I work out of my home, which can be an isolating thing, and this is an amazing way to meet other women entrepreneurs so we can compare and contrast our business issues. I am just excited by the number of women in our community who are running their own businesses! -Sarah Zimmerman, saz communications, Terrace BC-
Sandra Wright - Accupro Trademark Services LLP, Lower Mainland
Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, Sandra Wright was never very far away from the realities of being self-employed. “I have always been very independent and a bit of a control freak!” laughs Wright. “In most companies, your success or growth is dependant upon someone else recognizing your skill and your desire to move up the corporate ladder. I wanted to have complete control over my own professional development and my career.”
During the first four years of operation of Accupro Trademark Services, it was just Wright and her assistant working long hours to build a solid foundation for the business. “I have twenty years experience in this field; I have seen a lot of companies succeed and a lot of companies fail. Setting up the systems so the business runs smoothly is so important to the growth of a company,” acknowledges Wright. “I'm very fortunate: I have a great business partner, Trisha Doré, a great team of dedicated individuals and wonderful clients that we really enjoy working with.”
So where did Wright learn these important lessons that helped her to create a successful company? Other than her entrepreneurial father, she was fortunate enough to have two mentors in her life. “My first mentor helped me early on in my career to understand the administrative and organizational aspects of business. My second mentor taught me about my current field. He allowed me the opportunity to be ‘hands on’ in the operation of his business. He encouraged my entrepreneurial spirit. He taught me to believe in myself,” says Wright.
And now Wright is passing along those same life and business lessons to the next generation of entrepreneurs though the Women’s Enterprise Centre’s One-to-One Mentoring and Peer Mentoring programs. “Mentors are there to teach and share their experiences,” says Wright.
Wright’s dedication to helping women also extends to her involvement with The Association of Women Business Owners of the Lower Mainland. By surrounding herself with so many amazing and inspirational women, she has learned a few lessons: “Take your time when starting a business: research your field, research your market and research your location. Don’t expect your business to be a success overnight because it’s going to take time."
.
