Blog - The Generator

Sharon Carolan, Realtor and Runner, talks FAB Foundation

REALTOR Sharon Carolan is more than just an avid Hamilton supporter and experienced real estate agent, she’s also a runner, philanthropist, and volunteer. Her involvement with the running community has lead her to being a large sponsor and volunteer with the FAB Foundation, a charity that helps girls with their self-esteem and encourages an active lifestyle.

We hear you’re an avid runner. Can you tell us more about that? When did you start?

I was active in sports starting in elementary school and took part in track and field events. As a teen and throughout my twenties I ran on my own and stuck to distances of 5K to 8K. In 2004 I ran my first marathon and in 2006 I ran The Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon and New York City Marathon. I continue to run three or four times per week and half marathons have been my longest race distance over the last few years.

Burlington Runners Club

What groups do you run with and what attracted you to these groups?

I have been an active member of The Burlington Runners Club for 15 years. It’s a non-profit organization that puts on four race events each year and gives back significant donation amounts to community causes. Throughout those 15 years, I have made many very close friends through BRC. I volunteer at all of their events, have been a board member for 5 years and act as the club social director. I often run with Lower City Runners from Hamilton City Hall on Tuesday evenings and I have recently participated in the Around the Bay clinic at Runners Den in Westdale.

What got you into working with FAB Foundation?

Through running events, I became friends with FAB’s founder and executive director, Sharon Gallant. She approached me about sponsorship and volunteering. Prior to getting into real estate I worked in children’s services. The work FAB does with youth girls combined with the relationship to running and The City of Hamilton are a good fit for me.

Photo courtesy of FAB Foundation

Can you tell us more about the foundation? How long have you been involved?

I have been involved with FAB since 2009. FAB (The Fit, Active, Beautiful, Foundation) operates programs for youth girls throughout the City of Hamilton. During the 12 week program the girls learn to run 5 kilometers, with a focus on goal setting and self esteem building. Many of the girls that participate in the program would otherwise not have access to similar activities for a variety of reasons. FAB is a non-profit, charitable organization and is run by a volunteer board, event committees and volunteer program coaches.

What are some of the goals for the foundation?

FAB started as a program for girls in grades 6,7 and 8 and has now grown to include girls in high school. Over time, the plan is to increase the number of locations in which the program operates and to eventually move into other communities outside of Hamilton. Hamilton will always be the base.

FAB Foundation website photo

And finally, can you tell us about the next event and how people can get involved?

The next event is the annual 5K Community Challenge. This event takes place at the conclusion of the 12 week program and all of the FAB girls participate by running the 5K race. It is truly inspiring to watch. It is one of FAB’s most important fundraising events and many avid runners from the community take part to help raise money for the charity. It takes place on Saturday, June 9th at Confederation Park. Registration is available on the FAB website. If you’re a runner please come out and join us and help raise funds for this great organization.

Follow FAB Foundation:

on Facebook

on Instagram

Connect with Sharon Carolan:

on Facebook

on Instagram

Website: sharoncarolan.ca

-Thomas, The Generator

Feb26

Hamilton’s fiercest entrepreneur and rare disease warrrior gets Women of Distinction nom

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As one of Hamilton’s very successful entrepreneurs, Maureen Worron-Sauvé’s notable achievements make it clear why this city loves her, and why her nomination for the YWCA’s Women of Distinction awards is so well-deserved.

Maureen is the co-founder of award-winning Core Urban, the Hamilton construction firm dedicated to community, restoring historic buildings with a focus on adaptive reuse and an eye toward modern, livable design. Alongside her husband David, she is also owner of seven Tim Horton’s franchises in central and east Hamilton, and has co-authored nearly a dozen research papers published in a number of medical journals.

What’s more impressive than this is that Maureen has done it all while fighting a terrible and often crippling autoimmune disease – scleroderma. Through the pain and debilitating fatigue, Maureen was instrumental in launching the Hamilton Scleroderma Group and the SPIN group, internationally recognized for their work in improving the quality of life for patients. In her leadership roles as President of each Scleroderma Canada and the Scleroderma Society of Ontario, Maureen has successfully advocated to governments for improved access to medications and raised awareness of scleroderma throughout Canada. Her efforts have had a major impact on scleroderma research locally (through the Hamilton Scleroderma Group) and abroad, leading to her being awarded the Canadian Organization of Rare Disorders “Rare Honour Award” as well as the U.S. Scleroderma Foundation’s “Messenger of Hope Award.”

Maureen has been so incredibly influential in advancing scleroderma research that in 2018 “The Maureen Sauvé Inspiration Award” was named in her honour.

Having worked with Maureen through Scleroderma Canada and experiencing her determination first-hand, we are proud to have nominated her for the 2019 YWCA Women of Distinction Awards.

-Marty, The Generator

Learn more about Scleroderma at sclerodermacanada.ca

Jan13

Entrepreneur living the dream, making kids’ dreams come true

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Daniela Lazzaro is literally living the dream. She’s in the business of making dreams come true for kids, dressing up as their favourite princess, and hanging out with super heroes every day. We caught up with Daniela to find out more about how she started Minikinz Entertainment, a local children’s entertainment company.

What’s the story behind how you started your business?

“I have always loved to entertain. After graduating an intensive acting program in Toronto, I was able to pursue my dreams professionally in the Canadian and American film industry over the last decade in both large scale and small scale television productions. I have also always LOVED working with kids and never really knew how to bridge the two passions. It wasn’t until I started working as a Disney princess imitator for another agency that I realized I can combine the two passions! That is when I decided to launch Minikinz Entertainment.”

Tell us about your products or services you offer. What makes it unique?

“Minikinz Entertainment specializes in quality princess parties, super heroes, and more. Our princesses and super hero services are incredibly professional and authentic. All of our team are working actors who are local to the GTHA region, and all of our costumes are handmade from across the world to help ensure the utmost character authenticity. Most importantly, our team absolutely loves working with kids!

From the way we speak, sing, act, move, and interact, we are trained to mimic the characters to the utmost detail and specification. Kids feel like they are meeting their favourite princesses and heroes in person and we work hard to install a positive message in all of our parties. From the moment we walk in to the moment we leave an event, we are continually in character and there to make the children feel special and loved.”

What advice do you have for someone wanting to start a business?

“Get educated before you jump in. I started with business classes and a government grant. I learned from mentors across Canada and the United States, who were passionate about helping young entrepreneurs in the art industry succeed and continue their growth in the years to come. Never think you know enough or that you have arrived. Be ready to innovate, think in new ways and challenge yourself to go the distance!”

What business tool could you not live without?

“I am incredibly detailed oriented and organized. In an industry where you have people calling a dozen times a day asking for different characters and package information, going to meetings, acting gigs, performances, auditions, etc, I have to stay on top of every single event. Google sheets and Google calendar help me micro manage everything for myself and for my staff. It’s a simple tool, but sometimes simple is all you need.”

Where do you see your company or yourself in 5 years?

“In 5 years I hope to see this company on a grander scale. In 2019 we’ll be launching our YouTube channel called, “MiniTube”! We will be featuring all of our services online, services such as: princesses, arts and crafts, educational songs, super hero episodes and Zumba kids dance episodes. It is an exciting process that will certainly be a lengthy journey, but I am excited for my team and I to think big and get big!”

What do you love most about the Hamilton area?

“Moving from Toronto has made me appreciate the community here and all while not being far from nature and not too from the big city life.”

Find out more about Minikinz:

On Facebook at www.facebook.com/MinikinzEntertainment

And Instagram – www.instagram.com/officialminikinz

www.minikinz.ca

Minikinz is a member of the Hamilton Fempreneurs, a group of over 2,500 local female business owners, co-founded by The Generator. Join the free Facebook group here.

-Suzanne, The Generator

Dec27

The Generator named one of Hamilton’s Fast 40

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Hamilton Fast 40

Hamilton released a list of the Top 40 Fastest Growing Businesses in Hamilton this year. The catalyst for the program was a desire to see more Hamilton companies recognized on Canadian Business Magazine’s Growth 500 annual rankings (just four companies made it in 2016 and 2017). This past year saw 12 Hamilton companies now on the list.

The first step to achieving these results was the creation of the ‘Hamilton Fast 40’ list, which was started by City of Hamilton staff reaching out to successful companies and encouraging them to apply.

The Generator made the list.

I was pretty floored to have our modest company listed among businesses like craft beer fan favourite Collective Arts, Hamilton empire Carmen’s Group, and start up darlings Nix Sensor Ltd.

Seeing The Generator’s name listed in the Globe and Mail was a surreal experience; just four years ago, we were but a dream. Fast forward to today and we have a crack team of Hamilton’s most talented social media minds creating innovative content for Hamilton organizations, and creating success for Hamilton businesses using Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

What a ride it’s been these past four years, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2019.

-Suzanne, founder of The Generator

Read more about Hamilton’s Fast 40 here:

Hamilton’s 40 Fastest Growing Companies

and here:

https://www.investinhamilton.ca/?s=fast+40

and in the Hamilton Spectator here:

https://www.thespec.com/news-story/9046496-hamilton-s-top-40-growing-businesses/

Nov26

Hamilton’s Blend Catering launches studio cooking classes

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Blend Catering is a fast-growing Hamilton-based business owned by Chef Erica Guidi. Erica has developed a cult following for her indescribably delicious cuisine. To the excitement of her fans, she has recently launched In-Studio Cooking Classes, including Vegan and Keto Classes, and Pasta Making Workshops. The classes are also great for corporate team building, wedding party ‘get to know you’ evenings, birthday parties or family get-togethers, plus you can book private classes as well.

We caught up with Erica recently with a Q&A about her business journey:

Erica Guidi, owner of Blend Catering

What’s the story behind how you started your business?

“Food is a hard industry to work in but it’s what I’m passionate about. I needed an outlet that would allow me to do the parts that I love. I figured if I was going to work this hard, it should be for myself. Catering allows me to be part of ‘special events’ in peoples lives by providing awesome food. The teaching aspect allows me to use my skills and knowledge to teach people a fundamental skill that will, ideally, enhance their lives.”

Tell us about your products or services you offer. What makes it unique?

“At Blend we cater all types of events: Corporate drop-off, Cocktail Receptions, Multi-Course Meals, Family-Style meals, Buffets, Food Stations and Cooking Classes. I use my international exposure to create boldly flavoured, pretty food.”

What advice do you have for someone wanting to start a business?

“JUST START. You have an idea that you’ve probably been sitting with forever. Start NOW, write your business plan, find key players who believe in you and ask them for help and get the ball rolling. If you wait for the ‘right time’ it’ll never happen. I planned for about 6 months, got my finances in order (this will look wildly different for everyone) and then jumped in! The business with change so much as you go so stay strong, consistent and be ready to problem solve and adjust as necessary.”

What business tool could you not live without?

“Quickbooks. Serious life/time saver.”

Where do you see your company or yourself in 5 years?

“This is the best question, or rather the one I get most excited about! In 5 years I hope to have Blend Cooking Studio up and running. We’ll host our Cooking Classes here, use it as our Catering Kitchen for events and our Gourmet Take-Home program. It’ll also be a great space for food photographers/stylists to rent for shoots and we’ll have a cafe out front with our grab and go options.”

What do you love most about Hamilton?

“Hamilton is my home, born and raised all around the city, from country to downtown. It’s been amazing to see how this city has changed and grown and is such a supportive place for me to operate my small business. I love that I can spend a day at the beach at Fifty Point and then be downtown for cocktails and good eats in 15 minutes. Hamilton has it all.”

Connect with Blend Catering:

Insta: @blendcateringco

Facebook: Blend Catering

LinkedIn: Erica Guidi

-Suzanne, The Generator

Oct29

Little Paws for Your Little Pause

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Jill Johnson, owner of Little Paws Cat Sitting, started her business both out of a love of cats and out of necessity.

After Jill and her wife adopted two rescue cats from Ladybird Animal Sanctuary, one of the cats ended up requiring insulin shots twice daily. Whenever the couple wanted to go away on vacation, they found it near impossible to find a friend of family who was willing to learn how to administer their cat’s necessary shots. Unable to find someone to care for their cat, they had to medically board him – resulting in expensive bills and a vacation that couldn’t be fully enjoyed, knowing their little furry friend was not enjoying himself. Jill found herself wondering if there were people out there in the same situation. Thus, Little Paws Cat Sitting was conceived.

About the Business
Little Paws Cat Sitting provides daily cat sitting, where furry family members are able to experience a “staycation” while their owners are on vacation. No more stressful medical-boarding! Visits by Little Paws can include everything from feeding, cleaning litter and giving medications to watering plants, taking in mail, and occasionally looking after chemicals in a pool or hot tub. Daily, clients receive updates and photos of their feline friends and can take comfort in knowing that the cats are being kept as close to their regular routine as possible.

After starting a Facebook page for the company, Jill acquired her first client within days. She initially had hoped that when she retired she would have enough clientele to keep her busy in retirement, but found herself truly shocked at just how much demand there was for cat sitting – “not only just for cats with medical needs, but for people that would just felt more comfortable with having their kitties stay at home.” Within the second year, her clientele had doubled, and she had to start enlisting help. Eventually, working her full-time photography job and running her business became too much and she decided to jump into Little Paws Cat Sitting full-time.

Now in their fourth year, the business services over 400 clients and is fully-bonded, insured and registered with an incredibly strong team of cat and animal lovers.

Future for the Company
When asked about where she sees Little Paws Cat Sitting going, Jill says “I can only foresee growth. We have already expanded into Milton and Brantford, however, each area only with limited service. I want to be sure to slowly introduce these areas, as my worst fear is to bite off more than I can chew.” Jill would also love to hire some more staff, to free up a bit of her time and be able to take more “me” time, as launching her own successful business hasn’t allowed for much.

Jill’s advice to those starting their own business? Be the kind of manager or employer you wish you had when you were working for someone else, stay organized right from the start, be prompt in responding to inquiries, and keep your website and social media current and up to date. She also believes in paying a living wage, which she says “results in fantastic work ethic, caring and dedicated employees and in turn results in happy customers.”

Follow Little Paws Cat Sitting at:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

-Heather

SaveSave

Oct09

Lick the Whisk: Fempreneurship Through the Generations

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Lick the Whisk
Fempreneurship Through the Generations

On Barton street just off James St North, two next door neighbours share more than just a neighbourhood…they share a family!

Mother, Maria Silva, is owner of The Little Grasshopper Café; a family-owned business specializing in Canadian and Portuguese Cuisine. This neighbourhood favourite, open since 2015, serves up everything from breakfast classics to lunch and dinner entrees with a Portuguese spin.

Daughter, Sabrina Silva, owns the newly opened Lick the Whisk along with family-friend Jessica Pavao.

Lick the Whisk has already made a splash in the Hamilton vegan community and beyond. It’s impossible to miss them on the street with their pop of yellow and pink signage that just beckons you in.

The interior is even more of a ray of sunshine. You feel like you have stepped into a tropical paradise, with brightly colour tiles across the space, sunny walls, and loads of fresh foliage. Lick the Whisk is like a Summer hideaway from the chillier weather.

Whether you follow a vegan diet or not, LTW has something for any dessert lover to enjoy. Dishes that they create include: crepes (made on a crepe iron in-house) and waffles with specialty toppings, sundaes, baked goods, and their in-house made vegan ice cream in a plethora of flavours.

Favourites of customers include their crepes and waffles; but ice cream favourites include Cheez Cake, Cookies and Cream, Bubble Gum and Seeded Raspberry Coconut.

If you’re looking for something extra special, their Best Friend Sundae is something that can’t be missed!

When asked about the influence of her Mother on her Fempreneurship journey, Sabrina says “If it was not for my Mom (of The Little Grasshopper Café) giving us the push that we needed we definitely would not have had opened, also the experience co-owner Jessica and I got while working at the Little Grasshopper gave us a better idea on what to expect as new business owners. Without that experience I do not think Jessica and I would feel comfortable opening up our own spot.”

Sabrina also says that “The vegan community has given us such purpose here in the city! We are getting such amazing compliments from our customers that understand what we are about and appreciate us for providing the city with vegan homemade ice cream and a chill spot.”

We couldn’t agree more with the vegan community, and look forward to seeing these female-owned businesses flourish on Barton Street. 💪

Lick the Whisk– 29 Barton Street East
Website
Facebook – Instagram

The Little Grasshopper– 37 Barton Street East
Website
Facebook – Instagram

-Heather

Sep25

Learning the secret to success with BodyBreak’s Hal and Joanne

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Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod are a big part of many people’s childhood memories in Canada– who doesn’t remember the BodyBreak theme song or those ParticipAction spots between Saturday morning cartoons?

So it was a pretty big fangirl moment to actually meet these icons in person. Part of the Generator team flew to Calgary to help our friends at Scleroderma Canada with live social media coverage at their national conference, where Hal and Joanne were leading a walk into downtown Calgary, and an inspirational talk at Eau Claire Market Square.

Scleroderma Canada awareness walk through downtown Calgary

We captured the event on Facebook Live, and you can watch the whole event here including the talk, which is near the end if you want to skip ahead: Click here to watch the video.

Suzanne captures the BodyBreak event on Facebook Live

Afterwards, talking with Hal and Joanne, I learned that they were not only fitness celebrities with a positive message of staying healthy and having fun doing it, they are actually entrepreneurs. Every BodyBreak video spot was created by their own production team including Hal as writer & director, and Joanne editing. Together they pitched and sold the spots to channels across Canada. Spin-off ideas and different revenue streams were created as part of their company, and over the past three decades, Canadians have always welcomed the encouraging pair’s message into their homes and schools.

I waved goodbye to Hal and Joanne, inspired not only by how incredibly fit and young they look (both are in their sixties now), but by their sincere friendliness and willingness to share openly about their success in both fitness and business. They are living proof that focusing on the positive equals happiness and success.

Generator team meets Hal and Joanne

-Suzanne, The Generator

Follow BodyBreak:

Facebook: @BodyBreak

Twitter: @BodyBreak

Instagram: @BodyBreak88

Learn more about scleroderma:

scleroderma.ca

Aug09

Local fempreneurs taking their sauces to the top

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A quick chat turned into a big success. But it didn’t happen overnight. For Jo Ann, Marlow and Mary, sauce is more than just a business. It’s a way of life. Hamilton has become a place for sauce making (think Dawson’s, Cooksville, Natal, Twisted Tomato, etc) and La Dee Da is the next big thing. We asked co-founder Mary some questions about entrepreneurship, the sauce business, and what the future has in store for La Dee Da sauces.

What’s the story behind La Dee Da?

A few years ago we decided to start a sauce company over a simple cup of coffee. It was founded by Jo Ann Elsbury, Marlow Italiano and myself. We’re all proud co-owners!

Can you tell us more about your sauces?

They’re Canadian Products, made in Hamilton, Ontario with locally sourced ingredients, and are plant-based, vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nightshade-free are options. All natural preservatives too. We’re inclusive to all eaters!

The La Dee Da Sauce lineup

What advice do you have for someone looking to start a business?

Simple. Do your research and due diligence before starting any business. Learn what customers are looking for, see what is lacking in the market you want to go into and be relevant with your product or service. Be innovative with something that consumers want. Lastly, be true to yourself and all your sweat equity you put into your business. Your heart and soul should go into anything you believe in and always remember to have fun!

What’s a business tool you could not live without?

Our Quickbooks was a blessing to a small business without all the extra expenses that come alongside accounting and daily operations relating to accounts payable/receivable/inventory etc.

Where do you see La Dee Da in the next 5 years?

We hope to see La Dee Da in every household as a trusted and branded name! We want to be a national brand and we have some amazing opportunities upon us to expedite that sooner than 5 years. With a lot of hard work and dedication, we know we can make this a reality.

What do you love most about Hamilton?

Mary and Jo Anne were born and raised in Hamilton. Jo Anne spent all her summers over at Gage Park running the Children’s Museum and Mary rooted herself working at the original Fortinos on Mount Albion. Marlow, originally born in Niagara Falls, came over to this great city at a young age when she married a Hamiltonian.

What we love the most is the diversity and the acceptance of anyone who walks these great streets of Hamilton. We have come a long way within the food industry, the art industry and the overall beauty that makes Hamilton so great! Maybe that’s why so many Torontonians are making their way over here and planting their roots!

Here’s a list of where you can get La Dee Da sauces locally:

La Dee Da Store Locator

Follow La Dee Da on:

Instagram: ladeedagourmetsauces

Twitter: ladeedasauces

Facebook: ladeedagourmetsauces

-Thomas, The Generator

May30

Cat cafe coming to Hamilton this summer

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What kind of business do you open when you’ve studied animal science in university, and paid for your education by working your way up in the hospitality industry? A cat cafe of course!

Nicole, owner of Cats & Caffeine

Nicole hails from Toronto originally, and more recently from Guelph where she studied at University of Guelph. The first business she started was an events company. Nicole explains, “the event company I was working for didn’t share my values. It’s really important to me to give back.” With her new venture, Cats & Caffeine, she plans to give back wherever possible through partnerships in the community.

Nicole secured a partnership with NCWL Cat Rescue based in Dunnville and operating throughout the Golden Horseshoe– a key partner for the business. The cafe will offer the opportunity for the rescue cats to be seen by many cat lovers and increase their chances of finding the perfect forever home.

Photo by NCWL Cat Rescue

Although Nicole has the location secured, she’s not quite ready to let the cat out of the bag just yet. Renovations are underway, but she’s still rounding up cash for some of the final pieces she needs to launch. Because of the huge amount of enthusiasm and community support, a crowdfunding campaign has been started, but Nicole will take out a loan if required to make it happen, she emphasizes.

Nicole was quick to sign on The Hearty Hooligan to supply the cafe with baked goods. “I immediately clicked with owner Staicha,” Nicole says. The Ottawa Street vegan eatery is wildly creative and well known for its take on retro comfort food, like a vegan version of Dunkeroos they call Punkaroos. “The values they hold fit perfectly with Cats & Caffeine,” Nicole explains. “And Staicha has acted as a mentor to me with every step of launching this business.” With a focus on vegan and gluten-free menu, Nicole has also signed on with local vendors Relay Coffee, and Sol Shine Culina.

Photo by The Hearty Hooligan

Cats & Canvas, June 22 at the LOST Organization

Another way Nicole wants to give back is by supporting the LOST Organization, another Ottawa Street organization, and non-profit community support for the maintenance of good mental health. On June 22, there will be a fundraising event called Cats & Canvas, where you can enjoy some treats from The Hearty Hooligan while painting, and participate in a raffle for amazing prizes like a $50 gift card to The Other Bird restaurants. You can get tickets here: https://www.bruha.com/event/3418

When asked why she is determined to start Hamilton’s first cat cafe, Nicole mentions how she simply doesn’t have room for a pet at home in her small space, and while wishing for a cafe similar to the one she used to frequent in Guelph (My Kitty Cafe) she realized she could make it a reality herself. Nicole worked as a volunteer for a seniors’ centre in Guelph and she was struck by how often seniors would lament about missing their pets more than anything else. “Cats offer such huge mental health benefits, and it’s something so many in the community could take advantage of.”

One thing is clear, a lot of good will come out of this cat cafe, and Nicole is going to make sure of it.

Photo by NCWL Cat Rescue

Expected launch date: Summer 2018

Want to help make it happen? Go Fund Me – Cats & Caffeine

Follow along for updates:

Instagram: Cats and Caffeine

Facebook: Cats and Caffeine

-Suzanne