PORTFOLIO.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine | Volume 3 | Issue 9

PORTFOLIO.YVR

BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURS

VOLUM E 3 | ISSUE 9

VINA TSA I

M A RK O SA RUNA C

FIONA FORBES

JESSY SA VA GE

SA NDRA NOM OTO

TOBY TA NNA S

JORDA N EA TON

JESS SINGH

REBECCA BIERNA CK I

SHA WN M ILLER

PORTFOLIO.YVR


VOLUM E 3 | ISSUE 9

0 0 1 PUBLISHER' S M ESSAGE:

HELEN SIWAK

0 0 3 VIN A TSAI:

VT CON SULTIN G GROUP

0 13 M ARKO SARUN AC:

IN CUDOLABS IN C.

0 23 FION A FORBES:

TV HOST & PRODUCER,

M EDIA TRAIN IN G EXPERT

0 35 JESSY SAVAGE:

VICTORIA DIGITAL M ARKETIN G

0 45 SAN DRA N OM OTO:

AUTHOR & BOOK WHISPERER

0 53 TOBY TAN N AS:

LIV LIFESTYLE

0 63 JORDAN EATON :

BOSS ASSISTAN TS

0 73 JESS SIN GH:

AUTHOR, DIGITAL CULTURE CON TRIBUTOR

0 83 REBECCA BIERN ACKI:

EVERKIN D HOM E SUPPORT

0 93 SHAWN M ILLER:

YOUN G HIP & M ARRIED

10 3 M ASTHEAD & PHOTO CREDITS

PUBLISHER'S

M ESSA GE:

001

One of the joys of bringing to life each

issue of Portfolio.YVR is witnessing how

different entrepreneurial paths often

intersect in unexpected ways. In this issue,

our contributors span industries as diverse

as technology, caregiving, creative

media, and the art of building community.

Yet, as I worked through each story, I

noticed shared threads ? intention,

resilience, and the drive to make

something better for someone else.

Our technology and innovation features

form one of the strongest throughlines this

edition. M arko Sarunac, founder of

IncudoLABS Inc., is transforming

cybersecurity automation with an

approach that puts clarity and control

back into the hands of organizations.

Then, Jessy Savage of Victoria Digital

M arketing demonstrates how strategy,

adaptability, and strong community roots

can turn digital overwhelm into purposeful

growth for small businesses. Both show

that technology, when used thoughtfully,

can empower rather than intimidate.

Storytelling and communication shine

through another group of profiles.

Fiona Forbes, celebrated TV host,

producer, and media training expert,

shares her lived understanding of what it

means to communicate with presence.

Jess Singh, author and digital culture

contributor, explores emotional nuance

through her fiction and commentary.

Sandra N omoto, respected author and

book whisperer, helps others bring their

manuscripts to life with intention.

Together, they remind us that stories ?

whether on screen, on the page, or in

conversation ? shape how we see

ourselves and our place in the world.

This issue also highlights entrepreneurs

who are redefining service, care, and

connection. Rebecca Biernacki of

EverKind Homecare Support elevates

the standard for dignified in-home care

across British Columbia. Jordan Eaton,

founder of BOSS Assistants, champions

the power of strategic delegation so

entrepreneurs can regain their time,

focus, and well-being. Shaw n M iller of

Young Hip & M arried brings a refreshing

perspective to modern ceremonies,

ensuring couples feel seen, prepared,

and grounded as they begin their lives

together.

Rounding out the edition are business

leaders who build lifestyle brands

rooted in authenticity. Toby Tannas of

LIV Lifestyle merges skincare and home

fragrance into a brand anchored in

real routines and everyday confidence.

Vina Tsai, founder of VT Consulting

Group, brings the same clarity to business

operations, guiding clients toward

structure, sustainability, and strategic

calm.

Each of these ten features holds a

reminder that entrepreneurship is not a

solo act. It is community, collaboration,

and the courage to build something

meaningful. I hope this issue brings you

insight, encouragement, and a renewed

sense of what is possible.

Helen Siwak

VINA TSA I:

VT CONSULTING

GROUP

003

Vina Tsai is an entrepreneur and

strategic business leader. As the Founder

and Principal of VT Consulting Group,

she provides expertise in business

consulting, strategic development,

venture capital, investor relations, and

commercial real estate investment

support. Under her leadership, the firm

has supported over 50 companies

globally and advised on more than $10

million in commercial real estate

projects.

Vina is also the Co-Founder of Capina

Asset M anagement, a private

investment firm focused on sustainable

community development, and the

Founder of Medusa?s Armour, a fashion

brand promoting individuality, creativity,

and empowerment.

Her leadership and impact have earned

national recognition, including being

featured as an ' Inspiring Canadian

Entrepreneur' by Inspiring Canadians,

and named to The N YC Journal?s

' 50 Under 50 ' and ' Top 30 Personalities

Disrupting the Fashion Industry.'

She has also been nominated for the

RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur

Aw ards and EY Entrepreneur of the

Year.

Beyond business, Vina serves as a

Board Director and Director of Business

at the Strathcona Community Policing

Centre, focusing on public safety,

and as an Advisory Board Member

at Founders Boost, a pre-accelerator

aimed at supporting emerging

founders globally.

She is actively involved in nonprofit and

community initiatives and is passionate

about public safety, education, and

economic empowerment ? bridging

strategy, purpose, and impact to create

lasting change.

Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a

PhD in Developmental Cognitive

Neuroscience, specializing in early

childhood education and brain

development, while becoming more

involved in public policy and political

initiatives.

005

THE BUSINESS.

Founded in Vancouver, BC, VT Consulting

Group is a multidisciplinary business

consulting firm dedicated to supporting

and empowering entrepreneurs and

organizations to build, grow, and sustain

long-term success. The firm provides

expert services in business planning,

development and strategy, investor

relations, venture capital, and

commercial real estate investment

support.

Since its inception, VT Consulting Group

has supported over 50 companies across

diverse industries, helping startups and

investors navigate complex challenges

and scale strategically. The firm has

advised on over $10 million in real

estate projects and facilitated venture

funding opportunities with a combined

valuation exceeding $5 million.

With a mission rooted in innovation and

impact, VT Consulting Group bridges the

gap between vision and execution.

Its approach combines analytical

precision with creative strategy, ensuring

each client receives tailored, actionable

solutions that drive measurable growth.

Through its consulting and mentorship

initiatives, the firm is also deeply

committed to fostering inclusive

entrepreneurship and supporting women

and underrepresented founders within

Canada?s evolving business landscape.

IN HER WORDS.

"I first recognized my entrepreneurial

spirit at a young age while growing up in

Taiw an. I was always fascinated by how

people created opportunities from

limited resources and driven by a desire

to help others work more efficiently.

Leaving home at seventeen to support

myself taught me self-discipline,

independence, and the importance of

resourcefulness.

My first true entrepreneurial experience

came while working for a family office in

Shanghai, where I witnessed how vision,

risk, and timing intersect to create wealth

and opportunity.

That realization sparked my

determination to build something of my

own ? something rooted in strategy,

purpose, and community impact.

The desire to create lasting value has

guided every pivot in my career and

ultimately became the foundation of

VT Consulting Group.

FIRST BIG IDEA

The inspiration for my first big idea came

from a recurring gap I saw in the market:

early-stage businesses with brilliant ideas

but little access to structure, funding, or

strategic guidance."

007

"I began offering freelance consulting to

startups that could not afford traditional

advisory firms, helping them refine their

models and attract investors. Those

collaborations often grew into long-term

partnerships built on trust and

measurable results.

When I officially launched VT Consulting

Group, I was determined to ensure that

every client received tangible, lasting

value. Whether developing business

plans, structuring investments, or leading

market entry initiatives, my focus was

always on real outcomes. That

results-driven approach became the

foundation of our firm?s growth and

reputation.

FIRST BUSIN ESS LESSON

One of my earliest business lessons came

during an internship in day trading for an

investment bank in Hong Kong. I spent

days analyzing charts and patterns,

convinced that I had found the perfect

strategy. One morning, I made my first

significant profit ? only to lose nearly

fifteen percent of it the next day by

overtrading.

It was a humbling experience that taught

me the importance of emotional control,

discipline, and risk management.

That moment shaped my business

philosophy, reminding me that success is

not about quick wins but about

consistency, patience, and maintaining

perspective under pressure.

EVOLUTION AN D GROWTH

My entrepreneurial journey has continued

to evolve through every stage. Beginning

in the financial industry gave me an

analytical foundation; consulting taught

me how to scale businesses; and

investing showed me how to create

long-term value.

Starting over in new countries without a

network was among my greatest

challenges, but I overcame it by

rebuilding connections through

community involvement, networking, and

delivering results.

Each challenge reinforced the

importance of adaptability and

authenticity. Over time, I have learned

that entrepreneurship is not linear ? it is

about navigating uncertainty with

courage and transforming each setback

into growth.

BUILDIN G M ULTIPLE VEN TURES

Throughout my career, I have built and

led several ventures, each reflecting a

different aspect of my entrepreneurial

growth. VT Consulting Group was

founded to empower entrepreneurs and

organizations with the structure, investor

access, and strategic guidance needed

to scale.

What began as freelance consulting

evolved into a full-service advisory firm

supporting over fifty businesses

internationally, facilitating more than ten

million dollars in commercial real estate

acquisitions and helping clients boost

revenues by an average of thirty percent

annually.

I also co-founded Capina Asset

M anagement, a private investment firm

focused on sustainable community

development, bridging finance and

social impact through long-term urban

projects. In the creative space, I

launched M edusa?s Armour ? a fashion

brand celebrating individuality,

confidence, and inclusivity ? which

reached a valuation of over three

hundred thousand dollars within its

first four months. Each venture

reinforced a single principle: aligning

passion with purpose."

009

SCALIN G WITH PURPOSE

"Scaling VT Consulting Group required

both structure and vision. Once I was

confident in the firm?s direction, I built

standardized frameworks for

onboarding, strategic planning, and

investment analysis to ensure consistency

and efficiency.

I diversified our services to include

investor relations, venture capital

advisory, and real estate investment

support, enabling us to serve clients

across every growth stage. Building

strategic relationships with investors,

accelerators, and industry leaders was

essential to our expansion.

For me, scaling is not just about growth

? it is about sustainability. I focus on

systems, people, and values that can

evolve alongside the business.

SACRIFICE AN D BALAN CE

Pursuing my dream meant making

sacrifices ? trading stability for

uncertainty and long hours for progress.

In the early years, I made difficult

financial decisions and often neglected

rest and personal time.

Over time, I learned that sustainable

success requires balance, perspective,

and self-care.

Those sacrifices taught me resilience and

deepened my empathy as a leader.

Today, I encourage my team to set

boundaries, nurture purpose, and find

fulfillment beyond profit.

DEFIN IN G SUCCESS M OM EN T

A defining moment in my journey came

when I began to see measurable,

long-term impact from our work.

Watching clients grow, secure funding,

and achieve goals we had once only

imagined confirmed that what we were

building had real value.

Receiving national recognition ? being

featured as an 'Inspiring Canadian

Entrepreneur,' included in The NYC

Journal?s '50 Under 50 ,' and nominated

for the RBC Canadian Women

Entrepreneur Awards and EY

Entrepreneur of the Year ? validated not

only the success of VT Consulting Group

but also the principles that guide us:

integrity, collaboration, and purpose.

POWER OF M EN TORSHIP

Mentorship has been instrumental to my

success. I have been fortunate to learn

from mentors, colleagues, and friends

who believed in my potential and

challenged me to grow. Their support has

shaped my confidence and perspective,

reminding me that progress begins with

trust. I continue to learn from peers and

clients alike, each offering insights that

refine my leadership.

Giving back through mentorship is now

central to my mission. As an Advisory

Board Member at Founders Boost, a

global pre-accelerator, I mentor

emerging entrepreneurs ? especially

underrepresented founders ? helping

them access capital, build confidence,

and create sustainable businesses.

LEADIN G WITH PURPOSE

My leadership has evolved from

managing every detail myself to

empowering others to lead.

Early on, I focused on execution, but as

the business matured, I realized that true

leadership lies in trust, communication,

and collaboration. Whenever I enter a

new field, I start from the ground up to

understand every level of operation.

This hands-on approach helps me

connect with my team and lead by

example. I believe credibility comes from

experience, humility, and a willingness to

keep learning."

"Today, my leadership vision focuses on

sustainability, inclusivity, and shared

success ? because when people grow,

the business grows with them.

LESSON S AN D ADVICE

For those beginning their entrepreneurial

journey, my advice is simple: start where

you are, stay consistent, and keep

evolving. Progress does not come from

waiting for perfection but from taking the

next step.

I wish I had known earlier that failure is

not the opposite of success ? it is part of

it. Every challenge builds strength,

strategy, and resilience. My definition of

success has evolved beyond financial

metrics; it now includes creating

opportunities, uplifting others, and

building a legacy grounded in integrity

and compassion.

For me, true fulfillment means being

surrounded by people I love, maintaining

good health, and giving back to the

community.

BUSIN ESS AT HEART

At its core, VT Consulting Group exists to

help entrepreneurs transform ideas into

sustainable enterprises. We combine

strategic consulting, investor relations,

and venture capital advisory under one

platform.

Our model is built on partnership and

purpose ? working closely with founders

to design strategies, connect with

investors, and ensure long-term

scalability.

Moving forward, I aim to build more

strategic partnerships with investors,

clients, and collaborators who share our

vision of inclusive entrepreneurship.

We are also expanding initiatives that

support women and underrepresented

founders, driving access to funding and

economic equity.

FUTURE AN D LEGACY

Looking ahead, my vision for 20 26 is to

see VT Consulting Group continue

expanding across industries and

geographies while deepening our impact

on community development.

We plan to strengthen our consulting and

investment divisions and create more

cross-border opportunities that connect

entrepreneurs with capital and

mentorship.

My hope is to leave a legacy defined by

empowerment and accessibility ? where

success is not dictated by privilege but

by purpose, resilience, and shared

progress.

Ultimately, I want to help shape an

ecosystem that values collaboration over

competition and uses innovation as a

force for good."

V IN A

T S A I

V T C O N S U L T IN G

G R O U P

011

M A RK O

SA RUNA C:

INCUDOLA BS

013

As a cybersecurity advocate,

founder, and technology leader,

M arko Sarunac?s career is a story of

continuous evolution, driven by a passion

for innovation and community

contribution. His journey began with

hands-on technical roles, from pulling

wires and managing systems at TELUS to

architecting foundational B2B

e-commerce platforms. This

deep-seated technical expertise forms

the bedrock of his strategic approach to

security.

For over 25 years at Quality Wholesale

Ltd., Marko has grown with the

company, progressing from Senior

Systems Architect to Director of

Technology, and now to his current role

as Chief Information Security Officer.

In this capacity, he has led

transformative projects, including a

company-wide SAP implementation and

multinational e-commerce deployments

that prepared the company for

scalable growth.

Complementing his corporate

leadership, Marko wears multiple hats as

a founder and mentor. His

entrepreneurial drive led him to

establish IncudoLABS, which provides

specialized cybersecurity risk and

compliance services, and Expiscor,

which offers expert witness services for

legal matters involving technology.

His commitment to giving back extends

to his role as a volunteer mentor with the

ISACA Vancouver Chapter, where he

helps guide the next generation of

cybersecurity professionals.

It is through this blend of corporate

CISO responsibilities, entrepreneurial

ventures, and community mentorship that

Marko pursues his ultimate goal: shaping

safer cyber habits for all.

015

THE BUSINESS.

Founded in 20 25, IncudoLABS is a

Canadian cybersecurity company

committed to revolutionizing

cybersecurity automation by creating

the world's most advanced

compliance-driven security hardening

platform. Its mission is to empower

organizations of all sizes to master

security compliance by transforming

complex regulatory standards into

simple, automated, and auditable code.

The company?s flagship product, the

upcoming Orion' s Forge, will

orchestrate compliance-driven security

hardening across frameworks including

CIS, NIST, PCI-DSS, SOC 2, and GDPR.

This platform bridges the gap between

regulatory requirements and technical

implementation through innovative

research and experimental

development. Orion's Forge integrates

with the open-source Orion' s Belt

library of vetted remediation

playbooks, while Anvil agents execute

hardening actions securely, creating a

complete closed-loop system from

compliance requirements to verified

implementation.

IncudoLABS champions a zero-trust

architecture that keeps customers in full

control of their infrastructure, building

tools that enhance security teams rather

than replace them. Its commitment to

community is demonstrated through

Orion's Belt, the open-source initiative

that fosters collaboration and shared

knowledge in cybersecurity automation.

Recently launched in public beta,

QRBolt represents a breakthrough in

QR code security and management.

This industry-leading platform

addresses the proactive security

awareness and protection segment with

features that set new standards for

digital safety.

QRBolt's advanced URL reputation

scanning technology builds and

protects brand reputation by

automatically detecting and flagging

malicious links before users interact

with them.

The platform ensures codes remain

functional indefinitely, features vanity

URLs for consistent branding, and

provides comprehensive analytics to

track engagement while maintaining

the highest security standards.

This solution empowers organizations to

maintain secure digital touchpoints

while protecting both their brand and

users from QR code-based threats.

Built with Canadian ?True N orth?

values, IncudoLABS emphasizes

privacy-first governance, EU-friendly

posture, and international reach.

Its solutions serve mid-market and

enterprise organizations struggling with

manual compliance processes,

fragmented security tools, and the

growing talent shortage in

cybersecurity.

017

IN HIS

WORDS.

"Before the world ran on sleek

interfaces and cloud computing, it was

built on tangled wires, dial-up modems,

and raw ambition. For me, that early

digital age was not just a

backdrop? it was my training ground.

I began as a student worker pulling

ethernet cables in Vancouver schools

and eventually became the founder of

IncudoLABS, a cybersecurity firm

based in Vancouver dedicated to

revolutionizing security compliance.

My path from curious teenager to

architect of a national cybersecurity

vision has been one of foresight,

adaptation, and relentless curiosity

? a reflection of how technology itself

evolved from hobby to necessity.

SPARKIN G A FIRE

My entrepreneurial spark ignited in the

late 1990 s, born from a simple

problem: I had valuable skills but no

market access. While working at the

Vancouver School Board, I found

myself fascinated by the transition

from token ring networks to ethernet

and spent countless hours devouring

every technical book I could find.

With support from my high school

computer science teacher, I helped

with the school website and ran cables

for network upgrades. That hands-on

learning inspired my first venture,

PC Solutions, where I offered

computer repair and tutoring.

In one memorable project, I borrowed

a friend?s caravan to buy three skids of

computers from a Crow n Assets

liquidation sale ? seventy-five broken

machines for $450 .

I rebuilt twenty-two of them, selling

each for $30 0 . It took a month, and I

had leftover scraps in my basement for

years. I was learning not only how to

build computers but how to build

opportunity. To attract customers, I

posted tear-away flyers in libraries

and on lampposts across Vancouver.

My first client, a mailman eager to

learn about cable internet, validated

that a real market existed for the skills

I had honed.

FROM STARTUP CHAOS TO

CORPORATE STABILITY

That small success opened doors. I

became a webmaster for the

Vancouver School Board, digitizing

course catalogues and working on

AS40 0 systems. But the dot-com boom

was too exciting to resist. I joined a

startup building e-commerce sites and

experienced the energy and chaos of

startup life.

When the bubble burst, I faced a

choice: risk it all again or pursue

stability. I accepted an offer from

ISM - BC ? a joint venture between

IBM and BC Tel that would soon

become TELUS ? and spent the next

nine years learning the inner workings

of large organizations.

Those years were formative. I worked

on enterprise systems, participated in

leadership programs, and saw

firsthand how innovation could coexist

with inefficiency."

019

"The biggest lesson came from

observing how security was often

treated as an afterthought ? rushed in

at the end instead of built into the

foundation. That insight would eventually

shape my entire mission.

RETURN IN G TO EN TREPREN EURSHIP

Despite a demanding corporate role,

the entrepreneurial fire never went out. I

began consulting part-time for a friend?s

wholesale business, balancing two

careers for nearly a decade.

Eventually, I had to choose: climb the

corporate ladder or take full control of

my creativity.

I chose freedom and joined Quality

Wholesale, a growing distributor of

horticulture supplies. Over time, I helped

transform the company from a small

retailer into an international operation

and now serve as its Chief Information

Security Officer.

During that evolution, I identified a

major opportunity in the growing Voice

over IP market and founded SPOC

Business Solutions to provide small

businesses with affordable,

enterprise-grade communications.

The technology worked perfectly ? but

the venture taught me an invaluable

truth. It does not matter how advanced

your product is if you cannot

communicate its value to your audience.

A recycling company does not care

about the intricacies of VOIP ? they

only want to know if it works and what it

costs. That experience reinforced the

importance of empathy and

communication in technology.

THE PRICE OF EXPERIEN CE

My journey came with sacrifices,

especially in formal education. While my

peers were earning degrees, I was in

server rooms learning through

experimentation.

I studied from library books, compiled

Linux kernels, and pursued knowledge

long before universities offered formal

courses. I eventually took advanced

programs at world-renowned

institutions, but I never earned the

?paper.?

The real lessons came from solving

problems in real time. That

non-traditional path shaped my

leadership philosophy: expertise is

proven through results, not credentials.

As I moved from solo projects to leading

teams, I realized that success depends

on trust. Learning to delegate was my

biggest challenge? it felt like giving up

control. But empowering others to

succeed was transformative. Leadership,

I discovered, is less about doing and

more about enabling.

BUILDIN G IN CUDOLABS

All of these experiences ? the early

hustle of PC Solutions, the structure of

TELUS, the lessons of SPOC, and the

responsibilities of a CISO ? culminated

in the creation of IncudoLABS.

The company was born from a clear and

growing problem: organizations struggle

to maintain cybersecurity compliance.

Frameworks like NIST, SOC2, and GDPR

are essential but daunting, especially for

small and mid-sized companies."

021

"The process of reviewing each

framework and implementing the

required changes is technically

complex and time-consuming.

IncudoLABS was built to close this gap.

Our mission is to automate security

compliance hardening, shifting

organizations from reactive

compliance to proactive security. I

want companies to achieve

certification because they already

follow best practices, not because they

are scrambling to meet a checklist.

We are doing this through two

initiatives:

- The first, Orion?s Belt, is a free,

open-source collection of

security scripts for small

businesses, students, and

hobbyists? a way to make

cybersecurity accessible to

everyone.

- The second, Orion?s Forge, is an

enterprise-grade platform that

automates and scales security

hardening for large

organizations. With our

prototype and MVP complete,

we are now preparing for the

next phase of growth.

A CAN ADIAN M ISSION

My vision extends beyond building a

successful company. I want to establish

a Canadian cybersecurity automation

platform that reflects the values of

innovation, collaboration, and trust.

Canada?s digital economy depends on

cybersecurity as a pillar of national

security and prosperity.

Through IncudoLABS, I aim to

strengthen Canada?s place in the

global cybersecurity ecosystem by

developing tools that make

compliance simpler, stronger, and

inherently secure.

I am currently seeking strategic

partners and pre-seed investors who

share this vision ? people who see the

value in building a globally

competitive cybersecurity company on

Canadian soil. IncudoLABS is more

than a business; it is a commitment to

digital resilience, a belief that

technology should empower, not

endanger.

From the tangled wires of my early

days to the complex code of today, I

remain driven by one mission: to build

trust

M A R K O

IN C U D O L A B S

S A R U N A C

FIONA

FORBES:

TV HOST &

PRODUCER,

M EDIA TRA INING

EX PERT

023

Fiona Forbes is a dynamic television

powerhouse with almost thirty years of

experience both in front of the camera

as a host and behind the scenes as a

producer. Known for her vibrant

presence and thoughtful interview

style, she has spoken with everyone

from A-listers to Prime Ministers, rock

stars to astrophysicists, earning

multiple awards and nominations along

the way.

Fiona became a familiar face across

Canada as the host of the acclaimed

talk show The Rush (formerly Urban

Rush), where her ability to genuinely

connect with guests and audiences set

her apart.

Her work has always been driven by

curiosity, humour, and a deep

appreciation for authentic

conversation, qualities that continue to

define her career today.

She remains committed to producing

meaningful content, supporting

charitable causes that matter to her,

and bringing her signature wit and

warmth to every project she takes on.

Fiona lives in her hometown of

Vancouver with her eternally smiling

dog, Chew bacca.

025

THE BUSINESS.

Fiona Forbes is a Canadian TV host,

producer, and content creator whose

career has been shaped by curiosity,

clear communication, and a natural

ability to connect with people.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts at

the University of British Columbia

before studying broadcasting at the

British Columbia Institute of

Technology, a combination that laid

the groundwork for the

people-centred storytelling that

would define her career.

For more than two decades, Fiona

has worked across live television,

lifestyle programming, digital media,

and branded content.

Her roles have included on-air host,

segment producer, and senior

creative producer, giving her a full

understanding of the production

process from the first spark of an

idea to the final cut.

She is widely recognized for her

ability to guide unscripted interviews,

lead high-engagement live streams,

and create content that feels genuine

on both traditional broadcast and

digital platforms.

Alongside her work in broadcast and

production, Fiona has built a

meaningful parallel path as a media

coach. She supports emerging hosts,

public figures, and brand

spokespeople as they strengthen their

public speaking skills, on-camera

confidence, and communication style.

Her approach is grounded in

practical, real-world techniques

shaped by her years in live television

and unscripted conversation.

Based in Vancouver, Fiona continues

to create programming that informs,

entertains, and resonates. She brings

professionalism, warmth, and a deep

understanding of storytelling to every

project she takes on.

IN HER WORDS.

027

"I discovered my entrepreneurial

spirit at the exact moment I figured

out what I wanted to do with my life.

It truly was a lightbulb moment. I was

in my fourth year at UBC, preparing

to follow in my dad?s footsteps and

become a lawyer, but there was a

major obstacle in my way. I struggled

with extreme shyness. Any form of

public speaking triggered intense

anxiety and panic attacks.

My dad, who built a successful career

as a lawyer and also worked as an

actor and director, understood how

paralyzing that fear could be. He

believed strongly in confronting fear

head-on, and he encouraged me to

take an acting or broadcasting

course so I could learn to speak in

front of people without melting down.

During one of those classes, I noticed

a posting for an audition to host a

television show. I had no intention of

pursuing a career in broadcasting.

My dad suggested that I go because

auditioning is one of the most

nerve-wracking experiences anyone

can face, so it seemed like the

perfect way to push through my fear.

I went purely as an exercise to

overcome my nerves. To my shock, I

landed the role. One week later,

with absolutely no experience,

I was suddenly hosting a one-hour

talk show.

What I did have was that

unmistakable spark. I felt an instant

sense of belonging. It was

electrifying. I loved every second,

and in that moment I knew that this

was the path I wanted.

The only way to make it happen was

to build it myself, and that was the

beginning of my entrepreneurial

journey in the broadcasting, film, and

television industry, now twenty-five

years strong.

EARLY LESSON S

In an industry defined by constant

change, I learned early that the work

is unpredictable and competitive.

Auditions come and go, shows are

greenlit and cancelled, and every

time I land a gig it feels like winning

the lottery. I love what I do so deeply

that I would almost do it for free.

One experience shaped me more

than most. I had booked a dream

project that paid more money than I

had ever earned.

We shot one episode, and then the

Canadian portion was cancelled. I

was devastated. Losing that job felt

like watching an unbelievable

opportunity vanish. When I eventually

saw the final product, I realized I had

dodged a bullet. The creative

direction was completely wrong for

me."

029

"The money might have let me retire,

but artistically and personally it

would have been a terrible fit. My

bank account may disagree, but

losing that gig was one of my

greatest career blessings in disguise.

THE LON G RUN

My journey has never stopped

evolving, and no two days have ever

been the same. Rejection is part of

the deal, especially when every job

begins with an audition. It took time

to reframe it. Eventually I learned to

see rejection as simply not being the

right fit.

One of my biggest opportunities

arrived very early when the second

show I ever hosted turned into a

seventeen-year run with my co-host,

M ichael Eckford. Together we hosted

Daytime, Breakfast Television,

Urban Rush, and The Rush.

It was a golden era of talk TV, and I

know how lucky I was to experience

it. Broadcasting continues to shrink,

and I may never have another

opportunity like that again, but I am

grateful that I had a dream gig for

far longer than I ever expected.

A LIFE- CHAN GIN G DIAGN OSIS

In October 20 21, in the middle of the

pandemic, my life shifted in a way I

never expected. A routine

mammogram led to a diagnosis of

breast cancer, something that felt

impossible until it was suddenly

very real.

Thanks to early detection, my cancer

was treatable, and I am beyond

grateful to be able to say that I am

cancer free today.

The journey through treatment was

long, emotional, and at times

overwhelming. Cancer leaves

physical scars, but the emotional ones

take time, and I am still working

through those layers.

I leaned heavily on my doctors and

nurses, and on the support of my

circle of angels, who surrounded me

with strength, compassion, and

constant encouragement. They

carried me through the hardest

moments and reminded me daily that

I was not going through this alone.

My diagnosis was Stage 1 ER+ HER2-

IDC, a combination of letters and

symbols I did not understand at first

but can now recite without hesitation.

I share it because reading other

women?s stories helped me prepare

for what I was facing, and I hope that

by sharing mine, someone else might

feel a little less afraid.

On July 21st, 20 22, I received the call

that I was cancer free. It is a moment

that changed everything for me, and

it is a date I will never forget. If there

is anything I can urge people to do, it

is to book their mammogram or

ultrasound. Early detection saved

my life, and it could save someone

else?s too."

REBUILDIN G EN ERGY

"Once I recovered, I returned to the

industry with new purpose and

energy, landing a dream role as a

producer and contributor on

Global TV?s national entertainment

talk show The M orning Show . It came

at exactly the moment I needed it.

But as the network continued to

downsize, the workload grew heavier

and heavier until there simply were

not enough hours in the day. For the

first time in my career, I burned out,

and it began to affect my health.

Sacrifice is something I have always

understood. Hosting a daily talk show

for seventeen years meant endless

prep: four or five interviews a day,

constant research, constant reading,

and more late nights than I can count.

I probably interview ed over 30 ,0 0 0

people in that time. Sure, I gave up

sleep and any sense of routine, but

back in the day when budgets were

healthy, we were basically getting

paid to have fun and honestly, I would

not change a thing.

But eventually, the line between

passion and exhaustion blurred. I

stayed too long in a role that was

draining me because I did not think

quitting was an option.

When I became part of the most

recent round of layoffs, it felt like the

decision I was too afraid to make for

myself had finally been made for me.

And oddly enough, I am grateful for it.

After a few months of rest, I am

feeling like myself again.

It taught me a lesson I will carry

forever: no job, no dream, and no

opportunity is worth your well-being.

A CON FIDEN CE RESET

Another recent opportunity came to

save the day. I auditioned for a

commercial without knowing what it

was for.

It was the launch campaign for

Call of Duty Black Ops 7. I arrived on

set and learned that I would be

co-starring with Jake Paul, Huda

(Love Island), N ikki Glaser, Terry

Crew s, and Peter Stormare.

Seeing my name sixth on the call

sheet was surreal. The director was

Aaron Stoller, a comedic legend

whose work I have admired my entire

career.

My scene was the last shot of a

fourteen-hour day, and the pressure

was intense. In my head, all I kept

thinking was that I could not afford to

mess it up.

When he called ?action,? something

inside me clicked. My confidence

surged back, and I remembered

exactly why I love this work. When he

called ?cut,? he walked over, shook

my hand, and said, ?Fiona, thank you

for being fucking awesome at what

you do.?"

031

033

"That moment restored my

confidence completely, and it

breathed new life into my career. It

was exactly what I needed.

A DEFIN IN G ERA

There was never a single moment

when I knew my work would succeed.

When we began our tiny talk show

back in 1997, it felt like a low-budget

version of Wayne?s World. We were

two kids handed one hour of live

television, five days a week. Looking

back, the recognition that we might

be onto something came when we

were nominated for the Leo Aw ards

and beat out network talk shows. That

nomination became the beginning of

seventeen unforgettable years.

I have been fortunate to learn from

extraordinary people, including

executive producers who taught me

that the host sets the tone for

everyone the moment they walk into

the studio. Even before I had an

official title, I learned to lead by

example, and that ethos carried into

my work as a producer and into every

set I have ever stepped onto.

THE HEART OF M Y WORK

Today, the heart of my business

remains the same: pursuing my dream

wherever it leads. When I am not

auditioning or working as a freelance

host and producer, I am teaching.

I never would have imagined that

someone as shy and anxious as I once

was would become a media training

expert, but it has become one of the

most meaningful parts of my career.

I teach through Coldw ater

Communications, where I help CEOs,

professionals, hosts, and everyday

people find confidence in public

speaking and on-camera

communication. Watching someone

transform from terrified to

empowered is more rewarding than

almost anything else I do.

LOOKIN G AHEAD

Looking ahead to 20 26, I plan to

continue expanding this work.

I also intend to deepen my

involvement in charitable initiatives,

something I have always seen as a

privilege that comes with having a

public voice.

Another incredible project recently

emerged. I have had the chance to

help promote a heartwarming and

impactful program on CBC called

The Assembly, produced by Small

Army Entertainment.

Each episode features thirty

neurodivergent interviewers asking

Canadian celebrities anything they

want. To support a show that brings

so much authenticity, humour, and

heart into the world has been

profoundly meaningful. I sincerely

hope it returns for Season Two.

My hope for the next chapter is

simple: to continue doing work that

matters, to keep evolving, and to help

others step into their own confidence

just as I learned to step into mine."

F IO N A

F O R B E S

T V H O S T & P R O D U C E R ,

M E D IA T R A IN IN G E X P E R T

JESSY

SA VA GE:

VICTORIA

DIGITA L

M A RK ETING

035

Jessy Savage is a Canadian

entrepreneur, community builder, and

founder of Victoria Digital M arketing

(VDM ), one of Vancouver Island?s

emerging full-service digital marketing

agencies. Jessy began her career by

earning early leadership roles in national

franchises before launching her own

business during the 20 20 pandemic.

What began as a solo freelancing

venture has grown into a multi?six figure

agency serving organizations across

N orth America, including nonprofits,

tourism operators, tech firms, and

Island-based small businesses.

Through VDM, Jessy leads a

multidisciplinary team specializing in web

development, SEO, content strategy, paid

advertising, graphic and brand design,

with a strong focus on community impact

and ethical business growth.

Jessy previously served on the Board of

Directors for the Canadian M ental

Health Association BC Division, where

she contributed to governance,

communications strategy, and

province-wide advocacy initiatives.

That experience shaped her long-term

commitment to community work and now

informs the nonprofit and social-impact

support embedded within Victoria Digital

Marketing. Through VDM, Jessy works

closely with local charities, social

enterprises, and community organizations

to strengthen their digital presence,

clarify messaging, and increase their

capacity to reach the people they serve.

She continues to mentor emerging

professionals in marketing and

entrepreneurship, contributing to the

development of future talent across

Vancouver Island.

037

THE BUSINESS.

Victoria Digital M arketing (VDM ) is a

full-service digital marketing agency

built on the belief that local businesses

deserve enterprise-level strategy without

losing the relationships and community

connection that make Vancouver Island

unique.

Founded in 20 20 by Jessy Savage,

VDM has grown from a one-person

consultancy into a multidisciplinary

team supporting organizations across

Vancouver Island with brand

development, web design, SEO,

paid media, and community-driven

campaigns.

VDM?s work is rooted in collaboration,

transparency, and local impact. The

agency partners with a wide range of

sectors - including hospitality, trades,

nonprofits, professional services, and

retail - while maintaining a strong

commitment to supporting

community-based organizations.

As the Marketing Director for

Think Local First, Jessy leads some of

Victoria?s most visible shop-local

initiatives, strengthening VDM?s role as a

connector between local businesses,

media, and the public.

With a focus on sustainable,

relationship-based growth, VDM rejects

dependency-based models and instead

builds digital infrastructure that

empowers clients long after the

engagement ends.

The agency?s expertise, combined with

deep ties to the local business

community, has positioned VDM as a

trusted partner for organizations seeking

strategic support, creative excellence,

and measurable results.

Today, VDM continues to expand its

impact while staying true to its

community-first foundation.

IN HER WORDS.

"I recognized my entrepreneurial spirit

from a young age because business

was part of my everyday life. With two

entrepreneurial parents, the idea of

creating something on my own never

felt unusual. By the time I was ten, my

dad had me working in his sign shop,

teaching me old-school Corel,

Photoshop, and Adobe programs on a

Windows 98 computer with only

megabytes of storage.

For Christmas in 20 0 0 , he handed me

a box containing my first computer

and told me to assemble it myself. It

came preloaded with Dreamw eaver,

Corel, Photoshop, and Word. Around

the same time, my school began

pulling me out of gym class to learn

HTML coding. Those early experiences

shaped my confidence in solving

problems, building things, and forging

my own direction."

039

FIRST VEN TURES

"My first ventures were scrappy and

resourceful. While other kids set up

lemonade stands, my best friend and I

did not have parents who would buy

juice crystals, so we adapted. Our

neighbourhood was full of wildflowers,

and that became our product. We set up

a stand, sent her older brother and his

friend out on bikes to gather flowers,

kept everything in water, and sold each

stem for a quarter. We paid the boys

fairly, and then spent our earnings at the

candy store. That tiny operation taught

me that with enough creativity and

determination, I could build something

out of nothing.

CREATIVE EVOLUTION

In my twenties, that same instinct

reappeared in an unexpected way. I

developed a shredded T-shirt style that

began as a personal fashion choice at

concerts. I would buy a shirt, step into the

bathroom, shred and tie it back together,

and walk out wearing something entirely

different. Soon, other girls were asking

me to cut theirs too. That turned into a

small business with a standalone

e-commerce site, upcycled materials,

custom orders, and self-taught digital

marketing. It was fun, expressive, and

foundational ? skills I would rely on

years later.

BUILDIN G FROM CRISIS

When the pandemic hit, I found myself

laid off from my dream job at a digital

marketing agency. Instead of spiralling,

I channelled that energy into building

something new. I built my website from

my apartment, sent cold Instagram

messages offering free website audits,

and filled my days with HubSpot courses

and learning.

I often say that during COVID, I lost the

ability to be bored, and that relentless

curiosity became the catalyst for

launching VDM. With no investment other

than time, I took my first steps toward

what would eventually grow into a

thriving company.

FIRST TEAM M OM EN T

One of my most memorable early

experiences came when I hired my first

team member. I had never considered

myself a ?boss,? and leadership was new

territory. I brought on a

designer-developer who was creative,

smart, and exactly the kind of person I

wanted to collaborate with. After we

launched our first WordPress site

together, she confessed that she had

exaggerated her technical experience

during the interview. I laughed because

it reminded me of my own early

employment days when my answer to

tasks I did not know was always, ?No, but

I will learn.? That moment taught me how

important honesty, humour, and trust

would be in building a team.

FIRST SIX FIGURES

The first year of VDM brought another

milestone. Ten months after starting,

I realized I had generated six figures.

Many businesses were applying for

government grants to improve their

online presence, and my SEO content

consistently ranked directly under official

government grant pages. Work arrived

steadily as a result. When I opened my

account statement and saw the number,

I closed my laptop and took the rest of

the day off. It was overwhelming, and

imposter syndrome hit hard. Eventually,

I understood that financial milestones

matter far less than what you choose to

do with the opportunity they bring."

041

IN N ER OBSTACLES

"My journey was never without obstacles,

and many of them came from within. I am

naturally introverted, shy, and historically

uncomfortable being the first person to

speak in a room. Even answering the

phone used to be a challenge. Running a

business forced me to confront those

tendencies every day. Something shifts

inside me when I step into work mode,

and that has allowed me to develop a

confidence I did not realize was there.

My team plays a huge role in this growth.

We support one another, encourage

each other, and allow ourselves to be

human.

VALUE ALIGN M EN T

There was a moment early on when I

almost sold the company. A business that

wanted to hire me suggested buying

VDM outright, and I entertained the idea

long enough to enter valuation

conversations. Everything changed when

the CEO casually bragged about firing

an employee for ?not jumping fast

enough? to help him. The arrogance

behind that comment made my decision

easy. I walked away, and the company

eventually folded. That experience

reinforced how essential value alignment

is for me. VDM?s identity ? our nonprofit

donation fund, educational commitments,

mentorship, and community contributions

? could not have existed if I had sold

early.

LEARN IN G TO SCALE

Scaling the company required a different

kind of growth. I had always been a

perfectionist, convinced that everything

needed to be done my way. When

burnout began closing in, I hired my first

designer, and giving her autonomy was

transformative.

She built processes and created SOPs

that were entirely different from mine,

and they worked. I learned that letting

go of control allows others to innovate

and elevate the company in ways I could

not do alone. True scaling is measured by

collaboration, creativity, and freedom,

not vanity metrics.

PERSON AL RECKON IN G

The personal sacrifices were significant,

especially because I started the business

during a global pandemic. My personal

life slipped into the background without

me realizing it. The moment that forced

me to reassess everything came in 20 22

when my brother called during a Zoom

meeting ? something he never did

without warning ? to tell me our

stepbrother had passed away. After

sharing the news, he said, ?You do not

have to come be with us; we know you

are busy with work.? That sentence

shattered me. From that day forward, I

created boundaries: separate work and

personal lines, set hours, and no more

being available twenty-four hours a day

out of fear. I now choose to work with

people who respect life outside of work

as much as I do.

CHOOSIN G EN TREPREN EURSHIP

There was also a moment when I realized

my business would succeed because it

had to. I had been poached by an

agency that promised salary, stability,

comfort, and bonuses. I spent three

intense months working forty hours a

week for them while running VDM on the

side. The environment was chaotic, the

team was exhausted, and the structure

was weak. At the end of those months, I

chose not to renew. Walking away from

promised security told me everything I

needed to know ? I was building

something better."

043

FOUN D M EN TORSHIP

"Mentorship became a meaningful part

of my journey more recently. While living

in Kelow na, I admired business leader

N ikki Csek and everything she built in

the Okanagan. During a period of

transition at VDM, I finally gathered the

courage to reach out. We spoke over

Zoom, and when I asked if she would

mentor me, she said yes immediately,

noting that very few people ever ask.

That moment reminded me that

opportunities often appear when you

choose to make the first move.

TEAM CULTURE

My leadership style shifted again when

my first designer left after two years to

pursue a different industry. Her departure

made me realize I had never built a true

team culture. I reflected on what I had

needed earlier in my career and

committed to creating that environment.

Today, our team leads passion projects,

supports nonprofits such as the BC SPCA,

CM HA BC, BC Cancer, and Second

Chance Cheekye Ranch, and pursues

continuous education. We honour mental

health with space, understanding, and

even a paid day off for World M ental

Health Day. Our next staff celebration is

a spa day and team photo shoot, not

pizza and bowling. Growing alongside

the team has become one of the most

rewarding parts of this work.

LESSON S LEARN ED

The advice I share with aspiring

entrepreneurs is simple and hard-earned.

Success becomes less about what you

earn and more about what you do with it.

Every day requires self-belief and

resilience. Document everything early ?

processes, systems, insights ? so you can

train others effectively later.

Choose your circle with intention. If you

spend time with five successful founders,

you become the sixth.

THE HEART OF VDM

At the heart of my business is creativity.

Before the pandemic, I worked in a

remote creative director role. Later, in

my dream agency job, I experienced the

energy of a shared studio ? a space

with sit-to-stand desks, music,

spontaneous brainstorms, and a

foosball-table boardroom. That

environment shaped the kind of company

I want to build. My vision includes a

creative studio for VDM where the team

can collaborate, strategize, and

innovate. As we expand into full print

services, from business cards to

billboards, a dedicated space would

allow us to grow into a full-scale creative

hub. And yes, the boardroom table will

absolutely be a foosball table.

LOOKIN G AHEAD

Looking ahead to 20 26, my aspirations

centre on impact. I want to help more

businesses thrive, support my team?s

growth, and broaden our reach across

Vancouver Island and into the Lower

Mainland. My hope is to leave behind a

legacy of authenticity. I may be shy, but I

have a bright personality and quirky

traits that I embrace fully. I want others

to feel permission to be their true selves

as well. I want students and emerging

entrepreneurs to know that even leaders

who seem ?put together? are not always

confident.

Be human, be real, be approachable, be

kind, give away what you do not need,

and leave the world better than you

found it."

J E S S Y S A V A G E

V IC T O R IA D IG IT A L M A R K E T IN G

SA NDRA

NOM OTO:

A UTHOR

& BOOK

WHISPERER

045

Sandra N omoto (née Garcia) is a

book whisperer for authors with

impact and writer for the popular

podcast, A Little Bit Culty. She?s

always had a passion for language,

and as a typical millennial, cares

deeply about social and

environmental justice.

Sandra graduated from the University

of British Columbia in English

Literature and Film Studies, where

she discovered a passion for film and

became a founding member of the

Vancouver Short Film Festival.

Her communications career began in

the public relations (PR) industry in

20 0 5, before the age of digital

marketing. From 20 0 8 to 20 18, her

agency, Conscious Public Relations

Inc., focused on PR campaigns for

socially and environmentally

responsible companies, and became

the fourth PR firm in Canada to

achieve B Corporation® certification.

Nomoto has authored two books,

including Vegan M arketing Success

Stories, the world?s first vegan

marketing book. She now helps

authors with ghostwriting, editing,

formatting, and marketing services so

they can have a positive impact

through their books.

Besides previously serving on the

Board of Directors of the Vancouver

M ural Festival, she's spoken at TELUS,

M ain Street Vegan Academy,

Planted Expo, and the Vancouver

Vegan Festival, sharing the stage with

Genesis Butler, Chuck Carroll, and

Dr. M ichael Greger.

On the side of her desk, she co-hosts

VEG N etworking Canada, Canada?s

only vegan networking group.

047

IN HER WORDS.

"I recognized the first spark of my

entrepreneurial spirit during the early

years of my career.

While I was working at a Vancouver

public relations firm in 20 0 5, my sister,

Sarah, had moved from administrative

assistant to the partner of a small

business.

Her leap showed me that

entrepreneurship was possible, and by

the spring of 20 0 7, my intuition told me

to avoid applying to other agencies. I

wanted control over the clients I

worked with, and I had already seen

how draining difficult personalities

could be.

At the start of 20 0 8, I launched my

own solo publicity business. Four years

later, I incorporated and rebranded to

Conscious Public Relations Inc., which

I eventually closed in 20 18, paving the

way for my second business in 20 20 . If

I had known then what it truly took to

run a company, I may not have jumped,

but I am grateful that I did.

EARLY EN TREPREN EURSHIP

My earliest memories of business

involved a fifth-grade experiment with

entrepreneurship, when my friends and

I sold small items from home to

classmates.

My collection of unused stickers

became my product line until our

shoe-box cash register was robbed

and the school shut us down. I did not

think about those moments again until

adulthood, when another intuitive

nudge changed my life.

After closing Conscious PR and finally

becoming vegan, I meditated on my

next steps.

A clear inner voice told me to merge

my vegan lifestyle with my identity as a

writer, so I launched myself as a vegan

copywriter on my personal website.

That seed eventually grew into the

multifaceted business I run today.

LESSON S LEARN ED

My early years in publicity included a

memorable experience that taught me

one of the most important lessons of

my career.

In 20 0 9, when livestreaming was still

new, I coordinated a virtual broadcast

for a beauty brand client by hiring a

local marketer who had tested the

system multiple times. During the event,

everything appeared to be working,

but days later we learned the

livestream had failed completely."

"My client considered refusing

payment and even mentioned legal

action. Ultimately, they accepted a

discount, but I carried the lesson

forward: I would never outsource a

service under my company name

again. Instead, I would point clients to

trusted professionals and allow them

to contract directly.

BUILDIN G M OM EN TUM

When I re-entered business in 20 20 , I

initially branded myself as ?The Vegan

Copyw riter,? but feedback showed

that the name might intimidate

non-vegan clients, so I shifted to

?The Content Doctor.?

049

"With more time during the pandemic,

I pursued training in book editing and

formatting, which led me to work with

authors. In 20 21, I felt a strong pull to

write a book focused on vegan

marketing, a gap that was glaringly

obvious.

I self-published Vegan M arketing

Success Stories in 20 22, and it opened

significant doors ? over 80 media and

podcast appearances and invitations to

speak at events, both locally and online.

Although the book did not bring in large

clients, it strengthened my expertise,

inspired my services, and became a

cornerstone of my evolving brand.

N EW CON FIDEN CE

Securing early clients in 20 20 helped

me gain confidence in my second

venture. A wellness entrepreneur hired

me as the editor of a magazine she was

launching, allowing me to step into a

new role without prior journalism

experience.

Later, a friend asked me to ghostwrite

his book in exchange for tattoos,

proving that creative exchanges can

lead to meaningful professional

milestones.

As more people discovered me through

vegan podcast features, requests for

publicity support increased.

These experiences, combined with

insights gleaned from my own book?s

success, helped me develop a system

that guides entrepreneurs and other

professionals to go from published

author to paid speaker.

WELLN ESS AN D BALAN CE

My entrepreneurial life has required

flexibility more than sacrifice. I love my

work, which sometimes means I choose

a project over a vacation.

To avoid burnout, I prioritize daily

wellness practices: exercise, meditation,

affirmations, prayer, and family time.

Monthly game nights with my sister,

niece, and nephew keep me grounded

and remind me that joy and connection

are equally important parts of the

journey.

SHIFTS IN DIRECTION

A pivotal moment that affirmed I was on

the right path came from the magazine

editing role in 20 20 .

Over time, artificial intelligence

reshaped the copywriting landscape,

leading me to shift my focus toward

authors, where my skills could offer

deeper value. Success, for me, has

become a daily measure ? if I serve

clients with intention, clarity, and

integrity, then I have succeeded.

A wonderfully unexpected milestone in

20 25 came when a long-time

administrative client invited me to write

for the podcast A Little Bit Culty, which

I had followed since its launch. Learning

podcast writing has been exhilarating,

and working with authors ? twelve so

far, including three Amazon bestselling

authors ? continues to show me that I

am growing in the right direction.

GUIDAN CE AN D COM M UN ITY

Mentors have shaped my evolution

at every stage. In my early years,

Cathy Kuzel helped me understand the

foundations of business and sales

through WeBC."

051

"Later, Daw n Bow les guided me as I

repositioned Conscious PR toward

social impact clients. My networks have

become ongoing sources of support and

learning ? Vegan Business Tribe, VEG

N etworking Canada, the Canadian

Women?s Chamber of Commerce, and

The Forum. Through mentoring women

myself, I have received as much wisdom

as I have given, proving that guidance

flows both ways.

LEADERSHIP LESSON S

Leading teams occasionally throughout

my career taught me that I thrive

when I work independently, supported

by a small circle of collaborators. My

experiences with boards and

partnerships reinforced the importance

of timely execution and alignment.

Closing Conscious PR, after a planned

expansion did not materialize, showed

me that vision alone is never enough.

DEFIN IN G SUCCESS

If I were speaking to new entrepreneurs

today, I would emphasize the

importance of community. No

entrepreneur succeeds alone. I also wish

I had known earlier how vital

relationships are. Building and

maintaining connections is the

foundation for long-term success. My

definition of success has shifted over the

years, becoming less about milestones

and more about impact. A day of good

work is success in itself.

THE BOOK WHISPERER

Today, my work centres on my identity

as the book whisperer. I coach,

ghostwrite, edit, format, and market

books, and I recently launched my

online course, How to Publish Your

Bestselling Book.

I created it after speaking to a group of

business owners in who had countless

questions about publishing.

The course allows authors to understand

the full landscape of publishing and

marketing options while empowering

them to take charge of their own work.

To grow in this direction, I aim to

increase my visibility through media,

partnerships, and speaking

engagements so that more authors can

find a trusted guide.

LOOKIN G FORWARD

Looking ahead to 20 26, I hope to

become a recognized resource for

self-publishing authors navigating a

rapidly evolving industry. New tools ?

from AI audiobook narration to

automated translation ? are

transforming how creators bring their

work to the world.

My vision is to guide more authors from

manuscript to media coverage, and

ultimately, to the stage as paid

speakers. I also remain open to

supporting a founder or solopreneur

who needs a right-hand strategist with

a unique blend of publishing, marketing,

administration, and public relations

experience.

My greatest hope is that writers,

professionals, and founders leave my

guidance feeling empowered, informed,

and confident enough to share their

stories widely. Stories change lives,

and I want to help bring more of them

into the world."

S A N D R A

A U T H O R

& B O O K

N O M O T O

W H IS P E R E R

TOBY

TA NNA S:

LIV

LIFESTYLE

053

Toby Tannas is a longtime media

personality, creative entrepreneur,

and the founder of LIV Lifestyle, a

modern Okanagan brand focused on

glow for both your face and your

space.

With more than 30 years in radio,

television, and print, Toby has built her

career on connection, storytelling,

and an authentic presence that has

made her one of Kelow na?s most

trusted voices.

Her evolution into entrepreneurship

began with a simple passion for

helping people feel good.

Through LIV Skin, Toby develops

precision-based skincare designed to

prep and enhance natural beauty.

Her products focus on real results,

real routines, and the belief that

confidence comes from feeling good

in your own skin, not chasing

perfection.

With LIV at Home, she extends that

same philosophy into home fragrance.

Her signature candles and reed

diffusers are created to bring calm,

comfort, and a touch of luxury to

everyday spaces, adding warmth

and glow to the routines that shape

our days.

Toby?s work blends creativity,

community, and an intuitive

understanding of what makes people

feel grounded and uplifted.

Through LIV Lifestyle, she continues to

build a brand that celebrates simple

rituals, sensory comfort, and the glow

that comes from living well.

055

THE BUSINESS.

LIV Lifestyle is an Okanagan-based

beauty and home fragrance company

specializing in modern, results-driven

products that support daily wellbeing.

Founded in Kelow na, the brand is built

on the principle that small, intentional

rituals have the power to elevate

everyday living. Its product portfolio

spans two core categories: skincare

and home ambiance.

LIV Skin focuses on precision prep and

functional skincare solutions. The line

features targeted primers,

radiance-enhancing formulas, and

supportive self-care essentials designed

to create a strong foundation for both

natural and cosmetic beauty routines.

Each product is formulated for

performance, simplicity, and seamless

integration into daily use.

LIV at Home extends the brand?s ethos

into the living space through a curated

range of candles and reed diffusers.

Developed with an emphasis on warmth,

comfort, and sensory experience, these

signature scents reflect the relaxed

refinement of the Okanagan while

complementing a wide range of

interiors and personal styles.

As a locally rooted, small-batch

producer, LIV Lifestyle prioritizes

thoughtful design, measured growth,

and consistent quality. The brand caters

primarily to women in mid-life who

value understated luxury, practical

effectiveness, and products that

contribute meaningfully to their

day-to-day environment.

Across both categories, LIV Lifestyle

aims to deliver elevated essentials

that support wellbeing, create

atmosphere, and bring a sense of glow

to modern living.

IN HER WORDS.

"I grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs,

and I think that is where the first spark

of my own ambition was formed. My

parents and grandfather all built

businesses from the ground up,

and I witnessed the long hours, the

thoughtful problem-solving, and the

steady conviction required to keep

something alive.

Even as a child, I understood that

entrepreneurship was more than ideas.

It required resilience, adaptability,

and a willingness to own both successes

and mistakes.

That early exposure shaped my

understanding of work and possibility.

When I eventually found myself in a

career where I told other people?s

stories, I noticed how naturally I

gravitated toward entrepreneurs who

were building something of their own.

Their journeys fascinated me, not

because they were glamorous, but

because they required courage.

Over time, that fascination became a

quiet but persistent invitation for me to

follow my own ambition."

057

FIRST BUSIN ESS LESSON S

"My first significant leap into business

ownership came with a clothing store,

a venture that began as a franchise

but quickly revealed itself as unviable.

Instead of treating that as defeat, we

pivoted within months and created our

own brand: Influence Clothing.

The shift was energizing. It felt like

equal parts chaos and clarity, and it

was in that space that I learned some

of the most defining lessons of my life.

Influence operated for ten years, and

those years shaped me profoundly.

They taught me the truth of my

instincts, the depth of my work ethic,

and the nature of my creative

strengths.

I discovered that I thrived in buying,

customer service, marketing, and

anything requiring intuition and

connection. These were the areas

where I felt alive and confident.

HARD- EARN ED IN SIGHT

At the same time, I learned the

importance of having a partner with

strong financial leadership. I could see

trends, understand customers, and

build a brand voice, but the financial

side of the business required a

different kind of strength.

I also learned a memorable lesson

about the role of friends in

entrepreneurship. In the early days, I

assumed my large circle of friends

would help fuel the business. Instead, I

found myself offering discounts more

often than I should have, slowly

realizing that sustainability required

boundaries.

It was a slightly painful wake-up call,

but one I have carried with me ever

since.

A RETURN TO M EDIA

When Influence closed, I returned to

media. It was a steady and reliable

landing place during a personally

challenging period, and I felt grateful

for the stability, the rhythm, and the

familiarity of storytelling.

Yet even during those years, a part of

me felt the absence of

entrepreneurship. I missed the

creativity, the autonomy, and the sense

of possibility.

I missed the feeling of building

something from nothing. I promised

myself that if I ever stepped back into

business, it would be with a sense of

purpose. It would need to be

something I felt deeply connected to,

something that made life better

for the women I understood most

intimately, and something that

aligned with my values.

THE SPARK OF LIV

That sense of alignment eventually

illuminated the path to LIV Lifestyle.

During the years when I was not

running a business, I became more

aware of what made my daily life feel

meaningful. I noticed the products I

reached for, the routines that

grounded me, and the subtle ways a

small ritual could shift an entire day.

I noticed how a nourishing skincare

step could make me feel brighter

before I left the house, and how the

warm glow of a beautiful candle could

reset a room?s energy or calm my mind

at the end of a long day."

059

"Over time, these observations began

to feel like pieces of a larger idea.

Eventually, the concept for LIV Lifestyle

arrived fully formed: glow for your

face, and glow for your space.

REIGN ITED PURPOSE

Launching LIV Lifestyle three months

ago has not felt like a sacrifice. It has

felt like a return to myself.

My afternoons, which once included

naps, indulgent television, and leisurely

workouts, are now dedicated to

formulation, product development,

research, and exploring what women

in mid-life truly want.

I feel re-engaged in a way that is

invigorating. My social time has

become research, and conversations

with friends often spark new ideas.

I feel more curious, more aware, and

more aligned with who I am becoming.

EARLY AFFIRM ATION

Because LIV Lifestyle is still in its early

stages, the moments that have

mattered most have not been

dramatic milestones but rather a

steady accumulation of assurance.

I know I am the perfect customer for

this brand. I understand the desire for

simple, elevated rituals.

I understand the need for products

that work without overcomplication. I

understand the longing women feel to

be seen and appreciated. This clarity

gives me confidence in every decision

I make.

Our small-batch, locally made

approach allows me to refine,

respond, and pivot quickly, which is a

luxury that many brands do not have.

I can listen closely, adjust instantly, and

grow intentionally.

SUPPORT AN D M EN TORSHIP

Mentorship has also played a

transformative role in this chapter.

A lunch with a longtime friend,

someone who had successfully

launched, expanded, and reinvented

businesses more than once, reignited

something in me.

Her confidence and decisiveness

reminded me of the entrepreneur I

once was. That conversation lit the

match. I went home, sketched out a

loose roadmap for what would

eventually become LIV Lifestyle, and

shared it with my husband. His support

and enthusiasm gave me the

confidence to take the first step.

Since launching, I have become more

aware of the ?doers? in my life ? the

people who take action and move

quickly. Their energy has influenced my

own, reinforcing the importance of

surrounding myself with momentum.

EVOLVIN G LEADERSHIP

As LIV grows, I know my leadership will

evolve. I am hands-on with everything

right now, from product creation to

brand voice, because authenticity

matters to me.

But, I can already sense the shift that

will eventually come ? the moment

when I will need to trust others to carry

parts of the vision so that I can focus

on the future of the brand. That

moment will arrive, and I welcome it as

part of building something lasting."

061

ADVICE TO BUILDERS

"My advice to new entrepreneurs

remains consistent: begin. Do not wait

for perfect circumstances or polished

plans.

Begin with the feeling you want your

business to create, and trust that the

details will follow. Know your customer

intimately.

Believe in your product

wholeheartedly. Celebrate the small

wins, because they are early signs that

something meaningful is forming.

I carry one guiding phrase with me

every day: ?How you do anything is

how you do everything.? It has shaped

the way I approach every step of this

journey.

THE HEART OF LIV

Today, the heart of my business is

beautifully simple: glow for your face,

and glow for your space.

LIV Lifestyle delivers skincare that

prepares and supports real, lived-in

beauty, and home fragrances that

bring warmth, ease, and sensory joy to

everyday moments.

We are built around women in mid-life

? a group that deserves to feel seen

and celebrated ? and our products

are designed to elevate the everyday

in a way that feels luxurious yet

accessible.

THE N EXT STEPS

As we grow, I am seeking aligned

retail partnerships, media and PR

support to amplify our story, and brand

collaborations with companies that

share our values of simplicity, quality,

and understated luxury.

LIV Lifestyle is ready for thoughtful

expansion, and I am ready to lead it

with intention.

LOOKIN G AHEAD

Looking toward the end of 20 26, my

vision is for LIV Lifestyle to become a

nationally recognized brand known for

elevating the everyday through small,

deeply meaningful rituals.

I want our products to become the

little luxuries women reach for, gift,

and share.

More than anything, I want to help shift

the narrative around mid-life.

Women deserve to feel visible,

celebrated, and connected to their

own glow. If LIV Lifestyle can help even

a fraction of them experience that,

then I will have created something that

genuinely matters."

T O B Y

T A N N A S

L IV L IF E S T Y L E

JORDA N

EA TON:

BOSS

A SSISTA NTS

063

Jordan Eaton is the founder and CEO

of BOSS Assistants, a marketing and

administrative support agency serving

entrepreneurs across N orth America.

As a single parent navigating ongoing

health challenges, Jordan built BOSS

Assistants out of necessity ? creating

a business model that proves you do

not have to choose between

professional success and quality

of life.

Jordan started her career in

administration straight out of high

school. After studying Computer

Systems Technology, she held multiple

positions supporting CEOs and

business owners across diverse

industries, including software, real

estate, construction, healthcare, and

more.

This foundation built deep expertise in

how successful businesses operate,

and what not to do.

Jordan's entrepreneurial journey

began over a decade ago when

traditional employment became

impossible due to health limitations

and the demands of parenthood.

Starting as a freelance virtual

assistant on Upw ork, Jordan

discovered remote work before it

became mainstream, eventually

building steady client relationships

with companies across the United

States.

In 20 22, Jordan officially launched

BOSS Assistants as the company's

strategic positioning became clear.

The rebrand reflected a fundamental

shift from task-based assistance to

growth partnership ? helping

entrepreneurs reclaim their time and

grow sustainably.

Jordan's mission is personal: to prove

that entrepreneurship does not

require sacrificing your enjoyment,

your health, or your values.

065

THE BUSINESS.

BOSS Assistants is a strategic growth

partner based in Vancouver, BC that

helps ambitious entrepreneurs across

North America reclaim their time and

scale without burnout.

Founded by Jordan Eaton in 20 22, the

company specializes in helping

coaches, consultants, solopreneurs,

and small business owners grow their

businesses without sacrificing their

personal lives.

Unlike traditional virtual assistant

services, BOSS Assistants provides

comprehensive support in social

media management, targeted

outreach, content creation, podcast

editing, executive assistance, and

administrative optimization. The

agency works exclusively with

entrepreneurs who view marketing

and administration as investments in

sustainable growth.

BOSS Assistants emphasizes hiring

Canadian team members to support

the local economy. Each client works

directly with team members who

understand their business goals and

use strategic thinking to achieve them.

Clients typically see measurable

results within weeks ? such as new

client acquisition, five to ten hours of

reclaimed time weekly, and process

improvements.

Having worked with countless

entrepreneurs across multiple

industries, BOSS Assistants has built a

reputation for delivering

transformational results through

reliable execution and genuine

investment in client success. The

company's mission is clear: help

overwhelmed business owners

delegate effectively so they can focus

on what gives them enjoyment and

build businesses on their terms.

IN HER WORDS.

"I still remember the moment the first

big idea landed with absolute clarity.

I realized that I could take the skills I

had honed in traditional roles, offer

them remotely, and finally control my

own schedule.

That idea became the spark that

pushed me onto Upwork, where I

started side hustling long before I

dared call myself an entrepreneur.

I learned how to write proposals that

captured attention, deliver results that

made clients return, and build

relationships grounded in reliability.

My first steady client was a SaaS

company in the United States, and

that early partnership showed me that

if I kept showing up with consistency, I

could build something real."

067

ROOTS OF EN TREPREN EURSHIP

"Entrepreneurship felt familiar long

before it became my career.

As a kid, I was the one running

lemonade stands, shovelling snow,

selling handmade bracelets, and

looking for any opportunity to

create income.

Those small ventures taught me

initiative, resourcefulness, and the

freedom that comes from building

something of your own.

Working with my uncle in his

construction business expanded that

learning. From client management to

supplier issues to unexpected job-site

problems, I saw what running a real

business looked like.

Those experiences revealed that the

strongest businesses are built on

relationships, follow-through, and the

willingness to solve problems before

they become disasters.

Watching family members create

something from nothing made

entrepreneurship feel possible, even

when it felt frightening.

LEARN IN G TO GROW

As my own journey evolved, I moved

from pure survival mode into

intentional growth.

In the beginning, I had no idea what I

was doing, so I sought support

anywhere I could find it. Organizations

such as WeBC, CEED, and Community

Futures became sources of education

and encouragement.

I found mentors who understood the

emotional terrain of entrepreneurship,

and I forced myself into situations that

terrified me.

In my second year of business, I

attended more than two hundred

networking events. I walked into rooms

where I knew no one, pitched my

services even when my voice shook,

and learned that growth always waits

on the other side of fear.

The hardest part, however, has always

been navigating my own health. Some

days I can barely function, and those

moments pushed me to work smarter

because working harder was simply

not an option.

SCALIN G WITH COURAGE

As I gained confidence, I learned

that scaling required a different

kind of courage.

I had to stop doing all the work myself

and start building the systems that

would carry the business forward.

I invested in Canadian employees and

service providers because supporting

the local economy matters to me.

I shifted our messaging from ?hire a

virtual assistant? to ?partner with a

growth team,? and that simple change

repositioned us in the market.

Clients began to view marketing and

administration as investments rather

than expenses."

069

"We built relationships, remained

consistent on social media, and grew

entirely through word-of-mouth and

organic content. Every decision

became about creating leverage so

the business could grow without

pushing me back into burnout.

SACRIFICES M ADE

The sacrifices I made in the early years

were significant. I lost sleep, gave up

social time, and let go of any illusion of

work-life balance. I worked after my

kids went to bed, squeezed client calls

between school drop-offs, and

learned to accept ?good enough?

when perfection did not matter.

I missed events, and I felt guilty

constantly ? guilty about time, guilty

about effort, and guilty when my

health did not cooperate. Those

sacrifices changed me. I discovered

that rest is not optional, it is essential.

Now I teach entrepreneurs that

delegation is not a luxury. It is a

survival strategy, and it is how you

maintain both ambition and

well-being.

M AN Y SM ALL REM IN DERS

There has never been one dramatic

moment when I knew the business

would succeed. Instead, there have

been many small, powerful reminders.

When someone says, ?What you

provide is really valuable,? something

in me shifts. The biggest validation

comes from the messages clients send

when they win ? landing a new client,

launching a podcast, or celebrating a

breakthrough. Those messages prove

that our model works.

They remind me that success is not

about proving anything. It is about

making a measurable difference in

someone else?s business.

POWER OF M EN TORSHIP

Mentorship has played a critical role

during moments when quitting felt like

the easiest option.

M arshall Stern has had a profound

impact on my personal and

professional growth. His honest,

strategic, no-nonsense approach has

challenged me to think bigger and

believe in what is possible.

Rick M artens changed how I

understand money, teaching me that

financial security is not just about

earning income, but about making

wise decisions with it.

Both saw potential in me long before I

fully saw it in myself. That kind of

support does not just influence your

business. It reshapes who you become.

EVOLVIN G AS LEADER

As the business grew, my leadership

had to evolve. I shifted from being the

operator who clung to every task to

becoming the delegator who trusted

the team.

It was ironic, because delegation is

exactly what we teach our clients, yet

I was burning out by refusing to let go.

I had to realign with my core values,

especially the value of sustainable

growth.

Today, my leadership is about creating

systems, empowering my team, and

modelling the balance we encourage

our clients to pursue."

071

"Leading this way honours my health

and my role as a parent, and it allows

us to guide others toward building

businesses that do not consume them.

M Y BEST ADVICE

If I could give one piece of advice to

aspiring entrepreneurs, it would be

this: start before you are ready, but

build systems from the beginning.

Perfection will slow you down. Your

clients will teach you more than any

course ever could.

Run your business as if it were already

large.

Document everything.

Create repeatable processes. When

help arrives? and it will? you will not

become the bottleneck.

My own definition of success has

changed dramatically. In the early

days, success meant survival. Now it

means sustainability, impact, and

having a business strong enough to

function even when I need to step

away.

TODAY?S M ISSION

At the heart of BOSS Assistants is a

simple belief: no two entrepreneurs

are alike, and neither are their goals.

We are a marketing and

administrative support agency built on

personalization and partnership.

Our subscription model is

month-to-month because we want

clients to stay due to results, not

contractual obligation.

What we need now is to connect with

entrepreneurs who have big messages,

coaches and consultants who want to

reclaim time, and business owners

ready to elevate their visibility.

We welcome conversations about

investment for North American

expansion, and partnerships with

agencies and CMOs serving aligned

audiences.

THE FUTURE AHEAD

Looking ahead, I envision BOSS

Assistants becoming the go-to growth

partner for purpose-driven

entrepreneurs across North America.

By end of 20 26, I see our team

expanded, partnerships formalized,

and operations established in key

Canadian and American markets. I

want us to be known for strategic

thinking, integrity, and genuine

investment in our clients' success.

Most importantly, I hope my work helps

shift the narrative around

entrepreneurship. I want to show that

burnout is not a badge of honour, and

that success should support your life,

not consume it.

If my legacy is proving that you can

build a thriving business without

sacrificing your well-being, then I will

have done something meaningful."

J O R D A N

B O S S

E A T O N

A S S IS T A N T S

JESS

SINGH:

A UTHOR &

DIGITA L

CULTURE

CONTRIBUTOR

Jess Singh is an emerging voice in

contemporary Canadian literature,

recognized for her emotionally

resonant storytelling and her nuanced

exploration of identity, love, and

reinvention.

Her work reflects the experience of an

Indian heart navigating a Western

world, weaving cultural duality,

vulnerability, and resilience into

narratives that feel both intimate and

universal.

She is the author of three evocative

novels ? I N ever Loved You, All That

She Wanted Was, and There Is N o You

and I ? each rooted in raw honesty

and shaped by characters learning to

confront their truths in unfamiliar, often

challenging environments.

Her most recent release, There Is No

You and I, is currently available in top

bookstores across India and has

introduced her voice to a growing

international readership.

073

075

Jess?s path into professional writing

began with journalism, including a

formative role at Urban Asian.

During her tenure, she completed

several high-profile interviews,

speaking with leading Bollywood

actor Jason Shah, internationally

renowned and award-winning

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor,

internet-breaking comedian

Zarna Garg , and the Crow n Prince

of Bhangra, Jazzy B.

One of the defining moments of her

early career was a five-day assignment

in Bombay, India, where she conducted

an interview that remains a creative

milestone. The city?s energy, artistic

vibrancy, and emotional complexity

continue to shape her storytelling.

Through her role at Urban Asian,

Jess remains closely connected to the

South Asian creative, cultural, and

business communities across Canada.

Her assignments regularly bring her into

dynamic environments ? from intimate

business launches and community

celebrations to high-profile galas and

red-carpet events ? where she

engages with entrepreneurs, artists,

performers, and influential leaders.

These experiences provide far more

than journalistic insight. They offer

real-world observation, emotional

texture, and authentic human stories

that inevitably find their way into her

fiction.

Each interaction becomes an

opportunity to understand people more

deeply, study personalities in motion,

and capture the subtleties of ambition,

vulnerability, and identity.

This continual immersion in the

community enriches her character

development and provides a living

archive of moments, voices, and

experiences that inform and inspire her

upcoming novels.

Her novels reflect the emotional

landscapes she has navigated: Tara?s

reinvention and escape in I Never

Loved You, her youthful longing and

cinematic dreams in All That She

Wanted Was, and Kavya?s chaotic,

captivating journey into modern love in

There Is No You and I. Together, these

works form a body of literature shaped

by courage, cultural clarity, and a

commitment to portraying the

intricacies of human connection with

sincerity and depth.

When she is not writing, Jess finds

inspiration in quiet, intentional living.

She enjoys painting, reading, and

observing the world with the reflective

attentiveness of a storyteller. Her days

often include peaceful visits to the

beach, long walks with her dog, Panda,

and meaningful time with her

fifteen-year-old, whose presence brings

grounding and joy.

Jess Singh continues to build a literary

presence that amplifies

underrepresented voices and speaks

directly to readers seeking stories that

honour emotion without hesitation.

With plans to collaborate with an

established publisher, expand

distribution across Canada?s key Indian

communities, and engage as an invited

speaker at literary festivals and

women?s conferences, she is shaping a

career defined by authenticity,

connection, and the enduring belief

that stories have the power to heal.

077

IN HER WORDS.

"I believe my writer spirit began long

before I understood what it meant to

be a writer.

As a child, I scribbled in old notebooks

without much purpose, guided by a

quiet whisper urging me to hold onto

ideas before they disappeared.

When I was seven or eight, my aunt told

me that if I wrote ?Thank you, God? a

thousand times and then asked for a

magic stick, I would receive it.

I took her seriously and filled every line

until my hand ached, then closed my

eyes and wished for a magic stick that

never appeared.

Only later did I realize the magic was

already present ? the discipline to

create, the desire to imagine, and the

urge to bring something into existence

through words.

Writing those thousand lines became

my first true act of commitment. Even

when adults insisted writing was not

practical, the impulse to create never

faded. I was not trying to build a

business. I was building a world of

words, one small sentence at a time.

EARLY BEGIN N IN GS

My earliest intention was to capture life

in a way that would outlast the

emotions themselves. I wrote about joy,

loss, longing, and the small moments

that shape memory. I never ran official

ventures as a teenager, but I treated

writing as though it were one.

I experimented, revised, and returned

to the page even when no one was

paying attention.

The greatest lesson from those years

was simple: consistency and heart

matter more than applause. When you

show up for your work, it slowly

becomes something real.

CHILDHOOD M AGIC

That early moment of wishing for magic

taught me something deeper than I

understood at the time.

I did not need anything to fall into my

hands. The discipline to sit, write,

imagine, and hope was the magic. That

childhood effort became the blueprint

for the writer I would eventually

become, one who believed in

dedication, clarity, and the quiet power

of persistence.

GROWIN G COURAGE

My journey eventually moved from

private scribbles to full-length novels.

Self-doubt was the biggest obstacle. I

heard constant messages that writing

would not pay, that it was not practical,

that it was not a real art. Still, I wrote.

Every rejection became a test of my

devotion to this craft. I allowed

heartbreak, joy, loneliness, and hope to

enter the work, and these experiences

shaped my voice more honestly than

any workshop or rulebook ever could.

STORY VEN TURES

My novels became my ventures, each

one shaped by an Indian heart

navigating the Western world. Each

story reflected the emotional season I

was living through, and each book

carried its own identity, its own pulse,

and its own truth."

079

"My first novel, ?I N ever Loved You,?

followed Tara, a divorced woman

burdened by a label that felt heavier

than her heartbreak. In her attempt to

start over, she transformed herself into

Sasha and arrived in Vancouver

determined to outrun her past. Yet, the

new life she imagined with her

roommates Ira and Nikki became more

complicated than she anticipated.

Their small apartment ? filled with

secrets, personal battles, and unspoken

wounds ? became both her refuge and

her trap.

Even with a new name and a new

appearance, she could not escape

what still chased her. Through Tara?s

journey, I explored the tension between

escape and self-acceptance, and the

realization that reinvention carries its

own emotional cost.

My second novel, ?All That She Wanted

Was,? returned to Tara?s earlier years

as a spirited Indian girl longing for the

kind of romantic fantasy she grew up

watching in Bollywood films.

She imagined herself running through

fields, chasing her beloved around a

tree, and building a life filled with

warmth, laughter, and fairy-tale charm.

Yet, as she grew older, she discovered

that life is not a Bollywood script. The

so-called ?trophy? of marriage often

represents societal expectation rather

than fulfilment. Tara found herself

carried by a current she did not choose,

racing toward a future she did not fully

understand. In this novel, I explored the

collision between cinematic dreams

and real-life complexity.

My third novel, ?There is N o You and I,?

currently available throughout top

bookstores in India, moved into a more

playful and contemporary space.

It followed Kavya, a woman who had

glam, cash, and cocktails within reach

until she fell for a chef whose charm

arrived with equal measures of chaos.

Their dynamic became a dance of

maturity and immaturity, deep feeling

and impulsive confusion. Through their

story, I explored the whimsical nature of

love, where emotional growth and

emotional unraveling exist side by side.

It reminded me that love can be messy,

childish, profound, and transformative

all at once.

N EXT LEVEL

Now that I have gained confidence in

my voice, I approach my writing with a

deeper sense of discipline and

intention. I dedicate focused hours each

day to the craft, revising more

rigorously and shaping each narrative

with purpose.

I continue to reach out to readers and

connect with fellow writers, because

community sharpens my creativity. I

have learned that raw emotion is only

the beginning, and that craft, structure,

and clarity give those emotions

meaning. Writing has become not only

an expression of my inner world, but

also a bridge toward others who have

felt the same storms.

N ECESSARY SACRIFICES

I sacrificed comfort, predictability, and

the easy approval that comes from

following conventional expectations."

081

"I spent many quiet nights writing

instead of joining social gatherings. At

times, I felt alone, but those sacrifices

taught me devotion. They taught me to

value truth in my work more than

external validation. Balancing life and

art required constant recalibration, but

I always tried to return to the people

who mattered.

There was no glamorous turning point.

My clarity arrived when I realized that

writing filled a space inside me that

nothing else could touch. If I

abandoned it, that space would sit

empty. Success became less about sales

and more about connection. When

someone reads my words and feels

understood, that is when I know that I

have succeeded.

REAL SUPPORT

Support has shaped this journey

more than anything else. People like

Simone Grew al, Sirish Rao, and

N ira Arora helped me believe that my

work mattered. Their kindness,

encouragement, and grounded wisdom

strengthened my resolve. Watching

Sirish navigate life as both author and

mentor showed me that writing does

not require grandeur to be meaningful.

It requires sincerity.

GUIDAN CE FOR OTHERS

For anyone beginning this path, I would

say this: write because you must. Work

even when no one is watching.

Consistency outweighs inspiration, and

kindness toward yourself will carry you

through every setback. I wish I had

known earlier that success is not

defined by money or recognition.

Success arrives quietly when someone

feels seen through your work.

LOOKIN G AHEAD

Looking toward the years ahead, I am

focused on elevating my work to a

broader and more influential platform. I

intend to collaborate with an

established publisher who understands

the cultural nuances within my stories

and can position my work for

meaningful national reach. My goal is

to achieve Canada-wide distribution

that speaks directly to key Indian

communities across the country,

ensuring that readers who see

themselves in these narratives can

access them easily and proudly.

I also hope to build a presence beyond

the page. I envision becoming an

invited speaker at literary festivals,

book events, and women?s conferences,

where I can share both my

unconventional journey and the

emotional truths that shaped it. By

offering insight into reinvention,

resilience, and cultural duality, I hope to

inspire others to pursue their own

creative paths with courage and

honesty. My long-term vision is to

create a body of work and a public

platform that empower readers,

uplift voices, and contribute to

conversations about identity, love,

and the human experience."

J E S S S IN G H , A U T H O R

D IG IT A L C U L T U R E

C O N T R IB U T O R

REBECCA

BIERNA CK I:

EVERK IND

HOM E

SUPPORT

083

Rebecca Biernacki was born in

N ew foundland and spent her early

years on Canada?s East Coast before

moving to Victoria at the age of

thirteen. After nearly three decades on

Vancouver Island, her approach to

care and community remains deeply

shaped by family life. With her parents

nearby, her sister and brother-in-law

raising their three boys close to home,

and her husband Chris?s family woven

into her daily world, Rebecca

understands the importance of

connection, belonging, and the support

systems that hold families together.

Her career in caregiving began almost

twenty years ago in long-term care,

where the day-to-day work taught her

both practical skills and quiet,

meaningful lessons.

She learned how to listen, how small

routines can restore dignity, and how

consistency builds lasting trust.

A natural, hands-on problem solver,

Rebecca is drawn to transforming

messy or emotional moments into clear,

compassionate plans. This might mean

redesigning an intake form, coaching a

new caregiver, or sitting with a family

as they navigate uncertain transitions.

Animals have always been an

important part of Rebecca?s life, and

their steady companionship helped

shape the patience and empathy that

guide her work with seniors. She values

individualized support that honours

each person?s history, preferences, and

rhythms. For her, success is measured by

the relief, confidence, and sense of

ease that families express when they

feel supported.

085

THE BUSINESS.

At EverKind Home Support, the

mission is both simple and profound:

to provide care that feels like family.

From its inception, Everkind was

designed to be more than a

home-care service. It is a culture

grounded in compassion, dignity, and

meaningful human connection.

Founder Rebecca Biernacki brings

nearly two decades of long-term care

experience to the organization,

shaping an approach that prioritizes

high standards, empathy, and

thoughtful communication. Her

leadership is defined by gentle

reassurance, patient listening, and

personalized care that honours each

individual?s needs and preferences.

Kindness remains EverKind?s guiding

principle. Every act of care is

delivered with an emphasis on

respect, consistency, and trust? values

that support clients in remaining

safely and comfortably in their homes.

Looking ahead, EverKind is growing

with purpose. Rebecca?s vision is to

expand services across Vancouver

Island while maintaining the core

values that define the business:

professional, attentive, and

compassionate care that elevates

the experience of both seniors and

their families.

IN HER WORDS.

"I first recognized my entrepreneurial

spirit after I left a small home-care

position that had become an unhealthy

environment.

I had been running day-to-day

operations, and although I had not

built anything for myself in that role,

the experience sharpened skills that

would become foundational: client

management, coordinating care, and

solving problems under pressure. After I

left, I went to an interview where the

company admired my resume and

asked if I could help form and grow

their business.

When I walked to my car afterward, a

clear realization surfaced: why should

I do this for someone else again when I

could do it for myself and build the

kind of workplace I valued?

FIRST BIG IDEA

My first big idea grew from a defining

teenage moment.

On New Year?s Eve, I babysat fifteen

military children, including my siblings,

while their parents attended a party. I

managed bedtimes, tidied the house,

and later learned that the children

wanted me back."

087

"That night taught me patience, calm

under pressure, and responsibility. Those

early lessons followed me into decades

of health-care work, reminding me that

trust, organization, and reputation

matter.

EverKind Home Support eventually

became the expression of that teenage

calling, shaped by nearly twenty years

of experience in caregiving,

observation, and service.

FIRST REAL M ON EY

Let's go back to thirteen! After all

fifteen children were finally asleep, I felt

exhausted and resentful that I was not

out with friends.

When the parents returned, grateful and

slightly tipsy, they handed me $1,50 0 . I

remember staring at the money,

shocked to silence. The experience

taught me two truths: caregiving

mattered, and people would pay for

reliability.

Word spread quickly. Families

competed to book me each weekend,

and my parents found themselves

negotiating my schedule. That night did

not simply give me money; it showed me

that hard work had real value and that

calm under pressure could become a

future career.

As my entrepreneurial journey evolved, I

had to adjust from relying on employers

to trusting my own capabilities.

I learned that setbacks were often

signals to recalibrate rather than stop.

When challenges arose ? uncertainty,

financial pressure, or operational

demands ? I leaned on clarity of

purpose, community support, and

disciplined action.

Those challenges carved out resilience,

sharpened my decision-making, and

reminded me that purpose could carry

me through uncertainty when strategy

alone felt insufficient.

N EW VEN TURES

EverKind is my first formal venture, and

it is the platform I intend to grow into

several complementary branches.

I envision offering organizing and

cleaning services because order

creates real satisfaction and clarity.

A small-dog daycare appeals to me

because there are no safe social

spaces locally for tiny dogs, and as a

Chihuahua owner, I understand that

need firsthand.

I also plan to offer in-home add-on

services such as RMT, ear-wax removal,

and light handyman support because

clients often require these trusted

services alongside ongoing care.

My approach is to grow slowly and

deliberately, adding each service in

phases. Rather than selling or closing

ventures, these additions live within the

same mission: thoughtful, practical

support that brings comfort and

confidence to families.

To elevate EverKind, I partnered with

Victoria Digital M arketing to build

consistent messaging and strengthen

our visual presence. I pursued local

advertising that avoided industry

saturation, and I expanded my

network by joining community groups

like Think Local First.

I also worked intentionally to grow my

social circle so I could increase referral

pathways."

089

"To make it easier for those closest to

me to share what we do, I designed

materials for family and friends to pass

along in their circles. Each of these

steps strengthened EverKind?s visibility

and helped us reach the families who

needed us most.

SACRIFICES M ADE

Launching EverKind required significant

sacrifice. I gave up a steady income

and tightened my life so I could fund

the business from our savings.

I cut discretionary spending, embraced

uncertainty, and learned to treat every

dollar with purpose.

Those sacrifices sharpened my

priorities, improved my problem-solving,

and deepened my sense of ownership.

When money is limited, values and

quality rise to the top as nonnegotiable.

Balance came from strict routines and

boundaries. I wake at 4:30 a.m., go to

the gym from 5:0 0 to 6:0 0 a.m., stretch

while my Chihuahuas eat beside me,

enjoy tea and journalling in my

comfortable chair, and then take a

morning walk before I begin work.

During the day I take short walks and

commit to leaving work at a reasonable

time. These rituals sustain my well-being

and make sacrifice feel purposeful

rather than punishing.

CON FIRM IN G SUCCESS

There was no single turning point.

Instead, a steady rhythm of

confirmation built my confidence. I met

remarkable caregivers who aligned

with EverKind?s mission through empathy

and competence.

Community conversations revealed how

deeply people connected with our

purpose. Opportunities arrived,

including the chance to share my story

in Portfolio.YVR, each affirming that

EverKind was needed. These repeated

experiences ? trust, alignment, and

momentum ? shifted my mindset from

hopeful to certain. Together, they

made the work feel inevitable rather

than risky.

VITAL SUPPORT

Support has been the backbone of

EverKind?s growth. At the centre

is my husband of sixteen years,

Krzysztof Biernacki, whose confidence

and calm made risk feel manageable.

My parents, Doug and Brenda Pye, my

sister and brother-in-law, Kate and

M icah Claxton, and my mother-in-law,

Irene Biernacki, offered hands-on help

and honest feedback that grounded my

decisions.

My friends and mentors have shaped

EverKind in meaningful ways.

Kaleena Lindsay gave us a visual voice

through her photography. Hannah

Olmstead provided creative support

and morale. M yrna Laitnen taught me

the empathic, high-level approach to

care that defines EverKind.

Together with many others, these

people became my cheerleaders,

offering encouragement, support, and

credibility that transformed a personal

vision into a community service.

LEADERSHIP SHIFT

As EverKind expanded, my leadership

evolved from doing the work to owning

the outcome."

091

"I learned to think like an owner rather

than an employee, shifting from reactive

task-work to proactive strategy. I

defined non-negotiables, built systems,

and created processes so the business

could run without my involvement in every

detail. When growth threatened

simplicity, I paused and realigned with

our core values ? refining training,

clarifying scope, and tightening policies.

Over time I became a leader who

protects culture while expanding impact,

ensuring that empathy and dignity

remain central.

LESSON S LEARN ED

For aspiring entrepreneurs, research

matters. Understanding your market,

competitors, and true start-up costs

builds a foundation for smart decisions.

You do not need to excel at everything;

identify your strengths and hire or

contract the rest so your energy stays

where it adds value. Patience is vital.

When something does not work, it is not

failure; it is information. Ask for help early

and often. People want to support you,

but they cannot unless they know you

need it. Set boundaries and protect your

time.

What I wish I had known is that asking for

help is a strength, not a weakness. Hiring

sooner accelerates growth. Small failures

are learning moments, not proof you are

wrong. Boundaries are essential. My

definition of success has shifted to focus

on quality of care, trust, a values-aligned

team, and personal well-being.

HEART OF THE WORK

EverKind exists to provide trusted,

empathic, and compassionate in-home

care, and to teach others to uphold the

same standard.

We hire and train caregivers for

emotional intelligence as well as

technical skill, guide families through

care planning, and offer hourly and

scheduled in-home care, care coaching,

training workshops, and short-term

respite packages. Revenue is generated

through client services, workshops, and

community partnerships. Quality in-home

care protects safety, dignity, and family

stability, and we expand our impact by

teaching others how to deliver

exceptional care, not only by providing

it ourselves.

Our ask is simple: help spread the word

about EverKind across Vancouver Island.

We need Island-wide exposure so more

families know about our trusted,

compassionate care. We are also

searching for an LPN to help us grow.

Immediate support looks like referrals,

sharing our story on social media,

offering testimonials, or introducing us

to community groups so we can teach

communities how to care with dignity

and kindness.

FUTURE VISION

By the end of 20 26, I want EverKind

Home Support to help reshape what our

Island community expects from care. I

envision families assuming dignity,

empathy, and consistency as standard;

caregivers trained to deliver true

person-centred support; and seniors

able to remain safely in their homes. My

legacy will be measured in improved

norms, stronger systems, and a local

workforce that treats kindness as

nonnegotiable. I want EverKind to

influence home care, long-term care,

assisted living, and independent living,

demonstrating that compassionate care

is both achievable and essential."

R E B E C C A B IE R N A C K I

E V E R K IN D H O M E S U P P O R T

SHA WN

M ILLER:

YOUNG HIP

& M A RRIED

For more than 14 years, Shaw n M iller

has served as a dedicated wedding

officiant, performing more than 1,60 0

ceremonies for couples seeking a

meaningful and personal start to their

marriage.

He founded Young Hip & M arried with

the intention of helping couples create

ceremonies that feel honest, grounded,

and reflective of their story.

His work has been recognized

provincially, earning him the title of Best

Wedding Officiant in British Columbia

for three consecutive years at the

Professional BC Wedding Aw ards.

Shawn is trained as a coach through the

Coaches Training Institute and holds a

M aster Practitioner certification in N LP.

His commitment to communication and

presence extends beyond officiating.

He is an author, the creator of a popular

online vow-writing course, and the host

of Friendors, a podcast featuring

conversations with leaders across the

wedding industry.

Shawn works alongside his partner and

wife, Erica M iller, who serves as

Co-owner and Head Photographer at

Young Hip & Married. Together, they

bring a shared dedication to helping

couples feel grounded, supported,

and truly seen throughout their

wedding experience.

Whether guiding couples through the

writing of their vows or helping them feel

present during the ceremony, Shawn?s

approach is centred on clarity, calm, and

confidence. As a husband and father of

four, he brings a deep appreciation for

commitment, family, and connection to

every celebration he helps create.

093

THE BUSINESS.

Young Hip & M arried helps couples

celebrate their marriage in a way that

feels personal, relaxed, and true to

who they are. Since 20 10 , the company

has officiated more than 8,0 0 0

w eddings across Canada and the

United States, offering support for

everything from intimate elopements

to fully customized ceremonies.

The team prioritizes clear

communication, thoughtful

preparation, and an experience that

feels even better than it looks.

Couples choose Young Hip & Married

because the process is transparent

and uncomplicated. The team guides

clients through the planning stages,

develops personalized ceremony

scripts, and manages all legal

requirements with care and precision.

Each officiant brings professionalism,

personality, and consistency to every

celebration.

Beyond ceremonies, Young Hip &

Married offers additional resources

including an online vow-writing course

and the podcast Friendors, which

showcases the people and ideas

shaping today?s wedding industry.

The company continues to grow

through referrals, strong feeback

(3,50 0 5- star review s), and

long-standing relationships with

vendors and venues.

Its mission remains simple: to help

couples begin their marriage with

clarity, confidence, and a ceremony

they will remember.

IN HIS WORDS.

095

"When I think about where my

entrepreneurial instincts first surfaced,

the memories take me back to

childhood. I was eight years old when

I picked up my first paper route, and

almost immediately I began searching

for more ways to earn my own money.

I mowed lawns, raked leaves, and

took on any small job I could. Even

then, I recognized something honest

and energizing in the process of

creating my own income. I liked

building small systems, taking

responsibility for outcomes, and

discovering that I could shape

my own path.

That early spark never faded. When

I joined Canada Post at nineteen,

I understood quickly that traditional

employment did not align with who

I was. I wanted autonomy. I wanted

to build. I wanted to grow on

my own terms.

After completing my coach training in

20 0 8, I resigned from the post office

and stepped fully into

self-employment. It felt less like a risk

and more like a homecoming. That

decision set the stage for everything

that followed, including the creation

of Young Hip & M arried."

097

AN ACCIDEN TAL BEGIN N IN G

"Young Hip & Married did not begin

as a polished business plan. In truth, it

unfolded accidentally. Initially, my

wife, Erica, and I planned to launch a

couples coaching company

dedicated to preparing engaged

partners for marriage. When we

registered for our first wedding show

in 20 10 , our intention was to talk

about communication and relationship

tools. A friend of ours, who officiated

weddings, casually asked if he could

join us at the event. We agreed

without thinking much of it. He would

talk to couples about officiating, and

we would introduce them to coaching.

What happened at the show changed

the entire trajectory of my life.

Couples reacted strongly to the idea

of officiating done differently. They

wanted ceremonies that felt personal,

present, intentional, and delivered

with genuine care. They wanted

something that honoured their story

rather than following a standard

script. It became obvious by the end

of the day that officiating was the

need the industry had overlooked. All

the small business lessons I had

learned growing up came back

instantly: pay attention, respond

quickly, and lean into what works. That

single show shifted our direction and

gave birth to what would become

Young Hip & Married.

A SIGN THAT SHIFTED EVERYTHIN G

One of my earliest and clearest

memories from those days happened

at that same wedding show.

We had almost no budget, so we

made our own sign out of plywood

and painted the question: How much

are you spending on your wedding,

and how much are you spending on

your marriage. Couples stopped in

their tracks. They approached us out

of curiosity, wanting to know why we

were asking that question and what

we offered.

By the end of the show, we had more

leads than we knew how to organize. I

remember turning to Erica and saying,

I think we just became a wedding

company. It was hectic, unplanned,

and exhilarating. That moment taught

me the power of clarity. When a

message connects, it does not

whisper. It lands fully, and it changes

everything.

THE YEARS OF GRIN DIN G

My entrepreneurial journey evolved

out of equal parts inspiration and

necessity. When Young Hip & Married

was still in its early stages, we had two

children under two and the business

was not yet bringing in enough

income to support our family.

The idea of returning to traditional

employment felt completely wrong for

me, so I found another solution. I took

a serving job at The Keg so I could

work nights and spend my days

building the business.

That rhythm was demanding. Early

mornings were devoted to developing

systems, meeting couples, crafting

ceremonies, and strengthening our

foundation."

099

"Evenings were spent serving tables

with the same mindset I brought to my

business: take ownership, serve

exceptionally, and treat every

interaction with intention. Those years

were exhausting but transformative.

They taught me to stay committed

through fatigue, to hold the vision

even when the path felt steep, and to

understand that exceptional service

always earns trust. Those lessons still

shape how I lead today.

ON E PATH FORWARD

In the earliest version of Young Hip &

Married, we offered both officiating

and couples coaching. Although the

two were connected, I eventually

realized that splitting my focus was

slowing our growth. Coaching

required significant time and energy,

yet the demand and financial return

were far stronger in officiating.

After several years, I made the

decision to close the coaching

division and focus exclusively on

ceremonies. The impact was

immediate. Once I committed fully to

one direction, the business

accelerated. Systems grew stronger,

our team expanded, and the

experience for our couples improved.

Only after Young Hip & Married was

stable and thriving did I start pursuing

additional projects that

complemented the core company. I

wrote books, built online courses, and

created digital tools that supported

couples and officiants. Everything I

added aligned naturally with the work

I had been doing for years rather than

distracting from it.

LEARN IN G TO SCALE

As the company grew, I reached a

point where I understood that instinct

alone would not take the business to

the next level. Building something is

one skill. Scaling it is another. I

needed to learn how to lead people,

manage operations, and think

strategically. Instead of stumbling

through gaps in my knowledge, I

invested heavily in education.

Seminars, masterminds, and business

courses shaped my understanding of

leadership and structure. Every time I

learned something new, the company

gained strength. My philosophy was

simple. If I improved as a leader, the

business would grow with me. That

investment became the foundation for

sustainable expansion.

SACRIFICE AN D PURPOSE

Growing a business while raising a

young family meant making sacrifices,

and for me, that sacrifice was

personal time. Between early

mornings building the business and

late nights serving tables, there was

almost no space for a social life. To

protect what mattered most, I made a

clear rule. Any free time belonged to

my family. Days off were entirely

dedicated to them. Looking back,

those years were challenging, but they

also taught me discipline, resilience,

and clarity. I never wanted to build a

business that required sacrificing my

family. I wanted to build one that

supported them.

There was a defining moment when I

realized Young Hip & Married was

going to succeed, and it came

through recognition I did not expect."

101

"Winning the BC Wedding Aw ards for

Best Wedding Officiant was the first

award I had ever received in my life. I

was not a standout student or an

athletic kid collecting trophies.

Receiving that honour changed

something inside me. When it

happened again the next year, and

the year after, along with the Industry

Achievement Award, the message

became impossible to ignore. Our

work mattered. Our approach was

raising the standard for officiating. It

was the affirmation that I needed at

exactly the right time.

M EN TORSHIP IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Although I never had a traditional

mentor, mentorship has shaped me in

significant ways through the digital

world. Leaders like Tony Robbins and

Alex Hormozi have had an enormous

impact on how I think about service,

leadership, and strategic growth.

Their willingness to share frameworks,

ideas, and tools created an ongoing

education that would have been

impossible twenty years ago. I

consider myself fortunate to be

building a business during a time when

learning is so accessible.

BECOM IN G A LEADER

Leadership did not come naturally to

me. In the early years, my instinct to

care for people sometimes led me to

protect individuals at the expense of

the business. The consequences were

difficult, but they taught me something

I needed to understand. A healthy

company supports everyone.

Leadership requires balancing

compassion with accountability.

Today, I lead with clarity and care,

but I also protect the long-term

well-being of Young Hip & Married. It

is a responsibility I take seriously.

THE CORE OF M Y WORK

At its core, my work is simple. I help

couples get married in a way that

feels personal, honest, and meaningful.

At Young Hip & Married, we create

ceremonies that feel better than they

look. We support couples across

Canada and the United States with

custom officiating, elopements, online

resources, vow-writing tools, and

digital education. I am now building

the Officiant Academy, a global

training platform designed to elevate

standards for officiants everywhere. I

am also integrating AI and custom

LLMs to simplify operations and serve

couples with greater precision. My

goal is to raise the bar for what

professional officiating can be.

M OVIN G IN TO 20 26

My vision is clear. I want Young Hip &

Married to be recognized as the

company that transformed how the

industry views wedding ceremonies. I

want the Officiant Academy fully

launched and empowering officiants

around the world. I want our methods,

systems, and values to influence the

global standard. Most of all, I want

couples to feel supported, officiants to

feel proud, and the ceremony to be

understood as the emotional centre of

the wedding day. Through service,

education, and leadership, I hope to

create an impact that lasts long after

the ceremony ends."

S H A W N

Y O U N G

M IL L E R

H IP & M A R R IE D

103

PORTFOLIO.YVR VOLUM E 3 / ISSUE 9

Helen Siw ak , EIC & Publisher

EcoLux Luv Communications & M ark eting Inc.

PHOTO CREDITS:

FRON T & BACK COVER: KRISTIN E COFSKY

FION A FORBES: TOC: KAROLIN A TUREK PHOTOGRAPHY

PAGE 0 0 2: ALI DOLATI

PAGES 0 0 3- 0 12: COURTESY VIN A TSAI

PAGES 0 13- 0 21: M ICHAEL M IHAYLOV

PAGES 0 23- 0 24: JOHN AN DERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

PAGES 0 25- 0 26: KAROLIN A TUREK PHOTOGRAPHY

PAGES 0 27- 0 28: THE PORTRAIT SESSION S

PAGES 0 29- 0 32: KRISTIN E COFSKY PHOTOGRAPHY

PAGES 0 33- 0 34: KELLY HOFER PHOTOGRAPHY

PAGES 0 35- 0 44: COURTESY OF JESSY SAVAGE (VDM )

PAGES 0 45- 0 52: TOSHA LOBSIN GER

PAGES 0 53- 0 62: AVA REDPATH PHOTOGRAPHY

PAGES 0 63- 0 72: COURTESY OF JORDAN EATON

PAGES 0 73- 0 82: COURTESY OF JESS SIN GH

PAGES 0 83- 0 92: KALEEN A LIN DSAY PHOTOGRAPHY

PAGES 0 93- 10 4: COURTESY OF SHAWN M ILLER

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PORTFOLIO.YVR


VOLUM E 3 | ISSUE 9

VINA TSA I

M A RK O SA RUNA C

FIONA FORBES

JESSY SA VA GE

SA NDRA NOM OTO

TOBY TA NNA S

JORDA N EA TON

JESS SINGH

REBECCA BIERNA CK I

SHA WN M ILLER

PORTFOLIO.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine | Volume 3 | Issue 9 | 2025

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PORTFOLIO.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine | Volume 3 | Issue 9 | 2025

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