In our final roundup of SMARTstart 2018 profiles we meet seven more entrepreneurs and their mentors. Designed and delivered by Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, City of Airdrie Economic Development and Community Futures Centre West, the non-profit program offers tools, training, mentorship and business planning to a new group of entrepreneurs each year.
Entrepreneur: Debbie Gibbs
Age: 53
Business: Healing Market (idea)
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about: 
A centre that offers a variety of alternative health methods to complement mainstream medical services; a team approach to healing by practitioners working and supporting each other in a co-operative setting. Some of my life experiences that led me to this idea: a health crisis, experiencing different modalities, appreciation of individual diversity and health needs, my dad’s journey through regular cancer treatment and my desire to create a diverse healing team offering options locally, in one place.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
Becoming an entrepreneur is not a new concept to me, but going forth with this business idea is. What sparked it for me was my dad’s death; the thought I might die without going for it. I have also gained some freedom of time, since my kids have reached an age of independence, giving me the ability to dedicate time.
Mentor: Gary Armstrong
Age: 59
Business: Empowered Employee Education
Years in business: 9
About my business and my role:
I am the president of Empowered Employee Education where I help organizations improve the personal side of business, building strength in leadership, supervision, interpersonal communications, conflict resolution and negotiation.
Entrepreneur: Dean Constantini
Age: 48
Business: Derivation Wellness
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about: 
After a lengthy medical career in the Canadian Forces and the oil and gas industry, I was laid off, resulting in my return to school in the pursuit of a new career that kept me in the medical field. Massage therapy allowed me such an opportunity. I chose Derivation Wellness at its meaning of returning to origin is what my clients are looking for –
returning to original health.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
I had been through several downturns in the oil and gas industry and decided that I did not want anyone deciding when I was in a position to generate an income for my family.
Mentor: Wendy Bates
Age: 45
Business: The Hair Lounge Inc.
Years in business: 9
About my business and my role:
I own a very busy hair salon in the heart of Airdrie, in a house. I have 20 employees and love working with the public and keeping Airdrie beautiful.
Entrepreneur: Braeden Turnbull
Age: 22
Business: Dynamic Laser Industries (idea)
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about: 
While running Hero-on Apparel I started to research Canadian-based apparel producers; I could not find any. When traveling to California to look at the possibility of becoming an apparel drop shipper, I was introduced to laser cutting and marking. Though it was a very different idea … the possibilities for a new laser machine were endless. And now we are excited to start our new business adventure!
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
I have always wanted to start a business. I love the constant challenges and problem solving associated with business practice. It also challenges you to grow as a person and to constantly be learning.
Mentor: Kelly Paisley
Age: 39
Business: The I.T. Company Ltd.
Years in business: 9
About my business and my role:
Airdrie’s largest IT provider, I.T. Company is a technology integrator and cloud migration specialist, also supplying infrastructure implementations and help-desk support. My role as CEO is to “steer the ship” to ensure our company grows in line with our values. I am responsible for business development, establishing and maintaining strategic relationships, and overall management of other executives.
Entrepreneur: Melanie Taylor
Age: 43
Business: Life of Wellness
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about: 
As a corporate leader, coach and trainer what I was observing was that stress and wellness was holding people back from their potential. I then found personally that issues with stress caused similar issues with unhappiness and depression. This turned to physical illnesses and a long journey to recovery and health. The trends I had observed and my personal journey inspired me to make a change. I went back to university, and took several certifications with one goal in mind: to empower others to embrace their life, health and wellness by building on self-awareness and designing personal wellness strategies.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
Many years ago, Life of Wellness was born and I didn’t even know… yet. I was living a life of stress and exhaustion; I was often frustrated and lost. As often happens, this turned to illness. In these moments my desire for something better for myself and my family was born. After years of healing and learning out of necessity I found a renewed passion that I had lost in my teens … to help others.
Mentor: Robyn Pearson
Age: 47
Business: A Friend Indeed
Years in business: 8
About my business and my role:
A Friend Indeed provides companionship and in-house, non-medical support for seniors. Typically, it is the family who contacts us. We match their loved one with one of our Friends for engaging visits that ward off mental, physical, social and emotional decline and give them a chance to play – just like they used to. The family stays connected and informed with regular and timely visit summaries after every visit. We serve seniors in Airdrie, Didsbury, North Calgary and area.
Entrepreneur: Kim Shaffer
Age: 51
Business Idea: Kindred Spirits Healing & Wellness
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about: 
I hope to expand on my small homebased business and build my client base while healing our community. I started my reiki business seven years ago while I worked as a special needs assistant at a local preschool. My business is a little different than most as I incorporate crystal healing and aromatherapy with my reiki sessions. I have also offered respite care for those parents that have difficulties finding qualified care for their children with special needs. As a new chapter in my life, I would like to provide end-of-life support to people who wish to die with dignity and peace, but have little or no family close to them.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
I have seen what reiki can do for people. I love being involved in my community and playing my part to help make it a healthier, happier place to live. I hope to provide a space for people of all ages to come and relax. In the past year, with my dad being ill, I have also found there is a need for healers in palliative care situations. My heart is calling me in that direction
Mentor: Joan Bell
Age: 61
Business: Airdrie Yoga Studio (retired)
Years in business: 35
About my business and my role:
Managing director of the Western Canada arm of a national market research company for 25 years. Owner/operator of a local yoga studio for 10 years. Responsible for everything from accounting to marketing, hiring and client servicing.
Entrepreneur: Rachael White
Age: 38
Business Idea: Valentia (oncology and hair loss boutique) (idea)
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about: 
Valentia is a retail boutique specializing in fitting mastectomy garments, wigs and compression products. The idea actually came from a similar shop I know of in BC. I always knew that the next thing I wanted to do in life was something to help. Through the years so many of my friends have been affected by cancer, and alopecia. I want to create a smaller, less clinical atmosphere where women can come to shop and feel better about themselves without feeling judged, but cared about.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
I want to be a good role model for my children. I want to show them that you can do something in life you enjoy and will benefit others as well as give back to the community. I want my children to see me succeed, and I want them to be able to maybe take over this business one day. I want flexibility and I want to benefit financially from all my hard work.
Mentor: Jacqueline Boyd
Age: 42
Business: Access Chiropractic and Wellness
Years in business: 16
About my business and my role:
Access Chiropractic and Wellness was founded in June 2004. I started my business through a desire to help others regain their health through chiropractic. This was a very personal vision for me as I had regained my own health in my early 20s through chiropractic. I am one of the chiropractors in the business and also the business owner and visionary.
Entrepreneur: Lorianne Pauls
Age: 25
Business Idea: Willow ‘n Wool
Tell us more about your business and how the idea came about: 
My in-laws and I opened a yarn shop near the end of 2017. At the beginning of the year, my sister-in-law and I were working at jobs where we didn’t see a future, and wanted to do more. We wanted to be inspired by our work. The idea for a yarn and pottery store came out of our passion for fine arts and the desire to create a space in Airdrie where people could enjoy and learn about knitting, crocheting and pottery.
What ignited the spark to start your business/become an entrepreneur?
When my sister-in-law and I decided to team up and combine our business ideas, Willow ‘n Wool began to become a reality. With Airdrie being a quickly growing community, we realized that it might not be long before someone opened the first yarn store – so it might as well be us! With a family background in years of business experience, we felt we had the tools to get started, and hit the ground running.
Mentor: Tracy Goodbrand
Age: 54
Business: Irricana Kountry Kennel
Years in business: 32
About my business and my role:
My business goal and focus is to make a significant difference to animals’ lives! Our services include pet boarding, dog daycare, grooming, hosting workshops, and selling natural dog treats and Perfectly Raw™ food. With every decision, the first question we ask is, “What is best for the animal?” thereby keeping us focused on our goals.
