Hesitating to become an entrepreneur because she is a woman has never crossed Karen DepewSA国际影视传媒檚 mind.

As one of the co-owners of the Yellowknife Racquet Club, Depew said her gender was never a factor in her decision to become a business owner.

SA国际影视传媒淚 think it is a good business fit. I find it very exciting and very rewarding. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 busy,SA国际影视传媒� Depew, who is also the general manager, said.

SA国际影视传媒淚 have four male business partners and they are spectacular and very supportive,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

SA国际影视传媒淲e are all a team here. We all help each other and have integral parts that we play within the company.SA国际影视传媒�

On International WomenSA国际影视传媒檚 Day, Depew is one of the many women who could personify this yearsSA国际影视传媒� SA国际影视传媒榃omen Who DareSA国际影视传媒� theme.

Seizing on the opportunity to co-own the busy Racquet Club in 2022 after working there for a decade was the next logical step for Depew.

She said the previous owner taught her many aspects of running the Club.

SA国际影视传媒淚 feel that I already had a very good understanding of the business from working here for so many years.SA国际影视传媒�

SA国际影视传媒淚t was an easy transition in that way, as Devin (also one of the new co-owners) and I were already doing the day-to-day operations and running the business with our coworkers and now employees.SA国际影视传媒�

And while Depew said helping to run a business can have challenges such as the extra work of running a home and raising a family, it also has benefits.

SA国际影视传媒淭hatSA国际影视传媒檚 the only part of being a mother and a business owner, but that could happen for fathers, too. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 very busy which adds an extra dynamic to it because I am a very hands-on Mom and I have a close family.SA国际影视传媒�

SA国际影视传媒淏ut I think it is a great thing to be a mom with goals and aspirations who works hard because I am modeling that for my children, which is great,SA国际影视传媒� Depew said.

SA国际影视传媒淚 think it is a perfect fit because it is a building of health and wellness,SA国际影视传媒� she said of her work-life balance.

Comforts of home

One definite advantage of owning a fitness club, though, is that her two teenagers enjoy the atmosphere there also.

SA国际影视传媒淭hey work out at the racquet club and socialize here, so that makes it a really unique experience as a business owner.SA国际影视传媒�

As well as having a supportive family, Depew said the members and also the people they do business with are also very supportive and encouraging.

SA国际影视传媒淔or our members, this is like a home away from home, and we really get to know each other and ISA国际影视传媒檝e felt nothing but support from our members.

SA国际影视传媒淚 feel I have a lot of support in general.SA国际影视传媒�

Depew said she considers herself very lucky to be surrounded by a good team.

SA国际影视传媒淚 wouldnSA国际影视传媒檛 even consider doing this if I wasnSA国际影视传媒檛 part of a good team. This isnSA国际影视传媒檛 a one-person business at all. Your team is what matters the most.SA国际影视传媒�

SA国际影视传媒淔or the Racquet Club, itSA国际影视传媒檚 the team of owners and the team of other managers and the employees. That is our success SA国际影视传媒� our team.SA国际影视传媒�

She said as a business, they will continue to provide a great fitness and wellness experience for people and to continue exploring ways to provide really great customer service.

SA国际影视传媒淲e will continue to keep this place running because it is a home away from home for a lot of people.SA国际影视传媒�