International Women’s Day is just around the corner and we are living in a time of such great positive change in gender equality. I couldn’t let the day pass without celebrating all the amazing women out there owning their power and going after their dreams. As a female farmer in a traditionally male-dominated industry I have noticed a huge shift in the past few years. While the overall number of farmers in Canada is decreasing, the number of female farmers is on the rise. This trend is especially true in BC where we have the highest concentration of female farmers in the country, almost 10% higher than the national percentage. Women have been steadily gaining momentum in all areas of business and I can’t wait to see the changes we can continue to make by supporting and lifting each other up. With that in mind I am so excited to highlight 5 amazing female entrepreneurs who are leaders in their fields and located right here in Langley, BC. I asked them if they would share their thoughts about about what it means to be a female business owner in this day and age and any words of wisdom they might have for women and girls who dream of opening their own businesses.

Christy Simpson-Owner of Centre Stage Design

Style, creativity and drive; Christy of Centre Stage Design has it all, in spades. Over the past few years Christy has grown her business from being a one woman band to having multiple employees with a plan in place to grow into a large full-service design and build firm that handles everything for their clients, from architecture, to building to interior design. She creates stunning homes and gains loyal customers with her signature mix of confidence and empathy and her ability to truly listen and understand her client’s needs and desires.

“Being a female business owner is empowering and challenging at the same time. It's so fun being able to do what I love and use my creative side to design amazing spaces for my clients. After all, seeing my clients happy is what allows me to thrive! However, finding that proper balance where I'm 100% focused on my family after work hours can be challenging. I love what I do for work and that I can be flexible with my schedule. I think a lot of us female entrepreneurs struggle to balance work life and home life so I've had to be intentional with the hours I pour into both.

Today I am thankful that we can recognize and celebrate the women out there who are working hard and wearing many hats. Kudos to you!”

—Christy, Center Stage Design

You can check out Christy’s projects on her website here or contact her by email at Info@centrestagedesign.com

Shelly and Cristina, Co-owners of Black Orchid Hair Studio

If you haven’t had a chance to visit Black Orchid Hair Studio in the heart of old downtown Langley you are in for a treat. Co-owners Shelly and Cristina have worked hard to create a beautiful and welcoming space where both clients and staff are treated like family. By focusing on nurturing their employees with everything from staff getaways to continuing education they have created a warm and positive work environment that is obvious as soon as you walk in the door, and happy stylists lead to happy and loyal customers.

We feel it’s important as women in business to provide a culture that supports a healthy live/work balance. By setting both personal and professional goals, our employees can take control of their own financial future. When your staff feels they are reaching personal success, the business in turn becomes successful.

—Shelly and Cristina, Black Orchid Hair Studio

To book an appointment or to shop online for hair and beauty products, you can visit their website here.

Kendall Ballantine, owner of Central Park Farms

Kendall fell into farming after deciding to raise a few chickens for her own family while working in the corporate world and discovering that the food she was buying at the grocery store wasn’t all that it ought to be. Only a few years later she owns a thriving farm that feeds people across the lower mainland and Fraser Valley with their grass fed and finished beef, free range chicken, eggs and pastured pork.

Central Park farms is particularly near and dear to my heart. If you have heard a little about our personal family story you may know that Central Park Farms has played a significant role in our lives over the last three years since our youngest daughter was born with severe food intolerances. Thanks to the fact that their animals are pasture raised and fed no soy, corn or GMOs and processing is completely clean and free of preservatives, the farm has been the only source of protein our daughter has been able to tolerate her whole life. We are grateful every day to have such an amazing farm just around the corner!

And if running a farm wasn’t enough, Kendall also provides coaching and support for other female farmers, generously sharing her knowledge and experience and helping other women reach their full potential through her company Marketing For Farmers.

“I've been an entrepreneur and farmer for eight years now and I think the thing I'm most proud of is to be included in a growing and thriving group of women in agriculture who are leading their farms here in Canada. Getting to watch and support other female entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses all while balancing motherhood, their relationships with friends and family, and all the other roles we play as women is so incredibly inspiring to be a part of. I'm excited that we are getting to the point where we're no longer labelled as a female farmer but instead as just simply a farmer.”

—Kendall, Central Park Farms

You can order online on the Central Park Farms website here for pickup at the farm or delivery throughout the lower mainland or check out the free materials and coaching options at Marketing For Farmers.

Tina Steinke, Owner of This Is It! Gifts

Another gem located in the center of old downtown, This is It! Gifts features beautiful gift and home decor items, including many locally made products as well as gorgeous wall decor handmade by Tina herself. Tina is always searching for ways to serve her community and her customers and by featuring and supporting local artisans and makers she has curated a unique shopping experience not replicated anywhere else.

To check out the catalogue or order for shipping or curbside pickup visit their website here.

Izabela Jankus, Owner of The Plant Junkie

After moving to BC, Izabela started collecting tropicals in order to stay connected to her home country of Brazil but quickly discovered it was her passion. She now channels that love into her thriving shop filled with lush, hard to find houseplants, gorgeous moss wall art and thoughtfully curated home decor items sure to charm any plant lover. Not only has Izabela created a tropical paradise inside her shop, she also designs beautiful residential and commercial spaces using tropical plants and installs breathtaking installations featuring faux and fresh greenery that make every space they grace feel alive.

“Whatever you do in life do it with passion and a heart full of love. That’s the recipe for success in any area of your life!”

—Izabela, The Plant Junkie

For more information you can check out her website here.

The number of incredible women entrepreneurs in our community increases every day and this is by no means an exhaustive list. I hope it has inspired you to celebrate the women in your life and those around you, today and every day! We are stronger together and by sharing resources, information and what we’ve learned along the way there is no end to what we can accomplish.

Happy International Women’s Day!