While managing her own business and raising four kids, Duette Anderson says she is living the dream.
A registered nurse of 13 years, the Panorama Ridge resident said she had always aspired to do something more entrepreneurial.
“Even though I was a nurse, I always had this passion about starting up my own business,” she said.
Four years ago, Anderson, 39, started a business, working as an independent distributer for SendOutCards, an online company that prints customized cards, stamps and mail.
After finding herself at home because of the toll that nursing was taking on her, Anderson said her side business was what allowed her to continue to keep her income up.
“SendOutCards is that vehicle that has allowed me to really still make my income, be my own boss, make my own hours, just really be the mom I want to be.”
Now working part-time as a nurse in Langley, Anderson said running her business has let her spend even more time with her children.
“It was really for that time freedom and flexibility. Especially after I had my fourth child about three years ago, I really wanted a way to stay home with him, and just be more available for my kids, because my oldest is actually 18, and believe it or not, at the age of 18, my kids still need me as much as they did when they were newborns.”
Anderson also said her new career has given her an outlet to be creative.
“I’ve always been creative in the sense that I’ve always liked to make people feel good. I like to put joy in people’s life, find joy in situations, you know maybe somebody’s had a birthday, maybe somebody’s having a rough time. And so I always like to make really cute cards to uplift people’s spirits, just show gratitude and kindness, and SendOutCards allows me to do that.”
Last weekend, Anderson received even more confirmation that she has chosen the right path. She won the 2017 Mompreneur Award of Merit in Ontario.
Mompreneurs is an organization that aims to connect women entrepreneurs with families across Canada.
Anderson said that the best part about winning was that her oldest daughter joined her at the National Mompreneurs Conference in Toronto.
“It’s honestly been so thrilling and exciting… And you know, to have her see her mom up on stage, her mom living out her dreams – not only my dreams, but other women living out their dreams – for me that was a priceless example that I could set for my daughter.”
Anderson wants to be able to set an example for other women who may want to pursue business, and that you shouldn’t be afraid to chase your dreams.
“Have no fear, go for it. It’s going to take time, but don’t give up. I always tell people you can rest, but you never give up,” she said.
“Because during this whole time too, things haven’t been perfect, I’ve had my health challenges, but I’ve never, ever given up, and I’ve just kept going, and leveraging and getting other people to help, so perseverance, don’t give up, have fun, and just really stick to it.”
