Looking back on 2009 - it has been one of the most inspiring years of my life. I’ve learned and grown exponentially – and have many accomplishments to be proud of. In addition to receiving lots of great press and refining my strategic planning skills, I also introduced new products, brought on new retailers, successfully built and implemented my first-ever fundraising campaign, traveled to Uganda to set up a sustainable community project, became a board member of the Canadian Association of Women Executives and Entrepreneurs, and completed an intensive international project management course at the University of Toronto. On a personal level I’ve incorporated music and exercise back into my life – thereby achieving a work-life balance that makes me truly happy.
In a recent interview I was asked what inspires me the most and I answered “People - The people I’ve met in my many travels, the people I talk to at events – even people that pass me by on the street. I’ve always been intrigued by character, story and background.” This year I have been very fortunate to have the support of fellow business owners and friends – people who work hard to be the change they wish to see in the world. I’d like to give sincere thanks to those who influenced me the most in 2009:
– Judi and Nick Hughes of Your Planning Partners - www.yourplanningpartners.com. Judi and Nick have given me the tools and confidence to achieve my goals.
– Moksha Yoga Danforth - www.mokshayogadanforth.com. A community atmosphere that has made me strive to be a better person – physically, and spiritually
– Clare Thompson of The Brit Boutique – www.thebritboutique.ca. A fellow artisan, like-minded soul, and supportive friend.
– Anne Sowden of Here’s Looking at You – www.hereslookingatyou.ca. A positive, successful business woman who understands my true gifts. It is a pleasure to do custom work for Anne.
– Haig Baronikian – www.efuel.ca – instructor at U of T who taught me how to manage international projects in six weeks despite my never having taken any project management classes before.
– Chris Chopik of Evolution Green - www.evolutiongreen.com. A passionate environmentalist who it is an honor to collaborate with.
– Amanda Montgomery of Simply - www.simplybyamanda.com. Thank you for giving me the idea for the Moksha silver pendant.
– Melvine Baird – chiropractor - www.doctorbaird.com. Thank you for introducing me to New Choir, for healing my injuries, and for buying my jewelry!
– Ian Crowly – director of New Choir – www.newchoir.ca.
– Calvin Knight of Kirabo Canada Uganda
– Thank you to all of the generous sponsors who donated to my fundraising raffle – especially Lesley Stoyan of Daily Apple – www.dailyapple.ca, who allowed me to sell raffle tickets at the Appletree market.
– Thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets. The funds were used to purchase enough fabric, thread and scissors for 100 destitute African girls to make their own reusable menstrual pads.
– My good friend Carolyn Gallagher - who goes on walks with me twice a week. Thank you for listening!
– My parents Sharon and Wayne Bazant. Without their continuous, unconditional love and support I never would have come this far.
The biggest thanks of all goes out to my fiancée Chris Hatzopoulos who despite having a full time job and two businesses (www.oxvylu.com and www.thebearstories.com) – has always put me first and been the biggest supporter and fan of Bazant Unique Adornments every step of the way. In February 2010, Chris and I are getting married.
