Cheryl

After escaping an abusive relationship, Cheryl had to start all over. She literally didn’t have a chair to sit on. But still reeling from the impact of the abuse, she couldn’t find a steady job.

She turned to the only thing that gave her comfort: her art. For years, creating metal sculptures had been a kind of therapy, something she felt compelled to do.

She began to sell some of her work, but with no training and no business plan, she was still living off less than $500 a month. 

Then she heard about Enterprising Women, a training program for low-income women who were interested in starting their own business. She applied immediately, knowing it was a step in the right direction. 

Through the program, Cheryl learned what it means to be an entrepreneur, how to write a business plan, how to market her products, find suppliers, and secure financing. It also offered a matched savings component – for every dollar that Cheryl saved towards her business, the program would contribute another three dollars. She soon had a small pool of money to invest in her business.

Thanks to her new business know-how, Cheryl has been able to use her art to create a new beginning and generate a living wage. She’s also developed a line of handmade metalwork jewellery, “Cher-Wear,” which she’s planning to expand to retailers across the country.

“Things can still be a struggle sometimes,” she says, “But I have hope. Now I’ve got a network of people who believe strongly in my abilities. In learning about business, I also learned to place realistic expectations on myself. I also learned how to appreciate the value of my creativity and skills. The possibilities for me are endless!”