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Nestworks News

 

OCTOBER 2019

Happy Fall, Nestworkers!
 
I have been around and about as usual and noticed a trend: kick-ass women entrepreneurs, most of whom happen to be parents. I know, I know: it's no accident that I surround myself with these types of people, and am desperately trying to solve for their needs. While we do not yet have the space for them to work in - and as importantly for their kids to play in - I'd like to do a bit of a PSA about all of them in case you are not already aware of the amazing products and services that they offer.

Have you tried natural deodorant yet? It is SO GOOD, plus I love the self-massage aspect of applying it manually. Sisters Neige and Pippa Blair (at left in the matching jumpsuits) are the co-founders of routine natural goods based in Calgary. They have 4 daughters between the two of them.


We are joined in the photo at the Canadian Health Food Association by my longtime friend Patrice Mousseau (center right) of Satya Organic Skincare. Patrice's 6 year-old daughter Esme was actually the inspiration behind her products. As a baby, Esme suffered from extreme eczema. Patrice did some research on natural alternatives and came up with a simple, 5 ingredient-based formula that cleared up Esme's skin in 2 days. Today her products are available in 800 stores across Canada and the US.


I first met Twenty One Toys Founder Ilana Ben-Ari as part of the excellent SheEO network in 2015 (if you are a fan of women entrepreneurs and are not already aware of SheEO, definitely check it out) and was immediately struck by her unique vision and remarkable tenacity. Having launched her company by designing a toy originally developed to help sighted children to be able to play with their blind peers, it turned out the The Empathy Toy had a far broader application: helping basically anyone communicate better. Ilana may not be a parent, however she is definitely inspired by kids, and her business is exactly the type that I most admire: unique, creative, and design-driven.

We are at the launch of her Kickstarter campaign for her latest product, The Failure Toy.

Friend/colleagues Jill Earthy (center left) and Bonnie Foley-Wong (center right), pictured at a reception at Vancouver Economic Commission where we welcomed a trade delegation of 20 women entrepreneurs from Germany to Vancouver.

Jill is legendary among Canadian women entrepreneurs - and entrepreneurs in general, for that matter. She is the founder and leader of multiple ventures, and currently serves as head of Female Funders, an investor accelerator program in addition to being the Mom of 2 teenage daughters. Bonnie is the brilliant Founder of Pique Ventures, an integrated investment fund and Mom of 2 toddlers.
 
So: there's no shortage of smart, hardworking parents are out there, building amazing businesses and professional practices: who knows how many more might be out there, with the right kinds of support and services in place to help them flourish? It's my respect and affection for them that drives my passion for creating Nestworks.

Have a great month, and many thanks for your continued support!
Madeleine and the Nestworks team
Workspace Possibility Inspiration

This month we share a photo of Coworking Bravelya coworking community for women located in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Recent news articles

Province increases child care planning funds to $4 million - In late September, Minister of Children and Family Development Katrine Conroy announced funding to assist B.C. communities to build child-care spaces.

What would parenting be like if fathers took six months of parental leave? - The Washington Post features "Swedish Dads," a photography exhibition by Johan Bävman that tells a story of what a society could look like if it truly prioritized both gender equality in parenting, and a new perception of masculinity.

This dad and business owner wants more CEOs to allow for flexibility in work schedules - The Washington Post reports on Eric Arnold, CEO of Planswell, a Toronto start-up, who shares the importance of creating smart workplace environment for parents with families.
 
Kitchen Table Chat with Maura Chestnutt


This month, we chat with a supporter of the Nestworks community, Maura Chestnutt.


What is your professional background and current role?
I hold several decades of experience as a senior administrative professional in for profit, government, and non-profit sectors. As VP Operations & Strategic Initiatives at Catalyst Community Developments Society, my focus is to develop workable, innovative, and responsive strategic plans, systems, and processes in order to achieve the organization’s goals. I am keenly committed to community and head up our “Community Connections Program”, which seeks to address issues of social isolation within Catalyst projects.

My areas of responsibility include internal operations, property operations (including tenant and community engagement), governance, and strategic initiatives. My team ensures the organization is nimble, responsive, and scalable by effectively utilizing technology, a methodical and systems-oriented approach, and innovative strategies.

What are 3-6 words that describe you?

Creative, smart, kind, strategic, fun.

What is your experience with managing parenting and your professional life?

I am a single parent of a (now adult) child. It was very difficult juggling the needs of my child, my workplace, the daycare, and transportation. 30 years ago flexible work hours weren't really even on the horizon. I remember always the mad dash in the morning - getting ready, getting to daycare, getting to work - and then same in the evening. Employers did not tend to see staff as whole people - getting time off to go to a school play, soccer games, or even staying home with a sick child was tricky.

What excites you the most about the idea of Nestworks?

It would be incredible to have the opportunity for parents to be whole people in one location - to be able to have the benefits of community that come from working in a shared workspace, to arrange your workday to suit your family's and your own needs, to have the support and joy of working with other parents - amazing! I can't imagine how much calmer families would be and how much happier parents and children would be without that stress of compartmentalizing each aspect of their lives.

I love Nestworks - it is so sensible.
 
Thank you for chatting with us, Maura!
STORIES FROM OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Board member Hilary Henegar said: "That moment when your family ACTUALLY feels a weight lifted because of the change in government. We just received approval for a big subsidy via the Affordable Childcare Benefit, which will dramatically slash our monthly childcare expenses. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude to all the folks pushing for affordable childcare in B.C. (especially Sharon Gregson and the $10aDay campaigners!) and to the BC NDP for listening and responding. The system isn't perfect but it is indeed working for our family today."

Entrepreneur (and our own brand designer) Lisa Hemingway said: "Working from home removes some of the challenging logistics of place-based employment and has allowed us to remain a single-car family. I am incredibly productive knowing my time is limited in a day. My 'breaks' at home allow me to prep dinner sometimes, do errands with my grandma, have a shower (hahahaha), get outside and throw on a load of laundry once in a while. Luckily as I'm self-employed it means I never have to argue for prioritizing what I need. I wish everyone had the same autonomy for their time and the ability to create their own schedule. I can't even imagine people questioning whether I work hard enough or not!"

Both Hilary and Lisa are amazing mothers and entrepreneurs in their own right; we thank them for sharing!

Got a story to share? Contact us via social media or hit reply to this e-mail.
NESTWORKER APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

We're now in the process of choosing our first location, and would like to hear from as many people as possible to help us select more locations across the Lower Mainland. Please share the application with people you know who are interested!
Apply now
JOIN THE CONVERSATION AND
SHARE YOUR STORIES!
 
Join our Facebook group here to connect with other like-minded community members and share resources and stories. Who knows -- you might meet your next work neighbour!

We might ask to feature your story in social media and in future newsletters.

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Nestworks Workplace Society · 2251 Stirling Avenue · Richmond, BC V7B 1J6 · Canada

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