What motivated you to start your business and what is your vision for the future of the company?

My journey into the event planning industry began in Paris, where I worked on fashion shows for some of the world's leading fashion brands. It was there that I noticed a significant disparity: while major brands dominated the spotlight, talented emerging artists remained overshadowed. Additionally, the sheer amount of waste generated by these events deeply concerned me, highlighting a lack of sustainability in the industry. Motivated by these insights, I founded Flyberry Events to champion sustainability, foster a sense of community and provide a platform for lesser-known artists and designers. Looking to the future, my vision for Flyberry Events is to transform it into a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the event planning sector, both locally and internationally, creating lasting impacts through events. We aim to significantly reduce the industry's environmental footprint while fostering a supportive community. We aim to expand our reach by hosting an annual fashion and art festival in Montreal to showcase the creativity of Canadian artists and designers, giving them the exposure they deserve. Additionally, the development of an online marketplace will offer these artists year-round visibility, helping to elevate their profiles on the global stage. Flyberry Events will continue to bring the communities together through public events, awards ceremonies, fundraising events or any other type of events and push the boundaries in North America and in Europe of what’s possible in event planning while staying true to our core values. This approach ensures that Flyberry Events not only leads in event planning but also cultivates a more inclusive and sustainable industry.

Why do you deserve to win the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award?

I believe I deserve the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award because my entrepreneurial journey encapsulates not only the establishment of a successful business but also embodies a profound commitment to sustainability, community upliftment, and inclusivity. As a black entrepreneur who transitioned from Paris to Vancouver, I launched Flyberry Events with a vision to revolutionize the event planning industry by prioritizing environmental consciousness, community and innovation. Flyberry Events isn’t just an event planning agency; it is a catalyst for change. We meticulously create events that are as sustainable as they are spectacular, significantly reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. This commitment extends beyond environmental concerns, touching every aspect of the event—from branding and marketing to web design—ensuring that everything we create aligns with our sustainable ethos. Moreover, my role extends into various community initiatives. As a chair of the Rotary Ride for Hearing committee at the Rotary Club of Vancouver where I helped planned the 39th ride and raise $150,000 in 6 months and a board member of Young Women in Business (YWiB), I leverage these platforms to foster a sense of community and drive societal progress. My work with the Immigration Employment Council of BC as a mentor further allows me to give back to the community by helping immigrants integrate into the Canadian job market effectively. Additionally, I am developing a program specifically for adopted children, aiming to provide them with support and a sense of belonging. This initiative is close to my heart, reflecting my personal journey as an adopted child and my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others facing similar experiences. I also developed a code of conduct that reflects our commitment to ethical business practices and sets the standard for our interactions with all partners and stakeholders. Compliance with these principles is essential for maintaining a trusted and sustainable business relationship. **Commitment to Ethics & Transparency** At Flyberry Events, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of ethics and transparency in all our business activities. We expect the same integrity from our employees and the third parties with whom we collaborate. **Guidelines for Suppliers** Our suppliers and service providers are expected to conduct their business in a manner that is respectful of our stakeholders' interests, including our clients and employees. We require that all suppliers avoid any actions that could potentially harm our clients, our company, our employees, or the reputation of our profession. **Non-Discrimination and Freedom of Association** We require our suppliers to foster an environment of equality and fairness without discrimination. Workers should have the freedom to associate freely and bargain collectively. Political and personal beliefs of employees should be respected, ensuring that they do not reflect on our suppliers or our clients. **Safe Working Conditions** Our suppliers are expected to maintain a safe and healthy workplace in compliance with local and international laws, ensuring all employees are safeguarded against any workplace hazards. **Environmental Responsibility** We encourage our suppliers to minimize their environmental impact. This includes using sustainable resources, reducing waste, and managing their carbon footprint effectively. **Transparent Communications** Our suppliers must ensure that their communications are clear, honest, and transparent, particularly in public statements and social media, to prevent any misrepresentation of their relationship with Flyberry Events. In summary, Flyberry Events is more than a business; it is a movement towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and compassionate community. My entrepreneurial journey is distinguished by a blend of business acumen and a deep-seated commitment to making a lasting social impact. Winning the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award would not only validate this journey but also propel us forward, enabling even greater contributions to our community and the environment.

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

We believe we should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award because our agency epitomizes the spirit of community involvement, innovation, and sustainability that are vital to modern business success. Founded by Ally R. Potel, a visionary leader passionate about both community impact and industry innovation, Flyberry Events has consistently demonstrated a commitment to creating events that not only celebrate but actively enhance and support the community and environment. Our business model integrates professional innovation through targeted coaching and consulting services, helping clients save time and money while delivering exceptional experiences. This reflects our dedication to filling crucial market gaps and elevating industry standards. Furthermore, our proactive sustainability manifesto guides our operations, ensuring every event minimizes environmental impact while maximizing social benefit. Flyberry Events has also made significant community contributions through events like the Parksville Beer Festival and our initiatives supporting local artists and designers. These events have bolstered local economies, supported small businesses, and promoted cultural diversity. Winning this award would not only honor our commitment to these values but also encourage more businesses to adopt similar practices, thereby magnifying the positive impact on our community and industry.