The theme this year is #Choosetochallenge. Choose to challenge the world, and with that comes change. International Women’s Day was first honoured in 1911 by Austria, Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany. Men and Women attended rallies that campaigned for Women’s rights to work, vote, and end discrimination. On the eve of WWI, Russian Women campaigned for peace and observed their first International Women’s Day. In 1975, International Women’s Day was celebrated for the first time by the United Nations. Fast forward to 2021, the world has witnessed a significant change in society’s view on Women’s emancipation and equality. We have Female astronauts, Prime Ministers, and beyond that, Women have rights!
In our village, we have a web of Female owned businesses, a majority of Women sitting on boards, Volunteering, and a plethora of opportunities for young girls to pursue their dreams with strong Female role models as guides. It is incredible to see the shift in the world's perspective on Women, and how far Women have come since 1911. I believe the biggest change starts at home, and what is truly inspiring is the number of Women who have grown our village and strengthened our community in outstanding ways. This article is to highlight some of the amazing Women in Fenelon Falls who have all contributed to the advancements Women have made in society over the years. Our Women thrive each and every day. This progress will continue if we “think globally, act locally, and make everyday International Women’s Day”!
Whether you are a Mother, a Business Owner, a Volunteer, an Advocate, or anything else in between, our village would not be what it exists to be today. Thank you for your contributions towards creating a community that empowers Women!
For more information on International Women’s Day, please visit https://www.internationalwomensday.com
Megan and Robyn Barton | Co-Founders of Barton Creative Co.
We’re Robyn and Megan, founders of Barton Creative Co., a marketing + branding agency that we’ve built from a local firm to one servicing international clients.
I think one of the reasons our business has thrived is because we truly embrace being female entrepreneurs to the fullest. Since we first launched as a creative partnership between sisters-in-law in October 2016, we're worked really hard to make sure that we are mindful of our values, what kind of leaders we want to be, and what our goals are for the future. We've slowly been able to add more members to our team, work with fellow amazing female entrepreneurs, give back to our community, and find a healthy balance between our work and family lives. Our recent achievements include being recognized with a Marketing Excellence award by the Lindsay Chamber of Commerce, welcoming new team members (we now have 8 in total, 5 of which are fellow female entrepreneurs), and we have incorporated our business.
Our words of encouragement to a woman who is considering becoming an entrepreneur are: believe in yourself. Entrepreneurship isn't easy, but you can do it. Think of all of the challenges you've overcome in your life already and know that entrepreneurship has the potential to be one of the most rewarding of all. Also, know where to focus your time and energy. Be willing to walk away from things that do not align with your values or goals. Women entrepreneurs have powerful perspectives to offer in all industries - walk with confidence. Above all, trust yourself and your intuition, it’s rarely wrong.
Lynne Manning | #ChooseToChallenge: Creating a Space for Women in Business, Volunteering and Leadership
When I divorced at 40 years of age, I was an unemployed, single mother of three girls between the ages of 2 and 9. Today, I am a proud grandmother, retired CEO and active community volunteer here in Fenelon Falls. I chair the Downtown Revitalization Committee, am on the board of the Kawartha Works Community Co-operative, am a member of the Downtown Revitalization Advisory Committee for the City of Kawartha Lakes and am also on the Board of Kawartha Lakes Community Futures. My experience in the business world has taught me how to use my voice to self-advocate and to get my message across, for the benefit of our community.
But, I was not always such a prominent woman in the volunteer and business world. When I was divorced, with no experience, I struggled to find a job and ended up working as a temporary in the office of an employment agency. Initially, this was a world I knew nothing about, but this job allowed me invaluable insight into how the business world worked. I knew I had also found an industry that I loved and for which I had talent, a passion that remains many years later.
At this position, I learned that management was often like running a family, for which I was well equipped with my three daughters. It was here that I acquired the skills to start my own business, a small temporary help business in Edmonton. I then sold it and moved to Toronto to work for Kelly Services Inc., where I built it to be the biggest in Canada at that time, responsible for 55 offices nationwide with a staff of over 90% female workers, for many of whom I was a close mentor. My initial position at an employment agency, combined with hard work, some luck, a strong family, and good management helped me attain my dreams, finding my place as a woman in business.
Since then, my three young daughters have all ended up being very talented women in their own fields and great mothers. As for myself, I married again to a great man. Now retired, I live in the Fenelon Falls area at a cottage we purchased in 1996. Like many people, I initially came up for weekends, relaxed, and occasionally shopped in town. However, after we retired up here, I saw that the town was struggling, and I was interested in learning why. I got involved in the Business Retention and Expansion process and with Fenelon Forward to learn about the community, the beginning of a longtime commitment to local volunteerism. I could see that my business experience could be useful in the growth and success of our town. I learned about the problems and issues people faced in the community, and along the way I met some wonderful people who have become some of my best friends.
The Grove Theatre, of which I am Chair of the Management Committee, came out of this process. After much consultation with the community, we realized Fenelon Falls would benefit from a unique site to hold outdoor gatherings, where we could watch performances, hold ceremonies, or have special community events. Serendipitously, this project has come together beautifully, aided by my past business experience in bringing people and groups together. The amphitheater will make a big difference to Fenelon Falls, its residents, cottagers and tourists. It is an outstanding project, headed by a growing team that includes a lot of strong, skilled women.
If my past experiences have taught me anything, it is the importance of hard work and commitment. Women can find the right place and passion for our skills in our careers, our families and even volunteering. At this stage in my life, volunteering has allowed me to continue to grow my skills and make more space for women in business and leadership roles. Now that I am a volunteer, I recognize the growing need for more strong female leadership in Fenelon Falls to make our community an even more wonderful place to live. Volunteering is so rewarding - for young and old, to meet others and make friends, and to make a visible impact on the health of our community. If you want to enact change right in your community, get involved with local initiatives to showcase your valuable skills, insight and perspective as a woman in leadership.
Natasha Clements | Owner of The Butterfly Boutique
The butterfly Boutique was created 14 years ago! Wow saying that out loud is crazy... time sure does fly! I have always had a love for fashion and people. When a space became available to rent downtown Fenelon Falls, my amazing, strong & beautiful Mom encouraged me to take the leap "You will never know unless you try, What's the worst that could happen". Being a business owner in a small town can definitely have its challenges, however, I believe these three Keys have helped to build and grow the Butterfly to where it is today.
Surround yourself with like-minded people (I have been so blessed to work with amazing women over the years that are like family to me)
When things get tough Work Harder (This year has been a challenge for everyone! But business-wise it has made me think outside the box and learn more about my business and myself)
You get what you Give! (Fenelon Falls is a beautiful place to live and own a business, our community is so supportive of our local Businesses ... It's amazing to see everyone rooting for one another)
Happy International Women's Day
Hugs & Happiness Natasha
The Butterfly Boutique
Monica Bertrand-Jardine | Owner and Director of Jardine Funeral Home, Cremation and Tribute Centre
Monica arrived in Fenelon Falls to work for Paul Illmun in April of 1993 at the age of 21. She married Rob Jardine of Lindsay in 1998, and together they purchased Illman-Platten Funeral Homes with locations in Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon in August of 2000. They celebrated 150 years of Funeral Service in the village of Fenelon Falls in the year 2020. In addition to owning and operating the Jardine Funeral Home, Monica has three children, Abigail, Simon, and Noah. She was the President of the Bay of Quinte Funeral Service Association from 2000-2001. Monica is an active community member as she is part of the Fenelon Falls Chamber of Commerce, The Kawartha Lakes Country Living Show, and is the former President of the Bobcaygeon Lioness Club.
Maddy Warlow | #ChooseToChallenge Communications Career
As a young professional just finishing school and starting out my career, this year’s International Women’s Day theme #ChooseToChallenge is especially pertinent to my case. In school, I studied Communication & Media Studies in both my undergraduate program as a master’s student at Carleton University. Through 6 years of university, I focused my studies on how inequality and justice are connected to different communicative practices and how communities can work together to create space to uplift one another through music, art, environmentalism and social support.
As a compassionate person, I wanted to bring these interests forth when entering the professional world. Through my work at the Kawartha Works Community Co-operative, and The Grove Theatre, I have forged connections between myself and the issues I am passionate about, as well as the wider Kawartha Lakes community. As a young female, I chose to challenge myself by incorporating my values into my employment, ensuring I do not lose sight of the lessons I learned throughout my university career.
So how did I get here? In 2019, I came across a job posting with Canada Summer Jobs as a social media student for the Kawartha Works Community Co-operative (KWCC), with Jim Armstrong. I worked there throughout the summer, starting their social media presence from scratch, improving their website, and establishing a more robust internal communications database. I then continued my work as a volunteer throughout 2019 and came back as a communications specialist in 2020.
Through this position, I was able to showcase my love of the community, art, and photography on social media and through community events like Simcoe Day, now Jump Back in Time, and the first ever Hay Fever (with fellow KWCC summer student Harmony McNish). This position allowed me to make a visible and positive impact on the community, by acting as support for the many wonderful initiatives at KWCC, including ABLE, Bike Share, Impact 32 and The Grove Theatre. All of these initiatives link, in one way or another, to my education and learning about how community support, arts and culture, and various social services can uplift the most vulnerable members and impact a community in invaluable ways.
Now, thanks to the wonderful connections I have made, and to my parents for letting me bunk in at their new home in Fenelon during the pandemic, I have been able to work more closely with The Grove Theatre, and the KWCC team. I consider my education in every step of my career and ask myself how I can challenge the current structure to include more thoughtful consideration of inequality, justice and intersectionality through my day-to-day tasks and larger decisions. I hope other young female professionals, like myself, #ChooseToChallenge the system and find themselves in a place where making a positive impact on a community and its individuals, especially those most vulnerable, is at the forefront of their career.
Julia Taylor | Owner and Operator of the Country Cupboard and Environmental Activist
Owning and operating the Country Cupboard has been a big success for me. Being organized is my superpower and health and the environment are my passion. I feel so grateful to be able to spend my days bringing the two together in a rewarding career.
Owning the shop has given me a great work life- balance, living just a short walk away and having outstanding staff that allows me to fulfill my other (harder) full time job -parenting.
My favourite part though is being able to be the boss I always wanted as a boss, and the business that has the qualities I have always wanted in the businesses I support. I also love having an excuse to initiate projects and contribute to the causes I believe in, and the type of community I want to live in.
Kathy Armstrong | Past President and Current Volunteer Of the Horticultural Society
In the fall of 2013 and fairly new to the area, I wanted to get to know more people in and around Fenelon Falls. Initially, I met people through a weekly pole walking group where there was talk about the local horticultural society. Great, I thought since gardening has been a lifelong interest. After a couple of society meetings, I was asked about joining the board since there was a shortage of volunteers. I’m still not sure how it happened but all of a sudden I was elected President! Yikes, now what? It was great promoting the club and developing fun and informative meetings.
Unexpected opportunities just kept arising and by partnering with other groups such as Kawartha Conservation and the museum so much more could be accomplished. Plus there were grant opportunities from the City of Kawartha Lakes. Many of the gardens being tended by the society volunteers were due for upgrading. Also, Diane Reesor had started to clean up the overgrown Trent-Severn Waterway grounds and coincidentally a large bequest from Cameron Lake cottager Bill Mack enabled the creation of a new garden at the lock. It is a privilege to be connected to such an enthusiastic group of individuals dedicated to beautifying Fenelon Falls for the last 100 years. Now as Past President, I am enjoying looking back on a wonderful time of fun collaboration with other gardeners in town and many beautifying initiatives, and looking forward to being involved with many more undertakings in the future.
I would urge people to find what interests them and volunteer their time and skills. The rewards in personal growth and the feeling of being part of the community are incredible.
Linsey Tufts | Owner of Roots to Blooms Gardening Service
Linsey Tufts, Owner of Roots to Blooms Gardening Service, offering full garden assistance including free consults, planting suggestions, garden design, and regular maintenance from Spring Clean-up to Fall Clean-up.
Linsey was born and raised in Fenelon Falls, but now lives outside Coboconk with her husband and three daughters.
By 2008, Linsey realized she had a true love of nature and the environment, which she wanted to build on. She enrolled at Fleming College, where she received her diploma in Ecosystem Management.
After graduation, Linsey found work with a local nursery, to hone her skills and knowledge. Two years later, she was accepted into the Self-Employment Benefit Program through Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Corp and Victoria County Career Services (VCCS). Knowledge and management-level skills gained through the program proved to be incredibly important. As a requirement of the program, Linsey started her own business “Roots to Blooms Gardening Service”. The business started slowly, but, by 2015, boasted an additional full-time and one -part-time employee.
In December, 2015 Linsey was involved in a devastating, life-changing, vehicular accident. It would be almost 10 months before she was able to return to her home and family. Despite this personal set-back, Linsey decided she would hire more staff, and continue to run her business, with full family support.
Seven years after inception, Roots to Blooms is still a successful business, serving customers throughout Kawartha Lakes and beyond. While unable to do what she truly loves – digging in the dirt – Linsey is still meeting with new clients, designing gardens, researching any and all plants that will be sustainable and beautiful to the surrounding environment, as well as personally overseeing all plant and material purchases. Perhaps most importantly, she is always in contact with staff, making sure questions are answered, and projects are completed to customer satisfaction.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT: If you truly love what you do, believe you can make a difference, and are willing to work hard, any adversity can be overcome. GOOD LUCK to all of our future young female entrepreneurs!
Christine O’Brien | Owner of O’Brien View Organic Farm
Christine O'Brien of O'Brien View Organic Farm is a young female entrepreneur worthy of recognition. Christine grows vegetables in her Greenhouse and then plants in fields on her family farm. Her research, knowledge and Presentation of her produce is exceptional. You can find her produce at Fenelon Falls Farmers Market, a store on May St Fenelon Falls and sells to some restaurants.
Diane Reesor | Owner of Sentimental Cloth
Sentimental Cloth Is a business devoted to creating memories for people from their Cherished Textiles and small artifacts. Diane Reesor, textile artist, works closely with her clients using stories and photographs as inspiration for each bespoke item. Sentimental Cloth is at 76 Bond Street East, Fenelon Falls. (705) 344-6214. Open by chance or appointment. Embrace your challenges!
Julie Moore-Caniteni | Owner of Modern Landscape Designers
One original and authentic female entrepreneur of Fenelon Falls is Julie Moore-Cantieni. Some of you may know Julie as a Canada Blooms Award Winner Landscape Designer. The name of her company is Modern Landscape Designers . Her amazing designs are keen on artistry and craftsmanship to create contemporary landscapes that embrace a sense of space and emanate the energy of her clients. Julie’s creative planting style aims at sustainable landscapes which express beauty and require low maintenance. Julie’s specialties are modern landscape architecture, French & English gardens, Healing gardens, heartfelt concepts and naturalistic approach to landscape design.
She has won the award of “Outstanding Use of Innovative Elements in a Garden” for her Stingray Show Garden at the 2016 Canada Blooms. In addition she has received The Tony Di Giovanni Award Judges Choice Garden of the Year 2018 and The S.G. Ulbright Award Outstanding Medium Size Garden 2018 with the spectacular “Midnight in Paris” show-garden sponsored by Techo-Bloc!
In the summer of 2018 her Midnight in Paris garden was rebuilt at Braeside Estate in Fenelon Falls where she lives with her husband Bruno. The stars of Midnight in Paris Garden is Bruno’s sculpture the famous Miss Kawartha and the wonderful BC Greenhouse. Usually in the Spring Julie offers guided garden visits to the public.
Since last November, Julie has developed the concept of Braeside Estate as an innovative centre that offers all kinds of activities related to Creativity + Gardens + Wellness. Soon Braeside Estate will be offering all kinds of workshops like Creative Abstract Painting, Basic Art of Pruning Trees, Cooking & Wine Tastings, Easy Meditation and Relaxation Techniques and Anti-Aging Skin Care Rituals. Julie also offers upscale Zen Massages and Anti-Aging Facials with the fabulous Skin Care Line PAYOT from Paris! She enjoys blogging so please visit https://www.braesideestate.com/ .
Life as an entrepreneur definitely requires creativity and that is definitely what Julie is made of! So to all the young women out there, Julie’s number one advice is to invite you to explore your multiple talents and especially develop your creative spirit!
Web Site: http://www.modernlandscapedesigners.com
Email: Julie@modernlandscapedesigners.com
Web Site: https://www.braesideestate.com
Email: info@braesideestate.com
Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine runs on Girl Power and Grit!
(l-r: Emily Ireland, Kelly Welsh, Deb Mahoney, Tania Moher, Belinda Wilson)
Established in 1994, Cottage Country Lifestyle’s core team consists of Kelly Welsh (Owner, Publisher and Graphic Designer), Emily Ireland (Communications Manager), Deb Mahoney (Account Executive), Belinda Wilson (Account Executive, Writer) and Tania Moher (Social Media, Distribution); Jasmine Kellestine and Jenn Watson have recently joined the sales team.
Publishing bi-monthly, and covering Bancroft, Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough and beyond to Northumberland and Hastings Counties, Cottage Country Lifestyle is the largest free multi award winning cottage lifestyle magazine, boasting superior quality full colour glossy stock with incredible rack appeal.
Fully supported online and on social media, Cottage Country Lifestyle can reach you wherever you are.
Community is at the heart of everything the team does, supporting local events, providing complimentary advertising and promotion of events through their online platforms, and supporting local charities with spotlight editorials. They have been proud media sponsors of several large events, especially the Kawartha Lakes Country Living Show and, post-COVID, look forward to continuing these amazing partnerships.
When COVID-19 threatened every aspect of our lives, including local businesses, Cottage Country pitched in by supporting the “Choose Local” movement, providing a free directory and free social support for businesses struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic, as well as a “Big Thank You” giveaway for Frontline Workers.
The magazine also spotlighted the amazing ways cottage country communities adapted to the “new normal” with editorial features on thinking-outside-the-box ventures like the Drive-Thru Dinosaur Park at Indian River Reptile Zoo, and the Leahy family’s waterfront concert which invited attendees to come by boat to enjoy the music from the safety of their own vessel.
Digging in and rising above the negative effects of the pandemic, the women at Cottage Country Lifestyle look to the future with optimism and determination. Look for the Spring issue at your favourite pick-up location beginning this weekend. Past issues are available on the website: www.cottage.rocks
The Cottage Country team are proud of their legacy and their accomplishments, and extend congratulations to all the women who are making their mark in the best way they know how!
How can we help you?
Submitted by Belinda Wilson
cottagecountrybelinda@gmail.com
705-341-5723
