Three influential women from Kindersley recognized by RBC

By Joan Janzen

Karen Francis, Frances McManus and Kim Sautner all recognized

Click for images and captions

Karen Francis, owner of MonAmie Boutique in Kindersley, has been nominated for the 31st annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. Karen said she is honoured and humbled to have been nominated for this award, in the “The Ones to Watch Award” category.

This award highlights individuals who demonstrate incredible potential through their innovative ideas, keen business sense and solid plans for future profitable growth. It’s open to those who have been in business for more than one year, but fewer than three years. MonAmie Boutique is looking forward to celebrating their second year in business this spring.

As Karen took a step back, she soon realized how far she has come in just two short years. During that time she has been working very hard to grow her online business, as well as her brick and mortar store in Kindersley. She really is a deserving nominee for this award.

“There are many aspects to owning your own business, and it’s not for the faint of heart,” she noted. “But at the end of the day it’s so rewarding.”

Since the inception of the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, more than 70,000 women have been nominated, and over 210 awards have been presented for outstanding entrepreneurial achievement. Each of these awards is tailored to recognize women from all sectors of the economy and at all stages of business growth.

The categories for the award include: Ones to Watch Award, Micro-Business Award, Start-Up Award, RBC Momentum Award, Social Change Award: Regional Impact, Social Change Award: National/International Impact, Innovation Award, and Excellence Award.

Each year, RBC calls on businesses, organizations, and communities to help recognize the important and transformative work women entrepreneurs contribute to our country. As one of those entrepreneurs, Karen is thankful for the nomination and recognition from RBC.

“There’s thousands of women who are nominated, so I’m excited!” Karen said. “It’s such an opportunity!”

Frances McManus was both surprised and delighted to discover she has been nominated for the 31st Annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneuer Awards. Frances is truly honoured and grateful to be recognized as one of many “Women of Influence’.

This year LaBelle Boutique is heading towards celebrating its 40th anniversary. As a long time business owner, Frances said she feels privileged to be included among such accomplished women who are making a difference in their respective fields.

“I look forward to continuing to grow our business and contributing to the wonderful community of Kindersley and surrounding area,” she said. “The local support and clientele mean everything! I also couldn’t do it without the help of both my amazing staff and family.”

Since the inception of the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, more than 70,000 women have been nominated, and over 210 awards have been presented for outstanding entrepreneurial achievement. Each of these awards is tailored to recognize women from all sectors of the economy and at all stages of business growth.

The categories for the award include: Ones to Watch For Award, Micro-Business Award, Start-Up Award, RBC Momentum Award, Social Change Award: Regional Impact, Social Change Award: National/International Impact, Innovation Award, and Excellence Award.

RBC annually calls on businesses, organizations, and our community to help recognize the important and transformative work women entrepreneurs contribute to our country. As one of those entrepreneurs, Frances expressed her gratitude for this wonderful opportunity.

I am very honoured to be nominated for the  RBC Momentum Award of the 31st Annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. This award highlights that through expanded management, empowered employees and demonstrated excellence, this award is for creating a flexible and responsive business that is able to adapt to changing market environments and leverage opportunities for continued growth.

Thank you to my family, especially my daughter, who has been very instrumental in the growth of our business. Thank you to my incredible staff & customers and to the RBC for this recognition.

We are a family owned and operated business - Sautner Studios Ltd. When we decided to open our first tanning studio & boutique location in 2016, Kindersley was a perfect choice! We opened Flin Flon one year later, the place where our story began almost 37 years ago and where our children, Ashton & Tori were born.

Currently we own Studio306 in Kindersley and it was with a heavy heart this past January we closed Studio204 in Flin Flon, Manitoba. A home to our family for many years was hit with a huge announcement that the mining company that had operated there for 100+ years was shutting down.

The roots of our family extend back to the Kindersley area (Flaxcombe) since 1944 (74 years ago). Although our immediate family has only made Flaxcombe our home since 2012, it has always been home - a place where we have always had roots.

Our mantra at Studio306 is that beauty products should be life changing. We not only value products that look and feel luxurious, but products that work. We want to deliver the most luxurious and effective products in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

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