Barb Stegemann describes herself as "a normal mom in the suburbs with a strong desire to help others." Based in Bedford, N.S., Stegemann is fulfilling that desire through entrepreneurship.
Inspired by a close friend injured in the war in Afghanistan, Stegemann created 7 Virtues Beauty Inc., a perfume company that trades with nations experiencing war and hardship. Stegemann sources organic oils from Afghanistan, Haiti and other countries in turmoil to support their economies and build peace. "Business has the fullest power, the biggest opportunity, to be a part of building peace and harmony in the world," she explains. "We can't expect military and government to do the heavy lifting."
The Canadian and U.S. governments have taken notice of her efforts. Last year, Stegemann was appointed honorary colonel of 14 Wing Greenwood, N.S., and also received the Women Innovators award from the U.S. State Department at a conference hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Stegemann, the first woman from Atlantic Canada to land a deal from the investors on the CBC business reality show Dragons' Den, is enjoying success in a highly competitive industry. Her three fragrances can be found in all 91 Bay stores and, earlier this year, sales ranked seventh out of 120 cosmetic products at the Bay. "That's not easy when you look at what you're up against in the beauty industry," says Stegemann, who relies on word-of-mouth marketing instead of "skinny models and movie stars." She's now working toward exporting her products to the U.S. and the U.K. "We're right on target with our plan, and we're staying the course," says Stegemann. When it comes to business success and effecting change, she says, "We do dream big."
Read other entrepreneurial success stories in "The Fabulous 30."
Newsletter
Twitter
Facebook
Podcast
RSS
