Organization of Women in Trade- Toronto, Women Exporter Award Nomination

Posted: 22/09/2009 | Author: soak | Filed under: Business | Leave a comment

I was recently asked to write, in under 300 words, how we, at Soak, advance women and/ or the image of Canadian business women through our business in submission to the OWIT Women Exporter Award. I was also recently told that good blog postings should be under 300 words. The coincidence suggests I should post my competition submission here. Let’s hope we win.

The foundation of our company Soak Wash Inc. is led and supported by Canadian business women. Our customers are (predominantly) women, from lingerie boutique owners, to department store buyers to international distributors. Many of our suppliers, consultants and advisors are also Canadian business women. Through our products and brand, we not only present Soak Wash Inc. to the international scene, but also the contributions of the many other women led organizations with whom we collaborate.

As active members in the community we work to promote women as business leaders and educated members of the community on women in business. Jacqueline is active with OWIT, Organization of Women in Trade, CYBF, sitting on the advisory board for the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, speaking at Toronto’s small business forum and lecturing/ teaching at various schools and organizations. We collect information on international issues, regulations etc., then, refine it, validate it, document it, apply it and store it for future reference. That way, when other business leaders ask us questions on topics where we may have struggled, we can quickly and easily offer up solutions, direction and our business’ success story as an example.

We also support new business owners by providing mentoring, guidance and leadership as young companies, led by women, take their first steps onto the international market. We would not be where we are today- UK, US, AUS, NZ, JAP if it weren’t for other women business leaders who gave us similar support when we needed it, as we grew.

We are proud of the international exposure our brand earns and strive towards representing Canadian businesses and women as we grow worldwide. We take this honour very seriously, knowing we represent more than the collective of our products and industry, we represent all Canadian business women.

Rack of the Week

Posted: 19/05/2009 | Author: soak | Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The concept of posting about someone else’s blog on our blog seems a bit random to me. Having said that, many people are enjoying Secrets from your Sister’s blog- especially the page called ‘rack of the week’. Late at night, towards the end of the TBDC awards, I wanted to share my accomplishment with Secrets by sending a snap shot of my super fantastic lingerie (from their shop of course) that I was wearing under my dress. Long story short… see their blog- ‘rack of the week’.

Berroco Blockhead!

Posted: 14/05/2009 | Author: soak | Filed under: Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Our friends at Berroco are having a Soak giveaway on their blog. We love the comments so thought we’d share them.

Famous Government Officials…

Posted: 14/05/2009 | Author: soak | Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

At the recent TBDC awards, I was graciously invited to a private reception with the Lieutenant Governor Of Ontario. Here is a lovely shot of the group of finalists (all category winners, although we didn’t know for sure at the time of the reception) with the honourable David C. Onley.

Award Finalists + Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

On another equally exciting note, earlier this spring, we were graced by a visit from Mississauga’s Internationally recognized Mayor, Hazel McCallian, C.M. Hazel has been the Mayor of Mississauga for over 30 years. She is a legend. We had invited her (and many other local officials) to our open house last summer. Regrettably, she was unable to attend. She showed up in March with all of the notes from the summer’s event and her eagerness to learn about our product, tour our office and meet us herself. We were both honoured and thrilled by the impromptu visit. We liked her car too!

Excellence in Youth Entrepreneurship

Posted: 07/05/2009 | Author: soak | Filed under: Uncategorized | 2 Comments

It is going to be a long day. Mid-week parties are exhausting!

Last night, Soak was honoured with the award for Excellence in Youth Entrepreneurship.

Jacqueline at the Gala The event was held at the Granite Club. Suhana Meharchand (CBC) was the Emcee for the lovely evening. We heard from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Minister of Small Business and Consumer Services, Louise Russo and several members of the Toronto Business Development Centre’s Board of Directors and Staff.

I enjoyed seeing old friends from when the Soak office was at the TBDC building as well as new friends from our current business ventures. All of the finalists deserve recognition for their hard work, dedication and exceptional businesses.

We enjoyed the Silent Auction- with proceeds going towards the creation of the New Opportunities Incubator- designed to help entrepreneurs with disabilities start and grow successful business ventures. I purchased a wine tasting trip to a a Niagara area vineyard. That will be a lovely summer outing for our staff and those who work endlessly to support our business.

Essence of Entrepreneurship Awards

Posted: 06/05/2009 | Author: soak | Filed under: Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Keep your fingers crossed today. Soak is up for two awards tonight.

We also have the privilege of attending a private reception with the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. When you have time, check out his website. It’s full of interesting details and protocols.

I’ll be sporting my blue and white dress and my favourite shoes, my Peter Fox spectators. They’re old, yet classic.

Peter Fox Spectators

Live interview later today.

Posted: 01/04/2009 | Author: soak | Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

AT 12:40pm PT (3:40, for those of us in EST) you can listen to Jacqueline talk about Soak and entrepreneurship on Diva Craft Lounge. The interview starts at 12:00, with entrepreneurs Virginia Green and Mary Lyn Miller. Enjoy!

Soaking up her MBA

Posted: 31/03/2009 | Author: soak | Filed under: Business | 2 Comments

"Before the MBA, I wouldn't even know where to find a company's annual report," says Jacqueline Sava.

See Jacqueline in today’s FP Executive section of the Financial Post.

Settling in after a trip to the UK and New York

Posted: 30/03/2009 | Author: soak | Filed under: Knitting, Quilting, Soak Stockists, Travel | 1 Comment

We’re recently back from launching Soak in the UK at the Craft Stitch and Hobby show.

The launch was amazing- over 15 editorial pick-ups as well as signing on new stockists.

Here’s a sneak peak of our set-up with our new distributor EQS. We’ve also started the sample program in the UK, (Sample program: Are you a Soak retailer having an event or in-store promotion? We’ll happily send free mini-soak treats for your event, to launch and promote Soak to your customers. If you’re a guild/ stitch club member we can send you treats too, just tell us who your favourite shops are. Just ask!) so our stores there can introduce Soak in the same exceptional fashion we do on this side of the ocean.