Cutting Your Way to Success!

When Ann Rainey left Scotland to come to Canada in 1986, she never imagined that in the year 2001, she would be celebrating her Canadian Citizenship along with her 5th year anniversary as a self-employed hairstylist.

In 1996, shortly after giving birth to her lovely daughter Anna, she found herself in the position looking for employment; however, it wasn't cost effective to be working outside of the home. Investigating her options, Ann attended an 'Orientation to Self-Employment" information session at the Business Development Centre of Greater Fort Erie, which encouraged her to explore self-employment.

Ann had always dreamed of starting her own business but did not know where to begin. Being family-oriented, needing flexible hours, and having 14 years experience in the industry, self-employment was the answer she was looking for. In September 1996, with the assistance of the Self-Employment Benefit program (SEB) and the BDC, Ann's Beauty Salon was established. It is located at the rear entrance of her home at 18 Bertie Street, Fort Erie and she works by appointment only. (905-994-0226)

The Self-Employment Benefit program is a federally-funded program that helps individuals create jobs for themselves through self-employment, by providing income support, business plan development, and mentoring to successful applicants. This federally-funded (HRDC) program is delivered in Fort Erie by the Business Development Centre of Greater Fort Erie, located at 45 Jarvis Street.

Ann's opinion on being self-employed : " I love It! Along with the sacrifices come the benefits - sense of personal fulfillment, independence, flexible hours, and having more control over your own future. The assistance of the BDC and the SEB program gave me the courage, support and confidence I needed."

Ann's advice to new entrepreneurs : "self-employment comes with long hours and personal sacrifices - you get out of it what you put into it; pay close attention to your cash flow - being your own boss does not come with a steady pay cheque; be good to your customers; and finally you need dedication - Rome wasn't built in a day!"

To celebrate 5 years in business Ann hosted a "Customer Appreciation Day", on Saturday, September 22, 2001, which was well attended.

BDC congratulates Ann on her 5th year anniversary and wishes her continued success!