MAD LOVE MONDAY | Jordan Gibbins - Glass Slipper Entertainment

GLASS SLIPPER ENTERTAINMENT: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

My name is Jordan and I have recently returned home after living in China for the past 13

months where I acted and performed at Shanghai Disneyland Resort. Working in

Shanghai Disneyland opened my eyes to a world full of magic, smiles and happiness. So

much so, I want to continue to share that magic and joy with everyone here at home

through Glass Slipper Entertainment. I know it can be difficult to travel to far away

places to meet fairytale princesses, so I thought I could bring them here.

Having the incredible opportunity to live in China, and to work for Disney was both life

changing and eye opening for me. Not only was I immersed in a brand new culture full of

tradition and history (and tons of people), I also got to work for a company I had only

dreamed of working for.

Reminiscing…

I have been performing for nearly 20 years. When I started my training way-back-when,

never in my wildest dreams could I have seen myself performing for Disney. I remember

for my 12th birthday, my parents (and grandparents) took my family and I to Disneyland

for the first time. As cheesy as it may sound, I honestly get emotional just writing about

it. I am sure most people out there remember their first trip to Disneyland (or any of the

Disney parks), because it really does make memories that last a lifetime. For me, it was

hands down the most magical place on earth. That trip holds some of my most cherished

memories. I remember seeing some of the princesses from a distance, and then actually

getting to meet a couple of them in person, and being mesmerized and in complete awe. It

was safe to say I was star struck. Was it real? Was I really getting to meet a real live

princess?! It was a dream come true.

Little did I know, more than a decade later another dream would come true… working for

Shanghai Disneyland Resort. This time, not only did I get to make more of my own

memories that will last forever, I was able to take part in the magical memory-making of

so many little ones that came to visit the park in Shanghai. This is something so special, it

is difficult for me to put into words. So I will leave it up to your imagination.

A little more about me, past and present…

(so stop here if you’ve read enough lol)

Dance vs. School

My passion is and has always been performing arts, dancing in particular. The pressure of

making a decision of what to do after graduating high school was stressful. What I truly

wanted to do was move to New York or Los Angeles and just dance. But a part of me

(particularly the left side of my brain), wanted to pursue an education heavily involved in

numbers and science. Somehow I found a way to do both… I danced my way through a

Petroleum Engineering degree from the U of A. Okay, I didn’t quite “dance” my way through.

It was the hands down the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but definitely the

most rewarding.

After the oil industry crashed and after I had to move on from dancing on cruise ships, I

decided to enrol in Public Relations at Ryerson University. I graduated in June of 2018.

And I fell in love with the industry, one I was so unaware of prior to my education. I am

grateful that I can at least apply this skill/knowledge while running my business. And I

must say it has been quite helpful thus far.

Needless to say, I have never really known what I “wanted to do with my life”. The one

thing that has remained constant is performing; that I know, and have always known, is

my passion. So I have always just found a way to make it work. No excuses.

My reality

Without too many details, I also have a passion and dynamic love for giving back to

communities and making a difference in the lives of people who need it most. I founded

and co-founded multiple fundraisers: one for family victims in Afghanistan after the

tragedies of 2001, and another after the horrific aftermath of the Tsunami in Indonesia

and Thailand in 2004. When I was young I was often trying to come up with ways to help

other people.

That, combined with always having a desire to have control of my own schedule and

working for myself made the business idea of performing, making people smile, bringing

them joy (along with myself), seemed like I hit the jack pot.

… And then reality kicked in, when I realized I knew nothing (and I mean NOTHING)

about running or operating a business. Whenever I feel like I have chosen wrong, or feel

like maybe tossing in the towel, I attend a networking event or entrepreneur workshop

and inspiration kicks back in. I have also discovered that our city is FULL of wonderful

resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners. I just think that is so awesome! I

know it definitely enables and inspires me to keep going and learning as much as I can.

Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely venture. So it really is important to take care of

yourself mentally and physically. It’s important to surround yourself with positive people

who inspire and challenge you. They can be people who you’ve known your whole life,

or someone you’ve just met (at a workshop for example). Being a part of the YEG Boss

Babe community feels like a wonderful privilege and an amazing opportunity. One that I

am very grateful for, even though I’ve just started…

I thank all of you wonderful, strong, independent and intelligent women in advance,

because I guarantee you, your efforts will be appreciated in one way or another.

Since starting my business I now say, you can never have too much happiness, too

much laughter, too many stories or too deep of a smile line.

www.GlassSlipper.ca | 780-966-9902 

RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM A #MOMBOSS | JILL SPISAK - PUCKER UP MAKEUP BY JILL

Hello boss babes,  

My name is Jill, and I am a freelance makeup artist, owner of ‘Pucker up Makeup by Jill’ and educator/makeup artist with the Canadian company, SST Cosmetics. 

I have two wee ones: my beautiful 4-year-old daughter, Aria and my one-and-a-half-year-old, blue-eyed babe, Caleb. 

I love the idea of sharing my random thoughts within a Mom blog. Let's be honest, when sh*t hits the fan, the first place I turn to is Mommy blogs. It's where I can read and feel sane, feel validated, and usually have a good laugh...or cry. So, thanks for pouring your own souls into this.

I want to be real: raising tiny humans and building an ‘empire’ (yes, my small passion enveloped freelance business qualifies as that to me) is absolutely wonderful, but at times, absolutely emotionally, mentally and physically exhausting. Finding the fine balance to be able to juggle all the aspects of your life (family, friends, work, self-care, etc.) is sometimes like running head first into a jagged brick wall. Or driving. Yes, driving into a brick wall. In a convertible. 

As a woman that is extremely passionate about expressing herself, sharing positive body imagery, and providing tools to build self-confidence... it's almost ironic that I also suffer from anxiety and depression and find it hard to practice what I preach sometimes.  So, my random thoughts today Ladies, are how I support my mental health and self-care while balancing life as a busy mom and boss:  

1. Husband/Partner. 

He always says ’if you don't take care of number one (yourself) how will you be able to take care of anyone else? Truer words have never been spoken. And it's been my mantra for years. Key word: mantra. 

It's my husband that makes sure I actually follow it. He is supportive and understanding in all areas of my life. Having a spouse that supports both my need for self-care and my driven boss babe side is the number one reason I, and my wee family are tight knit and successful. 

1. Friends. 

I'm talking about real, true friends that see through your bullsh*t. That call you out when you're squirrelly and spinning out of control and who you call to ugly cry to on the phone because you haven't slept in days and you're wondering when this will get better. When you yelled at your child and you're pretty sure you are an epic failure. 

The kind of friends that ‘get’ feeling down or trick you into going to the doctor because they know you are struggling. No judgement. They offer to take your kids so you and your hubby can have quality time together and they support your business, promote your name and celebrate your successes, however small they may be. These kind of friends, are the ones that stand beside you, build you up and make you a better person, mom, and boss babe. 

1. Self-care. 

I'm not talking about hiding in the bath for 15mins while chugging a glass of Pinot Grigio that's been open in the fridge for so long it tastes like cold vinegar. I’m talking about taking time out. For you. 

Dealing with mom guilt is a real struggle and letting yourself enjoy quality time alone or with whomever it may be is seriously my biggest self-challenge.  Because I'm a freelance artist, I travel to my clients and am therefore away from my home. Typically, on weekends. I also work full time during the week, so taking additional time away at times really gets the guilty mom juices flowing.  

But here is where I picture my husband’s words, and with his help and my friends, I take care of me. I have to remind myself constantly that just because I truly enjoy doing makeup and it takes me out of the house, does NOT mean that it qualifies as self-care and time for myself. Its ok to put yourself first, boss mama.  

1. Explore new things. 

Life with small ones and working can become very routine and busy. Do yourself and your kids a favour  and explore new things. Wanna go solo? Work on mindfulness? Or be with the girls? 

Here's an experience I recommend with all my heart: attend a meditation ‘moon circle’ at ‘OM Ever After’ in Spruce Grove. www.omeverafter.com

I was introduced to a whole new level of food for the soul after attending my first moon circle and I've begun practicing yoga, meditation, and enjoying reiki in my day to day life as a result.  

Exploring with the kids? I live for free activities. Check out familyfuncanada.com for all the kid friendly happenings in your area! Small towns are the best for free activities and luckily, I reside in one. We are always exploring small carnivals, events, handmade shows etc. and the kids love it. 

1. Social media. 

The connections I've made via Instagram with other moms and other people in the industry etc., has helped me grow, connect and balance. I'm not afraid to message and ask questions. I love reading real stories about being a parent and balancing life or reading in general. But please mom boss, don't get caught up in what’s ’internet real’. Don’t compare yourself to the edited photos or the perfectly posed shots. Take what you need and let the rest go. 

Find yourself comparing or having envious thoughts? It's time to take a break from social media. Breathe and take a look around your own domain. Focus on finding the positives and have a grateful heart. After all, you are the creator of tiny humans, of a business and of your own empire. You are everything you need to be.  

#momboss

MAD LOVE MONDAY | Ashley Rosenow - Illustrious Interiors

@mintedphotography

My name is Ashley Rosenow and I am the proud owner of Illustrious Interiors. Currently I offer interior decorating, home staging and styling, interior organizing, paint consultations, and custom murals. At one point, most of these services were solely a hobby of my own and I could only have dreamt of using my creativity in a home other than my own. I truly believe that you can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it.

After having my children, my work priorities changed and I knew immediately it was time to pursue my passion of interior design. This meant I could spend more time with my children and be the mother and wife I envisioned to be. This doesn’t come without a challenge though. Any Mompreneur understands the struggle of work/life/balance of trying to run a business and provide for your family that demands you-all at the same time. I can’t say that I have found that perfect balance yet, but I do feel blessed to have my beautiful family and my dream job right in front of me. Life will always be changing around you. You can either succumb to the challenges, or face them without fear of the future. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think I am capable enough. I believe putting in 110% effort with a positive attitude will always pay off.

My business came by demand. What started out as creating unique pieces and rooms in my own home, blossomed into requests from friends/family, that by word of mouth alone turned into more and more clients. I began researching social media strategies, built a portfolio by decorating many unique rooms, became a certified home stager, and then officially opened for business.

I have always been passionate about decorating and even on my “down time” you can find me inside Homsense or Michaels strolling about envisioning decorating or creating for a new space. I love the challenge of working in a new space with old and new furniture and making it all come together in a seamless way. Many times, when I stage a home, I am utilizing what the client has before purchasing anything new and the outcome has always been successful.

It is funny to think how murals came about. They are one of my favorite services I provide. Often when I am decorating a room, I am working within a budget and although wallpaper can be beautiful, often it can be costly. There are many times where I just end up challenging myself to see if I can paint something similar for a fraction of the price, and not to mention the colors usually work a bit better with the room since it is all custom! Murals ended up being requested so often that I decided to add it to my list of services.

@mintedphotography

Painting has always been incredibly soothing to me and I am always so inspired by other artists. I love painting floral murals and when I came across the giant floral painting on 72 St and 101 Ave in Edmonton I was in absolute awe! How has this been in Edmonton since 1998 and I have only just seen it this year! It is definitely something worth seeing!

Speaking of the YEG community, the biggest thing I am thankful for within my business by far has been my friends, family, clients, and supporters. I am pretty active on Facebook and Instagram and the number of referrals that I have seen on there alone from locals, have brought me so much business and it hasn’t gone unnoticed! These referrals have been my biggest aid in getting my name out there and I couldn’t do it without my support team!

Although I spend hours and hours on Pinterest looking for inspiration and ideas, I have yet to really figure out how to use it for my business. I started up a page right from the get-go, but I don’t really use it yet. This year my goal is to use Pinterest to my advantage and blog a little more on my site! My next goal is to duplicate myself so I can get a little more done, although this is not quite obtainable it would be really nice! This year I would also love to attend a Boss Babe mixer and get to know some other amazing YEG Boss Babes! In the meantime, head over to my Instagram and Facebook and come say Hi! I would love to meet you!