Celebrating a Calgary Woman every day! Listen to @virginradiocalgary Weekday Mornings at 9:30 to hear about these amazing YYC Women with @danayemaier !
Kendra Walls (@kendralwalls ) is a passionate Marketing Strategist and Executive Assistant focused on driving success and growth at Remuda. She shares the keys to her success and how she strives to provide an inspiring example for her daughters.
“My journey has been defined by meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational prowess, critical thinking, and the ability to foster collaborative environments. These skills have been instrumental in guiding businesses towards prosperity and delivering optimal outcomes.
Throughout my career, I’ve gained valuable insights into various facets of business operations, including strategy formulation, communications management, content development, customer service, and effective leadership. This multifaceted exposure has equipped me with a comprehensive skill set to navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape.
As an integral part of Remuda for over 8 years, I’ve played a key role in our remarkable growth journey. Leveraging my marketing insight and strategic mindset, I continuously seek innovative ways to elevate our brand and drive impactful results. My ability to foster collaboration and inspire teams ensures that we consistently exceed expectations, both internally and externally.
In addition to my role as an Executive Assistant at Remuda, I am also a proud entrepreneur, running Lind Co. Living and Lind Co. Social. Lind Co. Living serves as a platform for inspiration and staging services, while Lind Co. Social provides valuable tips and tricks on social media management. These ventures reflect my commitment to challenging the status quo, envisioning new possibilities, and leading initiatives that positively impact others and my own trajectory.
Furthermore, I am a proud wife and mama of 2 girls. I strive to show them what’s possible and that there are no limitations. My journey as a professional and entrepreneur is a testament to this belief, and I am dedicated to instilling the same sense of empowerment and possibility in them.
I am honored to be featured on @awomanadayyyc and look forward to the opportunity to inspire and empower women in the community.”
June is Lipedema Awareness Month! Tannis of @thepearadigm shares how she strives to provide a safe place for women with lipedema!
“As a Lipedema wellness advocate, I support women overcome the shame and pain associated with Lipedema. My journey began with deep-seated self-hatred, fueled by childhood experiences and societal pressures.
Despite academic and professional achievements, I spent most of my life feeling disconnected and using numbing tactics like food and alcohol to cope – leading to a long and challenging journey marked by isolation and self-sabotage.
In 2017, I faced significant losses, plunging me into depression. Summer of 2019 brought a new job opportunity, but shattered my confidence with demands that triggered symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, a condition often linked with Lipedema.
By fall 2022, I left corporate life behind for a journey of self-discovery. A transformative trip to Thailand for Muay Thai training was intended to kickstart a new chapter, but despite dedication, weight loss remained elusive.
Determined to find happiness, I delved into Neuro-Linguistic Programming and breathwork practices, eventually learning of my Lipedema diagnosis. This revelation sparked a commitment to healing through anti-inflammatory eating, low-impact exercises, and conservative therapies.
A setback came in Fall 2023, when my dream of wintering in San Diego was dashed at the border. Devastated and without a backup plan, I returned to Calgary.
But from adversity came opportunity. In 2024, I took a leap of faith, founding PEARadigm—a business born from the belief in “worth, beyond appearance”. As a business owner, I’ve faced immense challenges, but my Reflective Dreaming technique has provided psychological safety and grounding throughout.
Connecting with women who share similar experiences has been a source of profound relief. You’re not alone in your Lipedema journey. Embrace your resilience and trust in healing—I’m here to support you every step. Join me in reclaiming your well-being by reaching out!”
Featuring a Mother Daughter Duo today!
Cristina & Sofia are small entrepreneurs and big dreamers and the owners of @Crafted.shop . A business that not only brings them so much joy, but also challenges them and connects them with so many wonderful humans in this city!
"We fell in love with Crafted and each and every brand. Our mission at Crafted is to build a community that connects makers, artists and customers that are passionate about locally handmade and designed goods.
At Crafted, you can find a wide variety of unique gifts for yourself and your loved ones, that will bring a smile to your face and the humans behind each product. From jewelry, to greeting cards, skin care, candles, ceramics, apparel & workshops -Crafted carries a wonderfully diverse selection of goods.
Find us @crafted.shop to learn more about us and the lovely makers that make our shop possible."
Celebrating Dayna Palmer (@raedayna ) is a prominent community leader and businesswoman in Calgary!!
Her friend @teneilleyau shares about the amazing ways this woman gives back to new Calgarians!
“Dayna serves as the President of the Ukrainian Women Advancement Association, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting newly arrived Ukrainian women and their children ( @uwaa.ca )
In addition to her role at UWAA Dayna volunteers with several other organizations, including the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society.
Professionally, Dayna works in the oil and gas industry as the National Marketing Manager of Execution for a major retail and commercial company, where she leads a talented team. Her exceptional contributions were recently recognized when she received the Convenience Woman of the Year award from the CICC in September.
Talented, generous, and compassionate, Dayna is an outstanding woman and a true asset to the YYC community.”
Mary Big Bull, a Blackfoot/Cree woman from Siksika Nation is a mother of 3 and a wife to her awesome Husband Tawny. She has been a photographer for 6 years, bringing to life the artist within herself. Mary loves Highlighting and showcasing the beauty of her indigenous culture. Starting in fight photography, she soon found that this was something she loved and was good at.
Before becoming a photographer Mary worked as a nurse and continues to work as one, realizing that the similarity between her 2 passions both consisted of bringing healing, laughter and love to the people she met. After starting off photographing combat sports she decided to shift her focus to her culture.
“I started photography when I had my daughter, struggling with Post-partum Depression. I shared with my husband that I wanted to do something but didn’t know what, I suggested maybe photography. He then went out and bought me my first camera, in awe I jumped right into it. I didn’t know anything about cameras, all I knew was that I wanted to photograph combat sports. So I started reaching out to local gyms and asking if I could come photograph their fighters. Everyone was so welcoming and that’s where it all started.
I shot my first big fight card and continued to shoot cards. I then realized I wanted to shift my focus to my culture. There has always been a negative stigma around indigenous people. My goal was to educate and share with others, who we are as indigenous people through my photography. Indian country is filled with incredible, smart, culturally knowledgeable, loving, intelligent and hard working people. We come from all walks of life, but all sharing the similarity of our grandmothers and grandfathers and even parents attending residential school.
This was something I wanted to highlight as well. Photographing residential school survivors and their children and sharing their stories through my work. I will forever be grateful for the gift of photography, and for being able to show others the beauty within themselves. I as well sell canvas prints of my husband and I’s work! So if ever you’d love to purchase a print of beautiful art, Reach out to me!”
Daylynn Drever (@artmadeinmycondo ) is an artist by day and nurse by night! She shares how she turned to creative outlets in an effort to support to her mental health!
“I’ve always been creative throughout my life and realized that it had taken a backseat while I was in college as I was starting my career as a Registered Nurse. I decided to start watercolour painting in the Fall of 2019 in order to relieve stress and have some sort of an emotional outlet that balanced my work life as a nurse.
About a year later, I started experimenting with acrylics and creating mixed media pieces. Ever since then, I’ve been splashing paint around and creating things that bring me joy! Being a nurse has helped shape my mindset into enjoying life more and taking time to do things that I love.
I’ve been with people on their worst days and experienced people’s regret secondhand when they’re at the end of their lives. I think having seen that and intimately knowing that we really do only have one life to live, it’s easier to take risks and be confident in living your life the way you want to live it.
I approach creating with a mindset of just letting go and having fun. I like to think there are no rules when it comes to art and I often experiment with different mediums and projects. I love when my art is able to connect with others and remind them of memories that make them feel empowered and happy or inspire them to create something of their own.
Whenever a piece leaves my studio and goes to its forever home, I like to think that it takes that spirit of fun and magic with it!”
Courtney Marler is the Owner of @MoviesforMommies Calgary, a program hosted on alternating Wednesdays at SilverCity CrossIron Mills. This program allows moms, dads, grandparents and guardians to bring their little ones to the theatre to see the latest grownup movies with a change table, bottle warmer and complimentary wipes in the theatre. They dim the lights and lower the volume for sensitive little ears. There are also freebies, door prizes, and often a pre-show event!
Courtney shares that her inspiration for leading this fun community came from her struggles in the early days of motherhood.
“As long as I can remember I wanted to be a mom more than anything. So, when I had my son who was born early at 36 weeks and struggling to adjust to life outside the womb it was quite the surprise for me that I was struggling too. From PPD, breastfeeding troubles, sleep deprivation, a newborn who screamed for 4 months straight - I felt completely alone and isolated despite having a wonderful and helpful husband and support system.
Shortly after that, I heard of Movies for Mommies and went to my first show. For the first time since my son was born, I felt human. I was doing something I used to love, meeting other moms, getting out of the house- it filled my cup in a way that was a game changer for me and my experience of motherhood.
When MFM announced that they were looking for a new owner or the program would need to close its doors, my heart broke. This program is so important and needed to be available to other moms like me who needed some normalcy in their life while still learning and enjoying motherhood. I knew I had to be a part of it.”
Veronica Kos is the co-founder of @shopmakers.ca , a brand new store in @southcentremall !
Starting the business in Vancouver with her partner Adam in 2020, Veronica’s biggest passion is finding fun and innovative ways to promote the many talented Canadian makers and artisans we have in this country.
Since 2020, Makers has grown into 11 locations Canada wide with over 800 makers, and expanded from the original modest team of just 2, to now over 70. To date, Shop Makers has generated over $17,000,000 in sales for its local artisans, and enabled hundreds to pursue their passions.
With big ambitions to expand Makers across Canada, she hopes to continue to spread awareness and inspire Canadians to shop local, support small businesses & discover the incredible talent our nation has! When not working, Veronica can be found skiing, hiking, biking, … basically enjoying any outdoor activity!
Shop Makers is a movement, a celebration of local artistry and entrepreneurship. Born in Vancouver, BC, we’ve since expanded to bring our vision of empowering artisans to communities all over the country. With 11 locations around Greater Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, and the GTA – and our newest location opening in Calgary on June 14 – we allow Canadians to support Canadians no matter where they live. At Shop Makers, our artisans earn 100% of every sale they make, no cuts or commissions - ever. So you know you’re directly supporting your local handmade community every time you shop!
To celebrate the opening, @southcentremall is giving you the chance to win a $100 Gift Card! Comment your favourite product to buy local for your chance to win! Contest closes on June 19th at 11:59pm MST and is not affiliated with Meta.
Celebrating Three Incredible Calgary Sisters who are giving back to their community in a BIG way for Neighbour Day, offering FREE Dental Care!
“3 sisters 3 mothers and 3 dentists 🦷
Having one is good, two is better and three is great.
When you walk into our office, you truly are being welcomed into our humble family.
Our mission is to be kind, understanding and giving our best efforts to leave this world a better place.
It’s been fantastic working with each other. Our personality complements each other really well. Together, we make a much better coworker, boss and dentist than we possibly can be alone.
Linh is the oldest-hard working, passionate and selfless. Belinda is the middle-calm, smart and conscientious. Katherine the youngest is sweet and empathetic to everyone.
We all graduated from the University of Alberta Dentistry program so high quality standard, ethical treatment philosophy are deeply instilled in our approach to caring for our patients.
We offend consult with each other on difficult cases, fill in for each other when our children are sick or simply show up because we have to have more hands on deck. We live in or near the community that we work in so it’s really nice to work on our friends and neighbours.
To celebrate this day we are hosting a Free Dental Day where we promote oral health and give back to fellow Calgarians through our services.
Being able to work together allows us to have balance to raise our children, as well as maintain a professional level of care to our patients.
We’ve created a work environment where we feel supported as working moms and professionals.”
Meet Crystal, a woman whose life’s journey has been shaped by love, loss, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. As a devoted mother of two energetic boys, she knows the true meaning of strength and resilience. But her story extends far beyond the walls of her home.
Crystal is the owner of @compassionatebeautyyyc , a cancer boutique where patients can find comfort and dignity amidst their toughest moments. Through her boutique, she offers not only products such as wigs, prosthetic breasts, and mastectomy wear, but also a haven of support, understanding the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Crystal is a dedicated volunteer in Calgary’s cancer community. Whether it’s teaching women about alternative hair through Look Good Feel Better at the Wellspring Carma House or helping to organize fundraising events for the Alberta Cancer Foundation, she’s always looking for a way to empower women and give back to the community.
But perhaps most inspiring is Crystal’s involvement in the Crist Family Foundation, honoring her late mother-in-law, Jan Crist. In her memory, the Foundation channels grief into action, working tirelessly to support initiatives that uplift cancer patients and their families. It’s a testament to their belief that even in the darkest of times, there is light to be found.
Crystal’s story is one of love, compassion, and determination – a reminder that even in the face of adversity, kindness and generosity can prevail.
Introducing Monica Shepherd, LPN and Foot Care Educator!
Monica Shepherd is a passionate and dedicated individual who has made a significant impact in her foot care nursing career. As the founder of Nursing Soles Inc three years ago, Monica’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
She has not only expanded her business but has also ventured into the world of European Medi Spa services, collaborating with the best master nail technicians from Ukraine. Her team of aestheticians are true masters at what they do.
At @NursingSolesInc Academy, Monica’s vision of empowering nurses and supporting the community has come to life. Through her one-on-one training programs, nurses have the opportunity to transform their career paths and make a difference. Monica herself has educated numerous of her very own foot care nurses, ensuring that they receive the best training possible.
She strongly believes in giving back to the community and has partnered with The Mustard Seed in Calgary. This collaboration allows her students to gain hands-on experience by providing pro bono foot care to those in need. By extending her services to the mustard seed and the inner city, Monica and her team strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those who require it the most.
Recognizing the importance of accessibility, Nursing Soles now offers city wide mobile foot care services, reaching people in the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, Monica and her team provide specialized care for diabetic feet at the Kenron pharmacy Foothills location and senior home communities like Château Renoir in the southwest community. Their goal is to expand their reach into rural communities in Alberta, where foot care often takes a backseat.
Monica’s mission is to raise awareness about the significance of foot care and its role in preventing various comorbidities. By emphasizing the value of our precious feet, she aims to instill a sense of appreciation for this vital part of our bodies. She believes that by taking care of our feet, we can prevent many health issues and improve overall well-being. Her unwavering passion and commitment to the community are truly inspiring 💞
