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

I enjoy designing fishing lures as art with the colors that attract fish.I see the excitement in people when they use them to catch fish.I created a go fish bc fishing derby in Telkwa by myself and give away donations and is all funded by donations. Its a learn to fish event and had almost 400 attended. The joy of children's faces when I give them a lure and see them ask their parents if they can keep it.It warms my heart.I am passionate of helping people learn to fish.We laugh so hard.And I forget to fish.I want to be able to give them to everyone. But I am trying to get employment from my company. It will come.This is my second year and with alot of determination I have the lures in 16 stores in BC.This was a little overwhelming in a good way but I had alot of family and friends help.Which I am so grateful. I mentor a few children now taking them fishing to the local spots and teaching them river etiquette, how to handle fish properly and to have fun.

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.

Alot of my locals people buy my lures, ask me about regulations as they are confusing, they want me to show them how to fish.I try to donate to local events and as stated above I created the Telkwa Derby. I do prize give aways, I did a scavenger hunt last year.I put "clear your gear "fishing line recycling stations around the community. I taught 2 classes this spring to show children how to make their own fishing wedding bands and took them fishing.I take donations of fishing rods or find them at refuse station, clean and grease them, and give to families that are less fortunate. I also have some available for free at my house.At my event I had 12 volunteers of close friends help with the day at various stations like arts n craft,learn to fish,fishing pond,bbq,photo booth,bingo to win rods,fly fishing teaching and so much more.I gave away 30 fishing rods, 2 inflatable kayaks,camping package,and hundreds of gifts more.It put a warm hear and smile on my face to do all this.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

To take such an endeavor took my whole heart.With my husband having Parkinsons, I new it would be a risk.I worked really hard fulltime last year and attending craft fairs out of my pocket. I believe in myself and my lures.I got a line of credit and took a plunge.i decided in January this year, go big or go home lol I needed these lures in the stores for everyone to enjoy.it was a big scary thing to do, to order 10000 bodies and parts.I got them made to my designs but I have worked so hard to get them in the stores since March.I am happy and confident now that they are selling across Northern BC,Grande prairie Ab and Clearwater BC and with lots of fish being caught.I want to use the money to pay that off what's left.And build a little shed I can work in and sell out of.My metal shed is too short and not with heat or lights.I out grew my spare bedroom. I want to pay myself next year and hire a part time employee or maybe fulltime. I want more people across Canada fishing with Canadian designed and made lures! Future is endless

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 have me as the employee. Not paid yet lol but very lucky to have my EI on self employment program. I was mentored by community futures and won a grant thru the disability program they offer.I have a shoulder I injury TOS which impedes my shoulder. Which is another reason I need to work at my pace.I have one of my young mentor come and make lures anytime he wants .I try to pay him in lures or money out of my pocket.He is like a grandson to me now. I guess I answered alot of those questions above of how I interact. My other friend Kevin is being mentored by me as starting his own fire extinguisher company. I trade time with him and he helps when I need it.I share what I have learned with my mentorship,marketing and quick books.I got him established into the same community futures program now.I help a few of the near by Reserves retail establishments by stocking my fishing lures there, helped to get them stocked with other fishing supplies so they don't have to drive so far.I know joined our local rod and gun group and became a board member. I finally can input the frustrations as fisherman we have. They can rely on me to be a voice in their future with the regulatory board.I put the ROD back into the rod and gun club as there hasn't been much activity. I will be holding more classes, I love meeting people, sharing info to catch fish, share fishing holes and sell them lures to help based on the science

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

I want to teach the word of outdoor opportunities by fishing.I strive to share my experiences with others .I have learned alot about being a business owner, one owner doing 5 jobs.I enjoy the art and science behind the lures, the environment and the business.