Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

I became a nurse to help people, but after years of working in the E.R. and homecare, I was drained! So, since I wasn't getting any younger, I decided to update my skills and work in the aesthetic industry. I had always wanted to open my own business, but the timing was not right until it was... I opened Cypress Aesthetics Inc., and we specialize in scars and stretchmarks; after working as a nurse for so long I knew everyone has a scar, mark or stretch marks and we all had one thing in common - nobody likes them! It was hard to find a treatment that worked for these types of hypopigmentation as lasers only correct dark or texture but nothing for white marks. I came across NUE Conceal and loved how incredible it worked on all skin colours, and they have a skin reader to avoid human errors and their products are cruelty and vegan free, and ISO, CE, FDA and Halal certified. I knew this was it! I actually tattooed as a hobby- natural artist, so this was beyond perfect for me. Since opening, in October 2022 I have been so blessed to help so many people feel confident again. This is the most rewarding part of my journey, and I am so grateful to have taken the plunge to just do it!

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

We donate monthly to the BC Humane Society to help all the animals and we just donated to the children's fund to ensure less fortunate families can enroll their children into sports; I know from being a single mother it was hard to do! We also are planning something big for Pride, everyone should shine.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

I would love to win this award to show people "Anything is possible", YES, hard work is a mandatory requirement and your heart and soul needs to be part of this venture, but If I can do it as a single Mother, no grants, no loans, just a dream to do it... anyone can do it! I am still learning along the way, but people always ask how I became so successful and popular and I honestly think it is because I truly care for my clients and want every single one to have results that spark their best selves. When you are confident, you walk and talk a little bit better with a smile.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

I promote understanding and empathy; sometimes it's a hard day! I do expect exceptional professionalism, however I am human and so are my staff. I always want US as a team to thriev and feel motivated so when I come across a new product or treatment, I always include my team. I definitely lead by example, I work with adults so I do not boss- I mentor and share the expertise to make them feel extra qualified, happy and want to work. We help people feel more confident, of course I would want my team feeling this way too!

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

I opened Cypress Aesthetics Inc. to help people, doing so, I can proudly say I have given people of all ages, ethnicity and genders confidence, support and encouragement to be the best for themselves! All of us truly care about our clients and want to ensure the best results, we don't "sell" we advise of treatments that actually work, we don't pressure and never over book, we allow more than enough time for our clients appointments; doing this, sets a nice easy flow and zero pressure in our studio.