How do you take your coffee (or tea!)?

What’s your favourite scent?

Abercrombie Men’s cologne lol

What inspires you to be an instrument for change?

The inspiration to be an instrument of change stemmed from the breakdowns in my life and witnessing hardships in others. The injustice and the challenges people face breaks my heart and always brings me tears.

I remember asking God, the Creator, or the Universe (whatever resonates with you!) for a second chance to do things without control. In response, a whisper told me to be an instrument of love. Without fully understanding, I left my job and embarked on a journey to discover what that truly meant, leading me to the “I Am Love” project.

How did you start the I Am Love Project and how did it become the Social Enterprise it is today?

Started with $500 and only one style of bracelet every month!

I Am Love Project was born out of a desire to help and give back. Our socially conscious enterprise began in 2018 – leaning on our founder, Amy Tung’s, calling of reaching out and supporting others, including smaller local charities who lack the funding . Spreading love was always the goal; we believe everyone is worthy of love, should be loved, and feel love regardless of age, gender, or sex.

We began making bracelets that were created as a reminder for the wearer to align with their purpose and lead with intention, using the energy emanating from the stones. These bracelets 2 were sold to raise funds for local charities, schools, non-profits, and other organization – and we saw interest in and support of our business flourish beyond what we thought was possible. The bracelets started snowballing, growing and growing until the world came to a screeching halt in 2020. The stillness, while difficult, gave us the time and space to dive further into our organization and distill the next path forward for us: helping the community at a grassroots level.

Through COVID-19, where so many vulnerable people – and women specifically – lost their sources of income, we have pivoted from our fundraising-first model to provide support for our community and its members from the ground up. Our business model is now oriented around providing employment and the opportunity to learn new skill sets in the post-Covid job market for women facing barriers. With this renewed approach, we’re able to strengthen and support from many different levels – through the design and manufacturing of our products, to sourcing supplies and material from local makers and small businesses.

What has been your most exciting experience as an entrepreneur or community advocate so far?

The most thrilling aspect of being an entrepreneur and community advocate is the personal and professional growth I’ve encountered. Life unfolds in unexpected ways when you don’t try to control every outcome.

Engaging in conversations and learning from diverse people fascinates me. Serving as a Manitoba delegate at the United Nations was a phenomenal experience. Awards and media appearances provide a sense of encouragement, affirming that I’m on the right path for what the world needs.

What are some of the challenges you’ve overcome with your business?

Navigating the path of my business has been marked by heartfelt challenges, particularly in tackling the ebb and flow of cash and finding the right partners. It’s a delicate balance of being lean. Personally, I commit my full-time efforts to volunteering for “I Am Love” alongside my day job, driven by the belief that being paid would limit our ability to empower more women. It may seem unconventional, but there’s a deep resonance in this approach for me.

Our search for partners revolves around individuals passionate about our cause, willing to lend a helping hand as we lay the foundation. The journey of embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion is far from linear. Each step introduces nuanced implications and challenges, acknowledging the varied needs of everyone involved. Our commitment remains unwavering—to establish fair and just processes, ensuring that every effort results in providing fair wages to those we aim to support.

What is one piece of advice you would give to people looking to “Lead with Love”?

For those on the journey to “Lead with Love,” let me share from the heart: you’ll find immense gratitude for letting go of conditional love and embracing the unconditional. This shift isn’t just a personal transformation; it’s a soul-stirring experience that sets off a profound ripple effect. When you extend a compassionate hand to one person, you ignite a chain reaction where they, in turn, ensure that the door remains wide open for others. It’s a journey of love that touches hearts and weaves connections, leaving a lasting impact on both you and those whose paths you cross.