Ignited Mothers Coalition

07/01/2023

Hey community,
is relaunching and I cannot wait for you to see the new website!

The new website will have membership, newsletter, blog and so much more. We will not be accepting member applications until the new site is up (anyone that has signed up as a member already will have to signup again).

Relaunch is in April, until then I have lots of events and activities planned for you all😃

07/01/2023

Today is National Technology Day. In BC women make up 18 % of the workforce in tech, far less than the national average. Let’s take some time today to learn more about technology and get more involved.

BC Tech empowers women to not only join the tech sector but to reach their full potential as leaders and innovators. Check out or go their website to learn more.
https://wearebctech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/wearebctech-com.svg

02/01/2023

“Run wild and free like a waterfall” ― Anamika Mishra

Day two of the new year, and on my walk today, I was reminded that even when things seem to be moving too fast or in the direction you’re not confident of, it all works out in the end. Just like a rushing waterfall, in the end, the water is calm and still.

and will be hosting monthly walking adventures. If you are interested, the link is in my bio😃

01/01/2023

New year new you, new year new beginnings, new year...

New Year do you is my motto this year. Sure I want to grow and inprove as an individual, but I will be happy with that happening organically.

Do what works for you and find the support and community that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Happy New Year from make this the year you want.

23/12/2022

Meet Angela Abbate
IMC: What inspired you to write?
Angela: This "chapter" of my life actually began after an unexpected divorce, my daughter convinced me to get a puppy to help with both our anxiety, and keep me company on her dad's parenting days. My life changed after Chloe, my very first pup, and inspiration for Pups On The Pier, which has been my journal, my art, and vision board throughout my healing process. The ocean, the Pier, the Pups, The Shipyards (my urban seaside community), reconnecting with my Faith and Spirituality have greatly inspired me to create my brand, Pups On The Pier which includes books, published music, cute merch and animation. My passion for art and writing, background in Human Resources, mental health advocacy, and drive to help and inspire others keep me ignited to keep creating.

IMC: Can you tell us about the style of books you write?
Angela: I write a mental health series of children’s books, Pups On The Pier, which feature adorable pups that help adventurous children express their feelings on life’s heaviest subjects such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and grief.

IMC: What are common mistakes aspiring writers make.
Angela: Worrying about what other people think, trying to write for everyone, rather than a niche. Neglecting research. Giving up after one book.

IMC: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Angela: Believe in yourself. Take care of yourself before you can take care of everything and everyone else. Lose your fears. Have faith in God and in yourself. Your dreams, visions, and heart will guide you. Don't give up when others say you can't do it. The path will always have twists and turns but keep pursuing your true purpose.

IMC: what do you want readers to get out of the books you write?
Angela: Joy! I want readers to laugh, and be in awe from the cuteness. I want to help my readers along their healing journey and understand what others may be going through. My goal is to have readers feel a sense of belonging, community, embrace and celebrate diversity and remove the stigma when it comes to mental health.
IMC: How can people connect with you?
Angela:
Instagram link is
Website: www.pupsonthepier.com
email: [email protected]

23/12/2022

Meet Deb Kartz, founder of Healing Moms Journey. Deb create personalized Health Restorative Program.
Deb shared her story with us:
Healing Moms Journey started with my pathway to healing. For 24 years, I lived in a toxic marriage of mental abuse, not realizing its effect on my health and my three children. When I got the courage to leave with my children, all HELL broke loose. I faced a long journey alone as I saw my children's mental well-being deteriorating and my health diminishing. It was a challenge. I managed to get help for my children, but I didn't realize I was living on an adrenalin high to function. I went to the doctor and was given pills for pain management, but it only made me feel worse. My healing started only a few years ago when I realized my energy level was tapering out, and I was experiencing severe pain in my stomach, bloat, and joint pain throughout my body. This was when I decided to advance my career to become a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner. I couldn't be more blessed for the team I work with and the process of my healing journey. I ran five labs to see how I could get my health back on track. I was shocked when I saw the results of my lab reports. I was in an exhaustion phase, meaning I could face serious health issues if I didn't turn my health around. I took my lab reports to the doctor, and they ran scopes and took biopsies and found that I had the starting stage of colon cancer. It was time to take care of myself and start my holistic journey to recovery. I always say, "If mom isn't Okay, then no one is Okay." I am blessed to be on my journey to optimal health and prosperity. The new year will bring more health, joy, love, and connection.
Thank you Deb for sharing with us🤗💕✨

23/12/2022

Meet Simin from Dip Co. Delights

IMC: : tell us about your business.
Simin: Here is our business story:
Amin and l were running a deli in downtown Vancouver for more than 22 years. We had our ups and downs, lots of challenges and 2 children while trying to improve our business day after day.
All our hard work paid off and we were finally ready and comfortable to sell it and take a long vacation. Of course it all happened on march 2020. We handed the keys to the new owner on Thursday night and Monday was the first day of lock down. All our plans had to change. We enjoyed our children inside our home for a long time as opposed to take them abroad. We learned new things about ourselves and more importantly we came up with new ideas for a new business.

The search for the perfect location began. Luckily We found it close to home in the most beautiful area of north van.
Long story, short, we opened our doors on April 2021 and could not be happier.

IMC: what is your favourite holiday memory?
Simon: Christmas time is always a special time at home and even more so, in our shop. We order our special Christmas items usually in June or July for next season. There is always a tone of nostalgic Christmas favourites and a lot of new additions coming from Europe every Year. Seeing the spark in people’s eyes after they see some childhood candy they hadn’t have for ages is priceless.

As for the most memorable event, l have to say the whole experience of learning all Christmas traditions with my young boys was really touching. To hear from them for the first time about Elf on the Shelf, to have an answer as how Santa gets in our house even though we have a glass in front of our fire place and to wake up during the night and drink the milk and eat all the cookies and carrots left for reindeers. These are all my close to heart memories of our earlier Christmas.

IMC: if you could make one holiday wish what would it be and why?
Simin: My wish this holiday season is rather a personal one. I want my country,lran, to see peace and happiness again. I wish for my people to find the strength to fight this suppressing government and become a free nation again 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Dipco is offering Ignited Mothers Coalition community 10% discount on all regular priced items till the end of June. Use the code “ignited10” when making your purchase.

Send a message to learn more

23/12/2022

Meet Christine and her family owners of United Strangers Corner Store

IMC: tell us about your business.
Christine: Joe, Edie and I run United Strangers, a local corner store on Seymour Mountain in North Vancouver. Our shop is well known for it's delicious coffee, knowledgeable & kind staff and fantastic local food products and gifts.

IMC: why did you start your business?
Christine: Joe and I schemed and dreamed for over 8 years on how we could bring the North Vancouver community together. It took on many renditions over the years but when the space on Mount Seymour Parkway finally became available we knew coffee and community were at the heart of what we wanted to bring. Ten days after giving birth to our first child Edie we signed the lease on the space and begun plans. We love sharing things that we love with others. So entering United Strangers is in experience in US sharing and welcoming you to new products, ideas and cozy vibes.

IMC: what is your favourite holiday memory?
Christine: We love how going for night time walks in our neighbourhood has evolved with having Edie. Looking out for new houses that have put up their lights, anticipating the houses that were elaboratly decorated the year previous and the joy and conversations it brings. What started as a need to get our new baby to sleep has turned into a daily holiday adventure.

IMC: how are you choosing to give back over the holiday season?
Christine: The team at US has taken on a few ways to give back this year. We worked with the Family Services of the North Shore in their Christmas Bureau to connect with a local family and are also a drop off location for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation's Christmas Hamper and Toy Drive. Encouraging our community to support and elevate the Tsleil-Waututh Nation is a priority for US.

IMC: if you could make one holiday wish what would it be and why?
Christine: I wish for folks to make time to connect with a stranger this holiday season. We are coming out of a period of mass isolation where many have and continue to struggle. Taking time to be kind, listen to their stories and consider ways you can use your privilege to support them in a way that works best for them could be what makes a difference this holiday season and beyond.

Things we are up to in December
- drop off location for the tsleil-waututh nation christmas hamper and toy drive. details are also attached to this email
- CXMAS 50. This is our annual cyclocross ride of 50km. This will be the 7th year Joe & I have hosted this with our cycling friends. details on the route will be shared closer to the event
- Megan Pareis will be in the shop on Dec 21 from 2-4pm to play some holiday tunes for everyone to enjoy.
- stay tuned to our instagram page for our 3rd annual 12 days of Holidays giftcard hunt

Website: www.unitedstrangerscoffee.com
Instagram: unitedstrangerscoffee

22/12/2022

Meet Rikke Melgaard Liffiton

IMC: What inspired you to write?
Rikke: All the wonderful in kiddos in my life inspired me to share the magic of the Nisse.
The Christmas Nisse is based on the simple and joy fill tradition I grew up with in Denmark, I have some of the most beautiful memories around the Nisse. I have not made up this tradition, I'm only here to tell you about this old and magical tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation for 1000 of years. Did you know that the Nisse goes back to the Vikings, pretty cool. As I was traveling around the world with my husband's work, as a hockey player, the little Nisse always came with us. When we settled in Canada in 2017, the little Nisse also moved with us. The little door and wonderful story enchanted all the neighborhood kids and after many engouements from my neighborhood moms, that first Christmas I made 20 handmade books about the Nisse, for my new community. When other people started to require the book, I knew that I had to share the magic of The Christmas Nisse, and I started my publishing's adventure.


IMC: Can you tell us about the style of books you write?
Rikke: The Christmas Nisse is a family tradition for all ages. It is defiantly geared towards kids, with beautiful and colorful illustrations, but the joy and magic and celebrations of the core values of Christmas are for all of us. (Also see above answer)

IMC: What are common mistakes aspiring writers make.
Rikke: You don't trust yourself - believe in yourself, what you are writing will bring joy and magic to so many people. Writing and creating a book is a love of labor. It takes time, sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's not, trust the process and keep fighting for your baby/book.

IMC: If you could tell your younger self-anything, what would it be?
Rikke: Be you, because you are just right. My personal story is almost like the ugly duckling, feeling like I never fit in both mentally and physically, I struggled with being bullied and "fitting in" doing my younger years. It turned out that I was just right, and ended up with a modeling carrier and finding myself in the joy of my family and within myself.

IMC: What do you want readers to get out of the books you write?
Rikke: JOY & LOVE - getting back to what is around the tree and not under. The Christmas Nisse is food for your souls, a tradition filled with nærvær and hygge - see IG for more information about this. I hope I give families a platform in The Christmas Nisse tradition to create beautiful moments that can create memories for a lifetime. My grandpa always told me "Everything you can hold in your heart and your head, that is what you can bring to your grave, nothing else. Fill your soul with joy and love and remember that even the smallest gesture of kindness can fill yours or someone's heart"

To my boys;
Christmas is more
than a day in December,
it's the magic and love
we will always remember.
Love mom

contact
Instagram:
www.christmasnisse.com

22/12/2022

Meet Maria Reynolds
IMC: What inspired you to write?
Maria: I’ve always been into writing. I had a couple of my poems published poems in an anthology when I was a kid. And I’m an avid blogger. This time around I wrote this book for my own little one.

My three year old loves books. I thought it would be fun to create something she could read and learn something about her Filipino culture.

IMC: Can you tell us about the style of books you write?

Maria: I found it difficult to find Filipino young children’s books so this is the type of book I set out to create. My second daughter is only 5 months old right now so I’m excited to read this book to her when she’s a little older as well.

IMC: What are common mistakes aspiring writers make.

Maria: Sometimes you just have to get it out there. A lot of comments I receive from writers is that they’re not confident about what they’ve written or have been hesitating to start. I keep a book of “ideas” where I write anything and everything. Some written pieces get fine tuned or evolve and there are also just sentences that never find a purpose.

IMC: If you could tell your younger self-anything, what would it be?

Maria: Hmm, there would be lots to tell. I would tell myself to keep writing. I took a long break - probably a decade and wonder where I’d be if I had that many more years of ‘practice’ under my belt.

IMC: what do you want readers to get out of the books you write?

Maria: My hope with reading Maya and her Christmas Lantern with your little one is to spark their interest for the Filipino culture and our celebrations around Christmas 🙂

You can find more about Maria below:
Website: www.mayaandhercgristmaslantern.com
Instagram: mayaandhercgristmaslantern

22/12/2022

Meet Allison Parey

IMC: What inspired you to write?
Alison: My husband and kids were definitely my biggest inspiration. My hubbyhubbie had
encouraged me for years to share my story, he felt that it could really help people know the
amazing gift of beingin being a sensitive soul. So I finally put pen to paper, and began writing
Emmie’s story. As an empath, my wish for other empaths is to live a life full of joy, balance
and peace. I have always said, if I had only known when I was growing up that there was a
name for what I felt, life would have been much easier for me. I’ve spent years researching
everything I could about being an empath, and now I’m passionate about sharing all I’ve
learned. “Emmie The Empath And The Kintsugi Vase & #39;& #39;Vase”, as well as my website Empath
Mom are my passion projects.

IMC: Can you tell us about the style of books you write?
Allison: When I began writing about Emmie, I wanted it to be a book that both kids and adults
could enjoy. I had searched for books about empaths for my kids, but the majority were more
about the tools and protection strategies for sensitive kids. So I really wanted to focus on
creating a character that kids and even grown up kids could relate to. With each step of the
writing process I would continually check in with my kids asking them if this is a book they
would enjoy reading? It was a very collaborative family effort in creating the final draft, down
to the details of how each character looked. I wanted to make sure the illustrations were
calming and colourful, and had the overall feel of what it felt like to be an empath. I lucked
out and found the most talented illustrator and graphic designer who brought Emmie’s story
to life with beautiful water colour illustrations.

IMC: What are common mistakes aspiring writers make?
Allison: I would say not starting, at least that was true for me. It took me years to finally just start
the process, and to begin jotting my ideas down. I think we can get ourselves stuck by
overthinking the process. The, the best thing to do is just take one step at a time, and then
the rest will come, I promise. Also to remember you are unique, there is literally no one else
like you in this world, and you have an amazing story to tell, only the way you can. To make
sure not to compare, to be authentic to who you are, and the gifts that you have to share.
You never know who you will inspire simply by your words, and even more importantly by
being your true wonderful self. It can be hard to be vulnerable, I get that for sure, but if you
can focus on spreading love and joy, it makes it all so worth it.

IMC: If you could tell your younger self anything what would it be?
Allison: It’s what I tell my kids, be yourself because everyone else is taken. I love that quote so
much, because I think more and more we are all searching for those authentic connections. I
would also have told the younger me to pay very close attention to what fills you up and what
drains what’s drains you. This could apply to so many areas of life, be it work, friendships,
and passions. Most importantly as I mentioned earlier, to never compare, and to love
yourself like you are your own best friend.

IMC: What do you want readers to get out of the books you write?
Allison: With this book “Emmie The Empath And The Kintsugi Vase”, just like Emmie realizes, I
would like my fellow empaths to know what an incredible gift they also have, and to know
how unique and wonderful they are. If I can help one person know from reading this book
that they are perfect in who they are, that would make me incredibly happy.

Find out more about Allison below:
Website: www.empathmom.ca
Instagram:

22/12/2022

Meet Angela Gooliaff Author, and artist

IMC: What inspired you to write?
Angela: My niece inspired me to write! When she was 9-years old, she shared with me her latest drawings of cute food characters. They were colourful, interesting and lively. We chatted about whom they were, and eventually created backstories for them. It was so fun, an entire storybook resulted from our silly discussions.

IMC: Can you tell us about the style of books you write?
Angela: I focus on children stories with an emphasis on imaginary worlds and expanding young mind’s imagination. Because reality is so full of uncertainty, pressures, and fears, I like to build safe spaces for kids to go and have fun.

IMC: What are common mistakes aspiring writers make.
Angela: I am primarily a children’s book illustrator who writes as well. I would say common mistakes Creatives make, in general, is not focusing on or anticipating the client’s needs.

IMC: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Angela: I would tell my younger self that the best way to connect authentically with your audience is by taking business and marketing courses from the best people who focus on practical and logical steps to build and launch this really amazing book.

Find our more about Angela below:
Insta: .
Twitter:
FB Public: Angela Gooliaff Artist

22/12/2022

Q: What inspired you to write?
This "chapter" of my life actually began after an unexpected divorce, my daughter convinced me to get a puppy to help with both our anxiety, and keep me company on her dad's parenting days. My life changed after Chloe, my very first pup, and inspiration for Pups On The Pier, which has been my journal, my art, and vision board throughout my healing process. The ocean, the Pier, the Pups, The Shipyards (my urban seaside community), reconnecting with my Faith and Spirituality have greatly inspired me to create my brand, Pups On The Pier which includes books, published music, cute merch and animation. My passion for art and writing, background in Human Resources, mental health advocacy, and drive to help and inspire others keep me ignited to keep creating.

Q: Can you tell us about the style of books you write?
I write a mental health series of children’s books, Pups On The Pier, which feature adorable pups that help adventurous children express their feelings on life’s heaviest subjects such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and grief.

Q: What are common mistakes aspiring writers make.
Worrying about what other people think, trying to write for everyone, rather than a niche. Neglecting research. Giving up after one book.

Q: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Believe in yourself. Take care of yourself before you can take care of everything and everyone else. Lose your fears. Have faith in God and in yourself. Your dreams, visions, and heart will guide you. Don't give up when others say you can't do it. The path will always have twists and turns but keep pursuing your true purpose.

Q: what do you want readers to get out of the books you write?
Joy! I want readers to laugh, and be in awe from the cuteness. I want to help my readers along their healing journey and understand what others may be going through. My goal is to have readers feel a sense of belonging, community, embrace and celebrate diversity and remove the stigma when it comes to mental health.


How can people connect with you?

Instagram link is

Website: www.pupsonthepier.com

email: [email protected]

Focuses on mental health support for children through a series of books, music and animation. Our Mission is to raise the bar on how we educate, communicate, and appreciate those who struggle with mental health issues. Our Medium? Adorable, authentic, and hilarious content designed to entertain the....

22/12/2022

I have been trying to get the full interviews on our website. I apologize for not having them up sooner. I will be posting the interviews on Facebook

22/12/2022

We had some pretty amazing walks this year. Join and for our well being walks. Link https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/wellbeing-walk-tickets-473494915037 ✨

19/12/2022

Oh hello winter wonderland ❄️☃️

17/12/2022

Ignited Mothers Coalition is looking forward to United Strangers Corner Store Holiday Music event. Please mark your calendars; we hope to see you there.

Get in holiday mode this Wednesday as Meganl plays live in our shop from 2-4pm. This is a family-friendly event & participation will be encouraged! 🎶👩‍🎤🎸

We look forward to sharing in some holiday cheer with you all!

🎄

17/12/2022

Thank you to everyone that made it out the last clothing swap of the year. Congratulations to Christie (our door prize winner). Huge thank you to and for the swag. Our guest loved their takeaway bags!
The next swap is in January💞✨

14/12/2022

Meet Deb Kartz, founder of Healing Moms Journey. Deb create personalized Health Restorative Program.

Deb shared her story with us:
Healing Moms Journey started with my pathway to healing. For 24 years, I lived in a toxic marriage of mental abuse, not realizing its effect on my health and my three children. When I got the courage to leave with my children, all HELL broke loose. I faced a long journey alone as I saw my children's mental well-being deteriorating and my health diminishing. It was a challenge. I managed to get help for my children, but I didn't realize I was living on an adrenalin high to function. I went to the doctor and was given pills for pain management, but it only made me feel worse. My healing started only a few years ago when I realized my energy level was tapering out, and I was experiencing severe pain in my stomach, bloat, and joint pain throughout my body. This was when I decided to advance my career to become a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner. I couldn't be more blessed for the team I work with and the process of my healing journey. I ran five labs to see how I could get my health back on track. I was shocked when I saw the results of my lab reports. I was in an exhaustion phase, meaning I could face serious health issues if I didn't turn my health around. I took my lab reports to the doctor, and they ran scopes and took biopsies and found that I had the starting stage of colon cancer. It was time to take care of myself and start my holistic journey to recovery. I always say, "If mom isn't Okay, then no one is Okay." I am blessed to be on my journey to optimal health and prosperity. The new year will bring more health, joy, love, and connection.

Thank you Deb for sharing with us🤗💕✨

11/12/2022

Thank you, , for a fantastic night of connecting and celebrations. Congratulations on your 5th anniversary.

11/12/2022

Today had our first Wellbeing Walk lead by
The roan didn’t slow us down and the views were wonderful. Join us at our next walk for conversation, food, views and swag bags😃🎉

Thank you & for the swag bag contributions

06/12/2022

Meet the Reid family. Christine and Joe own located in North Vancouver, BC

This family business is one of my favourites. They not only have the best coffee they have many local foods and gift ideas. This cozy shop is the perfect place for building community. Not only will you find a delicious cup of coffee here but everything you find in their store is working towards making a more sustainable choice and local.

Here is a bit of our interview.

Q: tell us about your business.
Joe, Edie and I run United Strangers, a local corner store on Seymour Mountain in North Vancouver. Our shop is well known for it's delicious coffee, knowledgeable & kind staff and fantastic local food products and gifts.
Q: why did you start your business?
Joe and I schemed and dreamed for over 8 years on how we could bring the North Vancouver community together. It took on many renditions over the years but when the space on Mount Seymour Parkway finally became available we knew coffee and community were at the heart of what we wanted to bring. Ten days after giving birth to our first child Edie we signed the lease on the space and begun plans. We love sharing things that we love with others. So entering United Strangers is in experience in US sharing and welcoming you to new products, ideas and cozy vibes.

05/12/2022

& Wellbeing Walk is this Saturday, and we are giving away a ticket for you and one friend!
This event is about connecting, stress management and connecting with others. We have swag bags, snacks and icebreakers (with a Prize). Come with a friend or come alone. This walk is a welcoming space.

Here’s how to enter:
✨🥾 like and save this post
✨🥾tag your friend
✨🥾share in your stories for extra 5 entries (screenshot stories if your page is private and message us).

Good luck! The contest closes on December 8th winner will be announced on December 9th.

Ignited Mothers Coalition and Thriving Life Co want you to be inspired to live life by a compass, not by a clock.

01/12/2022

This December, wants to create community from the heart of the community, which would be local businesses. We are starting with a local business near and dear to my heart, , owned and operated by Amin and Simin.

Here is their business story:
Amin and l have been running a deli in downtown Vancouver for more than 22 years. We had our ups and downs, lots of challenges and two children while trying to improve our business day after day.
All our hard work paid off, and we were finally ready and comfortable to sell it and take a long vacation. Of course, it all happened in march 2020. We handed the keys to the new owner on Thursday night, and Monday was the first day of lockdown. All our plans had to change. We enjoyed our children inside our home for a long time instead of taking them abroad. We learned new things about ourselves, and more importantly, we came up with new ideas for a new business.

The search for the perfect location began. Luckily We found it close to home in the most beautiful area of north van.
Long story, short, we opened our doors on April 2021 and could not be happier.
Christmas time is always a special time at home and even more so, in our shop. We order our special Christmas items usually in June or July for next season. There is always a tone of nostalgic Christmas favourites and a lot of new additions coming from Europe every Year.
Seeing the spark in people’s eyes after they see some childhood candy they hadn’t have for ages is priceless.

My wish this holiday season is rather a personal one. I want my country,lran, to see peace and happiness again. I wish for my people to find the strength to fight this suppressing government and become a free nation again 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Thank you for sharing your story with us. We encourage you all to stop by for a sandwich (IMC members Dip Co Delights has a discount especially for you. Check your emails next Monday 😃).