From a humble beginning in rural Canada to entrepreneurial success internationally; Barb will share her business model that allowed her to transform her vision into reality without, in her words, losing herself in the process.
“I believe that we, as women, can achieve success in the business world and still have a rewarding personal and family life. Naturally we need to work hard, but more than that we need to work with conscience, without compromising our values and give something back, but we don’t need to do it alone”, says Barb. When we work together we share ideas, resources and energy, and ultimately we inspire each other to more than we may have thought possible.”
Barb’s entrepreneurial vision comes from the heart. She created The 7 Virtues Beauty Inc., a company that sources organic oils from Afghanistan, Haiti, and other countries experiencing turmoil, to encourage change and reverse issues of war and poverty. She is the first woman from Atlantic Canada to get a venture capital deal in the history of the Dragons’ Den, (February 2011) when she made the Dragons cry with her compelling pitch and message of the importance of doing trade with nations that are experiencing war or strife.
One cold call later her fragrances were in The Bay stores across the country, and they will be on hand and available to purchase on March 8th. Barb will also have copies of her book, The 7 Virtues of a Philospher Queen; a Woman’s Guide to Living and Leading in an Illogical World, available for purchase, or as a gift with purchase to those who purchase her fragrance.
A nominee for Chatelaine's Women of the Year 2011 entrepreneur award, Barbara recently received the "Women Innovators" Award from the US State Department. She also has the distinction of being the first woman to be made an Honourary Colonel in the Royal Canadian Air Force for 14 Wing Greenwood. And her days in the Dragons’ Den are not yet over; Barb will be featured on their “Where are they now?” show on Wednesday, February 29th at 8 p.m. EST
Primary funding for this initiative to mark International Women’s Day and celebrate the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs is provided by the Province of Ontario, Ministry of Economic Development & Innovation. The Northwest Business Centre is proud to also welcome the RBC Royal Bank as our commercial sponsor for Barbara’s visit to both communities.
Ticket price and locations are:
Kenora Thursday, March 8, 2012
8:00—11:00 a.m. Best Western Lakeside Inn
$20 Includes HST/Brunch;
Tickets available at: RBC Royal Bank and HoJoe Coffee & Books Inc. in Kenora
Fort Frances Thursday, March 8, 2012
5:30—9:30 p.m. Le Place Rendez Vous
$30 Includes HST/Dinner
Tickets available at: RBC Royal Bank and Northwoods Gallery & Gifts in Fort Frances
For more information contact:
Diane Schwartz-Williams
Northwest Business Centre
Ph. 807-467-4643
diane@nwbiz.ca
Barb Stegemann
The 7 Virtues Beauty Inc.
Ph: 902-446-0400
info@the7virtues.com
Twitter@the7virtues
www.the7virtues.com
Dragons Den Clip
History TV show on the naming of Noble Rose of Afgahanistan
