Behchoko resident nabs $3,000 funding grant for beauty salon idea

The first annual Entrepreneurship in the North event, hosted at the Quality Inn and Suites April 2-3, provided funding and support for fresh ideas coming from Northerners such as Candace Lafferty, who took top prize.

Ethan Butterfield Apr 5, 2022 10:15 AM

28675027_web1_220406-YEL-Entrepreneur-Business_1 — Candace Lafferty, 27, of Behchoko was the recipient of a $3,000 micro grant awarded on April 3 through the Entrepreneurship in the North event created by Communities Building Youth Futures Yellowknife. Ethan Butterfield/NNSL photo

SA国际影视传媒淚 was like, SA国际影视传媒極h my, I really didnSA国际影视传媒檛 think that I would win,SA国际影视传媒� said Lafferty, 27.

After a DragonSA国际影视传媒檚 Den-style judging panel called The RavenSA国际影视传媒檚 Nest heard from more than a dozen participants, Lafferty was awarded a $3,000 funding grant while Jake Olson received $1,500 as the runner-up.

LaffertySA国际影视传媒檚 reaction to winning was one of shock.

SA国际影视传媒淚 left in a hurry,SA国际影视传媒� she said in reference to the event. SA国际影视传媒淚 just kind of went for my pitch. I wasnSA国际影视传媒檛 there (for the announcement of the winners) because I left back to Behchoko and I got a text that I won.SA国际影视传媒�

LaffertySA国际影视传媒檚 pitch revolved around opening a nail and eyelash salon in her home community of Behchoko. Her venture will either be based out of her home or her Uncle TonySA国际影视传媒檚 convenience store in the area.

SA国际影视传媒淚 was kind of thinking at home first to start because I got an extra room, see how it goes from there,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Before she can open her door, however, sheSA国际影视传媒檒l be using her grant money to receive proper training in beauty care and purchasing the necessary tools and supplies to help stock her beauty salon.

Lafferty conceived the idea during the entrepreneurship event. She said she wants to do something that offered her home community a service in an untapped area.

SA国际影视传媒淢any of us here have to go into (Yellowknife) and sometimes miss appointments,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒�(People) would like to get their nails done, (and it) probably will be better here locally.SA国际影视传媒�

She wants to pursue her beauty business as seasonal endeavour, with a focus on the summer.

SA国际影视传媒淪ummerSA国际影视传媒檚 coming and girls all get ready for the summer,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Olson, owner of YK Silver and Gold, earned second place with his locker business pitch, which seeks to provide supply-related subscription-based storage.

Entrepreneurship in the North was created through Communities Building Youth Futures Yellowknife, with assistance from groups like Inspire NWT.