The last couple of years have been a trying time for small businesses, particularly the wedding and events industry.

In honour of Valentine’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the creative, resilient women in the industry. So, we asked five women entrepreneurs to share just how their community has banded together to positively impact their business, and ways you can show your love for them, too!

We want couples to know we’re not waiting, that as an industry, we’ll help them make arrangements for their beautiful BC weddings, and as individual photographers, we’ll capture their authentic moments beautifully and truthfully. 

Anastasia Chomlack, Anastasia Creative, Whistler

Nicola Adam, Nicola Adam Floral, Vancouver

Q. How has your community played a role in your business’ success?

I think community, however you choose to define that, has always played a part in my business’s success. When I first started, having friends and family support me, and spread the word about my business was really helpful. So never underestimate the power of word of mouth!

When I opened my first storefront in Kerrisdale, the community gave me a warm welcome and I developed a group of loyal local customers. Some of which have followed me to my new studio location in Marpole through placing phone or online orders.

Then there’s the wedding and event industry community; getting to know other vendors and having great working relationships with them has always been helpful.

Q. What’s the biggest lesson you have learned on your entrepreneurial journey?

The biggest lesson I have learned and am probably still learning is to ask for help when you need it. When you are starting out, there is a tendency to want to try and take everything on by yourself. Get to know your strengths and stick with those and ask for help with the other stuff.

It’s really beneficial to partner up with someone, or do a little bit of outsourcing to another entrepreneur. Also chatting with others in your industry or other small business owners can be really helpful.

Learn more & connect with Nicola Adam Floral: 

• Instagram – @nicolaadamfloral
• Website – nicolaadam.com

Sunny Caitlin, Enchanted Cake Studio, Surrey

Q. How has your community played a role in your business’ success?

Our community has played a huge role in our success. In the beginning all our customers came from family and friends who visited our shop and recommended our services.

We had to close during Covid for the safety of our guests and staff. During this closure period we reflected on our business and have new and exciting things planned for 2022!

If it wasn’t for our local community, we would not be where we are today. For that we are so grateful.

Q. What’s the biggest lesson you have learned on your entrepreneurial journey?

To always believe in yourself and your business partners when times are tough; never forget why you started this journey and to always remember the passion you have for your business. 

Learn more & connect with Enchanted Cake Studio: 

• Instagram – @ecscakeandtea
• Website – enchantedcakestudio.com 

Bonnie Lewis, Sweeping Beauty Concierge, Victoria

Q. Has your community played a role in your business’ success?

My community absolutely has played a role in my business success. I’ve reached for support from other business owners, and they reach for me. We are a group that understands each other and the ups and downs of being in service.

Q. What’s the biggest lesson you have learned on your entrepreneurial journey?

Business, and the life of a small business owner, is always changing and evolving. Stay curious and open. 

Q. What is the best way your community can support you right now?

By supporting and elevating my business. That could mean hiring, sharing my advertising on socials, and cheering me on. 

Learn more & connect with Sweeping Beauty Concierge: 

• Instagram – @sweepingbeautyconcierge
• Website – sweepingbeautyconcierge.com/

Morgan Churla, The Wednesday Wedding Company, Vancouver

Q. What’s the biggest lesson you have learned on your entrepreneurial journey?

I am learning every day to ask for help, and it still doesn’t come easy if I’m honest. I know my company would not be where it is today without the patience, guidance, and expertise of so many.

Owning my strengths, and admitting my weaknesses has ultimately led me to a place of personal and professional achievement that I owe to my community.

Q. Has your community played a role in your business’ success?

Not a role, but the reason. Being a new business owner while navigating cancellations, postponements, and health risks throughout the pandemic has been the most difficult challenge of my life. Without the support of my fellow colleagues and WeBC, I know my little company would not have survived.

I am thankful every day for the BC wedding industry, sustained predominantly by women whose small businesses are their lifeblood. Their grace and perseverance in the face of adversity is endlessly inspiring.

Learn more & connect with The Wednesday Wedding Company: 

• Instagram – @wednesdayweddingco
• Website – wednesdayweddingco.com/

Anastasia Chomlack, Anastasia Creative, Whistler

Q. What’s the biggest lesson you have learned on your entrepreneurial journey?

Showing up authentically. Share your truth is the tagline of my branding company, Anastasia Creative, and it really grew out of my experience with wedding photography.

This responsibility of being fully present to witness people’s truth leads to the deeper importance of knowing that you are enough just as you are; that all of it is worth photographing and remembering. 

Q. Has your community played a role in your business’ success? If so, how?

Word of mouth has always been the Whistler Wedding Collective’s greatest asset. Being in the industry for 16+ years has integrated us deeply within the community, and we have been fortunate enough to be highly recommended and supported.

Our value has always been collaboration within our collective, and this year we truly saw the industry collaborate and support each other by creating community social media pages to share information about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q. What is the best way your community can support you right now?

By sharing our resources and networks and by promoting and using each other’s services when we can.

Support from the community would look like: getting the word out that we are open for weddings. That BC is still one of the safest and most beautiful places to host an event, and being supportive of people choosing to get married in BC.

We want couples to know we’re not waiting, that as an industry, we’ll help them make arrangements for their beautiful BC weddings, and as individual photographers, we’ll capture their authentic moments beautifully and truthfully. 

Learn more & connect with Anastasia Creative: 

• Instagram – @anastasiachomlack
• Website – anastasiacreative.com/

WeBC is here to support your small business journey. For information about our offerings head to we-bc.ca/what-we-offer