Having the right connections of like-minded, ambitious, influential people around you while you are building your business is THE most important business tool you can give yourself.
Liana Frenette
“I joined the Elleiance Network because it is nice to have opportunities to network with like-minded individuals and also to mentor and learn from others in the business.”
Brianna Murray
“I’ve been a part of a few virtual women’s entrepreneur groups/coaching but I was really excited to find out about Elleiance as a local option. I’m a bit of an introvert so I find the small group sizes perfect and I love the meaningful connections I’ve been able to make (that has by far been my favourite thing).”
Lana Bullough
“I was introduced to The Elliance Network through Emily Shandruk of Emily Shandruk Solutions, and I thank my lucky stars I met her! I returned to Thunder Bay after many years away, and the Elleiance Network has been a wealth of positivity and support over the last two years. Being a sole proprietor can be a lonely gig at times and I look forward to connecting with the other Elleiance women at our monthly meetings and other events. I have belonged to many networking groups, but I can honestly say that the positive, encouraging vibes from the other women places Elleiance at the top of the heap. Thank you, Erin for making this organization a reality!”
Marianne Bortolin
“Without Elleiance, I would have never been introduced to the opportunity to buy a business/start a business. This opportunity and connection is all thanks to Elleiance!! You never know where a network might lead. I am so thankful for this amazing group of supportive woman! We are better together!”
Deanne Gagnon
“I joined the Elleiance network based on the recommendation of a friend and fellow entrepreneur (Kari Chiappetta). While I was thrilled to be starting my own business, I was also completely overwhelmed and felt pretty clueless most of the time! Being welcomed into a community of strong, successful women has truly been game changing for me and the success of my business.”
Megan Marsico - Andresen
“Surrounding yourself with the right people changes everything. When we surround ourselves with achievers, we strive to be one. The right circle of influence raises the bar, helping us to set new expectations of ourselves. Positive, successful people consciously, and even subconsciously, challenge us to be our best selves. To feel inspired and invigorated, and to share fears and doubts: friends and mentors that not only listen, but also cheer you on to be the best you can be. Famously, Jim Rohn once said, “You’re the average of the five people you spend most of your time with.” It is all about the people who inspire us and are full of positivity. With the right people around us, we will be driven to make the most of everything and work towards our ambitions.”
Melissa Jostiak
“I joined the Elleiance Network for the purpose of branching out and meeting new people! I haven’t had a ton of exposure yet, but I do plan to attend more activities and lunches in the New Year. I’m really looking forward to meeting the other women and hearing about their success stories.”
Brook Dallaire
“It's nice to connect and talk with other like-minded individuals who have an understanding of the many hats, the stresses, the crazy stories and over all what it takes to keep your business going.”
Jenni Ritchie
“I am highly competitive and if I set a goal I’ll usually go to all odds to make it happen. Having a group to keep you accountable and focused is really important to me.”
Emily Shandruk
“I joined Elleiance because the idea of space being held exclusively for women was, unfortunately, unique. I say unfortunately because I feel that in 2020 (the year I joined) a group created for women by a woman who are looking to lift each other up through the sharing of information and resources should not be the exception but the standard. Watching this organization grow, expand and take up more and more space is what keeps me involved. I love that I have a network of women that are cheering for my success, just as much as I raise my pom poms for them!”
Donna Nordstrom
“It’s so important to have a network of like-minded individuals to bounce ideas off of. At one meeting we were asked what was the one thing that would help our business scale. I answered an office manager. Later the next evening I received a call from a fellow group member saying she knew of someone who would be a good fit, and she’s an amazing manager! That’s the support women led businesses show each other. We aren’t alone in this big endeavour.”
Megan Elrick
“I joined Elleiance because I know how important alliances are. One of the biggest mistakes I made starting out was trying to do it alone. As soon as I started reaching out to others I started to grow. After moving to Thunder Bay and COVID I was desperate to meet new people and grow my business alongside other amazing women.”
Meghan Chomut
“I joined Elleiance so that I could have a safe place to talk about my struggles, roadblocks and ideas. It's so important to me to have an outside perspective but also support when things feel heavy. No one will understand you more than another business owner. The advice and sounding board from someone who is 5 steps ahead of you is invaluable.”
Carolyn Weiss
“The people I have met and learned from in this amazing group of women, has definitely enhanced my confidence as an entrepreneur. I think of the Elleiance as my team. I was told once to surround yourself with like minded people, and Elleiance provides this for me.”
Graysen Thompson
“I joined Elleiance because I felt a lack of community. As a young women, coming into a business where two generations before her were married couples, and I’m a single, young women wanting to take over, the amount of people telling me I needed a husband to be successful was disgusting. Meeting Erin and women in this community remind me that I’m badass (sorry if I can’t curse), I’m smart, I’m driven, and I can do anything I set my mind onto. In 2022, I still shouldn’t have to hear that I need a husband to have a successful business, I should hear you can do anything! We need more communities like Elleiance!”
Nicole Moorey
“I joined Elleiance because I’ve built my business through international online connections, and I wanted to build that same rapport with women in business locally. It’s also important to me to support local business, so I was excited when I came across this network. As a solopreneur, it’s so empowering to connect with others with similar ambitions to mine. I look forward to continuing to meet more of the members and accessing more of the opportunities made possible by Erin and Elleiance.”
Katie Simoneau
“I joined because I was honoured that Erin thought of me to be a part of Elleiance and I thought this would be a great opportunity to connect with other business women. I love the connections that I have made, having the opportunity to meet so many other successful business women and hearing about everyone’s business journey. I think it is important to have these groups as it allows us to share our dreams, fears, challenges and get some really great advice. It also allows us to celebrate each other and show the world that women can rock these rolls too!”
Amber Kivisto
“I joined Elleiance because I have respected and admired Erin for years, and believed she would be creating a group unlike any other. In this case I was right – Elleiance is truly unique! The women I have met are incredible, coming from all different walks of life, and stages of business. I learn so much from everyone, and feel free to share my own stories, be they of success or failure – people are always respectful and give advice where they can.”
Deena Kruger
“I joined Elleiance because a friend of mine who was a part of it said “you have to meet Erin” I think you would love her, and would benefit from being a part of Elleiance. That friend was bang on! I do love Erin, her mission and how she truly puts her whole heart into building a business that focuses on supporting women in business. I have had the pleasure of being a part of two groups, and getting to meet the women inside them, build friendships and support each other along our journeys has been amazing! You can’t build a business alone. I have also learned that it’s important to have a network outside of your core team that you can lean on, and get advice from when you really need it. Having advice come from someone who isn’t involved in the “day to day” gives you a perspective from the outside that is often needed to help you gain clarity. My Elleiance group and Erin give me this, and I am very grateful for the support.”
Sarah Edwards
“I joined Elleiance because being an entrepreneur can get lonely! I’ve really enjoyed connecting with other women and hearing about how their experiences have shaped their journey.”
Jen Duggan
“I joined Elleiance to support Erin and to meet and get to know some of the inspiring, professional women of Thunder Bay! Working in a predominantly male industry, it's nice to build relationships, share experiences and knowledge with other women, to watch them grow their businesses and make their dreams come true. I consider myself so lucky to have the opportunity to meet such a diverse, vibrant group of entrepreneurs!”
Dominique Chenard
“I joined Elleiance to build local connections with women in business and got exactly what I signed up for. Business can be a lonely road, and it’s always better to go about it with friends and allies in your corner. There’s still many wonderful ladies I have yet to meet in other groups and I look forward to the other events coming up this year!”
Amanda Styler
“I joined the Elleiance Network in hopes of meeting some like minded women, and possibly making some connections. It ended up being so much more than that. It has been such a great support system. I feel inspired after leaving every meeting. Joining has been one of the best decisions I've made in business.”
Kari Chiappetta
“Being an entrepreneur is often a lonely job and the Elleiance network has provided me with a network of amazing women who, even though we all have vastly different businesses, we all struggle with similar challenges. The knowledge shared and support given at each meeting is amazing. Honestly, it is because of my Elleiance Group conversations that I decided to “go virtual” when the pandemic hit. I’m not sure I would have done it without the gentle nudging and support I received from my group members. They were also the ones that walked me through the adventure of selling half of my business. They are the ones that convinced me what I had built over the years was worth selling and had value. My Elleiance women have enriched my life in so many ways and I am grateful for each and every one of them.”
Robyn Despins
“I joined Elleiance to create connections with amazing, inspiring women in Thunder Bay and community and I enjoy being a part of it to witness and celebrate the accomplishments of driven, entrepreneurial women!”
Millie Gormely
“One of the downsides of entrepreneurship is that we can get a little bit isolated inside our own heads. Joining Elleiance has been a great opportunity to meet with others in different phases of their business, different industries, and different perspectives in life. I’ve been able to integrate information from the meetings in my business, and I consider Elleiance to be my mastermind group.”
Maelyn Hurley
“I joined to make further connections with the women who are going through similar journeys. To feel supported in my business and to have a network to ask questions and bounce ideas! I love how fun it is and the unique experiences that have come from being a part of Elleiance!”
Drea Mulligan
“I joined the Elleiance Network to provide myself the opportunity to regularly talk about one of my favourite subjects, Business! Elleiance has allowed me to connect with other women in business in an authentic and valuable way. It has afforded me meaningful conversations about strategy, scaling, HR, and all aspects of my businesses As well as connecting with other women on what we specifically bring to the table.”
Tammy Reynolds
“I wanted to see what other woman were doing and what problems they were faced with being in business and hopefully, create some networks with larger businesses and get the word out about how at therapy can help with any businesses and not just for first responders. I love being able to share with other women who help to “pump up my tires” and are like minded when it comes to challenging the mind set that only men can be successful businesspeople.”
Kiersten Mosley
“Without Elleiance, I would have never been introduced to the opportunity to buy a business/start a business. This opportunity and connection is all thanks to Elleiance!! You never know where a network might lead. I am so thankful for this amazing group of supportive woman! We are better together!
Having left Thunder Bay in 1994, I was surprised by the amount of changes and how I had to start all over again—including making local friends and acquaintances. I tried different groups and coaches, but it wasn't until Erin approached me about The Elleiance Network, did I find a group that felt right. Erin has built and is growing a network of genuine, non-competitive, and supportive women! They truly care, share insightful advice and sincerely celebrate others' successes. Joining was one of the best business decisions I have ever made.”
Romy Marlo
“I love to be surrounded by amazing community and women who are doing great things!”
Tracey Berry
“I joined the Elleiance Network to make connections, learn from others and to find community. I have found all of that and so much more. Entrepreneurship can be lonely business at times and making connections can often be what gets you through the day or to the next level. I am so grateful that I joined this group. It has given me more than I could have ever imagined.”
Heather Witiluk
“I met Erin while she was working at BDC and she was so warm and invited me to a meeting. I absolutely loved everyone in my group. I have learned so much from other members. The group is comprised of like-minded individuals across many different fields and I have learned from each one of them. The connections, networking and support is also very helpful as private practice work can feel isolating.”
Gail Willis
“Last March, I had the opportunity to attend the Women & Company event, which was organized by the Uncommon Woman and Goods and Co. Market. It was at this event that I reconnected with Deanne Gagnon, who I had previously known from our time working at the city. During our conversation, she introduced me to the Elleiance Network and it was an easy decision for me to join up. Working on your own business can be lonely at times. It is great to have a network of like-minded and amazing women to connect with, and to look up to. Every time I meet with the group, I leave feeling inspired and empowered to keep working and growing my business. The business and personal insights from everyone are invaluable to me. I feel very grateful to belong to this group of ambitious powerhouse women entrepreneurs.”
Natalie Lehto
“I have see this answer on other business owners profiles...but it is the reason I joined the Elleiance Network and will continue to be apart of this amazing team.....LIKE MINDED BUSINESS WOMEN!! I have finally found a group of women, mothers, wives, business owners that GET IT!!! I feel heard, understood and validated. I know I am not along in the struggle to juggle all of these balls in the air. I feel like I can talk, ask questions, give input, ask for help from people going through similar life experiences. For all those reasons, I am luck to be a member!”
Paige Martin
“I love the community and safe space to ask questions, gain ideas to approach business differently and learn new skills. I love the casual and comfortable environment of gathering together, sharing stories and there is always so much laughter! I genuinely look forward to each meeting and always take something away from each opportunity we meet.”