Age: 33
Birthplace: Ottawa
Company: We provide customers with personalized nutrition programs.
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
Charity flow-throughs help major donors stretch
Whether it is in Ottawa, or just about any Canadian city, capital campaigns abound. Hospitals, universities and every charity or foundation in between are seeking millions to meet the needs
Giving Guide: Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
What we do The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is Canada’s only charity dedicated to the protection of public land, freshwater and ocean with a strong national and regional presence
Education: Bachelor of science honours degree in biomedical sciences, University of Guelph (2006)
Charitable involvement: Ottawa Food Bank
Biggest biz achievement: Opening my own office with a retail space and hiring three nutritionists.
Biggest obstacle: Overcoming people’s perception of single moms. I’ve had two business coaches, on separate occasions, tell me that I couldn’t do what I wanted to do because I am a single mom. In reality, my son is why I am successful – when you have no backup plan, you make it work! I am so glad I didn’t listen to them.
Biggest influence: My mom. I don’t know anyone who works harder than her. She runs a business and a farm and has raised five awesome kids. She is my biggest fan and has never once doubted me.
Biggest lesson learned: Trust your gut – it’s never wrong. The one time I went against my gut feeling to hire someone, it didn’t work out. When you follow your gut, your co-workers and employees (and sometimes clients) become like family. If it’s not a “hell yes,” it’s a no!
First job: Veterinary assistant
Advice I’d give the younger me: You don’t have to have everything planned out. Just jump in and you will figure it out. Plans don’t always go the way you want them to anyway.
What’s left to do: I want to help more people – professionally by adding more programs and locations and personally but volunteering more with women.
Favourite pastime: Hiking or biking in the summer; skating in the winter
I’m currently reading: The Secret Life of Fat by Sylvia Tara
Favourite movie: Elf
Favourite song: Anything by Dave Matthews Band
Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa RedBlacks
Favourite local summer event: CityFolk
Preferred social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
Company Twitter handle: @Caven_Nutrition
