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Get to Know: Natalie Spooner

Get to Know: Natalie Spooner

Natalie Spooner knows how to pump herself up. Whether it's telling herself she’s unstoppable or pumping breast milk for her baby in between periods of a professional hockey game, there doesn’t seem to be anything that can slow her down. It’s that kind of energy that makes her such a force on and off the ice and an integral part of helping get the PWHL to where it is now. Let’s get to know her.        Has hockey helped you affirm or realize any aspects of your identity or personality? I started playing hockey at four years old so it's always been a part of my life, and it’s taught me a lot about hard work, perseverance, and dedication. I don't think I would be the person I am without this sport. A lot of my personality has probably come from the energy I get from the teammates I’ve always been surrounded by. The best thing about being on a team is how much fun you have with your teammates. I think that has played a big role in shaping who I am.   I started playing hockey at four years old so it's always been a part of my life, and it’s taught me a lot about hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Why do you think it's important for women and girls to stay in sports? Teamwork, dedication, hard work, and time management—there are so many skills you learn through sports that I think everyone uses in their daily lives. It's so important for girls to have those experiences. For me, sports were always a great release. I’ve always felt free on the ice and just had so much fun playing. There's a lot of stress in the world, so why not go out, play a game, and have a lot of fun? Do you have any advice for young girls that are playing sports?  Believe in yourself. I think that that's the main thing. If I could go back, I would tell my little self to believe in myself and to know that you can achieve your dreams.  The other thing is that sports should be about having fun. I still remind myself every day to go back to thinking like that little girl who had so much fun playing hockey. That's what it's all about. So as long as you love what you're doing and having fun, it doesn’t feel like work. It's just fun. What do you think the development of the PWHL means for young women and hockey in general?  It means a lot. Not only are we able to have a career playing hockey, but all of those little girls who watch us get to have the dream of playing professional women's hockey, just like any little boy would have.  Is there anything that you wish non-athletes realized about professional women's hockey? I wish people knew more about all the amazing ladies that I get to play with and against. Before we had this professional league, there were ladies from all different walks of life: teachers, chiropractors, firefighters, police officers. Some women had full-time jobs and they would come and play hockey at night and be on the road all weekend.  This is the first year we’ve had a professional women's hockey league and we're able to make it into a career and have a salary. A lot of the ladies don't have to have side jobs or other careers now, and I think that’s amazing. It's going to help take women's hockey to the next level because everyone can focus on hockey and not have to worry about where their next paycheck is coming from.   This is the first year we’ve had a professional women's hockey league and we're able to make it into a career and have a salary. What was your involvement in getting the PWHL started? So in 2019, the CWL folded and we decided to come together, all the female hockey players, to create the PWHPA Players Association, and we ended up going on a Dream Gap tour. We played all across North America in all different rinks, and it was a great way to show there was a market for women's hockey.   From there we were lucky enough to get icons like Billie Jean King behind us. She’s one of the main people giving money. I don't think we could have gotten to where we are now without people like Billie Jean, Stan Kasten of the LA Dodgers, and Dana Halford. All of them really believed in the vision and we're just so lucky for their support. What it was like to become a mother as a professional athlete? It takes quite a bit of planning to start a family and then come back to sport. I had to time my pregnancy. So after the 2022 Beijing Olympics, we wanted to start a family, but I had set a goal I wanted to be back playing in the next world championships. Luckily, I got pregnant right away, and it all kind of went smoothly and I was able to achieve that goal. But it also meant that while I was playing hockey, I was still breastfeeding. So you were playing at this high level while you were still breastfeeding? Can you tell us about that? It was definitely a challenge. The time commitment that breastfeeding takes was one of the things that surprised me most about being a mom. I was able to bring him with me to most of the places I went because my mom would come along, too. But being away from him for games and practices, I had to get really good at being able to pump in the locker room or between periods. I had some pretty discrete pumps that I could just slip on in the locker room with the girls. I thought it was super funny when my teammates would look over and I’d be there pumping, and then either sending milk up or putting it in the fridge for after the game. When you're a high-performance athlete, you're trying to power through and so forth. Maintaining your milk and making sure you're drinking enough and eating enough was a struggle. During the world championships, we were in some pretty intense games. So that was hard, but I was able to make it through.    Being away from [my son] for games and practices, I had to get really good at being able to pump in the locker room or between periods. You were back playing hockey four months after you gave birth. What are some of the things that you didn't anticipate would impact your career as a professional athlete? I came back four months postpartum to play my first hockey game in the PWHPA to give myself a chance to get ready for the World Championships, which were around the five-month mark. There were so many unknowns going into pregnancy and training afterwards. I don't think I realized how much my body changed because it happened so slowly.   I came back four months postpartum to play my first hockey game in the PWHPA to give myself a chance to get ready for the World Championships. You kept skating until you were 36 weeks pregnant—what was that like? I just loved getting out on the ice and I think the rink was where I felt the most normal, before and after giving birth. It felt like some type of normalcy to go out there and get back to being with my teammates. Life as a new mom can be quite isolating, so to have my teammates around me again was really freeing and so much fun. It made me feel like myself again. How did you deal with the hunger, exhaustion, and sleep deprivation that pregnancy can cause?  So I found when I was breastfeeding, I was definitely eating way more every time I woke up in the night to feed. I also drank excessive amounts of water. Even when I was pregnant, I was so thirsty. I don't think I've felt that type of thirst before, but I just had to make sure I was eating whenever I was hungry and fueling my body. Is there anything else you want to share about your experience becoming a mom and having a career as a professional athlete? Were there any emotional impacts or unexpected challenges? When I became a mom, I did feel my priorities shift. Before, my whole life was built around hockey. And I would say I was a very selfish person in a sense. I was so committed to my training and that was really all that mattered. And then I had this baby that needed me and that I had to care for. When I would have to go away for games and bring him with me, my mom would come, but I still felt this sense of guilt when I was leaving him to go on the ice. At the same time, I knew this was what I needed.  So there was some learning to do there and some new balances to find between my love for hockey and my love for my baby. My baby takes priority, but I was able to find a pretty good balance between being a mom and coming back to play the sport I love. If you’re having a challenging time or need a confidence boost or something like that, are there any things you say to yourself? I tell myself to be unstoppable, and I just picture myself being so dominant. I literally just tell myself “Be unstoppable.”  We noticed you like to play in your Sparkle Balls™ and other H&B jewelry. Why do you find yourself drawn to it?  I remember when I got my first pair of Sparkle Balls™, I just loved the way I felt in them. It’s the same way now with my pearl Sparkle Balls™—I just feel really good whenever I wear them. They're my go-to's, and I have to wear the biggest ones.   I remember when I got my first pair of Sparkle Balls™️, I just loved the way I felt in them. Do you have any advice for women in general?  My advice for women would be to chase your dreams. No matter what. I can't say it's going to be easy. It's probably going to be difficult and there's going to be lots of twists and turns. But in the end, it's definitely worth it. You'll remember the journey more than the destination.    Chase your dreams. No matter what. By: Carter Selinger

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Get to Know: Natalie Spooner
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Get to Know: Natalie Spooner
Natalie Spooner knows how to pump herself up. Whether it's telling herself she’s unstoppable or pumping breast milk for her baby in between periods of a professional hockey game, there doesn’t seem to be anything that can slow her down. It’s that kind of energy that makes her such a force on and off the ice and an integral part of helping get the PWHL to where it is now. Let’s get to know her.        Has hockey helped you affirm or realize any aspects of your identity or personality? I started playing hockey at four years old so it's always been a part of my life, and it’s taught me a lot about hard work, perseverance, and dedication. I don't think I would be the person I am without this sport. A lot of my personality has probably come from the energy I get from the teammates I’ve always been surrounded by. The best thing about being on a team is how much fun you have with your teammates. I think that has played a big role in shaping who I am.   I started playing hockey at four years old so it's always been a part of my life, and it’s taught me a lot about hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Why do you think it's important for women and girls to stay in sports? Teamwork, dedication, hard work, and time management—there are so many skills you learn through sports that I think everyone uses in their daily lives. It's so important for girls to have those experiences. For me, sports were always a great release. I’ve always felt free on the ice and just had so much fun playing. There's a lot of stress in the world, so why not go out, play a game, and have a lot of fun? Do you have any advice for young girls that are playing sports?  Believe in yourself. I think that that's the main thing. If I could go back, I would tell my little self to believe in myself and to know that you can achieve your dreams.  The other thing is that sports should be about having fun. I still remind myself every day to go back to thinking like that little girl who had so much fun playing hockey. That's what it's all about. So as long as you love what you're doing and having fun, it doesn’t feel like work. It's just fun. What do you think the development of the PWHL means for young women and hockey in general?  It means a lot. Not only are we able to have a career playing hockey, but all of those little girls who watch us get to have the dream of playing professional women's hockey, just like any little boy would have.  Is there anything that you wish non-athletes realized about professional women's hockey? I wish people knew more about all the amazing ladies that I get to play with and against. Before we had this professional league, there were ladies from all different walks of life: teachers, chiropractors, firefighters, police officers. Some women had full-time jobs and they would come and play hockey at night and be on the road all weekend.  This is the first year we’ve had a professional women's hockey league and we're able to make it into a career and have a salary. A lot of the ladies don't have to have side jobs or other careers now, and I think that’s amazing. It's going to help take women's hockey to the next level because everyone can focus on hockey and not have to worry about where their next paycheck is coming from.   This is the first year we’ve had a professional women's hockey league and we're able to make it into a career and have a salary. What was your involvement in getting the PWHL started? So in 2019, the CWL folded and we decided to come together, all the female hockey players, to create the PWHPA Players Association, and we ended up going on a Dream Gap tour. We played all across North America in all different rinks, and it was a great way to show there was a market for women's hockey.   From there we were lucky enough to get icons like Billie Jean King behind us. She’s one of the main people giving money. I don't think we could have gotten to where we are now without people like Billie Jean, Stan Kasten of the LA Dodgers, and Dana Halford. All of them really believed in the vision and we're just so lucky for their support. What it was like to become a mother as a professional athlete? It takes quite a bit of planning to start a family and then come back to sport. I had to time my pregnancy. So after the 2022 Beijing Olympics, we wanted to start a family, but I had set a goal I wanted to be back playing in the next world championships. Luckily, I got pregnant right away, and it all kind of went smoothly and I was able to achieve that goal. But it also meant that while I was playing hockey, I was still breastfeeding. So you were playing at this high level while you were still breastfeeding? Can you tell us about that? It was definitely a challenge. The time commitment that breastfeeding takes was one of the things that surprised me most about being a mom. I was able to bring him with me to most of the places I went because my mom would come along, too. But being away from him for games and practices, I had to get really good at being able to pump in the locker room or between periods. I had some pretty discrete pumps that I could just slip on in the locker room with the girls. I thought it was super funny when my teammates would look over and I’d be there pumping, and then either sending milk up or putting it in the fridge for after the game. When you're a high-performance athlete, you're trying to power through and so forth. Maintaining your milk and making sure you're drinking enough and eating enough was a struggle. During the world championships, we were in some pretty intense games. So that was hard, but I was able to make it through.    Being away from [my son] for games and practices, I had to get really good at being able to pump in the locker room or between periods. You were back playing hockey four months after you gave birth. What are some of the things that you didn't anticipate would impact your career as a professional athlete? I came back four months postpartum to play my first hockey game in the PWHPA to give myself a chance to get ready for the World Championships, which were around the five-month mark. There were so many unknowns going into pregnancy and training afterwards. I don't think I realized how much my body changed because it happened so slowly.   I came back four months postpartum to play my first hockey game in the PWHPA to give myself a chance to get ready for the World Championships. You kept skating until you were 36 weeks pregnant—what was that like? I just loved getting out on the ice and I think the rink was where I felt the most normal, before and after giving birth. It felt like some type of normalcy to go out there and get back to being with my teammates. Life as a new mom can be quite isolating, so to have my teammates around me again was really freeing and so much fun. It made me feel like myself again. How did you deal with the hunger, exhaustion, and sleep deprivation that pregnancy can cause?  So I found when I was breastfeeding, I was definitely eating way more every time I woke up in the night to feed. I also drank excessive amounts of water. Even when I was pregnant, I was so thirsty. I don't think I've felt that type of thirst before, but I just had to make sure I was eating whenever I was hungry and fueling my body. Is there anything else you want to share about your experience becoming a mom and having a career as a professional athlete? Were there any emotional impacts or unexpected challenges? When I became a mom, I did feel my priorities shift. Before, my whole life was built around hockey. And I would say I was a very selfish person in a sense. I was so committed to my training and that was really all that mattered. And then I had this baby that needed me and that I had to care for. When I would have to go away for games and bring him with me, my mom would come, but I still felt this sense of guilt when I was leaving him to go on the ice. At the same time, I knew this was what I needed.  So there was some learning to do there and some new balances to find between my love for hockey and my love for my baby. My baby takes priority, but I was able to find a pretty good balance between being a mom and coming back to play the sport I love. If you’re having a challenging time or need a confidence boost or something like that, are there any things you say to yourself? I tell myself to be unstoppable, and I just picture myself being so dominant. I literally just tell myself “Be unstoppable.”  We noticed you like to play in your Sparkle Balls™ and other H&B jewelry. Why do you find yourself drawn to it?  I remember when I got my first pair of Sparkle Balls™, I just loved the way I felt in them. It’s the same way now with my pearl Sparkle Balls™—I just feel really good whenever I wear them. They're my go-to's, and I have to wear the biggest ones.   I remember when I got my first pair of Sparkle Balls™️, I just loved the way I felt in them. Do you have any advice for women in general?  My advice for women would be to chase your dreams. No matter what. I can't say it's going to be easy. It's probably going to be difficult and there's going to be lots of twists and turns. But in the end, it's definitely worth it. You'll remember the journey more than the destination.    Chase your dreams. No matter what. By: Carter Selinger
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Hauling Grain, Raising Kids and Feeding the World: Lexie Adamson Finds Empowerment in Farming
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Hauling Grain, Raising Kids and Feeding the World: Lexie Adamson Finds Empowerment in Farming
In Canada, and particularly in Saskatchewan, agriculture is an important industry and a way of life for many. And although most farms involve the entire family, farming is a male-dominated career with fewer female farmers running equipment, working day-to-day in the field on the farm operations. For Lexie Adamson, however, becoming a farmer was always a certainty. Since early childhood, Adamson wanted a life in Agriculture. “My whole life, I was going to farm. That’s never changed, not once.” Growing up on her family farm near Harris, SK, cemented her resolve. Her Dad and Uncle, both very progressive farmers, were early adopters of new crops, farm technology and techniques and made sure to immerse Adamson in every aspect of the farm from a young age—she ran equipment, went to board meetings for local Ag Organizations and tagged along to farm trade shows. Adamson met her husband, Kyle, while attending Lakeland College in Vermillion. After graduating, Adamson moved to Kindersley, SK where his business was located, but stuck to her commitment to a future as a farmer. While her husband ran a business in Kindersley, Adamson worked with determination to move forward in her farming career, commuting over an hour to the farm in addition to taking an off-farm job. These days, Adamson runs the farm with her brother and her dad still helps out. This year, they seeded 6500 acres. Adamson had to let go of her off-farm job to devote as much time as she could to her own farming operation. “I was starting to have breakdowns. I don’t regret it— it was a great run and the value that it’s brought to our farm [through knowledge gained] is unreal. Farming is a business; it has to be treated [as such]. And it’s so stressful trying to pick the right markets, making sure everything’s out for loans, making sure everything’s balanced. Your bills are endless.” “There are definitely perks to farming—running your own business, being self-employed—but I wish people understood what actually happens and how that food gets to your plate.” I ask if there are things she wishes people knew about farming and she is quick to dispel the social media myth of farmers sitting in an air-conditioned cab all day using GPS with their feet up. “Number one, there is no paycheque. Number two, what it actually costs to run a farm. People think, ‘oh, they have million-dollar equipment, they must be loaded’… what?! Do you think we walk in there with a wad of cash, and say, ‘here you go’? It’s a spreadsheet, a cost per acre of what you’re going to have to make to cover this stuff. And what a bag of canola costs, to what we can sell it for. There are definitely perks to farming, running your own business, being self-employed, but I wish people understood what actually happens and how that food gets to your plate, not just the pictures on social media. We’re never going to post on social media that we’re having a meltdown because we just opened a bin and it’s all rotten.”  The Adamsons have two children, a five-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son. Running two businesses while raising two kids comes with its fair share of challenges. During the growing season, she’s away from the kids for extended periods. “Harvest was really hard last year. Those six weeks, I barely saw the kids.” She also feels guilty when she has to leave the farm while her brother and dad are still working. “I’m a mom first, and I always will be. I never knew that kids would touch me this much, but they have to be happy. Can I hop off the combine to go watch something at school? No, but I can make that up to them in a different capacity. My kids and my marriage have to be happy.” “I’m a mom first, and I always will be. I never knew that kids would touch me this much, but they have to be happy.” When I ask Adamson about attitudes toward women working in Agriculture, her outlook is positive. “It’s come a long way. I have some awesome mentors, my mom being one of them.” That said, she has experienced pushback as a woman working in Agriculture. “My first job, [as an Agronomist] I was pregnant, and men were not very nice or understanding of that.” Working as a grain buyer, she had to work very hard to earn respect from farmers. Now that she’s farming full time, she finds it frustrating that sales reps automatically assume that she isn’t the decision-maker on the farm and head straight for her brother or dad when they arrive for sales calls. And when Adamson is asked what she does for a living and responds that she’s a farmer, she gets some sceptical looks and has received comments on her marriage that she and Kyle are a ‘backwards couple’. “It used to bother the heck out of me, but then I realized, what am I trying to prove? I’m using so much stress against that, and who cares? My kids are happy, we’re happy, we’re where we want to be. I sit on some awesome boards, I have a huge group of people who I look up to, and they’re [the ones] who matter.” “It used to bother the heck out of me, but then I realized, what am I trying to prove? I’m using so much stress against that, and who cares?” Along the way, Adamson has experienced moments of empowerment. During her off-farm work, she put the time and effort in to achieve a high quality of work. “When you start noticing that the farmers respect you, there’s nothing better.” One day on her own farm, a group of male sales reps stopped by with a meal in the field. Adamson, the last to arrive, had been driving a semi, hauling grain. She smiled at the surprised expressions as she climbed down from the cab to join them. “If more women can be empowered to do what I’m doing, things will be a lot more equal. It won’t be weird to see a female in the field running an air drill. Going to farm shows, there will be just as many women there as men—and not just running the booths, but walking the floor as farmers!” “It won’t be weird to see a female in the field running an air drill. Going to farm shows, there will be just as many women there as men—and not just running the booths, but walking the floor as farmers!” Adamson refuses to let judgement or cultural pressure to get in the way of building a life that fulfils her heart and soul. Sticking to her strong values of family, equality, and community, she leads the way as a fourth-generation farmer while remaining a devoted mom and wife. Writing: Stacy McIntosh Images: Supplied
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Women Who Sparkle: Sandy Wankel
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Women Who Sparkle: Sandy Wankel
The executive director and co-founder of Regina's North Central Family Centre improves lives with hard work, compassion, and love of her community.     As you walk into the North Central Family Centre in Regina, the sense of community pride is striking. The well-manicured yard, colourful play structure and bright front façade make the building shine like a precious gemstone; however, upon entering the doors, it’s soon apparent that it’s the individuals and volunteers inside who make the organization truly shine. And one individual in particular is the true crown jewel of the centre—Sandy Wankel. Wankel, the executive director and co-founder of the North Central Family Centre, selflessly and humbly attributes the success of the community organization to everyone involved—including volunteers, parents, sponsors, staff and others. It’s abundantly clear though, when talking to Wankel, that this sanctuary exists because of her hard work, compassion, kindness and love of the community.     The North Central Family Centre focuses on the children of the community, but works with entire families. It offers wrap-around programs—such as employment classes, cooking seminars, community outreach, and cultural programs—that engage everyone ages six through 80. The community of North Central Regina has faced many struggles, so the North Central Family Centre’s goal is to create and maintain positivity, empowerment and purpose throughout the entire community, and particularly for those most vulnerable—the youth. “One thing that makes us unique is that we’ve created an environment and brought in the community, so we’re a part of the community. I’ve always wondered about people when it’s top down—you can’t really tell people how to act, but you can show them. You have to help, you have to empower people, but the bottom-line is you just have to accept them, and work from there. And I think that’s what we’ve created here.” Wankel’s primary focus throughout her work is giving all of the members of the North Central Family Centre—and particularly the young women—a feeling of ownership in their lives, their homes, their communities and even in the world. “Our kids have had barriers and hardships in life, and we’re trying to get them to overcome. But you do that also by giving them a sense of [empowerment],” she says with a warm smile. “We always say to our kids here: ‘We want you in the parade. We don’t want you watching the parade. We’re part of a global world—you’re part of Regina, you’re part of Saskatchewan, you’re part of a world, and you have a voice to make a difference.’” Wankel’s encouragement and positive messaging to the youth of the North Central Family Centre has shifted how these beautiful people speak and think of themselves, and has nurtured the organization for 10 years. With Wankel’s leadership, this organization will continue to flourish.     Sitting in Wankel’s cozy office with inspirational messages, handmade art, and photos brightening the walls, it’s easy to tell that this woman is well loved and has loved well. Being a co-founder of such a pivotal community organization, seeking funding, asking for support and for people to care, are not easy tasks, and to do so with charisma and constant positive energy is even more difficult. Her courageous work and inspiring words paint a beautiful picture of a strong, empowered woman who celebrates vulnerability and embraces challenge: “I’m hearing impaired—I read lips. It’s been very challenging for me over the years. I do a lot of things scared. When I have to go talk, and I’m not sure if I’m going to hear the questions correctly, and I [still] do it. I do it because I had someone who gave me the strength to do that, and I want our youth to see that being scared is OK because it pushes them to be stronger. I want to be that person for them. We can give girls the strength to [work through challenges that] come in their way, and that’s why agencies like ours are here.” What stands out the most while speaking with Wankel is that no matter the hardships she faces with running a not-for-profit organization, she is constantly inspiring and building up others. “[The most rewarding thing we can do in life] is to watch a young girl that couldn’t even look at herself in the mirror, see herself in a different light, and start growing and evolving,” she says. Her biggest piece of advice for the young women she works with: “Don’t let anyone else define you. You define yourself and what you want in life. It doesn’t matter what’s behind you or what circumstances you come from, it’s all where you’re going. I want our girls to see themselves how they want to be. And to realize that, all these little things, it’ll pass someday. All these little insurmountable hurts, like any bullying or anything, this is a little part of their life right now. It will get better. And they will excel. And they will do well.” Wankel’s inspiring and challenging messages are for not only the youth of the North Central Family Centre, but for every woman—sage advice we can all incorporate into our lives.     As we wrapped up our conversation, we chatted about purpose in life. Years ago, as a young mom living in a small town searching for her purpose, Wankel asked herself what would be put on her tombstone. “That I was nice?” She laughs. “You know I really hope I make a difference in life. And I’ve been given this opportunity to do it. It’s been an incredible journey, and it’s never me alone.” It is clear that Wankel is very much making a difference in many lives, and will continue to attribute her success to all of the other individuals involved. Wankel is truly extraordinary—she knows it takes a village to raise a child and she has created that healing, empowering village in North Central Family Centre.     Moved by Wankel and the community she has brought together in the heart of Regina, we hosted a pancake breakfast for girls from the North Central Family Centre. The girls made two bracelets each—one to keep and one to be sold by Hillberg & Berk, with 100% of the proceeds going to the North Central Family Centre. In the end, the girls raised a total of $4,000 for the North Central Family Centre with the Sandy Bracelet; named, of course, after its inspirational namesake.  
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In Her Shoes
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In Her Shoes
Life as a Canadian Model Abroad   Hi! I’m Melissa   As the face of the Hillberg & Berk Valentine’s Day campaign and international model living in China, I often have conversations about how glamorous it is to have a career as a model. It’s funny—it seems those outside the industry associate modeling with luxurious travel, designer wardrobes and fashionable parties. Don’t get me wrong—I love my job; however, the truth about modeling is that it often entails long hours, demanding working conditions and major commitment. Here are a few of my favourite modeling myths to remind you that models are normal women, with flaws, challenges and ambition!     Myth #1: Penthouse suite, anyone? Unless you are Kendall or Gigi, the accommodation arrangement for many models (like me) means shared space. Imagine sharing one bathroom and kitchen with 9 other people! The upside to shared living is that women who start out as strangers become like your family. You celebrate special days, like Christmas and birthdays, together because we are all away from our homes and families. I have had so many wonderful people come in and out of my life throughout my career, but this is what models do. We are constantly on the move.     Myth #2: Private jets and first class More like last minute plane rides, public transportation and even scooters. From castings, to fittings, to shoots, models often need to travel all the time. I have become very good at getting around foreign places because my career depends on it.     Myth #3: Everyday's like Sunday Sleeping in, lounging in PJs, slow-moving mornings. Sounds nice, right? Well, my days are nothing like that. Think: 200+ outfit changes in one day, 30-40 poses in 60 seconds or less, high heels for hours and no personal space.Or, think of being in a room with 150 beautiful women and feeling vulnerable and exposed at a casting. In this industry you need thick skin, perseverance and a little grit to get by.     Now that I have painted a more accurate image of my life as a model, you must be wondering, is it worth it? Even though at times all I want is the comfort of home (or just a baked potato), I wouldn’t change anything. This industry is not for everyone, but it has broadened my perspective and taken me to places some people only dream about. I have discovered new cultures, new fashion styles and learned Mandarin and even some Portuguese.I am so lucky to have the opportunity to meet so many nice people along the way and I have friends now from all over the world. If you chase a dream that ignites your passion, you will discover your very own pot of gold (with or without the private jet).  
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Hockey with Heart
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Hockey with Heart
Olympic Gold Medalist, Meaghan Mikkelson, gives us a peek into the world of women's hockey As a player for the CWHL's Calgary Inferno, Meaghan Mikkelson is immersed in the busy world of competitive hockey. We sat down with her to gain some insight into women's hockey, and how she manages her work/life balance as a new mom.     How long have you been playing hockey? I’ve been skating since I was 4 years old and playing hockey since I was 6 years old. Why did you want to play hockey? I actually started off playing ringette when I was 5 years old. I went to the outdoor rink with my younger brother, Brendan, and his hockey team, and I decided that I wanted to play hockey too. Hockey is in my family as well. My great uncle Jim McFadden played for the Detroit Red Wings, winning a Stanley Cup and the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year and my dad Bill Mikkelson played for the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders.     Can you give a quick “day-in-the-life” on a game day? I wake up with my son Calder, who is a very good sleeper, knock on wood, and sleeps until around 8 am, have coffee and we both have breakfast. We relax around the house, play, do laundry and get pre-game meal organized—with a few diaper changes mixed in there of course! After lunch, my husband Scott normally takes Calder out for an hour or two so I can have some time to rest and mentally prepare for the game that night. Once they come home, we put Calder down for a nap, have pre-game meal, and then we head to the game. With my husband Scott being the head coach of the Inferno, we rely on family or our babysitter to watch Calder while we are at the rink. Was it a hard decision to continue to play competitively after you had your son? It was a hard decision because I wanted to be the best mother to my son that I could be, and I didn’t want to do anything that would compromise that, but I also knew that I wasn’t ready to retire competitively. The hardest part about it was knowing how hard and challenging the process of coming back after pregnancy and delivering my son would be, not only physically, but also in balancing the demands of being an elite athlete and a mother. Luckily, I have had the greatest support network in my husband, my family, friends, and teammates. They knew that I was up for the challenge, and they have been there for me every step of the way!     What have been the challenges you’ve faced being a woman playing hockey? The greatest challenge I have faced has been taking the time off during my pregnancy, having my son, making a comeback, and the day-to-day challenges and stress in balancing being a mother and a female hockey player. I came back to playing 3 months after my son, and faced a series of strains, pulls, and minor injuries as my body worked to recover from my pregnancy and giving birth. You hear about NHL players having new babies, and while I sympathize with the sleepless days/nights and challenges that come along with being a new parent, being a breastfeeding mother playing hockey at an elite level along with the sleepless days/nights and challenges that come along with being a new parent is a whole new ballgame!     What do you think needs to be done to put women’s hockey on a level playing field with men’s? I think that people need to see women’s hockey for what it is, and that is a different product than the men’s game. I am not sure what the future for women’s hockey holds, but I am very optimistic as I continue to see the growth and popularity of the game. There are so many people that are working tirelessly to increase the visibility and credibility of our game, and I don’t think it is a matter of “if” the game will take off, but rather a matter of “when”. Our game has a very promising future. What advice do you have for girls who want to play hockey? I would tell them to find what you are passionate about and set goals for yourself. There are so many opportunities out there for young female hockey players, whether it is traveling to play, getting a scholarship to a University, or simply learning skills that transfer into the real world, hockey has so much to offer. I would also tell them that they are strong and can do anything they set their minds to!  
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She Means Business
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She Means Business
Sweet Pea & Noelle Founder, Morgan Mayer, gives us tips on how to kick-start your own business Starting Sweet Pea & Noelle took a village, a dose of insanity and a heck of a lot of courage. Building your own business is not always pretty. In fact, it's downright dirty at times — but it's worth every second.     1.PLAN When I decided to start this venture, I was excited, nervous and overwhelmed with the thought of the work to be done. The first order of business was to make a plan. I outlined the steps that needed to be taken and the time that needed to be invested (not to mention the dollar dollar bills, y'all). Although daunting, my business plan was and still is, an essential part of planning. With everything circling around in my head all at once, it was better to take it one step at a time. Prioritize. Start small. Lists were my greatest tool and my biggest enemy.     2. PEOPLE I found my village. Seek out those who you will learn from and those that you need most. I cannot express how important this step was for me. You will find special people that share a passion, a drive, and in my case, sometimes even your bloodline. I found myself at a crossroads many, many times. These people were there to motivate me and bring me out of the mud. Even when every cell in my body wanted to save my sanity and give up, I listened to these people, learned from them and will never forget them.     3. PUSH I had a plan and a team — now came the time to utilize everything and put it all to work. When something didn’t go as planned, I was forced to adapt. I pushed through. The urge to give up and the anxiety that comes along with starting a business often overtook my very being. However, I had a plan and a goal. I asked those people to help push me through — even if it meant paying them with the international friendship currency of pizza and wine. Because no great story started with salad.     xoxo,
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Women In Uniform
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Women In Uniform
Lieutenant Colonel Gwen Bourque and Major Gillian Dulle Inspire Confidence, Resilience and National Pride Amidst a sea of gowns and bow ties at the Support Our Troops Gala held in Regina on November 5, Gwen and Gillian stand out not only because they don their full Army Mess Kit, but also because they account for a few of the handful of women in uniform.     A few weeks prior to the black tie gala, we were lucky to meet Gwen and Gillian in a more casual environment to talk about their experience as women in our Canadian Military. Although we knew that Gwen and Gillian were strong, tough women before our meeting, we were left inspired by their confidence and genuine nature. As Gwen suggests, her role in the military requires confidence: "You know really we learn about discipline and if you’re not confident, people don’t really take you seriously so you have to be confident and know what you’re talking about," she says.     Gwen and Gillian have experienced challenges while serving, as both have deployed to Afghanistan; however, both women glow with pride as they talk about representing Canada. Gwen says, "It was such a great feeling to get out there, be able to represent Canada, and help other cultures. It was just a really exciting time because you really felt like you were making a difference."     As representatives of the Canadian Armed Forces, Gillian and Gwen offer their support to the partnered charities of the Support Our Troops Yellow Ribbon Pin, the Military Families Fund and Solider On. We are honoured to work with empowered women like Gwen and Gillian and think of them as we pin our yellow ribbons to our chests.  
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