Success Stories
Self Employment Program
Pamela Currie
Silver Spoon Children’s Boutique
Canmore, Alberta
Pamela Currie, owner of the Silver Spoon Children’s Boutique in Canmore and graduate of the Self Employment program, sees Community Futures Centre West as the “facilitator of dreams.” Pamela’s dream of balancing family life with making a living started when she became pregnant in 2005 with her first child. She knew that she wanted to start her own business, yet find a way to be with her new son at the same time. Pamela took an active approach to finding resources that could help her realize that dream. She discovered the Self-Employment program funded by Alberta Employment Immigration and Industry (AEII) and offered though Community Futures Centre West on the provincial website and was accepted into the program, in September 2006. She feels by participating in the program, which offered her specific business training as well as strong support, she was able to develop her idea and make her goal a reality. Pamela says “There are so many things we want to do and think we can’t. This program helped me take my idea and develop it through.”
Pamela’s business concept is a children’s wear boutique with a twist. She offers top quality clothing, toys and books plus a consignment section. She takes a health conscience approach to her business and shares valuable tips on child related products and environmental concerns through her popular newsletter.
The biggest challenge Pamela sees as an entrepreneur is creating an ongoing balance between life and work. She takes her son Silver to the store with her, which is equipped with a bright play area filled with toys and books. He follows a set structure including scheduled nap times, in order to provide a healthy environment. Pamela feels the biggest reward of self-employment is the sense of accomplishment and independence she feels while raising her son. When asked for a piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, Pam didn’t stop at just one suggestion. Here’s what she has to say:
- “Shut up and put up – in other words, there will always be another step in front of you, something to deal with;
- It’s not easy working for yourself. Ask for help and guidance and follow the yellow brick road!
- Procrastination will kill your business so deal with things as they arise.”
As a strong believer in the Self-Employment program, Pam feels the support, guidance and training she received was invaluable. She continues her connections with Community Futures Centre West and as an advocate for self employment, is proof that you can succeed in balancing your own business and raising a family.
Visit Pamela’s store at 5A, 1306 Bow Valley Trail in Canmore (678-6777) or contact her by email at silver_spoon@telus.net
