By Entrepreneurship Expert Roger Pierce, www.BizLaunch.ca
It is possible to build your small business to make a difference in the world. “When I was a ‘budget bride’ I thought up this way to help other marrying women and help children with cancer at the same time,” says entrepreneur Helen Sweet.
Sweet started The Brides’ Project in 2004 (www.thebridesproject.com) to fulfill two very important goals: To provide every bride with the things she needs for a beautiful wedding within her budget and to help children and adults with living with cancer.
This unique bridal salon takes donated gowns from individuals, salons and manufacturers and sells them to raise money for cancer charities.
“I began the Project the day after my honeymoon on June 1st, 2004,” recalls Sweet. “I donated all of my wedding items to charity.”
Sweet sells donated gowns to budget-conscious brides-to-be and uses the funds to send a kid to camp. “We support an organization called Camp Quality which provides a camping experience for children affected by cancer,” she says.
Early in life, Sweet lost her best friend to cancer. “It’s one of those memories that stayed with me because I felt so helpless at the time,” she recalls. “Now, my customers and I get to bring a little joy into a child’s life by letting them enjoy a true camp experience.”
At its location at Broadview and Gerrard in Toronto, The Brides’ Project offers a relaxing and friendly environment for women to browse and try on dresses. “We’ve got lots of inventory for every taste and budget,” says Sweet.
Certainly a different type of entrepreneur, Sweet says she’s also learned to cooperate with her competition. “When I started, I viewed several other organizations as competition,” she explains. “Now I work with these companies to cross-refer clients. Working together is far more effective than trying to compete.”
