Member Spotlight – July

Elizabeth Shewchuk

Daughter for a Day

Seniors Care

Elizabeth was inspired to start Daughter for a Day Seniors Care after experiencing first-hand the challenges of finding trustworthy care for her in-laws. She wanted to start a senior care business because she saw a need for a service that (1) provides quality care and companionship for seniors living in their own homes and (2) provides adult children—especially daughters—with respite care when needed. Daughter for a Day Senior Care provides a variety of services from companionship and home care to caregiver respite and personal care.

Because she’s always been involved with family businesses, starting her current business seemed like a natural thing for her to do. Since starting her business, Elizabeth has engaged in ongoing professional development in the field of senior care. Her greatest career related achievement was becoming a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging.

One of the best pieces of business advice Elizabeth received was to surround herself with a team of people she could call on for advice or feedback. Her advice to new entrepreneurs includes doing your market research and figuring out how to differentiate yourself from others in the same sector. She would also warn others against getting so caught up in the business that it’s the only thing you’re doing.

Elizabeth makes a point of stepping away from her business and taking a vacation every year. She is passionate about spending time with her grandchildren. She has several interests including reading, hiking, and social media. Elizabeth is thrilled that she found out about SWAN four years ago. Not only has she made some good friends through SWAN, but she got her first client through a SWAN member.

You can contact Elizabeth at 778-990-8315, or by email at info@daughterforaday.ca.

Interviewed by Susan Chambers

Margitta Schulz

Margitta’s Flower Boutique, Lonsdale Quay

Margitta’s flowers are special favourites.  She teamed with a florist who worked with disadvantaged women, to become Official Florist for the 2010 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES.

Born in Koeningberg (in what is now Russia), Margitta grew up in North Germany, attending business college there. When she and her husband came to Vancouver, she had excellent written but little spoken English.  Undaunted, she took the only summer course available (hairdressing) and emerged speaking English.

Pearl Buck’s book ‘The Good Earth’ showed Margitta the importance of owning land. They bought a home and pushed to pay it off quickly.  For five years Margitta enjoyed all aspects of home and family life.  Then she embarked on courses and business, proving to herself that she COULD DO IT. At first Margitta did only dried flowers; then a Capilano College lecturer advised her that her household was “a barrel without a bottom” and urged her to take her business more seriously.  Margitta named her business, worked 60 hours a week, persevered and now employs staff at her charming shop at Lonsdale Quay.

Her flower business is her passion and her escape.  It’s her fun, connection with people, and an expression of her generous nature and helpfulness.  She values SWAN and belongs  to the Soroptomists (women helping women), the Schizophrenic Society, Lower Lonsdale Merchants Association and the Chamber of Commerce.  She’s proud to have connected two of these organizations, resulting in a much-needed bursary.

Margitta brought up two daughters and a grandson. Her husband retired and now works with her.  She is proud of her family and work achievements.

Contact Margitta  at  604.988.0028,  margitta@telus.net    www.margittasflowers.com

Interviewed by Kathy Brett.