Crystal Kelly - Amani Financial Inc.
My name is Crystal Kelly and I am the founder of Amani Financial.
My name is Crystal Kelly and I am the founder of Amani Financial. A fee for service financial planning firm that specializes in serving and empowering women. I currently hold my QAFP® designation and will be earning my CFP® shortly!
The primary mission of Amani Financial is to guide women to financial independence so that they can break the cycle of financial chaos and bring peace of mind to their lives. We specialize in cash flow management, investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance and risk management, tax planning and small business financial planning.
I offer the following services:
Fee for service financial planning
Budgeting and Cash flow management
Risk management and insurance review
Financial wellness workshops
Speaking Engagements
Crystal Kelly
(587) 988-9050
10243 178 St NW
Edmonton, AB
T5S 1M3
Herminia Zavala - Art by HZ
My name is Herminia Zavala and I love to create. I have always enjoyed expressing myself through art.
Meet Herminia Zavala, Mizhuckii Ashiik/ Naazhkii Ashiik, from Treaty 3 Territory.
In 2022, this blog series was created to highlight Indigenous businesses from all Treaty Lands and Unceded Territories across Canada! Our goal is to uplift fellow creators & business owners; and create space for all. We’ve asked Herminia a few questions and we hope you enjoy getting to know her story!
- Denisse Peters, “Their Story” Creator & YBB Team
My name is Herminia Zavala and I love to create. I have always enjoyed expressing myself through art. Things really took a turn with the pandemic when I couldn't work my job as an Esthetician, so I was able to spend more time making things and learning new ways to create. I have always painted or drawn on paper, but I wanted to try something new.
I became interested in digital art and the thought of being able to bring all my supplies with me wherever I go. I did some research online, purchased a tablet and stylus pen then began watching YouTube videos to teach myself all I could about digital drawing.
Since I've opened my Instagram I have become a mother of a beautiful little girl and left my position as an Esthetician to pursue my dream of being an artist. I continue to post many of my drawings, some paintings and most recently a combination of bead work and painting.
I don't restrict myself to one art form and would love to learn more in the future. It all depends on how I am feeling in the moment. I love to learn new things and teach myself all I can about subject. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and I use the skills in my day to day life.
My art has been very helpful to me on my journey of healing and spirituality. It helps me express myself in ways words could never describe. I hope that through my creations I inspire people to be themselves, not be afraid of change and share their gifts with others, whatever they may be.
NAME OF YOUR BUSINESS, AND HOW LONG YOU’VE HAD IT FOR?
@Artby_HZ, 2 years
WHAT DO YOU MAKE, AND HOW DID YOU LEARN TO DO THAT ART FORM?
I create digital drawings, paintings and beaded earrings. I have always had a passion for creating things, but when Covid hit I really had time to put more focus on creating. I bought myself a tablet and stylus then taught myself through YouTube videos with lots and lots of patience. No matter what I'm creating I sketch out my idea and brainstorm from there.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT SO FAR?
So far my favorite piece would have to be a digital drawing I made into a painting that was also made into some earrings by another artist (@BellaLoveleeBeads on Instagram). It is an image of my daughter Hermosa and I. It was created a few months before she was born <3.
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE THINK OF WHEN THEY THINK OF YOUR TREATY TERRITORY?
The water and forest. Our area is full of beautiful lakes and forests that we enjoy all year long.
(Photo credit: Ontario's Sunset Country)
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR LAND?
I wish more people were aware of the fact that residential schools took place in our own backyards. We still have people who are clueless or refuse to acknowledge what happened in our recent past. It still affects us and our families, but we are working hard to heal ourselves.
Wherever you reside, make an effort to understand its history and how it came to be.
(Photos from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School courtesy of the Presbyterian Church in Canada Archives)
WHAT ARE SOME FUTURE GOALS YOU HAVE FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
I would love to make it full-time and continuously create new designs for prints, apparel and jewelry. I hope to create my own website at a point, have merchandise on hand and travel to set up shop in the future.
WHERE CAN PEOPLE FOLLOW YOU/SUPPORT YOU/BUY FROM YOU?
HOW DO YOU SAY “HELLO” AND “GOODBYE” IN YOUR LANGUAGE?
"Boozhoo" and "Agawaaba min miinawa" meaning "I'll see you again". We have no word for goodbye. The word goodbye is so final. We are never truly gone in this life or the next, I will see you again.
Thank you Herminia for sharing your story with our community!
Cora-Lee Fedoruk - The Matriarch
Meet Cora-Lee from The Matriarch, An Indigenous Licensed Heal Your Life-Life Coach, Licensed Heal Your Life-Teacher & Traditional Family Parenting-Facilitator
Meet Cora-Lee from The Matriarch, An Indigenous Licensed Heal Your Life-Life Coach, Licensed Heal Your Life-Teacher & Traditional Family Parenting-Facilitator
- Denisse Peters, “Their Story” Creator & YBB Team
Cora-Lee is from Little Saskatchewan First Nation, Treaty 2 & this is her story.
Inspired Iskwew Designs, photograph by Nineteen87 Photography
Name of your business, and how long you’ve had it for?
The Matriarch. I registered the Matriarch in November 2020.
What do you make, and how did you learn to do that art form?
I am certified, licensed and insured Heal Your Life® Life Coach as well as a workshop Teacher. I also have my Train the Trainer Traditional Family Parenting from Janet Fox.4.
What is your favourite Project so far?
I have been putting on 5 Week Workshops since August of 2021. I really enjoy all the different groups that I have had the opportunity to hold space for. We meet on Zoom for 2 hours per week.
What is something people think of when they think of your treaty territory?
Treaty 2 was signed Manitoba House (Kinosota), Manitoba in August of 1871. Consists of 9 different First Nations, 2 of them are located in Saskatchewan. Current Grand Chief is Chief Cornell McLean, who is also the Chief of Lake Manitoba First Nation. Treaty Territory covers land from Riding Mountain to Berens River. Includes The first Nations of Dauphin River First Nation, Ebb and Flow First Nation, Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation, Lake Manitoba First Nation, Lake St. Martin First Nation, Little Saskatchewan First Nation, O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation, Pinaymootang First Nation and Skownan First Nation.
What is something you wish people knew about your land?
We were fishing, trapping and hunting communities. Hunting Moose and fishing for White Fish, Walleye or Pickerel. Hunting, fishing and trapping were not only a way of feeding our bodies and families but also a way to connect with each other as well as Creator and our Ancestors. The Government is trying to take away our Treaty Rights by trying to take away our rights to hunt, trap and fish. You can also check out a documentary called 'Forced Evacuation of Little Saskatchewan Elders' on Youtube.
What are some future goals you have for your business?
Inspired Iskwew Coaching, photograph by Nipin Sharphead
To travel around to different communities, helping and holding space people. I want to help people to help themselves. To have the opportunity to hold space for love and healing.
Where can people follow you/support you/buy from you?
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK
How do you say “hello” and “goodbye” in your language?
Hello is aaniin. There is no goodbye in Saulteaux, we say, see you later, kiiggawaabaaminapii
Thank you Cora-Lee for sharing your story with our community!
Their Story: In 2022, this blog series is highlighting Indigenous businesses from all Treaty Lands and Unceded Territories across Canada! Our goal is to uplift fellow creators & business owners; and create space for all.
