Celebrating women one day of the year is clearly not enough! This past year of Covid-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on just how much more needs to be done to support and value women.
Being a mother and entrepreneur, everyday presents itself with challenges and decisions. Often decisions around where to put my energy and time and the challenge of how to accomplish what needs to be done and what I would like to get done.
This pandemic year hasn't been without bright moments and one of these came in late February when Brittany Broderson from Eastlink Community TV asked if I would like to participate in a show focusing on women business owners on the Sunshine Coast. I'm sure this could be a lengthy series as I know of hundreds of incredible women who own amazing businesses on the coast so I was very honoured to be asked. Normally I would shy away from this format but since it was over Zoom it was much less daunting.
It gave me the opportunity to speak about why and how I started Davis Bay Tea Company and my love of tea. Brittany kept it light and the questions simple and I found it fun and enjoyable. Preparing for the interview brought me back to where I was at in 2017 - doing a job I liked and found interesting but working for a company that didn't value me and my contribution to the companies success. In my previous role in the finance department of a growing national company I was put more and more into a box with male superiors brought in and my head bumping uncomfortably on the glass ceiling.
Luckily I knew that I had lots to offer and the resources to go out on my own...it wasn't easy but it was manageable. Sunshine Coast Community Futures, Sunshine Coast Credit Union, a robust and growing local economy and community all supported DBT Co. right from the beginning! I haven't looked back...knowing this was the perfect move and only wishing I had done it sooner!
Many growth plans had to be curtailed due to the pandemic which became a reality in March 2020...just as things were really getting exciting! Now that things are looking brighter again it's fun to look back and see just how far things have come and get back on track towards the future.
Thanks Eastlink for giving me the opportunity to refocus by reminding me to celebrate being a woman in business who is supported by an amazing community!!