Meet The Member - Dara & Dawn-Marie, The R.A.K
We’re two besties and YEG moms who turned a dream into reality! Every piece here is handpicked with heart, proving that small acts of kindness (and great style) can make a big impact.
Today we’re sitting down for an interview with Dara & Dawn-Marie to learn more about The R.A.K Consignment Boutique.
Tell us more about you and your business! We’d love to know about your business today and the story of how you got here.
We’re two besties and YEG moms who turned a dream into reality.
Located in the heart of Old Strathcona, we make shopping sustainably easy with unique finds as bold as you are — all in a perfectly organized space, labeled, sized, and designed for a stress-free shopping experience.
Every piece here is handpicked with heart, proving that small acts of kindness (and great style) can make a big impact.
Fashion should feel like you, whatever that looks like. Our hand-picked collection is designed for all styles, all sizes, and all kinds of self-expression. We celebrate individuality and body positivity with a carefully curated mix of clothing, shoes, and accessories, so you can find pieces that match your unique identity. without the hefty price tag.
Let’s dive more into your business. What products/services do you offer? What do you do for your clients that sets you apart?
We offer a wide range of carefully curated secondhand pieces and accessories. We're more than a boutique; we're a movement, fueled by love, kindness, and the belief that a little bit of love goes a long way.
What is your favourite part of what you do?
THE PEOPLE! Always and forever, haha, watching someone score a gem or watching their confidence skyrocket when they come out of the fitting room! OH, or, hearing customers talk about how much they love the welcoming vibe of the shop.
What's a challenge you’ve overcome as a business owner, and what did you learn from it that you can share with others?
The pressure to stay relevant on social media, to churn out content like a content-making machine, and to always be "on." Spoiler alert: we're not always "on." Sometimes, we're tired, and that's okay. We're slowly learning to give ourselves permission to rest, to recharge, and to come back stronger.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
That not everyone is going to give us their blessing, or even like us! And you know what? That's okay! It was a tough pill to swallow, but it taught us the importance of staying true to ourselves, even when the world tells us otherwise.
Do you have a go-to motto or quote that inspires you?
Haha, honestly, one of our faves is “don’t take life too seriously, you will never get out of it alive.” This is what we use when we’re creating social media or overthinking decisions!
Meet The Member - Crystal Kelly, Amani Financial
The primary mission of my independent financial planning practice, Amani Financial Inc., 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.
Today we’re sitting down for an interview with Crystal Kelly to learn more about building Amani Financial.
Tell us more about you and your business! We’d love to know about your business today and the story of how you got here.
I am Certified Financial Planner® with 18 years of experience in the financial services industry. The primary mission of my independent financial planning practice, Amani Financial Inc., 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.
Women have unique needs, challenges, and inequalities they face when it comes to their financial well being, as such the financial advice they receive should be just as unique. This is achieved through holistic, fee-for-service financial planning in the areas of cash flow management, investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance and risk management, tax planning and small business financial planning. With an emphasis on education and empowerment.
Areas of specialization include women transitioning from employee to self employed and women going through a separation or divorce, and am a candidate for the Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist designation. I am a mixed settler and indigenous woman descending from Musgamagw Dzawada'enuxw, one of four tribes making up the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples in the Pacific Northwest. I have a special interest in serving indigenous nations through education and guidance. All in an effort to help build a robust indigenous economy.
Let’s dive more into your business. What products/services do you offer? What do you do for your clients that sets you apart?
The financial services industry is very male dominated and his heavily influenced by colonized and patriarchal world views. Unfortunately this results in women not getting the type of support they are now demanding, in order to create real, long lasting financial security. Women's unique needs and challenges need to be addressed as part of a financial plan.
In addition, my fee for service model offers a way to get financial advice without product pitches or sales tactics. The majority of the advice out there is tied to commissions from the sale of investment products. My fee for service model eliminates that conflict of interest so that the recommendations made are truly in your best interest. It also eliminates the need to have an existing portfolio to get good advice. You can have a robust portfolio, or be just starting out! It doesn't change the qualify of advice you receive.
I can be hired for the following services:
Comprehensive fee for service financial planning
Educational Workshops
Speaking Engagements
Consulting
What is your favourite part of what you do?
When my clients express how working with me has improved their quality of life, reduced their stress levels, increased their confidence with their financial well being and helped them make informed decisions about their financial security and build wealth long term.
Witnessing my clients go from fear, shame and confusion around their finances to excitement, empowerment and confidence...it's why I do what I do.
What's a challenge you’ve overcome as a business owner, and what did you learn from it that you can share with others?
A challenge I have experienced as a business owner is how isolated and alone it can feel. When you're building the tracks as the train is coming and wearing all of the hats of your business, it can be very difficult. It is similar to the challenges I've faced as a single mother. Sometimes I need to vent, sometimes I need to talk through a problem that I haven't figured out a solution for yet, sometimes I need inspiration when my creative brain feels stuck.
The most valuable lesson I have learned from going through this challenge is to prioritize connection with other women. The relationships we with have with the women in our lives are so incredibly important and the rich connections we build expand our lives in ways we can't see are possible when we are doing it all alone.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Always have something in the calendar that you are looking forward to.
Do you have a go-to motto or quote that inspires you?
One of my favourite quotes is by Russ, when he was asked...
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Russ: "What if it can turn out better than you can imagine?"
What is the worst advice you've ever received?
Russ: "Be realistic"
Is there anything you'd like to share with the YBB Community?
If you would like to receive practical financial information and tools in your inbox and stay up to date on upcoming workshops or launches, please sign up for our monthly newsletter on the website https://www.amanifinancial.ca/.
Mad Love Monday - Kaytlyn Beakhouse, Sort & Simple Professional Organizing
Hi there, I’m Kaytlyn! I am the Owner and Lead Organizer of Sort & Simple Professional Organizing. I love transforming people’s lives through simplifying their space.
Image @christinalouisebranding
Hi there, I’m Kaytlyn!
I am the Owner and Lead Organizer of Sort & Simple Professional Organizing. I love transforming people’s lives through simplifying their space.
Why did you start this business?
Now more than ever, it is VERY easy to accumulate stuff. However, it’s not as easy to get rid of items. Most of us can relate to the feelings of stress, overwhelm and even paralysis that a big ol’ pile of stuff can create. Disorganization can impede our productivity, hinder efficiency, and can even cause feelings of guilt and shame.
This is where Sort & Simple comes in! Through the power of decluttering and the implementation of functional systems, not only can we create a welcoming space, creativity and confidence soar too!
Why do you love being an entrepreneur?
After a decade long career in the healthcare field, I had reached a plateau in my learning and development. I was craving a new challenge!
Owning my own business has filled many of the gaps I had in my previous career - I get to build meaningful, long-term relationships, and utilize my creativity and handy-girl skills. The best part is that I am challenged every day and am constantly learning. I love it!
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far?
When it comes to organizing an important lesson I’ve learned is to be continuously adaptable. Every client has a unique way of using their space and belongings, so I need to keep an open mind to their preferences and find solutions that make sense to them. Often that means using a system very different from what I would want in my home!
As for the business side of things, I have learned that I cannot control everything. When I finally realized that there is a limit to my capacity a huge weight lifted off my chest. By giving myself permission to set work boundaries, delegate tasks, and to be patient with the process I have had more opportunities present themselves and am having a lot more fun along the way. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Do you want to chat non-stop about the magic of decluttering and organizing?
Let's connect!
Image @christinalouisebranding