“Dig in. Starting a business is awesome. It's exciting and fun. But it isn't fun when you are a year or two in, broke, stressed, and having a hard time seeing the other side. If you start a business thinking it's going to be super fun the whole time, you are probably setting yourself for a major let down.”
“ I initially started BBQing because southern style halal smoked meat is extremely rare in all of North America. As a practicing Muslim, I only eat halal. Therefore, to enjoy smoked meat I had to learn to smoke it myself. “
"By building community, we all rise up together. Gem Conference was built out of the desire to offer inspired experiences that delivers deep, meaningful content"
“I basically grew up in the industry as a second generation. My mother was in the Esthetics industry for over a decade and I gradually just followed in her footsteps not knowing how much I really enjoyed being in the industry. I studied business and entrepreneurship then eventually took a course in aesthetics but working with my mother is where I got the most learning experience from.
“I feel really lucky to be part of a network of thoughtful, conscientious, community-oriented business owners in Ottawa. There is something so special to me about businesses who see it as their mission to give back to the communities they’re a part of. I think that also resonates with people living in Ottawa, and has helped to build the strong ‘Shop Local’ ethic here.”
“We believe it is important not only to be a community for people, but to also give back to our communities. Whether it is partnering with a community organization for our monthly smoothie, taking teams over to Parkdale or The Mission to cook or hiring clients from Causeway, we want to help at the local level to break down barriers for those in need.”
“Find those people you want to serve, and serve them well. We all have something different to offer. If you can find a way to add value to your customers through your product or service, you’ve got something. “
“ The idea was to offer traditional beverages akin to the origins of our ethnic culture (Hong Kong). While customers get their vehicle serviced, they can enjoy a serene café-like atmosphere with a beverage of their choice while they wait. “
“Figure out what your “why” is. For me, it means spreading positive energy on a large scale through my words and my art. Once you figure out your sweet spot you can start. Create that instagram handle. Post that post you’ve been humming and hawing over for months. You must get comfortable with risk and the feeling of fear, it’s normal and you get better at dealing with it. “
“I didn’t set out to have a career in the restaurant business. After finishing school I set my sites on an acting career while taking acting classes and pursuing the dream of being an actor I ended up working in restaurants like most aspiring actors bartending and waiting tables.”
“ …something always pulled me towards health and fitness from high school into post secondary and into my career. But if you would have asked me when I was 10 yrs old I wanted to own/operate a zoo. Things have changed. “
“Ever since I've started learning how to cut hair, I’ve wanted a barbershop of my own.”
“Business to me feels like home just like a gym does. I love the mindset of entrepreneurs and it's nice to know I'm not the only outlier. Ottawa is a bigger hub for business than people give it credit for. I am proud to be apart of the business community here. It's inspirational.”
“ For me though, I tend to like the ones that take a bit of ingenuity to create or rely less on commercial flavours. My very favourite has to be the Margarita. I put just a tiny bit of flaky salt in the mold before I pour the candy in so the first few licks you get the sense of the salt rim on a margarita glass.”
“I don't consider myself a risk taker and it’s hard to bring a new product to market without taking risks. I’ve learned that it’s okay to venture outside your comfort zone. It might even be healthy. “
“ Focus on your breath. Your thoughts will start to wander but that's normal. Just bring it back to your breath and eventually it will become easier. “
“Ottawa has become a much more metropolitan city with a vibrant restaurant scene, hundreds of festivals and a growing business community. “
“Our mission is to ensure that space availability is never a barrier to holding an event.”
“Born and raised in Ottawa, I have always been drawn to the unique small businesses that make our city so vibrant and make shopping and dining a more personal and rich experience.”
“We have a great deal of respect for each other and what we bring to the table. We have our areas of expertise and are careful not to cross the lines into each other's territory. I learned early on to leave everything pertaining to music to Jon. He knows the biz, he knows the people. That's the line in the sand. There is not real final say. We discuss, weigh pros and cons, and compromise based on what's best for the venue. We are 50/50 partners in every way. Granted, we don't have much social time together! One of us is always here.”
