Patrice Mousseau didn’t intend to enter the business world.
Her daughter, Esme, was diagnosed with eczema and prescribed a topical steroid.
Determined to find a steroid-free solution for her child, Mousseau put her research skills as a journalist to the test and made a botanically based balm using traditional medicine in a crock pot.
“As a mother, you’ll do anything to help your child or any loved one in pain,” Mousseau said.
Esme’s eczema cleared in two days. After this, she shared the leftover product with a few people and they went crazy for it, driving sometimes hours to get some, Mousseau said. A year later, in 2013, she launched Satya Organic, in the process becoming the first Indigenous brand on the shelf at Shoppers Drug Mart, she said.
Mousseau will be the keynote speaker at a Women in Business panel hosted by the North Vancouver Chamber at the Holiday Inn & Suites on March 7, kicking off an event that will see several North Vancouver businesswomen share their experiences in celebration of International Women’s Day.
The panel will feature five speakers, including Mousseau, sharing adversities they’ve overcome and strategies used to pave their way to success.
Owner of Hear at Home Mobile Hearing Clinic Jennifer Abbott is another panellist. Abbott founded the clinic in 2009, bringing professional hearing care to those who face barriers accessing traditional clinics.
“I was quite honoured to be asked,” Abbott said. “Sometimes we just go day to day and you’re working, and you don’t stop and take a moment to see how far you’ve come.”
Abbott took a leap launching her own business, as she had been laid off from her previous job in the industry during the recession. But she had noticed a trend: many people were having a difficult time coming in to hearing clinics, so she decided to bring the clinic to them.
Other panellists include Armita Alikhani, chief marketing and strategy officer of BlueShore Financial; 88 West Realty managing broker and owner Shirin Saleh; and environmental consultant Katie Scott.
Amplifying female leadership in the community
North Vancouver Chamber CEO Patrick Stafford-Smith said the organization is proud to celebrate and uplift female leadership in the business community, especially with International Women’s Day landing the day after the event.
“This event is about creating connections for our members to share experiences, learn from one another and be inspired,” Stafford-Smith said.
Being inspired and reaching out is what Abbott encourages people to do after the panel.
“Just take a moment and reach out to a few women business owners, and have a coffee with them,” she said. “I will almost guarantee you’ll leave feeling energized, excited and have that confidence that, ‘You know what, I think I can do this.’”
Community is key to building any successful business, Mousseau said, adding that she hopes the panel will be an opportunity for everyone to learn from and support business folks.
“Women are great community builders, and community and support is what we all need to succeed,” Mousseau said.
The panel will take place at the Holiday Inn & Suites (700 Old Lillooet Road) on Friday, March 7 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Registration for the event is required, admission is $47 for members and $65 for non-members. People can visit North Vancouver Chamber’s website for more information.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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