Life is short. Take the risk.

When I was 26 my Mom passed away from cancer. It was the worst time in my life. I was a single mother to a one year old boy with no career — only a part time job. The years after her passing had me experiencing every emotion. Grief, relief, depression, anguish, love, forgiveness, laughter….you name it, I felt it. 

It took many years to process these feelings and to determine what I wanted to do with them. Did I want to become one of those people who just existed in life? Should I stay at a J.O.B. that drained the life out of me, wasn’t fulfilling and left me bitter and cranky at the end of the day? Or should I challenge myself to do the things that scare me and to take risks — despite not knowing what the outcome will be? 

I continued to just exist for another 6 years. How does one leave a respectable, decent paying job with benefits, a retirement plan, and awesome co-workers? Well, in the fall of 2010 I was introduced to an opportunity to that would open up a whole new world to me: Entrepreneurship.

So began my second career part time as a self-employed financial advisor. This opportunity shifted my mindset. I could help others achieve financial freedom while earning a great income without the risk of giving up my full-time “secure” day job. It didn’t take me long to see that the harder I worked to help others, the more my family and I benefited too. It was only natural that I’d fire my boss a year and half later and take things full time as an entrepreneur.

What I learned over the next 8 years was so different then what I would have learned if I stayed to work as an employee. I was introduced to people and building relationships with people who took control of their lives and who were open to sharing and encouraging me to create the life I wanted.  Personal development, getting out of my comfort zone, learning to take rejections and knowing I’d still be okay…those were just a few of the things that allowed me to grow as a person and to succeed as an entrepreneur. I learned, that I have a passion for education and gathering knowledge, but more importantly, I love helping and serving others in meaningful ways. What better feeling is there then helping someone else in need?

Do you believe things happen for a reason? I do.

Not quite a year ago I won a ticket to a networking event. Little did I know that this event would change my career path yet again. The event showcased resources that are available to Indigenous entrepreneurs. I was so inspired by the event and I was certain that I was meant to be there.

After a few months of brainstorming ideas, I decided to use the resources I had learned about from the networking event to start a new business venture. I enrolled in a Medical Aesthetics and Laser Technician course to further learn about a skin condition I have called Melasma, and how I can help others with their skin care needs. Within weeks of competing my hands-on practicum I was enrolled in the Smart Start Program at Praxis School of Entrepreneurship to write and create my business plan to open my own skin clinic. And so, Laserology Skin Clinic was born. 

My vision for Laserology is a world where everyone loves the skin they’re in.

Imagine the confidence, self-worth, and sense of empowerment people would feel. When people feel better, they do better. I am so honored to help others and truly believe that you deserve to feel your best. You are worth it.

- Raelene