Entreprenista co-founder Leigh-Ann Asare

By Isake Tom

Last Saturday, Toronto’s next generation of female entrepreneurs assembled for the Entreprenista Inaugural Luncheon; the newest networking event for female entrepreneurs in the city. The event was the vision of two women; Leigh-Ann Asare and Julene Chung who have been steadily working towards making their business dreams a reality. This summer the pair finally built upon their idea of creating a supportive space for female entrepreneurs and thus Entreprenista was born.

Officially, Entreprenista is a program for women who have either launched their own businesses or are considering taking the big leap into business ownership. Through this program, and with the support and guidance of Asare and Chung, women will receive information on networking events and can also access and contact  potential mentors and business partners.

Introductions at Entreprenista made it clear that Toronto is rich with female movers and shakers looking to exercise their creative muscles and make their mark in the business world. Topics discussed included; how to utilize social networking as a key marketing strategy, the importance of goal setting (personal and business related) and the delicate dynamics involved with turning a friendship into a business relationship.

Attendees (L-R) Naomi, Queena and Joanna enjoying complimentary cupcakes.

“Entreprenista was born out of disappointment. This summer I applied to various programs such as the Ontario Summer Company among others, and had drafted up a business plan that I eventually took to my business mentor. Unfortunately for me he hated it. Following that rejection there were more disappointments that followed. But those rejections and disappointments inspired me to start a program where women like myself, could find the confidence and support we needed to start our own businesses, network with other budding entrepreneurs and gain mentorship from successful business women who’ve already been there”, says Asare.

The highlight of the event was certainly guest speaker and businesswoman Hailey Coleman who inspired all with the success of her product Damn Heels; a stylish brand of ballet flats. These fold up flats come equipped with a bag and work to give your sore and blistered feet a much needed break after a long night in heels. The soft-sided flats are excellent for partying or working and can provide comfort when attending long events such as weddings.

While starting your own business can be both a scary and lonely venture, “once the momentum is started you feel like you can’t  stop,”  a point driven home by Coleman.  You must also be willing to make tough sacrifices and ready yourself for any uncomfortable situations you may find yourself in as a new entrepreneur.

With plans to expand the program to mentor male entrepreneurs as well, for now its all about the ladies with Chung and Asare planning more events and hoping to provide business grants and funding for entrepreneur hopefuls.

“My advice for entrepreneurs out there is don’t give up. Hard work always pays off and remember there is always going to be rejection especially as an entrepreneur,” says Asare, “You also have to be willing to make sacrifices because owning your own business can definitely mean less time spent with family and friends”.

Link Love
Business Development Bank of Canada
Canada Youth Business Foundation
Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE)