Audrya suffered from depression for a good portion of her life. It was her participation in a self-employment training program funded by the Canadian Women’s Foundation that helped her leave depression behind and focus on her unique skills as an artist.

“The program was a wonderful group,” she confirms, “and I received training in how to think with a business mind.”

More importantly, the program built a strong level of self confidence. “I learned that if things weren’t going 100 per cent, I had the tools to keep my level of confidence high,” she says.

She also increased her financial literacy through a money management component which encourages saving through money matching: participants who saved $1 were matched with $3. Participants’ end-of-program balances can be allocated toward furthering a business, continuing with education or transferred to a homeowner’s program.

Audrya used her funds to build her business, Always Time for Creation, through which she facilitates holistic workshops for adults, teaches children as a guest artist in schools and performs for corporate events.

The future is full of promise for Audrya as she plans an Australian venture, where she will facilitate workshops and retreats for a year.