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The MOMpreneur Top 10 Finalists
Mompreneurs are kind of like royalty around Savvy HQ. We like to watch them. We notice where they go and what they do. We want to meet them and we love to support them. We know that the challenge of successfully building a business from the ground up while you're also trying to bring baby up is not to be underestimated. Here are our Top 10 Canadian Mompreneurs of 2013.
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Contract Photography
Michelle takes portraits for couples, individuals and families, but what makes her business great is the emphasis she places on the therapeutic value of photography. We love that she offers prizes and giveaways for those who can't afford her services and also shares tips and tricks at her photography classes.
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FarOut Fitness
The hula hoop is back, and we have Cindy at FarOut Fitness to thank. Now, women can experience a full body workout using weighted hoops in different sizes thanks to her fitness program. This mompreneur hopes to expand FarOut Fitness into a wellness centre, including child-friendly classes, teacher training and strength training.
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Jady Babys
Jade set out to design baby boots that were free from chemicals, machine washable and guaranteed to stay on. The vegan baby boots she created are made without glue or harmful materials and we love that they're soft soled, which is important to the healthy development of a baby's feet. Jady Babys helps local families through donating their products to those in need—that's savvy.
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Jilly bo Billy Boutique
We don't think you need to spend a fortune on high-end kids' clothes. And neither does Janet, the mompreneur behind Jilly bo Billy Boutique. High-quality European and American fashions are made accessible to moms everywhere, both online and at her Nelson, BC location. Who says bargain hunting has to happen in a dark basement?
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KP Fitness Studio
Staying healthy and keeping fit is top priority for most moms, but that's hard to do when there are little ones to take care of. Enter Karen, owner of KP Fitness Studio, offering everything from personal training to group fitness sessions in an empowering environment that's never intimidating. Childcare is available but we like that strollers are welcome in most classes.
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Lisa Marie Photography
For Lisa Marie, photography isn't just a job. It's an opportunity to share the most touching moments of someone's life and turn them into visuals they'll cherish forever. She shares her business insights and tips with others just starting out, offers her services to local non-profit organizations and fundraises for the Tiny Bundles charity. Can you say supermom?
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Red Thread Designs
Single mom of three, Devorah knows that clothes need to be built to last. She combines beauty, comfort and durability in her designs, and her creations are all locally and ethically produced. Like all moms, she cares about the world her children grow up in. Many of her products are donated to shelters and charity events, and she even designed a specific dress to raise money for a scholarship fund in Nairobi.
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Stroller Fit – Bootcamp on Wheels
Lori believes that looking after yourself is as important as looking after your children, and leading by example is key if you want to teach kids about a healthy lifestyle (and who doesn't?). She created Stroller Fit so parents could incorporate their families into their workouts. Families come together through the classes, realizing they can lead active lives with their children, every day.
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SwaggerTag
Missing items frustrate every mother, so Karen decided to do something about it. SwaggerTags let everyone know who that bag belongs to with customizable designs (to reflect your child's love for hockey, for example). But don't worry, this mompreneur remembered to think about their safety. Personal information is kept private by only being revealed when the tag is opened.
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Whoa Mama!
Nicolle links moms who are looking for a new home for their used baby equipment, outgrown clothes or furniture, with other moms looking to buy the same. Hosting Shop ‘Til You Drop events has been a savvy way to allow lower-income families to purchase high-quality products, as well as encourage local shopping in order to reduce waste and promote the community economy.