Honouring ‘Mompreneurs’

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This article was published 12/02/2018 (2979 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Michelle Lalonde and Adriana De Luca, owners of Tiber River Naturals, a Winnipeg based company that manufactures natural personal care and home products, are among the 23 finalists vying for the Mompreneur of the Year Award.

The award is a recognition of women who balance running a business and raising a family.

“Both Adriana and I have built our business while raising three kids and that is no easy task,” Michelle said.
“The journey has been like a rollercoaster ride with many ups and downs. Being a Mompreneur means not being able to work 18-hour days, immersing ourselves exclusively in our business, as so many entrepreneurs do but rather it means being on call 24-7 not only for business related matters but kid ones, too.”

Over 300 Mompreneurs are nominated nationally and vie for the top honours and best Start-Up, Momentum, and Merit awards.

Mompreneur Showcase Group is a national organization dedicated to supporting, education and empowering moms in business. They have an online community that connects women from across the country, provides a way to promote their business, and advocates on their behalf.

In addition to Tiber River’s two Winnipeg spa locations (at 408 Academy Rd. and 1650 Kenaston Blvd.), they also have a direct sales division with almost 1,500 sales consultants, many of whom are moms.

“Our consultants earn an income from their living room and have the advantage of making their own schedule which provides the flexibility needed when raising a family and allows them to contribute to the family income,” Adriana said.

“Our entire business is supporting other moms. We are honoured and proud to be able to offer moms the opportunity to stay home with their children while still contributing to the family income and expanding their connection to their communities.”

When asked what it means to be a Mompreneur, Michelle said “I’m not sure there is really a key to being a Mompreneur but my biggest lesson is there no such thing as balance. I heard the phrase ‘imperfect balance’ a number of years ago and it stuck with me. We can do everything but not necessarily at the same time and we need to go where we are needed most.”

If they win, Michelle and Adriana would be in good company. Other Manitoba Mompreneurs who have been recognized including Colleen Dyck, founder of GORP Clean Energy Bars from Niverville, Man., who won in 2016.

The winners of the Mompreneur of the Year awards will be announced during the national Mompreneurs conference, March 2 and 3 in Toronto.

Carolyne Braid is a community correspondent for Crescentwood. You can reach her at carolyne.braid@gmail.com