On Saturday, March 8th, we are celebrating International Women’s Day – wear purple, donate, or support your local female-owned business within your community. It’s a day to appreciate and acknowledge the strong, beautiful, and multifaceted women in your life.
“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” – Unknown
In celebration of the day, we are highlighting some of our amazing preferred vendors, female corporate events, and showcasing some new faces too – all nominated by our incredible Instagram community!
Patrice Valeriano Celebrations
She’s all charm, charisma, and care—Patrice Valeriano Celebrations has been an integral part of creating magical wedding ceremonies since 2014. Her approach is personal, unique, and full of heart, and her reputation speaks for itself throughout Hamilton, Halton, Haldimand, Niagara, and Norfolk. Patrice is dedicated to letting each couple’s love story shine! Her ceremonies are always full of romance, personal touches, and some fun sprinkled in!
Fun Fact: Did you know that as of 2023, approximately 18.4% of all businesses in Canada are majority-owned by women? This marks a steady increase from 15.6% in 2017, showcasing the growing influence of women entrepreneurs across the country!
All That’s Lovely
Unique, elegant, and affordable – All That’s Lovely, established in 2011, designs the most delightfully detailed and thoughtful wedding stationery anyone could ask for! With years of experience and a curated eye for beautiful materials, fonts, and graphics, All That’s Lovely is truly a pleasure to work with for all your event day paper goods!
Quote to Inspire:
“Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own.” – Michelle Obama
This is something All That’s Lovely embodies—personalized, meaningful creations that reflect the uniqueness of each event.
Bella Mia Bridal
With Bella Mia Bridal’s closing, we would be remiss not to mention the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Anna and Olivia. There was NO such thing as too much sparkle with Bella Mia Bridal! They are true examples of grace and beauty with their gentle hands-on approach and breathtaking showcase of gorgeous bridal dresses. They truly made magic happen!
Fun Fact: Women-led businesses are most commonly found in service industries such as retail trade, accommodation and food services, and tourism.
“You Go, Girl!” with Sisters in Sync!
This event really spoke to our hearts! The energy of Sister in Sync’s “You Go, Girl!” event was inspired, empowered, and keenly focused on personal development to celebrate the International Day of the Girl! Joëlle from Sisters in Sync discussed the key elements of this fantastic celebration! Sisters in Sync hosted its 2nd annual “You Go, Girl!” Awards, putting the personal development and achievement of young girls ages 14-21 in the city of Hamilton at the forefront.
The “You Go, Girl!” Awards are a platform to celebrate the little and big moments, empowering young girls on their journey to higher education and personal development.
Quote to Empower:
“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” – Audre Lorde
Small business Spotlight!
These next two businesses were nominated by YOU! We love the support and energy our Instagram community shows to all local women-led businesses! We asked them a few questions to get to know them a little better.
Creating bespoke stationery and signage along with helping your business and event branding!
1. What do you love about running your own business?
“I love the creative freedom and the ability to work on projects that truly inspire me. Sunday Creative allows me to bring beautiful, thoughtful designs to life while helping people celebrate their most meaningful moments.”
2. What challenges have you faced?
“Balancing it all – a full-time job in marketing, running a business, and being a mom of two is no small feat. Time is my biggest challenge as I scale Sunday Creative, juggling client projects, production, and marketing while staying present for my kids and career. Some days feel seamless, others overwhelming, but learning to delegate and prioritize has been key.”
3. What advice do you have for other women looking to start their own business?
“Just start. It doesn’t have to be perfect or fully planned out – progress is better than waiting for the ‘perfect time.’ Also, don’t be afraid to grow at your own pace. As a mom who also works full-time, I’ve had to accept that scaling looks different for me than it might for someone else. And that’s okay. Lean into your strengths, set boundaries, and remember that slow, intentional growth is still growth.”
Fun Fact: Women-owned businesses in Canada are primarily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with 99% of women-led businesses falling into this category. In 2022 alone, 988,400 women were self-employed in Canada, contributing greatly to the entrepreneurial landscape!
Broker and Co-founder of Fracassi & Co. Her fresh and dynamic approach resonates with a diverse clientele, spanning from first-time buyers to families and investors alike.
1. What do you love about running your own business?
“I love the challenges and changes within the industry along with innovation and growth.”
2. What challenges have you faced?
“There is always a bit of self-doubt, and that was a huge challenge in the start of my business.”
3. What advice do you have for other women looking to start their own business?
“My advice is to find a mentor and never give up – that’s right when all the hard work starts to show. Determination and resilience are created in the challenging moments but having someone to help you through those moments makes all the difference.”
Quote to Inspire:
“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel
Image Details: Sara Noah Photography
1. What do you love about running your own business
As co-owners of Freebird Beauty Co., Candice and Lindsey love helping women embrace their unique beauty in a judgment-free space. The most rewarding part is seeing clients light up when they look in the mirror, whether it’s a bride, a teen, or someone discovering their authentic beauty. It’s about empowering clients and making them feel their best.
2. What challenges have you faced?
Building Freebird in a competitive industry has taken time and consistency. We’ve worked hard to stay true to our values while growing, attending workshops and learning new skills. Each challenge has made us stronger, more adaptable, and even more passionate about what we do.
3. What advice do you have for other women looking to start their own business?
Start before you’re ready. Failure is part of the process, and each setback makes you more resilient. Surround yourself with inspiring people, know what sets your brand apart, and trust yourself. If you’re passionate and committed, you’ll find a way to succeed.
#AccelerateAction
Here at LiUNA, we want to acknowledge how much we love this community because it is so diverse, inspirational, and empowering. Our clients, peers, co-workers, and family members carry a list of endearing titles that is fierce and full of love. We absolutely love working with, supporting, and encouraging every single one of your visions and dreams, and we will always work to #AccelerateAction within our very own community!
Fun Fact to Close: Did you know that globally, women now own 40% of businesses? As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s continue to lift each other up, break barriers, and make strides in our communities and industries.
Happy International Women’s Day, LiUNA Community!