Owner and CEO, Mine & Yours
Age 39
What career highlight are you most proud of?
A career highlight I’m proud of was taking over my family’s sawmill business during a challenging period. I came into a business where most people had been in the industry for over 20 years and admittedly did not know much to start. This experience was an invaluable MBA, which ultimately gave me the confidence to venture out and start Mine & Yours. It reinforced my belief that with a strong vision and grit, you can truly transform a business and build something impactful.
What has been your toughest business or professional decision to date?
The toughest decision I’ve faced was buying out my business partner. In the early years, we had so much fun building Mine & Yours together, sharing a vision and passion that made those initial challenges exciting rather than daunting. They really were some highlight years. She brought incredible vision and energy, and I’m grateful for everything we accomplished side by side. Ultimately, though, I felt that to reach the next phase of growth personally and professionally, I needed to take the business forward on my own.
How do you lead?
My leadership style is all about trust and giving my team a little breathing room. I believe in giving my team the freedom to make their own calls, even if it means the occasional stumble along the way. (Mistakes are the best teachers and I’ve made a fair share of them myself.)
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
The biggest lesson hands down is that people come first. Whether it’s our clients or our team, making sure they’re happy is everything. A happy team creates a vibe that spills over to our customers, and when clients feel valued, they keep coming back. Happy team, happy clients—it’s a win-win. This approach has been key to building our brand and it’s shown me that putting relationships at the centre of the business is the best recipe for success.
Best piece of advice ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve received is you’ve only got one life so enjoy the ride, celebrate each win (big or small) and trust yourself along the way. In business, especially as a woman, it’s easy to second-guess yourself or feel like you don’t belong. But this advice has kept me from getting caught up in those doubts. Every milestone is worth soaking in, and I know that growth, with all its ups and downs, is part of the whole experience. Sure, there’s always a next goal, but being present makes it all way more rewarding.
What is your definition of success?
For me, success boils down to having time freedom. It’s about being able to choose how I spend my days—whether it’s diving into the business, spending time with friends and family or doing something just for me. Success isn’t just about hitting revenue goals or getting shiny awards (except for Forty under 40!)—it’s about building a life that lets me fully enjoy the life I’m creating.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, I love creating memorable experiences with friends and family. Whether it’s planning fun gatherings, kite-surfing, skiing or heading to Burning Man, I love bringing a little adventure and fun into our lives. Life’s all about making memories, and I take real joy in bringing people together for those feel-good moments.
What’s left to accomplish?
There’s still so much left to accomplish. First we’re focused on expanding our online business to reach even more customers. Next, we’re planning to open a few more retail locations across Canada—and I’ve got my sights set on Miami, too. Each step is a chance to grow our Mine & Yours community and share the most sustainable way to shop luxury, secondhand.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or acknowledge?
Sophia Koumbis, my director of brand but right-hand for the last three years. She helped elevate our business into luxury, has been a huge support to the team and is just an overall amazing person to be around.
A personal motto, favourite phrase or saying that resonates with you?
Live luxuriously with less
A philanthropic, charitable or community cause or organization you support?
I support The Forum, which empowers female entrepreneurs, and CANFAR, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding for HIV/AIDS research and prevention
What do you do to unwind, relax or de-stress?
As an extroverted extrovert, to unwind and relax I socialize and hang out with friends
Favourite place in the province?
Desolation Sound—I’ve only been there once, but the boat trip I took was unforgettable
Favourite restaurant(s)?
My favourite restaurant is Loulas: The food is fantastic, and the vibe is even better—it’s a great spot to enjoy a night out
A book or podcast you would recommend?
I recently read Unreasonable Hospitality and loved it. It talks about creating exceptional experiences and building meaningful connections—this is our inspiration at Mine & Yours
A B.C. business leader you admire?
Shayna Mcquisten—I am so impressed about how much she can accomplish in a day while raising a family and maintaining a social life
Tell us one surprising or little-known fact about yourself.
I once was a competitive synchronized swimmer
