Brittany Prete was born-and-raised in Okotoks, Alberta, and has both an immense passion for people and an infectious effervescence for life. She pushes hard for her dreams and goals, yet is unabashed in sharing her struggles and heartaches along the way. 

Brittany Prete is truly one in a million! With a warm, joyous personality that can fill a room, a heart of gold and a drive to build an empire, she is someone you want to know!
She is : animated, warmhearted, effervescent, full of joy, passionate, lively

A little background on her work, then we'll get into more of her story:

For over 13 years Brittany worked for STARS as an Emergency Communication Specialist . In 2018, while still working for Stars, she became the owner of Organic Tan Okotoks (the best natural spray tan you can get, thanks to both Brittany and the locally made Sunna Tan & Sunna Smile products she uses). Just eight months later, Brittany opened Bliss Okotoks (home to a number of local female-owner beauty-based businesses, including Organic Tan) and just this past winter she left her job at Stars to focus her time and energy into her two businesses.

Yes, Brittany has a more-than-impressive work ethic and mind for business. Yes, Brittany is a mom of two and a loving wife. Also yes- Brittany has an incredible and unique experience that is both heart-breaking & unnerving, but it is this story that has also given her an incredible zest for life, passion for health and given relationships so much more importance.

Back in high school, tanning beds and basking in the sun for the darkest possible tan was the norm. Things like getting a "solid base burn" or "base tan" and comparing who had the best tan lines was just what the girls talked about. The knowledge, understanding, and comprehension about what kind of long-term damage was being done never crossed our minds. 

But for Brittany, at 32 years old, she was admitted for surgery immediately after a spot on her leg was found and she was diagnosed with stage 1 Melanoma. With a newborn baby in her arms and a 4 year old by her side, Brittany was given the news that the spot on her leg had already reached a stage of rapid growth and was told by her surgeon "there's a 60% chance you will die before the age of 60." This news was a shock for so many reasons, but the most surprising was that while Brittany loved the sun, she always wore sunscreen in her adult life, but it was the UV damage from her teen years that was the culprit. 

Passionate about skincare, safe beauty, safe tanning, and most of all, passionate about people, Brittany became the owner of Organic Tan in 2018, and later she opened Bliss!

"What I took on as a hobby for loving the skin you're in,
soon became a drive to create a sacred and welcoming space
for everyone and anyone to add a little glow into their lives."

After 3 surgeries to remove different cancerous spots on her face and body, Brittany has become accustomed to check-ups with her Dermatologist every 3 months, plus the continuous self-checks to ensure nothing is missed! Dedicated to not only her own health and to her family, and armed with the purpose of spreading awareness of safe skincare and to helping women feel beautiful and confident, Brittany is a force to be reckoned with! 

How would you describe yourself? and/or How would you describe your style? 

I am a ray of unicorn, sunshine, explosion in a person. The ultimate extrovert would be an absolute understatement of who I am. People are my passion, and connections with anyone typically fuel me. I'm a woman on a mission and have no time to tinker. I truly live life to the fullest, because we have one after all, and there's zero time to waste a moment of it. Fashion has always been my passion. I'm a bargain finder, and love to mix inexpensive trends with upscale accessories. Comfort is key, and for me that means anything tight and stretchy. If I could live in a skin-tight bodysuit all day, I would. 

Brittany is wearing the Super Star Necklace, Stacked Rope Midi Hoops, and the Neso Wrap Bracelet with the Subra Bracelet

What is one the biggest hurdles you've had to overcome? 

I am currently in it! Walking away from my well-paid 13+ year career in a pandemic/recession to follow the nudge on my heart. Yep, there's hurdles, hills, and mountains...in a hurricane with a splash of lightning storm too, but it is worth it. My heart and mind have clarity of what this is all for, and if there weren't bumps in the road while following my dreams, then I should be seriously concerned.

What lesson did that hardship teach you?

Patience! I am a do'er. I get shit done and get it done now! I've had to let go of control and the unknowns of our current life. Restrictions and the pandemic have completely transformed my industry, and SLOWLY working through the quiet has provided the opportunity to learn more about what I have the capabilities to do in my business. 

Who has made a major impact on your life, and how/why?

Every single person who receives a service from me, purchases product from me, or operates a business alongside me impacts me on the daily. Human interaction and relationships fuel who I am, and how I grow my business. Humans are sponges, and we have so much to learn through every engagement me have in life. Good or bad, ultimately, we grow!

What advice would you give to us?

Have a plan! If you don’t have a plan in business, relationships, life in general, then how on earth do you plan on measuring your success and failures. A plan, if anything is a place to anchor and reset or praise depending on the journey.

Why is your work important to you?

Connection with each and every person I cross paths with in life is what drives me. Why is this work important to me? The amount of people that tell me, "I never knew how badly I needed that" from an airbrush tan, brow service, and 

the simple act of listening has the ability to completely transforms a person’s day. 

In the early days of starting your business, what was one of the toughest things you had to overcome?

Work, life balance. I worked full time (12-hour shifts) at my corporate job, 6 month and 5-year-old babies, husband, social life, and then throw a passion business on top of that. FUN TIMES! Scheduling became key. And I mean schedule fitness, coffee dates, breakfast with my family. It was necessary for sanity, and required for success. 

What have been some of the greatest rewards?

The reach of Bliss! Meeting people in other provinces, campgrounds, pre covid events with thousands of people, it nearly makes my heart burst. Being vulnerable and authentic has created a connection with our followers that makes peoples comfortable investing their time and energy into our business. So thank you for sharing this journey with us. 

What is something that you try to do daily/weekly/or monthly that is just for you?

Daily, I work out to keep my sanity. These days, there's not much I have control of, but ensuring I'm taking 30 minutes a day to focus on my health, that is an absolute must! Weekly date nights! With my husband, girlfriends, couples...Especially with the way the world is, keeping a routine of connection is vital in order for me to thrive in life. 

What are your goals for the upcoming year?

To find a home for our family. We are currently homeless. And when I say homeless, I mean we sold our 2500sq ft dream home in order to save our business living out of Rubbermaid bins at a family members house homeless. A huge risk I KNOW, but we crave a simpler life, with less financial restrictions, and an abundance of possibilities. I'd love to say something amazing about the growth of Bliss, however a majority of my energy is spent finding the perfect house to transform into our home. 

When your To-Do list is overwhelming, how do you get through it?

I write everything down. I am the Queen of day timers. I have a monthly, weekly, and daily to-do list that I ensure will get worked through and checked off. Getting the overwhelm out of my head, and onto paper makes everything so much more manageable. 

What are you looking forward to?

Settling in our new home. We were born and raised in Okotoks, grew our family in Calgary, and made the ultimate sacrifice in order to live our lives. Currently we are in a state of unknown, but have an extremely clear plan of where we want to set roots. We are so close we can taste it, and as soon as the keys our in our hands, I can breathe a sigh of relief, and put my energy back into expanding Bliss.

When do you feel strong and confident?

When Bliss is bustling!  Money, activity, clients, they all motivate me. When I’m face to face with people, creating connections, living my dream, I feel incredible successful, and success = strength!

Whether you are seeing Brittany on social media, in her spray tan booth, or hanging out with her over drinks, there are a few things that you'll feel:

1. You'll feel as though you have a seat at her table- you are welcomed, accepted and appreciated.

2. You'll feel a sense of joy because Brittany's joy is so infectious. 

3. You'll feel encouraged and inspired to move forward towards your goals and dreams in a way that puts both yourself and your loved ones first. 

I am confident that after this, you have a great sense of who Brittany is and what she stands for. And if you're anything like me, you just can't help but love and admire this amazing woman for all she's done and all that she's going to do. I know that everything that Brittany does is done with commitment, love and all the high, positive energy she can muster (which is a lot!!). 

This second series of the YYC Local Love stories was accomplished by such an incredible team of other incredible local women working behind the scenes. While we're telling the stories of the four women in front of the camera, I got the honor and pleasure of working alongside more women that I'm inspired by on a regular basis:

Shoot Organizer & Co-Planner : Chelsea from Coco & Ash Weddings and Events

Photographer : Kaity Body Photography

Hair & Makeup : Priya from Beautymark Makeovers

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Spring Jewelry Trends : Hoop Earrings
The trend that's always in style

Love hoop earrings, but not quite sure which
styles suits you best?

I've got the answers for you right here!

It’s no secret, hoops are my go-to earring for any outfit. There are so many varieties available to suit anyone’s style. Of course, when I was buying for the boutique earlier this year, I spotted many designers were coming out with a fresh take on hoops! I thought now would be a great opportunity to share their versatility and highlight some of the details you will find in each pair, I have brought in for the Spring 2021 collection.

Hoops have always been a classic. When you think of hoops most people imagine solid gold hoops, a true staple. However, with creativity and innovation, there are many ways a simple hoop can take your outfit to the next level, whether you have a more contemporary or classic wardrobe if you like to keep it casual or add a little touch of femininity.

I recently took a poll over on Instagram and turns out most of you are nervous to take a step into the hoop world, let me formally introduce you to your new favorite accessory.

Let’s start with an everyday classic: Lover’s Tempo Silvia Hoops. These are a simple clean 12mm diameter hoop with a sterling silver post made out of Vancouver. They add simple detail to any look, great for those who have a capsule wardrobe.

Daisy London is your perfect match if you prefer unique details rather than bold statements. I was thrilled to bring Daisy into the boutique this season as they have some stunning details on their hoops. Stacked Rope Midi Hoop has an intricate twist throughout the hoop and is available in both silver and gold. The Leaf Hoop is another option that adds a  natural element to an outfit. To get the best balance of detail and boldness I would suggest the Artisan Woven Hoop. This hoop is a little larger but has unique sketch marks etched around the earring.

Staying in the mid-range size hoops but with a more delicate feminine touch are the beaded Pan Hoops from Abacus Row. No matter your colour palette I have the ones for you. These hoops are the ideal outfit enhancement whether you're wearing  jeans or a summer dress, all you need is a sunhat and a picnic basket, and you're set for the perfect day out!

For a true classic, but slightly larger version of the Lover's Tempo. I would suggest our in-house Everyday Medium Hoops. These are available in both Gold Fill and Sterling Silver.

If you're still looking to amp up your look a bit more, let me introduce you to the Minka Thin Hoops and the Mendoza Hoops. These gorgeous thin hoops, proves sometimes size does matter... while delicate in nature these beauties are bold and in charge, and level up any power suit. Talk about being a boss!

Check out the full spring collection!

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Meet Laura Frostad : 
Originally from Phoenix, Laura met her husband while he was working in the United States and she moved back to his hometown, Calgary, where she started her dream & calling- Laura Brows. Mom to two young boys, lover of coffee and the outdoors, Laura is a mentor, as solid as a rock, and is always truly authentic to who she is. 

And let me tell you, at Laura Brows, you are family. The LB team is an incredibly strong-knit group of women that supports, loves and truly cares for one another. I don't know how Laura does it, but I can't imagine it's an easy task to find a group of people that gets along as well as the LB women do, but whether I'm there for a quick brow appointment or for a day-long Pop Up, I always sense the deep sisterhood that lies within those walls. The best part is that this sisterhood isn't just observed, it's inclusive and everyone that walks through that door is welcomed with open arms! 

There's no question that Laura Frostad is an incredible, inspiring and generous human, and it's because of all this, that my co-planner, Chelsea, and I wanted her to be a part of this project. We asked Laura some questions to learn a little bit more about who she is, and you can read that interview below. 

The first leap of starting it and everything in the beginning. The learning curve of permits and navigating everyone's option on how I should do it vs. how I envisioned and wanted to do it. After that it still can be hard, but you have the confidence to work through the problems and get better at them.

I don't think I have any that are not my favorite. 



Another thing I loved about what Laura said is when she talks about integrity and how when you mess up, you make it right and get back on track. This is something that is so important in both personal and business life. People make mistakes, and we need to remember that for ourselves and for others- nobody is perfect. But what truly makes the difference is how that mistake is handled and that it is made right. 

Laura Frostad is a woman of direction and strength.
She knows that failure isn't a dirty word, rather it's an opportunity to refine and hone who you are and how you're going about things.
She is a huge supporter of people, charities and the local small business community.
She is a woman of deep core values, courage and self assurance.
She strives to grow, both personally and professionally, even when it seems like things are against her.
And I am so happy to have shared a bit of Laura's story with you. 

I also need to thank and acknowledge those that helped make this shoot happen and help create & capture the beauty of this small business community here in Calgary. Yes, there are women in these photos, but there is also a group of women in the background that also encompass all that I talked about- these women are killing it and I am so honored to know them and to have worked with them. 

Shoot Organizer & co-Planner : Chelsea from Coco & Ash Weddings and Events

Photographer : Chelsie from Chelsie Graham Photography

Hair & Make-Up : Priya from Beautymark Makeovers

Wardrobe : Whitney & Sheri from Crabapple Clothing 

Location : Plant Shop

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Meet Alyssa from the Anais Anette Flagship :
A native Calgarian, lover of her two pups (one significantly larger than the other), wedding enthusiast (and planning her own rescheduled wedding for 2021), the best friend anyone could ask for, and an all around positive and inspiring woman with a heart of gold.

Let me be the first to tell you that there aren't enough good things to say about Alyssa Conrad. Whether you are just meeting her for the first time or you've known her for years, it's Alyssa's genuine smile and sparkle in her eyes that draws you in, and her authentic warmth makes you want to stay and hang out for awhile. 

In September of 2015 Alyssa launched Pearl + Dot, a Calgary bridal boutique that quickly rose to (what I call) bridal stardom and was the place to find your dress. Five years later, Alyssa continues to grow and evolve both her business and her passion & enthusiasm for all things weddings. This past fall, Alyssa transformed Pearl + Dot into the Anais Anette Flagship store and opened the doors to a whole new bridal concept in Calgary.

Anais Anette is a "Canadian made bridal collection for the modern woman looking for that effortless, simple and classic wedding dress" [taken from the Anais Anette website]. With a focus on minimizing the carbon footprint in the industry and giving back to the community, this is a company that believes in quality, experience and people- the partnership with Anais Anette and Alyssa is a match made in heaven.

"I have learnt to not be afraid of change but to instead embrace it.
I have learnt that I will never settle or do the expected and I will always reach for what's next, because life is too damn short not to reach for the stars. Here's to the next 5 years of taking risks, crushing goals and making waves."

From the way she runs, build and grows her business, to the way she treats those around her, to her easy laughter that could warm even the Grinch's stone-cold heart, Alyssa Conrad is a woman that I have admired and looked up to for years and there was no question that I wanted to tell a bit of her story. 

How would you describe your style?

I find my style really depends on my mood that day! I love a good pair of jeans and a T-shirt, but nothing makes me feel more confident than a killer high-waisted dress pant. The words that come to my mind when I think about my style are feminine, classic + laid-back. 

What is one piece of Jewelry you don’t leave the house without?

I never leave the house without my engagement ring [obvi!], but lately I have really been into layering necklaces. I am also obsessed with my new ‘Be The Light’ ring from Apostle ;)! 

What do you do to reset or get ready for something big?

Taking my dogs for a walk at Edworthy always seems to reset my mood and help my mind relax. Since moving into our home, I have also become a bath girl! I find it the perfect space to relax, and reset for what’s next. 

How do you give back to your community? 

We recently set up a campaign at The Anais Anette Flagship where all proceeds from our Anais Anette T-shirts will be donated to BIPOC charities throughout Canada.
Our first charity that we are donating proceeds to is a wonderful charity out of Toronto called Black Women in Motion. They are a youth-led organization that empowers and supports the advancement of black womxn and survivors of sexual violence. They work within an anti-racist, intersectional feminist, trauma-informed and survivor-centered framework to create culturally-relevant content, educational tools, healing spaces and economic opportunities for black womxn. You can learn more here: www.anaisanette.com/givingback

What advice would you give someone that’s an idea/dream but is holding back? 

Someone else is eventually going to bring your idea to life, so why not let it be you? If this year has taught us anything, it is that life is unpredictable and you never know what is going to happen … so why not reach for the stars?!  

What advice would you give someone that’s just starting out on the entrepreneur path?

I think it needs to be said more often that the life of an entrepreneur is not all fun and games. It is hard work, and you will be challenged in more ways than you can ever imagine. The rewards can be amazing, but you better be willing to work your a** off to get there!
As we all know, social media has a way of showcasing only the highlight reel of things and I think a lot of people think entrepreneurs are ‘living the dream’ … but this path is not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to grind and make your dreams a reality, because at the end of the day, it is up to you how your story unfolds! 

I love how Alyssa is so honest about the challenges and hardships that come with the entrepreneurship journey, yet she does it in a way that is encouraging and inspiring. Alyssa has been a mentor to women where she shared her experiences, given guidance and pushed people towards their goals. 

While Alyssa Conrad is kind, upbeat and exudes a brightness that seems to be so rare, she is a force to be reckoned with. She knows and means business, she is strong-willed, and doesn't let anyone get in her way to making things happen.

I am grateful to know Alyssa and to be able to share a bit of her story with you- thank you friend, for your generosity of time, spirit and laughter. 

I also need to thank and acknowledge those that helped make this shoot happen and help create & capture the beauty of this small business community here in Calgary. Yes, there are women in these photos, but there is also a group of women in the background that also encompass all that I talked about- these women are killing it and I am so honored to know them and to have worked with them. 

Shoot Organizer & co-Planner : Chelsea from Coco & Ash Weddings and Events

Photographer : Chelsie from Chelsie Graham Photography

Hair & Make-Up : Priya from Beautymark Makeovers

Wardrobe : Whitney & Sheri from Crabapple Clothing

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Meet Eden Simari from Eden Mortgage :
Born in Invuik NWT and later raised in Edmonton
and Calgary, mom to a 5 year old daughter, lover of spin, travelling, cooking and a glass of a full-bodied red.

What comes to mind when you think of a Mortgage Broker? For me, it's someone we talk to once every five years when our mortgage is up for renewal and are searching for the best deal. But let me tell you, Eden is so much more than just a once-every-five-years kinda gal!

I'll be honest in saying that I am not fluent in the financial language, but that's why I love Eden so much! Through her social media platforms, Eden shares her expertise and knowledge in a way that I not only understand, but that I find interesting and helpful too. From topics such as how the presidential elections affect the stock market, top 9 money books for millennials, and tips on how to future proof your financial position. 

Financial world aside, what makes Eden stand out is her kindness and genuine interest in people. She is truly invested in those around her, whether it's a long time friend or someone she's spending an hour with, she is genuinely interested in learning about them. She is effervescent, outgoing and charming, and to top it all off, she has a heart of gold. 

Giving back to the community is not only something that's entwined in Eden's business model, but it flows through her everyday life as well. Apart from her numerous volunteer efforts, back in May Eden launched her Heart to Heart giveaway campaign with the tag-line "Support front line, shop local, giveback to the community- simple!". For the Heart to Heart Giveaway, Eden asks people to nominate deserving front line workers and their families to receive meal boxes to cover a week of meals, and in turn she has also donated meal boxes to families staying at the Calgary Ronald McDonald House.

When you see Eden you see a tall, beautiful blond woman with a generous smile and easy laugh. And when you get to know her, you learn that she cares deeply, is willing to share her knowledge, and is extremely easy to get along with. She is someone you want in your corner, no matter what type of situation you're in. 

To learn more about Eden Simari and the things that
make her world go round, I asked her some questions
and posted them below. Take a look and I'm sure
you'll find something that you relate to and feel inspired by.

How would you describe yourself? 

Kind, Confident, Intelligent, Giving, a Leader, Funny and Reliable.

How would you describe your style?  

Work: Monochromatic Classic Chic Home: Lulu all day err day.

Why did you decide to start your business? 

To bring financial confidence and education direct to the consumer. To ensure brighter financial futures for all. To make money and mortgages more approachable and to change the perception of what people believe a broker can do for them.

What have been some of the greatest rewards? 

Meeting so many amazing people! Helping clients purchase their dream home, pay off debt, save for retirement, buy a vacation home to spend the summers with their kids. Being a part of major financial milestones in peoples lives and making it fun is so super rewarding.

Another mega reward, if not the best of all, is showing my daughter how to thrive and impact the community as a young female entrepreneur. That she can do anything with dedication, perseverance and a kind, giving heart.

What advice would you give someone that's just starting out on the entrepreneur path? 

ENGAGE A POWER TEAM! Mine is a lawyer, accountant and financial planner. Ask for help. Pay for top notch professionals to guide you. You wont regret it!! Know the cost benefits, make a business plan, plan and plan some more. Ask for help, surround yourself with amazing friends/family and never be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.

How do you give back to your community? 

I am an avid volunteer in Calgary with Ronald McDonald House, Calgary Food Bank, Terry Fox Run Canada and more. I serve on the Board of Directors and selection committee for an Alberta Non Profit Society called Community Key and have done so for 5 years. (@communitykeyed)

What are some of your favorite local businesses? 

Laura Brows, Sphere Optometry, PHI Medical Aesthetics, Liz and Lottie, Accountwell Co, Community Key, Illuminate Skin Therapies, Hella Design Studio, Apostle Boutique, Wymbin, Amborella Floral, Coco & Ash.

Thank you so much Eden for allowing us to take up some of your time to share a bit of your story. I love how you are so dedicated to your work, your clients and to making this city a better place. 

The hope for this Calgary Small Business Love feature was to learn more about women in Calgary that I admire and feel inspired by, not because they are beautiful (which they all are), but because they are authentic to who they are, they don't give up when faced with challenge, and they juggle so many things (including Giving Back, which is huge to me!!) but seem to do it in a powerful and fierce way.

Don't get me wrong, I don't want it to seem like juggling life is easy and perfect, and that some balls don't get dropped from time to time. I see these women juggling all the things (running a business, being real and genuinely kind, giving back, being a friend, wife and/or mom, doing things for themselves) in a way that is true to them and living a life that they love and doing things that they are passionate about. 

I also need to thank and acknowledge those that helped make this shoot happen and help create & capture the beauty of this small business community here in Calgary. Yes, there are women in these photos, but there is also a group of women in the background that also encompass all that I talked about- these women are killing it and I am so honored to know them and to have worked with them. 

Shoot Organizer & co-Planner : Chelsea from Coco & Ash Weddings and Events

Photographer : Chelsie from Chelsie Graham Photography

Hair & Make-Up : Priya from Beautymark Makeovers

Wardrobe : Whitney & Sheri from Crabapple Clothing

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Meet Danielle Gordon from Sphere Optometry :
lives, works & plays in Calgary, mom to two young kids,
wife to Ryan, business owner, philanthropist (Fit To Read and
See The Good Project)...just to name a few. 

Before I met Danielle, I knew that she was a good, kind person with a smile that warms your heart. She started Sphere Optometry just over a year ago, and she blew up social media and it felt like Danielle and Sphere had been around for years- everyone was talking about Sphere and the work that Danielle was doing!

There was no question that we wanted to feature Danielle in this Small Business Love photo shoot that highlights a group of inspiring women that are also business owners in Calgary. We officially met the day of the shoot, and I have to say that when we left Sphere, all of us were in love with Danielle. 

When you meet Danielle you'll notice her smile and the kindness and warmth in her eyes. She isn't outgoing or loud, but she has a calm, quiet demeanor, and is  genuinely interested in people and their stories. She is intelligent, both as an Optometrist, as a business women, a people-person, and a friend. Danielle is also generous with her time and things- never before have I been on a photoshoot where the whole team (myself, Chelsea from Coco & Ash Events that helped plan, the photographer Chelsie Graham, and the hair & makeup artist Priya from Beautymark Makeovers, and Whitney from Crabapple Clothing that helped with wardrobe) was given a gift. But Danielle changed that- she went out of her way to put together a gift bag for each of us, it was such a special gesture that made us feel seen and appreciated. 

The more I learn about Danielle, the more I understand that this is just how she is- she makes people feel seen, heard and appreciated. Whether you are a client, a friend or loved-one, or someone that crosses her path momentarily, Danielle makes the time so that you feel special, even if it's just with her beautiful smile. 

To learn a little more about Danielle and her business,
and in hopes to inspire you, I asked her to answer a few questions for me. The interview is below: