YBB Connect 1/15/18 YBB Connect 1/15/18

MAD LOVE MONDAY - Ksquared Media

A broad look at Ksquared Media & “Blazing the Trail”, the documentary. KSquared Media is a dynamic feminine powerhouse duo owned and operated by Katherine Bessette and Katelin

A broad look at Ksquared Media & “Blazing the Trail”, the documentary

KSquared Media is a dynamic feminine powerhouse duo owned and operated by Katherine Bessette and Katelin Popiel based out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. KSquared Media is a multi-faceted media company who produces original content and represents various artists and athletes. These two fierce female entrepreneurs have a mission and a big vision. Bonded by blood, these two cousins have a rooted family bond that branches out into deep friendship and blossoms into a directed and efficient business.

Katelin has a background in public relations and media in the fashion industry, while Katherine comes to the business with production and media experience in the music industry. Together, these two entrepreneurial dynamos fuse their respective skills and knowledge to form one unstoppable force, KSquared Media.

The largest project by KSquared media to date is an independent documentary titled “Blazing the Trail: A Canadian Cannabis Documentary” that is currently in production. “Blazing the Trail” tracks Canada’s journey towards legalization as cannabis transitions to fully nationwide legal recreational use. The documentary tracks the rapid unfold and evolution of an industry through the lens of several entrepreneurs, each currently shaping the cannabis industry and climate from the legal, medical and black market perspective. The film aims to break down stigmas and stereotypes surrounding cannabis growth, production, distribution and use by providing viewers with an informed snapshot into the current state of the cannabis industry in a manner that mainstream media can’t or won’t. It’s about putting the power back into the hands of the people by enlightening and empowering viewers to take an active role in shaping the cannabis climate. Legislation is still being written, the container is still being shaped and Canadians can have a say in how Canada tackles it’s big legalization move.

“Blazing the Trail” distills the massive “information overload” and misinformation into knowledge that empowers the viewer to make informed decisions on what lies ahead for Canadians.

What is your business & why that field / service/ product?

We are a multi-faceted media company specializing in film production and talent representation. From music artists to athletes, we are giving an inspired voice to artists and creators doing incredible things! We are the amplified voice that’s spreading the word!

What inspired you to start your own business?

We are cousins and grew up very close. Combining our backgrounds in business, music, fashion and arts resulted in Ksquared Media. We have always spoken about working together and Ksquared is the product of that vision. We were inspired to start our own business so that we could work for ourselves, empower women to do what they love, and create a livelihood rooted in abundance (think beyond money here people!) for, not just ourselves, but other artists and creators as well.

Do you have a go to quote / motto?

“Maturity includes the recognition that no one is going to see anything in us that we don’t see in ourselves. Stop waiting for a producer. Produce yourself.”

“Collaboration over competition”

-KSquared

What’s a personal goal of yours to accomplish? (time frame?)

Face our fears. Push ourselves beyond our comfort zone, evolve our skill sets and learn new ones by doing, knowing that greater professional confidence would be an inevitable result. They say learning is ongoing, right? Well, these are goals to be sculpted over a lifetime! We’re buckled up and in the driver’s seat.

Do you have a professional goal or set of goals for your business?

- To see “Blazing the Trail: A Canadian Cannabis Documentary” circulating national and international film festivals by late 2018/early 2019. We are always looking to further develop our Ksquared brand by looking ahead to what projects and opportunities are next.

Why do you love being an entrepreneur?

We both love being entrepreneurs because being an entrepreneur means constant growth. You learn to push yourself and build yourself up- you have to, no one is going to do it for you. Being an entrepreneur requires a constant shedding of insecurities and a fearless approach to stepping out of your comfort zone. We both welcome this growth and love sharing our “Boss Babe” journey together.

Did you ever have a time where you wanted to give up? How did you overcome that feeling?

There have been multiple times on our journey that we have been pushed to the limit. Making a documentary comes with many uncertainties, and with a crew of 11 people, it can sometimes be difficult to manage. However, we have been blessed to have each other to support and push one other through the challenging moments. And each and every time, there has been a gift from the universe waiting on the other side!

What’s your best boss babe moment? (First moment of reassurance).

Winning the best short documentary at “Justice 4 Reel”, a local film festival last fall.

What platform do you find most success / interaction from? (IE. Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook).

Instagram! Our followers are amazing and love to interact with us. It’s fun and playful and a great realtime back-and-forth with the greater community.

Work-life Balance: What you do you do to destress? What is your must-have moment of the day (me time)?

Self care practices are very important to both of us. Meditation, yoga, goddess baths, facials and massages are just a few of the practices we do on a regular basis to keep our minds and bodies rested and balanced.

What are you looking to learn from other YEGBOSSBABES in the community?

We are honoured to be a part of this amazing YEGBOSSBABE community. We look forward to learning more about each and every boss babe to see how we can collaborate and uplift each other. At ksquared media we value female collaboration over competition and are always looking for ways to connect and empower other women to follow their passions and embody their own bosses! We believe women working together and supporting one another is key in creating the paradigm shift where women hold their own power, and in which all of us can succeed!

Interested in being featured? email us at yegbossbabes@gmail.com

YBB Connect 1/9/18 YBB Connect 1/9/18

TIPSY TUESDAY - Healing Stones

If you were to have asked me few years ago to write about healing stones for business, I would have laughed and said “Who? Me ?”. I was not a person who could talk about it.

Healing Stones All BossBabes Should Have

Written by Kate Ko (Tinyzen Jewelry)

If you were to have asked me few years ago to write about healing stones for business, I would have laughed and said “Who? Me ?”. I was not a person who could talk about it.

But, being pregnant with my son changed everything. People always talk about only beautiful things about being pregnant, but I can say to you “IT IS NOT EASY”. It is tough, but we do it because it is more than worth it.

I had several complications when I was pregnant so had lots of time to stay at home alone. I was so sad and depressed. I needed to find something to control my emotions and hormones, and I started making Mala necklaces with natural stones. One day, my husband told me I seemed much happier and more calm after working with stones. Yes! I did! That’s how I started believing in stones healing properties and started my Tinyzen Jewelry business.

Do you believe stones have healing properties? If you do, this post will be just right for you! If you don’t, it is ok! You don’t need to. But what are you going to lose if you have some stones believed to help you and your business!

1> When you feel overwhelmed in time management – Blue Apatite

Owning a business means you need to commit 24 hours for 7 days. Even though you are a very organized person, you may feel overwhelmed for doing everything on your own sometimes. If you do, blue Apatite is the right stone for you.

Blue Apatite is an excellent stone in time management. As a motivational stone, it helps you to achieve your goals to promote independence and ambitiousness. Especially, if you work in business consultants, accounts or investment, this stone will work even better.

2> When you doubt yourself for success – Lapis Lazuli

Do you have self doubt the same way I do? One day I feel I am full of confidence and think I am going to be very successful!! Another day, I doubt myself and keep asking if I am going to make it. Whenever I lose my confidence, I always wear jewelry made with one of my favourite stones, Lapis Lazuli.

This is a great stone to promote your self-esteem. It helps you to focus on something you really need to and brings clarity in your thoughts. It also quickly releases the stress and brings deep peace of mind.

3> When your business doesn’t work well - Citrine

I guess businesses have small bumps on the way. If your business doesn’t work, then you may want to have Citrine, the merchant’s stone.

It will promote success and abundance in yourbusiness and help you protect your wealth.

4> When you feel stressed and anxious or when you meet rude customers

– Howlite, Amazonite

Feeling stressed and anxious is very normal. Especially, owning a business demands lots of responsibilities. I always try to enjoy the moments and focus why I am doing this, but sometimes, it is not easy to control my mind. When I can’t control my emotions, I usually wear howlite or amazonite.

Howlite and Amazonite are very calming stones used to release stress. Howlite is one of the popular stones these days, and it is great to reduce anxiety and tensions. Amazonite has healing powers to heal emotional issues. Also, it sooth energies at work and helps to relieve stress.

5> Lastly I would like to mention the Lava stone

Lava stone is very popular as diffuser jewelry. These days, I am so into essential oils. Putting Lemon oil in the morning and Lavender at night on my jewelry became my daily routine. Other than using the Lava stone as a diffuser it also promotes strength, courage, protection and helps to control emotions.

You started your own business because it is your passion or dream, and because it makes you smile. Being patient and waiting in uncertainty are very tough. Sometimes, we doubt ourselves, question our work and feel pressure. But, I hope you remember this, "If we don’t believe in ourselves and our work, nothing will happen". If you have a chance to wear these gemstones I mentioned above, please believe the stone is going to help you to reach a goal in your beautiful journey, then enjoy positive energy from the nature.

With Lots of Love,

Kate Ko

Tinyzen Jewelry

https://www.tinyzenjewelry.com/

photo cred | Tracey Jazmin

YBB Connect 1/8/18 YBB Connect 1/8/18

MAD LOVE MONDAY - Tracey Jazmin Photography

We go Q&A style with the talented Tracey Jazmin. Her answers are so genuine and relatable to so many of us YEGBOSSBABES across any field. Thank you for you sharing your journey with us!

We go Q&A style with the talented Tracey Jazmin. Her answers are so genuine and relatable to so many of us YEGBOSSBABES across any field. Thank you for you sharing your journey with us! "I’m Tracey Jazmin, and I’m a wedding photographer and brand photographer. Since I was little, flipping through old photos has been one of my favourite things to do. I love getting to see what people looked like and did before I knew them. When I was 14, I got my very own camera and you could say the rest is history. Putting my two loves together, I had created a dream job doing what I love. I want to be able to document and capture genuine and intimate moments for couples so that they, their kids and their kid’s kids can flip through old photos the way I used to when I was younger. As a brand photographer, my why has always been the hope to inspire others and see them being successful doing what they love. If I can help in that process, thats when I feel genuinely fulfilled."

1. What inspired you to start your own business?

I wouldn’t say I was ever “inspired” to start it on my own if I’m honest. I had so many others believe in me before I believed in myself to make my photography career my own business. Starting my own business more or less came about because I was getting so many bookings, I had to. It was then, that I started getting inspired and became the business person I am today.

2. Do you have a go to quote / motto?

Everything happens for a reason. This quote has been what I fall back on when my faith in myself, my business or my work waivers for the past five years.

3. What’s a personal goal of yours to accomplish? (time frame?)

In the next year or so, I hope to purchase an acreage with my other half. Being a business owner, it’s always tough to have financial institutions take you seriously so we’re working hard at making that a possibility.

4. Do you have a professional goal or set of goals for your business?

The list of goals for my business is always forever long but the big one right now is to book a destination wedding in Greece or Italy!

5. Why do you love being an entrepreneur?

The freedom it gives me. I’m a rebel at heart so I have always loved getting to make my own schedule and be my own boss. There is truly nothing better than that all while getting to do what you love.

6. Did you ever have a time where you wanted to give up? How did you overcome that feeling?

I have, and I did. When I moved from my small hometown to Ottawa, I packed my camera away in the back of my closet and had decided I was done taking photos. It was persistence from friends and family, that brought it back out again. However, that break allowed me to fall in love with it again and to date, I take the feeling of getting burnt out very seriously and make sure I only take on what I know I can handle.

7. Whats your best boss babe moment? (First moment of reassurance).

When Style Me Pretty emailed me and asked to feature my work! I remember feeling like I had made it when I received that email. Getting published, especially on larger publications, is a feat and having them reach out to me gave me so much reassurance.

8. What platform do you ﬁnd most success / interaction from? (IE. Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook).

Definitely Instagram! I’ve booked many brides from Instagram. Of course, I think it helps that it’s mostly a visual app but I also love telling stories in my captions that will educate brides and inspire them to plan a wedding that’s “them”.

9. Work-life Balance: What you do you do to destress? What is your must-have moment of the day (me time)?

My three favourites for de-stressing are mid-day dance parties, watching Ellen because she always makes me laugh and of course who doesn’t love a good bubble bath. Being a rebel at heart, I love mixing up my schedule every day so I’m not sure I have one. Some days it’s a morning coffee, other times it’s walking the dog and the next it will be reading a book.

10. What are you looking to learn from other YEGBOSSBABES in the community?

I want to learn how to grow my business past the size that it is now. I’m a solopreneur and I love the idea of having a team! I’m nervous, but so interested!

Interested in being featured? email us at yegbossbabes@gmail.com