Sunday, March 20, 2011 - North Shore News - A21

140 East 14th Street, North Vancouver604.904.9141 www.hollyshair.com

Holly Back celebrates her career & community connections

HOLLY BACK

As a businesswoman, teacher, local politician and tireless volunteer, Holly Back has made a career out of blurring the lines between education and employment, customers and community.

“Our community is our life,” says Back, owner of Holly’s Salons & Schools. “If we didn’t support our community I wouldn’t feel very good about myself. I’ve had three children go through our school system so I obviously support the schools. We have a client who asked us to support A Breast in a Boat and I know a few people with breast cancer. Almost everything people are fundraising for touches your life in some way, so it’s hard to say no.”

After leaving a teaching position at Carson Graham secondary in 1998, the lifelong North Vancouver resident decided to fuse her experiences in hairdressing and education. It’s a novel business model — a hairdressing school and salon under one roof.

“I was starting the school but I really wanted to have the salon so I could offer

students full-time employment as well. I can basically guarantee 100 per cent job placement. So I called back some of my old students from Carson and we got the salon and the school going at the same time. It’s been fantastic. We have also supplied maybe 90 per cent of the salons on the North Shore with staff. I feel it brought salons together rather than

competing with each other. I always say there are enough people who need haircuts for everybody. I think it’s made us work together rather than against each other.”

In order to keep those people walking in the door,

Back makes a big effort to get outside, both to promote her business and give back to the community.

“If I don’t go out into the community, who is going to know I’ve got a business?” she asks. “My business depends on the public.”

Just how many different causes and teams and fundraisers has the school and salon supported?

“Hundreds.” Back says without hesitation. “We just did Cops for Cancer. We sponsor all the schools. We probably get asked once or twice a week for sponsorship. Our only policy is that anyone who is a client of ours, we will support their fundraising event. But seriously, there’s hundreds.”

In between launching her own charity events, picking up a Best Employer award from the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and 11 consecutive North Shore News Readers’ Choice awards, Back also found time in 2008 to be elected to the board of the North Vancouver school district.

“I think we need an emphasis on careers that we don’t have yet. I’m not saying that (being a school trustee) is volunteer work because there is pay, but I think it’s a great way to give back at a higher level. You put in a lot of time.”

Yet another of Back’s side projects is to try and break the stigma of men working in hairdressing, an effort that has led top

American hair stylist Philip Wilson to send his son Ross north to learn at the 14th and Lonsdale school.

“I’d like to break that stereotype and go back to what they were in the ’60s,when they were a bunch of hot guys with British accents,” laughs Back.

Holly’s Salons & Schools

“Our community

is our life...”

womenIN businessYou’ve come a long way, baby. The ’70s slogan still perfectly embodies the strides women have made around the world, including right here on the North Shore.Back then, women had come a long way: from the oppression and inequality of the early 1900s — when they worked long hours for little pay and had no voting rights — to the decade known for “second-wave feminism,” which addressed de facto inequalities, sexuality, family, the workplace and reproductive rights.

Today, women have come even further. The new millennium has witnessed a signifi cant change and attitudinal shift in both women’s and society’s thoughts about women’s equality and emancipation. Girls are welcomed into university, women have choices about career and family; There are female astronauts and prime ministers,

more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased awareness of women as role models.

One hundred years ago, in 1911, the fi rst International Women’s Day was more of a call to action than a celebration. Honoured in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, more than one million women and men attended rallies campaigning for women’s rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public offi ce and end discrimination.

We owe much to those women and men, and now as we recognize 100 years of IWD this month, there is much to celebrate. Now an offi cial holiday around

the world, thousands of events are taking place to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. A global web of diverse activities connects women — ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.

This month, we honour women who strive to do more, be more and to blaze their own path.

For all of us: make every day International Women’s Day. Help ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding. ❧

NorthNoShoreSS

womenwwowwomenleadingleeeading

the wayhethth wwaaahth

A22 - North Shore News - Sunday, March 20, 2011

C 604.803.4280 T 604.988.8000www.shelleywilliams.ca

I make downsizing... easyAs a North Shore Realtor, I am fully trained and have a wealth of experience working with clients over 55. I have all the resources available to handle any situationyou may face including what to do with 30 years worth of stuff in your basement, preparing your home to sell for top dollar, communicating with your family and dealing with banks and lawyers. I take the time to listen to you and gather information to help assess your needs, your timing and your options.

I also make sure that your next home is the perfect place for you. When you work with me, it’s easier for you. Call me today for your complimentary in-home consultation. Let’s get to know each other.

SHELLEY WILLIAMS SRES, ASA

CREST REALTY

102–1999 Marine Drive, North Vancouver604.904.3807 www.lnco.ca

Offering More Than Just NumbersLoren, Nancke & Company, CGA’s are a team of 19 that excel in providing accounting and income tax services to individuals and businesses. They deliver strategic accounting solutions by thinking outside the box and help clients understand complex tax issues in plain language. As every client requires a different mix of solutions, the team takes the time to get to know each client to fully understand what is needed and how to best meet those needs without compromising effective tax planning.

CANDACE NANCKEGABRIELLE LOREN

golden interiorsrenew | refresh | revive

604.985.6112 www.goldeninteriors.ca

Love your home...Chalsi Goetz of Golden Interiors has been renovating & decorating North Shore homes for over 25 years. Her creative design expertise will ensure the vision for your home becomes reality while respecting your budget.

“I help my clients eliminate the stress of decorating or renovating their homesby simplifying the selection process, selecting quality products & using skilled trades.All they have to do is enjoy their updated home for many years to come!”

Call Chalsi for an In-Home Design Consultation.

MY APPROACH

My focus is on assisting individuals who have incurred severe life altering injuries in motor vehicle accidents. I expect to maximise their physical and fi nancial recovery. I concentrate on the whole of both the person and the problem in an attempt to fi nd a healthy and sustainable solution to both physical and fi nancial issues.

The complexity and adversarial nature of our legal system necessitates the assistance of a lawyer in all but the most minor instances. Clients can feel disempowered by the system.

I believe that the quality and the understanding of the advisor they consult can dramatically shape a client’s experience and fi nancial future. I strive to empower my clients in the resolution of their legal problems.

While legal issues can present some of life’s greatest challenges, they can also present some of life’s greatest opportunities. I like to teach my

clients to transform their legal problems into opportunities for personal growth and positive change.

Going through the litigation process can be like white-water rafting; you never know what twists and turns the trip

will take. And you don’t want to do it alone. Not only do I want to guide clients through the process – I want to ensure they have not been fi nancially disadvantaged by the system.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Annamarie obtained her law degree from the Rand

Afrikaans University in Johannesburg, South Africa and was called to the Bar in South Africa in 1997.

After immigrating to Canada in 1998, Annamarie worked as a legal assistant in a busy insurance litigation practice at a downtown law fi rm. From 1999 to 2004 she managed the legal insurance services department in the same fi rm. Annamarie re-qualifi ed as a lawyer in Canada and was called to the British Columbia Bar in 2005.

Annamarie’s preferred areas of practice are personal injury and motor vehicle accident claims.

With offi ces in North Vancouver and Coquitlam, Annamarie and her partners are available to help clients with various legal problems. Visit our website at www.lawyerswest.ca for details.

778.383.1937 www.lawyerswest.ca

MORE BUCKS FOR YOUR BANG:Fighting for your Financial and Physical Future

ANNAMARIE KERSOPPersonal Injury Law

North VancouverHarbourside Corporate Centre312 – 850 Harbourside Drive

Coquitlam:Heron Centre303 – 566 Lougheed Highway

“I strive to empower my clients in the

resolution of their legal problems.”

...available to help clients with various

legal problems.

ading the wayadiaNorth Shore women lean leahohhNort h oohh leaadinggaaamen

womenIN business

Sunday, March 20, 2011 - North Shore News - A23

HEALTHWORKS

Goli Massah

GIFTWORKS & PIZAZZ

Roberta PerrinMOTIONWEAR

Reen Collins

SOFIABELLA

Elena Grant

EDGEMONT VILLAGE JEWELLER

Sherry Violette

LA GALLERIA FINE FOODS

Yohana & Mishella

DEBORAH’S PLACE HAIR STUDIO

Deborah Turton

THE COMEBACK

Elda Bolton

ZIG ZAG

Sandra Bodnarchuk and Team

HIGHLAND OPTICAL

Sharyn Webber and Team

TRIMS

Marlene & Morgan Tate

Unique in any area, but notable in Edgemont Village is the above average number of businesses owned and operated by women. Mentoring one another, cross marketing and fi nding ways to work, be supportive and respectful of each other has made this small community of women driven businesses very successful over the years.

Here are just of a few of these remarkable, women:

At Giftworks, on the corner of Edgemont Boulevard and Highland, Roberta Perrin has built a reputation for bringing a selection of truly unique gift ideas under one roof. From paintings and jewelry to local pottery, art glass, specialty baby gifts and more, you’re bound to fi nd something you can’t get anywhere else. Committed to supporting the community, over 50% of their products are Canadian made.

At Pizazz, Roberta’s second location, she brings the same quality-oriented focus to offering the full line of Pandora jewelry, fi ne linens from Europe, custom furniture from Vancouver Island and more unique gift ideas.

If your focus is on eyewear, Sharyn Webber’sHighland Optical is a full service, award winning optical boutique with a lively, fun atmosphere. Sharyn’s handpicked product lines assure your distinction, and her licensed team’s dedication to technological education and personal service add to their renown. Also dedicated to her community, Sharyn has served more than a decade as Edgemont’s Event Coordinator, & ensures that Highland Optical is prominent at all of their neighborhood events.

Specializing in the latest in golf wear, in summer, you will also be delighted to see Reen Collins’ wide selection of smart casual wear, perfect for today’s lifestyle for men and women. The focus is on quality, comfort, affordable prices, and always friendly personalized service. Womens sizes include petite as well as regular, and mens sizes from Small to XXL. You will be pleased to see what they offer, and how well you will be treated.

If a new look is what you’re looking for, Deborah’s Place Hair Studio is ready to help your whole family. From hair and skin care to nails and more, Deborah Turton and her team know how to help you look your very best. Offering the latest Aveda and Davines products, you get a healthy, beautiful look AND respect the environment. It’s a great win-win.

Opened to offer ‘tween’ aged girls an age-appropriate fashion alternative to the diva or fl irt look, Elena Grant’s Sofi abella gives girls the opportunity to dress with confi dence and stand out rather than just fi tting in. With the latest looks in special occasion party dresses, tops, bottoms, outerwear and accessories, Sofi abella is committed to helping your young lady reach her full potential.

Edgemont Village Jeweller is a unique “gem” of a store specializing in Canadian diamonds and coloured gemstones. For 23 years their designer’s unbound creativity has been captured in their one-of-a-kind custom pieces designed to refl ect

the individual personalities of their customers. Owner Sherry Violette provides a beautiful selection of silver and gold jewellery, much of it hand made by local artisans. Like her father before her, Sherry also provides repair services for jewellery, watches and clocks, and they have been voted the North Shore’s Favourite Jeweller twice.

For 21 years, Marlene Tate, owner of Trims, has been providing the Lowermainland with exclusive lines of high-end artifi cial fl owers, unique seasonal novelties and free customer design services. Known for her fabulous window displays and eclectic creativity, Marlene uses her design skills to help her customers to just “FAKE IT”.

Just mention La Galleria Fine Foods to anyone and you’ll conjure up images of luscious, fresh sandwiches, salads, pastas, home made soups and deli treats. Sisters Yohana and Mischela Immanuel and their dedicated crew have earned the North Shore News Readers’ Choice Favourite Deli and Sandwich Bar Awards seven years in a row and there’s always a fi ne selection of Italian pastas, oils and more on their shelves.

Sandra Bodnarchuk’s Zig Zag Fashions has been serving the North Shore for over a decade. She shops the world to uncover the latest trends

in fashion, footwear and accessories. New, seasonal products, feature designers from Simon Chang to Fly Shoes, offering something for every occasion. Zig Zag is renowned for their distinctive and incomparable shoe selection, winning them the North Shore News Readers Choice Favourite Shoe Store Award multiple times.

Thrifty? On a budget? Love a bargain? Got an eye for style/someone else’s style? Then The Comeback is precisely the clothing store for you. Elda Bolton’s much lauded consignment store has served both North and West Vancouver for 20 years selling only the fi nest, gently worn garments. Always paying close attention to current trends and colours; you can enhance your current wardrobe with a delicious designer fi nd or build from scratch with style guide Elda, winner for 10 consecutive years in their category in the North Shore News Reader’s Choice Awards.

Staying informed about the latest immune booster during cold season or how to alleviate headaches naturally can be mind boggling unless you have Goli Massah of Healthworks advising you. Goli offers her customers experience and knowledge with a compassionate approach coupled with excellent service and a wide selection of vitamins and supplements. Goli or one of her experienced staff members will be happy to assist!

Our Edgemont Village situation remains very unique in that geographically we lay in the heart of a community. So as a collection of women driven businesses we are connected to our residents in a very personal way... many of us have children in schools/daycares together, we live in the area, we pay the same taxes, we share the same dreams; for ourselves and for them. Women to women.

Stylish, Savvy & Service-Driven

www.edgemont-village.com

...above average number of businesses owned and operated by

women.

...we are connected to our residents

in a very personal way...

A24 - North Shore News - Sunday, March 20, 2011

102–1999 Marine Drive, North Vancouver604.904.3807 www.pettersonandassociates.com

Abby PettersonDivorce can be one of the most stressful life transitions. During a separation and divorce, fi nding experienced and qualifi ed support is essential to your well being and overall ability to successfully move forward. Abby Petterson, of AJ Petterson & Associates Inc. has specialized training and extensive experience in Collaborative Divorce Coaching, Divorce Counselling and Family Mediation. Abby holds a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Canadian Certifi ed Counsellor.

ABBY PETTERSON

Are you a SmallBusiness Owner?Then you should meet with our new Small Business Bankers at the following BMO Bank of Montreal branches for your personal and business needs.

Mabel Chan1505 Lonsdale Ave.North Vancouver, BCV7M 2J4Tel: 604-903-2985

Stephanie Sauer959 Park Royal S.West Vancouver, BCV7T 1A1Tel: 604-903-3144

Shaina Moriyama1505 Lonsdale Ave.North Vancouver, BCV7M 2J4Tel: 604-903-2984

Debbie Coventry1460 Main St.North Vancouver, BCV7J 1C8Tel: 604-903-2989

® Registered trade-mark of Bank of Montreal.

1069 24th StreetWest Vancouver604-925-2525 www.westvanoptometry.comwww.westvanoptometry.com

Dr. Debra RovinelliDr. Debra Rovinelli has enjoyed practicing optometry on the North Shore for over 25 years! This began when West Vancouver Optometry Clinic opened its doors in the Dundarave area of West Vancouver in August 1984.

Dr. Graham Foster joined West Vancouver Optometry Clinic as Dr. Rovinelli’s partner 2 years ago and along with their associates Dr. Corinne Knight and Dr. Elana Schiller this foursome continues to provide excellent eyecare.

Our services include:

1. Comprehensive eye examinations which involves determining a prescription, and assessing eye health for any conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, as well as infl ammatory conditions of the eye.

2. Co-management of eye disease with ophthalmology and other health

care professionals along with pre and post laser surgery care

3. We fi t and dispense all types of contact lenses including those for astigmatism and to correct reading problems.

4. We have qualifi ed Opticians to dispense eyewear that is stylish and appropriate for your prescription. We carry very fashionable frames, some exclusive, such as Lindberg, Sospiri, and

our new line ECO made from recycled material, as well as Lafont, Silhouette, and Maui Jim just to name a few.

New Patients are always welcome. Please “SEE” us to care for all your vision needs!

Thank you for your support!

DR. DEBRA ROVINELLI

“We have qualifi ed Opticians to

dispense eyewear that is stylish and appropriate for

your prescription.”

Lynn Valley Village, North Vancouver604.988.7377 www.posy.ca

Posy - a labour of love blossoming in Lynn Valley

KRISTIN AMES

Kristin Ames was enjoying a successful career as a professional accountant in the golf business when she realized it might be time for a big change. She was looking for a new challenge when an idea began to bloom.

“I’d always had creative hobbies,” says Kristin. “I even went to interior design school at night after I fi nished my accounting designation because it was so much fun. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and decided it was time to shift the balance in my life from business to creative, so starting my own creative business seemed like the perfect fi t. I had been working with fl owers on my own for years, but once I took my fi rst professional fl oral design course I was hooked, and 8 months later I opened Posy.”

Today, located in Lynn Valley Village, Posy is a boutique fl ower shop where the emphasis is on personal service, variety and the quality of your experience once you walk in the door.

“Because we’re a neighborhood shop, our customers have varying degrees of knowledge about fl owers,” says Kristin, “I love being able to help someone who knows nothing about fl owers make the

perfect choice. The personal relationships I’ve formed with my customers are some of the most rewarding aspects of my business. They are passionate about the same things I am and it’s so much fun to share ideas back and forth. When we get a really great color or

variety of fl ower I will often think ‘I know just who will love this!’”

It’s Kristin’s attention to detail and real understanding of her customers that makes Posy such a valuable resource for people.

“Hard work and a positive attitude will get you everywhere.”

“Once I took my fi rst

professional fl oral design course I was

hooked.”

ading the wayadiaNorth Shore women lean leahohhNort h oohh leaadinggaaamen

womenIN business

Sunday, March 20, 2011 - North Shore News - A25

CAPILANO UNIVERSITY 604.990.7851DEEP COVE 604.929.8444NORTH SHORE WINTER CLUB 604.973.0242northshoresportsmedicine.com

Helping You HealA physiotherapist for 24 years, Paige Larson is founder and owner of North Shore Sports Medicine Clinics. Her team of physiotherapists, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and Pilates instructors share her goal of providing patients with the fi nest, award-winning care. That dedication has led to thousands of satisfi ed patients, as well as awards, including in 2010 the North Vancouver Business Person of the Year Award and the North Shore News Reader’s Choice award.

Refreshing. Reliable. Resourceful.

ELIZABETH MAH

Paperclip Law Corporation is not your typical law fi rm and doesn’t want to be. With offi ces in North Vancouver, BC, it is a boutique for practical business and personal legal advice and solutions, dedicated to providing our clients with the attentive, adaptable and approachable support they deserve when they need it. Finally, a law fi rm who believes in keeping it simple. Phew!

We believe in speaking the same language as you (not Shakespearean, unless you speak it fl uently, but we don’t) and using technology to improve the effi ciency of delivering services to you. We believe in applying our legal knowledge and experience to practically help you in real estate, business, estate planning and estate administration,so that you can understand the issues and

make the best decisions for you, your family and your business. Basically, a down-to-earth, progressive yet professional fi rm that you can trust - in your community.

Our team strives to change the way legal services are delivered and to bust those lawyer jokes and myths along the way.

We want to work with you and look forward to it.

604 973-0188papercliplaw.com

312 - 850 Harbourside Drive,North Vancouver, BC

1588 MacGowan Avenue, North Vancouver 604.924.0090www.footprintsontheshore.com

Our customer service is more than just numbers

LINDA GRAHAMCAROL LINDESAY

TRACY GOODINGLAURIE HANLON

The Footprints vision literally “fell out of the sky” in June last year when Sign of the Fish, the north shore’s only Christian bookstore ended its 36 year legacy serving the community. With an extensive education and leadership background, and a passion for spiritual direction and social justice, Linda Graham decided to approach some friends in the quest to fulfi l the community’s need for inter-denominational resources and support. It is thus, that four ordinary women: Linda, Carol, Tracy and Laurie came together, with undeniable backing from family, friends and associates, to share their gifts that would bring about the birth of a new faith resource chapter, Footprints on the Shore.

The name is inspired by the renowned poem, Footprints in the Sand, and recognizes the human need for support especially in times of trial and suffering. The team is humbled to invite people of all backgrounds into a unique gathering space to educate one another in the

search for faith, unity, understanding, justice and peace. Footprints is truly more than just a store. Not only are people able to visit and share in fellowship with one another, but it also supports social

outreach projects that directly benefi t those in local and international communities who are most in need. Footprints gives 10% of all coffee machine sales to Father Ken Forster’s downtown eastside Imagine project that hopes to renovate an old school

into a community outreach centre. Another worthy cause is the Operation Blessing well project where the sale of sterling silver well charms designed by Compelling Creations directly supports building a well in a third world village that needs water.

In addition, a weekly special feature is children’s story time from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays where high school volunteers are able to mentor younger children in a relaxed, fun-fi lled

environment. Upcoming events include a visit on Saturday, April 2 at 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from Paul Clark, renowned author of the inspiring Stone Soup for the Soul. This is a fundraiser to support local winter Olympic athlete, Georgia Simmerling, who recently experienced a devastating accident that has jeopardized her future dreams to represent Canada. It is these servant driven initiatives that defi ne the Footprints’ mission:

• Multi-cultural appeal that supports local and international artisans

• Inspirational, top-quality, Christian/spiritual literary resources and gifts

• Service with a personal touch• Specials that reward• Inviting, tasteful ambiance• On line web site and ordering• Novel coffee gathering/guest features

The Footprints team welcomes customer suggestions and orders as it endeavours to grow with the community’s needs in sight. In time, on-line ordering will be offered to further expedite service. Business hours are: Tuesday to Saturday10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the phone number is 604-9240090. Visit the Footprints website at: www.footprintsontheshore.com

“Not only are people able to visit and

share in fellowship with one another,

but it also supports social outreach

projects...”

ading the wayadiaNorth Shore women lean leahohhNort h oohh leaadinggaaamen

womenIN business