Ahead of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting seven strong, influential women that not only head their businesses, they do so locally – right in our very own Westshore Town Centre.
On March 8th, the world collectively comes together to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women – the day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific – it’s everywhere.
We’re also doing a special giveaway from each of the seven businesses we highlight this week – read below to find out what you can win!
Today, we meet Davianna of Bali Kiss, pictured above with her daughters Taylor and Madison, and chat with her about what it means to be a woman in business in the Westshore:
Tell us a little about yourself: I was born and raised here in the Western Communities. When I was young I spent a lot of time traveling and met my (ex)husband overseas. When we decided to have kids I knew this community was exactly where I wanted to raise them. I have three amazing children; two daughters and a middle son and I’m about to be a first-time grandma.
Tell us a little about your store/business: Bali Kiss is a small family-run fair trade store that carries wood carvings, handicrafts, jewelry, clothing and so much more from Thailand and Bali. We source all of our products directly from the families and I focus on finding and carrying products made by women and supporting independent small women-owned businesses. Many of the families I buy from I have known for 25+years and it has been so wonderful to introduce my family to their growing families.
How long have you owned your business? The company was started 32 years and I took over sole ownership in 2006 when my husband and I separated. It has been amazing to have this company grow and change with my family – we started as a little kiosk in the mall that would only be set up during Christmas and Summers selling hand-made jewelry to currently having 3 store locations selling clothing, jewelry and so much more. Knowing that my daughters are interested in continuing the family business, seeing what new ideas they bring to the company, and watching them grow into also being their own strong independent business owners has been so rewarding.
What do you love about being a woman in business? I love my independence and I love the people and connections I have been able to form. I love the families I have been able to support overseas. I most of all enjoy being able to strive to be a strong female role model for my children and those around me.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to women thinking about starting their own business? Planning is essential. You can do it. Form a plan. Start small. Set manageable goals. If you are passionate about what you are wanting to center your business around and you have a plan, you can do it.
You can find Davianna in Westshore Town Centre at #166-2945 Jacklin Road.
CONTEST
To enter for your chance to win a $50 gift card to Bali Kiss, please complete one or more of the following:
- LIKE Westshore Town Centre on Facebook, and leave a comment below once you have (1 entry)
- FOLLOW Bali Kiss on Instagram and leave a comment below once you have (1 entry)
- COMMENT below with your favourite woman in business! (1 entry)
Contest entries will be accepted from the time and date of publishing until 11:59 p.m on Sunday, March 14th. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted through the platform they used to enter. Make sure to register when commenting below.
