Wednesday

Welcome to Eden!

Don't you love Carolin Vesely's writing?!! "...the North End business was created to be a photographic Eden of solely feminine energy" She's got punch!

For those of you just hearing about us for the first time, welcome! We are so happy to be spreading the news of what we do at Eve Studios and we're glad you've come to learn more. As you've read, Eve Studios was created by my husband and I in order to capture women's beauty and build their self-esteem. It has been so fun to do a business with such a narrow focus...just to be known for one thing (and be really good at it...I can say that without bragging because it's my husband who is responsible for what our clients experience). We've always loved being creative and taking risks and being a bit "on the edge". Well, I guess it rubbed off on me...I started our marriage almost thirteen years ago on the more conservative side. But although Rodney has been the visionary, I have been the one to encourage him to make the leap from paramedic to photographer, and from employee back to entrepreneur. Maybe it rubbed off too much!

Rodney has always loved photography, but never really started taking it seriously until he began to burn out from youth ministry. I told him he needed a hobby. And he taught himself the guitar and started studying photography. But it was photography that became his passion...the kind of thing you just can't get away from. And he has pursued it ever since.

I have a musical background and did a bit of computer business training after we were married (university just wasn't doing it for me). Worked a couple of years and then became a full-time mom. I love doing that. I could be happy doing just that. But it turns out that I came up with this business idea and over the past year we've been in business, I've undergone such a transformation myself, that one of my friends told me I've been "Eve'd". It started with a few cold calls for prizes for our Grand Opening, moved to press releases, brochure design, and then networking and becoming a part of a breakfast business group of amazing women...and soon becoming a major spokesperson for what we do. It's amazing how I've grown in confidence and competence over the year, as I've been part of our business.
It's been almost a month since our birthday bash! In that time, we've really been sensing a building of momentum that I've been dubbing the "snowball" effect. All of our marketing has really started coming together and it's exciting to see.

A couple of businesses have really helped us out. One of them is Sustainable Fitness. Allan Zimmer, the founder of these outstanding boot camps, has brought his vision and connections to us in a very generous manner. Thanks for giving us a presence on your website, Allan. We really appreciate all you've done for us. If anyone is looking towards getting more fit and just needs a boost...I encourage you to look into one of the many boot camps Sustainable Fitness offers. They have a wide variety of locations and times throughout the year, with some really high-quality trainers. We enjoyed a barbecue with the Sustainable crew this summer...great people (and great food). Boot camps offer variety, social interaction and accountability--all things we need when we're trying to change something in our lives!

Another business-owner who is a big cheerleader for Eve Studios is Jessica LoRusso. She recently opened Zealous MediSpa on Provencher and is also co-owner of Success Sistas, an organization that helps women strategize for the next five years of their lives, whether in business or personal areas of their lives. Jessica is a talented and passionate woman, and we thank her for being passionate about "Eve".

Keep your eyes and ears open...we think you'll be hearing about Eve Studios a lot in the near future.

Two More Businesses I'm Proud to Promote

I have the tremendous privilege of building relationships with other business women. Today I want to talk about two of them: Kristina Poturica from Rituals in Hair and Skin, and Michelle Lalonde from Tiber River Naturals. Both of them have amazing vision for their businesses, incredible dedication to service, and a passion for what they do. They are way farther down the road than I am, in business for over 5 years (I think) and managing a fairly large staff. I respect each of them a great deal.

What to say? First, I would suggest you check out their websites. You will learn a great deal about what they offer and how they go about it. Both of them love to give back to their communities. Both of of them pursue excellence. Kristina won 2008 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year for Emerging Business. Michelle and her business partner Adriana have been runner-up and are going to win an award soon, I'm sure. Rituals does hair and esthetics, accompanied by relaxation treatments and are located on Pembina Highway. Tiber River offers a whole line of natural products, made in Winnipeg, for the whole family, as well as esthetics. I have gotten to know many of the staff there and appreciate their personable service.

Thanks, Kristina and Michelle for your generous donation of gift baskets full of goodies for our birthday bash this past month. We're proud to know you both.