MEET CHRISTINE!

How did you get started in this cause/line of work/career?

I love social media & seeing people around me succeed so launching Media Productive was a no brainer for us.  Media Productive is a social media management company specializing in small business and retail.  We truly love getting to know our clients, understanding how their businesses run, seeing the passion in their eyes and hearing the excitement in their voices as they talk about their business is so inspiring.  Knowing that we can come in and take over their social media accounts so they can focus on the heart of their business and to the things they love to do - that’s what it is all about.

Volunteering on the board of Dress for Success Calgary has been rewarding and a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community.  Dress for Success Calgary is a non-profit organization that works to promote the economic independence of women in Calgary by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools necessary to thrive in our city.  We could not do what we do without the support of our community. 

What is the most fulfilling part of your work?  The diversity

There are so very many fulfilling things about this work! It is incredibly rewarding to meet with these amazing, talented, local people and transform their vision to a tangible fruition and see their business grow in part, thanks to our work.

How do you balance work, family, and other commitments? 

With a great sense of humour, wine and knitting.  Oh, and of course, cuddles with the hubby and furr-babies. 

What is something people would be surprised to know about you? 

When I was barely 15 years old, I was assaulted by a group of 6 young men.  I was at a house party, and being the rebellious teen that I was, decided it a wise idea to drink alcohol - and I drank too much.  I blacked & passed out, have very little memory of the night other than knowing that I was in the back of a car…

That night and the events that transpired after, changed my life forever.  I was ridiculed, hospitalized, attempted suicide & quit high school.  I had many highs and lows in the years following which included more hospitalization, completing high school and attending college. It wasn’t until I was in my 20’s that I was finally diagnosed with PTSD as result of the assault. 

My life was forever changed on that cold December night in the suburbs of Victoria.  It has taken me a long time to forgive myself, to understand that I am strong enough to live the life I have been given and to realize that my life is a gift.  I now strive to make a difference in the lives of people around me whether it is in business, volunteering, or friendships.  All lives matter.

How would you describe your relationship with your family?

I adore my family! My father passed away just over a year ago and as I flew back and forth from Calgary to Victoria, it became wildly apparent to us that we need to put into motion, a plan to move back to B.C. I have been in Alberta for 14 years and I miss my family, the ocean, the rain…!  It is where my soul is.  My heart.

What is your greatest accomplishment? 

Love.  Finding a pure, honest love within myself.  In turn, this self-love has given me the ability to share in this love with my husband, John. 
Love is not always an easy feat, but it is the most important lesson and feeling I could honor myself and others with.

What is your greatest failure and what did you learn from it?  

I have failed many times and all it means is  that I have been given many times to get up and try again.  Failure has taught me to be humble.  Failure has taught me to never say never.  Failure has taught me to say no.  Failure has given me strength.

What were you doing 5 years ago? What advice would you have for yourself at that time?

I was head of adoptions at the Calgary Humane Society.  

At that time I would have told myself that a job does not define who you are!  Listen to your gut! 

Where do you want to be in 5 years? How do you think you will get there?

I WILL be in B.C. for sure.  The great thing about that work that I do now is that it is transferable, so that will be easy to transition that part of life.  My family is already there, and quite frankly, our friends can visit us frequently for a break in the usual crazy Calgary weather.

What piece of life advice would you give to someone who says they want to follow in your footsteps?

Everything is possible.  Surround yourself with people who lift you up, who support you but who also are not afraid to call you out when you are being ridiculous.  Ask for help.  It is OK to be scared.  Change is scary but when you embrace change, amazing growth happens.  Life is precious and remember to be kind to yourself.  Eat well, exercise and take naps!

Do you have general life advice?

Always be yourself.  Be strong.  Be honest.  Free yourself from the societal norm.

Being true to who you are and having an amazing group of people around to inspire and bounce ideas is key.

*Splendid Afternoon for Photo*