Today is International women's day! To celebrate we have interviewed 3 inspirational boss women who started their own company that consist of or includes the sport of paddle boarding.
Natacha Paquette, Ontario - @rehabfuryourpet
What is your story?
I am a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner and co-owner of Rehab Fur Your Pet, Ottawa's only independent animal Physical rehab & fitness facility!
What was your drive behind starting your own business?
Since a very young age I have always worked with animals and although I was working as a veterinary technician and truly enjoyed it, I felt something was missing. I stumbled on a study to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner offered by the university of Tennessee and immediately signed up. During this study, I found my true passion! And I also became aware that there was a need for this service in the Ottawa area. That is when I started Rehab Fur Your Pet!
What do you love most about your business?
What I love most about Rehab Fur Your Pet is the bond that we develop with pets and their owners during their rehab journeys. The look in the pet owner's eyes when we are able to help paralyzed pets walk again, or when we are able to alleviate pain and allow pets to return to normal function is unexplainable and that is truly what I wake up for in the morning.
How does paddle boarding influence your life?
My ultimate goal is to help other pet owners, like myself, live life to the fullest with their pets. I strongly believe in being pro-active and keeping ourselves and our pets healthy and active to reduce the risk of injuries and or diseases. I want to do more than just help pets get back on their feet after an injury and or surgery. I want to help create a lifestyle that promotes being outdoors and travelling with your pets and paddle boarding with my boy Duke allows me to do exactly that!
What would you like to give as a message to other women who are thinking of starting a business?
Trust your feelings, take chances and take risks. If your goals and desires are fueled by passion you will find a way to achieve them!
~
Charley Heylen, Bonaire - @paddleboardingbonaire
What is your story?
My name is Charley, originally from Belgium. 3 Years ago I made a big decision and moved to a tiny island in the Dutch Caribbean called Bonaire!
What was your drive to start your own business?
My dream has always been to start my own business and to be independent. Since I am young, I have been mesmerized by the ocean and I love being in the water. I wanted to have a business that made it possible for me to be out in nature, in the ocean and share this passion with others.
What do you love most about your business?
I met the owners of Silver Shark, Alex and Irene, on Bonaire two years ago. We explored the island together by paddle board. We saw a great opportunity to start SUP tours on the island. I now offer guided tours on the west side of Bonaire and around Klein Bonaire including snorkeling, healthy refreshments and snacks.
What I love the most is spending my time in the ocean and being around people who share the same interest. In all honesty, it doesn't even feel like work because it's so much fun!
How does paddle boarding influence your life?
It allows me to meet new people, enjoy the beautiful coastline and explore the underwater world. It's exactly the perfect combo on this island. And let's be honest, it's such a great work-out too!
What would you like to give as a message to other women who are thinking of starting a business?
Just go for it! It's such an amazing feeling to be independent, doing what you love and choosing your own schedule. I know it can be scary and brings a lot of doubt whether you should do it or not but take the leap and you will be happy you did it.
~
Vero, Quebec - @gosup_beloeil
What is your story?
Hi everyone! My name is Vero, a travel addict and ocean lover who always wants more and who never gets tired of the sun😊☀️🌎🐠🌴
What was your drive behind starting your own business? On one of my trips 5 years ago, I discovered paddle boarding and I fell in love with it! As soon as I got back, I looked for training to be a SUP instructor and since then I have been teaching every summer on the water!
What do you love most about your business? I opened the GOSUP school last year on the South Shore of Montreal in Beloeil and several types of lessons and hikes are organized there 🏄♀️ SUP gives me so much pleasure and well-being. It’s amazing how therapeutic being on the water has been for me and that’s one of the main reasons I love the sport so much. 🏄🏻♂️
How does paddle boarding influence your life?
It allows me to discover new corners, see magnificent landscapes, sunsets, fauna, flora, train or even on the contrary, relax and lie down without doing anything 🤩
What would you like to give as a message to other women who are thinking of starting a business?
I am so happy to have followed my passion and to have opened this school. Never leave your passions behind. In life, I believe in doing what really makes you “feel alive”.
Don't forget to bring your boards on your next trips or SUP Camping 🏕
~ Vero ~ GOSUP ~ Proud Silver Shark Paddle Board Ambassador
Thank you for sharing your stories Natacha, Charley and Vero! You guys ROCK!
Irene Swart CEO Silver Shark.