“Every woman should have a business, even if it’s a side hustle,” said Maggie Perotin, business and leadership coach. Her words captured the spirit of Her, Your, Our Story, Ajax’s first-ever International Women’s Day event, held March 5 at the historic Quaker Meeting House.
The event, co-organized by Perotin alongside three other local business owners, provided a platform for women in the community to connect and empower one another. It included a mix of panel discussions, workshops and master classes that offered valuable insights on entrepreneurship, leadership and wellness, all with a focus on the unique experiences of women in business.
Perotin, who transitioned from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, reflected on her own journey and the freedom that business ownership provides. “I left corporate leadership because I wanted more flexibility and the opportunity to make an impact on my own terms,” Perotin shared. “Business offers women the chance to break free from limitations and create something meaningful.” She emphasized that while entrepreneurship requires hard work, it also allows for greater financial independence and a work-life balance that corporate jobs often don’t provide.
The event wasn’t only about panel discussions – it also featured a variety of organizations and local businesses that supported women in their entrepreneurial pursuits. These included businesses like Karma Jiu-Jitsu, which presented a session on women’s jiu-jitsu for sport and self defence. The sessions demonstrated how martial arts can boost both physical strength and confidence in their personal and professional lives.
The “All About Women’s Health” discussion panel featured experts in wellness, including Irismar Lawrence, a Chopra-certified life coach and wellness advocate; Althea Fernandes, a registered psychotherapist; and Dr. Ana Candia, a naturopathic doctor. The panel discussed mental and physical well-being, offering advice on how women can maintain balance while managing the demands of business ownership.
For those looking to gain new skills, a range of master classes was also on the agenda. Debra Guthrie Beauty Studio hosted a session on creating an “Easy Everyday Makeup Look,” while Spiro’s Boutique led a master class on “Clothing, A Powerful Tool,” teaching women how to use fashion to express their individuality and professionalism. Genesis Jewellery Boutique presented a class on “Jewellery, A Celebration of Beauty and Individuality,” emphasizing how personal style can reflect one’s business persona.
Chantel Escoffery, founder of CE Marketing Solutions and a panellist at the event, reflected on how powerful the experience was for her. “What I love about today is that we’re seeing women from all different cultures sharing their stories,” Escoffery said. “We’re not just talking about our successes but also the challenges we face, and that’s a great thing.”
Escoffery also highlighted how events like this create a space for mentorship and collaboration. “Supporting each other throughout the journey is so important,” she said. “There’s so much wisdom in the room today, and everyone has something to share.”
Orzala Quddusi, founder of Make it Happen Social Media Marketing & Coaching and another event co-organizer, was also excited by the turnout. “This event is about recognizing women in the community who are doing great things,” she said, adding that the event was an opportunity to celebrate the diverse range of local women who are making an impact in business.
The event also featured local artisans and craft vendors, adding a vibrant touch to the day’s celebrations. Participants were able to browse handmade products from women-owned businesses, further supporting the community and fostering an environment of collaboration and empowerment.
Her, Your, Our Story was not just a celebration of women’s achievements – it was a call to action. It demonstrated the power of community, with women entrepreneurs supporting and learning from each other. As the event concluded, it was clear that the momentum from the day would continue to fuel the growth of women in business, both locally and beyond.
“It’s not easy, but as women, I think we have what it takes,” Perotin said.