WATCH: How these local moms are making their mark

Being a mom and a business owner can be challenging but a trio of Kelowna women are making an impression and their efforts are being recognized.

Alex Carino, Hannah Day, and Ashley Stone have made it into the top 100, from 700 other women for Canada’s Total Mom Pitch, an online competition run by a support network. It offers a $30,000 grand prize to a deserving ‘mompreneur’ as well as education and networking opportunities.

Each of these women have started their own business venture from the ground up while handling the day-to-day duties of being a mom.

Stone, a nurse by trade, founded The Village App, which is a ‘troll-free’ social network that offers help for people through peer-to-peer support.

“I had a surprise third pregnancy that turned out to be twins and I needed help, and there wasn’t a lack of people offering help, but asking and connecting with those people was difficult,” she said. “I didn’t find the current platforms really suited my needs, so I set out to create my own.”

Stone was nominated for the competition last year and said something like this really helps women who want that healthy balance.

“I think the business world has never been welcoming to the moms. I know when I’m talking to Venture Capitalists, and investors, I have to hide the fact I’m a mom although my story hinges on that. Having this competition that celebrates you and celebrates those challenges is important.”

Hannah Day, a mom of two, started BirthPrep Yoga™, a prenatal program, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You just need to reach out for help and that you can do it, you can be an entrepreneur and do what you love and be passionate about it,” she said. “Just because you’re a mom, it doesn’t mean you have to stop that.”

Day added when she was nominated, it was good justification for the work she put in.

“It was a huge affirmation that what I’m doing is something people need and want. You can be a mom and a business owner and a mom boss,” she said.

Alex Carino, is the founder of ProducKidvity, which provides childcare and office spaces in the same building. When she got the call she had been nominated, it was affirmation for her new start-up.

“Starting a new business, you never really know how things are going to go or if people think your ideas are as good as you think,” she said. “Just being able to be in the top 100 across Canada among 700 applicants really speaks to other people validating my idea as well.”

She offered some words of wisdom for moms who want to pursue entrepreneurship.

“Its fulfilling, but it’s a stressful journey to be on,” Carino said. “If you have an idea that speaks to you so much and know you have it in your head, you’re getting that for a reason. I think everyone gets these ideas because they’re meant to have them.”

The winner of the contest will be announced May 30th.