Words Seaside Sue, Publisher & Owner
International Women’s Day always feels a little personal to me because when I look back on my journey as an entrepreneur, I can clearly see how every role I’ve had in life helped shape the way I lead today – as a daughter, a mother and perhaps a grandmother one day.
As a daughter growing up in a very small town in the Maritimes, I was surrounded by strong, capable women who simply did what needed to be done, as we had very little means. They worked hard, cared deeply for everyone, and showed up for their community. At the time, I didn’t realize I was learning some of my very first lessons in resilience, responsibility and determination – qualities that would one day become essential in running a business.
Motherhood, however, was where life truly tested me. Trying to raise children while building a career often felt like the hardest stage of all, especially while going through a very difficult divorce. There were days filled with doubt, exhaustion and the constant question of whether I was giving enough to any one thing, especially to my children. But looking back now, I see that those years taught me how to multitask, make tough decisions, adapt and try to lead with compassion – all skills that really no business course could ever truly teach.
Entrepreneurship doesn’t come from having all the answers early on – it comes from the life experience we gain over time. In this issue of Seaside you will meet so many women of all ages doing what they all love and learning as they grow. With age comes the clarity and confidence to build something meaningful, not just for ourselves, but for those who follow in our footsteps.
These puppies may have already found a family, but there are many animals waiting for their forever homes at www.victoriahumanesociety.com.
Photo Janis Jean
