International Women's Day, March 8, is a day that celebrates women's achievements and raises awareness about discriminiation.
This year, we are showcasing three successful entrepreneurs who have been a part of DEFY, Katie Cyr, Shelley Gordon, and Melanie Wong. Each of these women have a unique story and a successful business that they have built from scratch.
DEFY is a program run by Mohawk College's Centre for Entrepreneurship. This program provides a supportive environment, events, and resources to female entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses.
As an entrepreneur, there are several things you need to defy; the fear of failure, the status quo, stereotypes, comfort zone, authority and competition.
Katie Cyr
Founder of Monarch Tea
Katie Cyr is the founder of Monarch Tea, a company that creates artisanal tea blends made with the finest ingredients. Katie's passion for tea started when she was working in the hospitality industry and discovered the joy of making her own tea blends. She started Monarch Tea in 2014 and has since grown her business to become a well-known brand in the tea industry. Monarch Tea's blends are sold online and in select retail stores across Canada.
Shelley Gordon
Founder of Love My Mat
Shelley Gordon is the founder of Love My Mat, a company that creates eco-friendly yoga mats and accessories. Shelley's passion for yoga and sustainability led her to start Love My Mat in 2012. Today, Love My Mat's products are sold online and in yoga studios across Canada and the United States. Shelley is committed to creating products that are good for the planet and good for the people who use them.
Melanie Wong
Founder of Olive and Splash
Melanie Wong is the founder of Olive and Splash, a company that creates handmade bath and body products. Melanie started Olive and Splash in 2017, inspired by her love of creating natural products that are good for the skin. Today, Olive and Splash's products are sold online and in select retail stores across Canada.
All three of these women have built successful businesses from the ground up, with the help of the DEFY program at Mohawk College. Their dedication, passion, and hard work have paid off, and they are now inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, the DEFY program at Mohawk College could be the perfect opportunity to turn your business idea into reality. With the right support, resources, and mentorship, you can create a successful business like Katie Cyr, Shelley Gordon, and Melanie Wong.
