Patty Searl

Patty is a generous woman who goes above and beyond to make others feel good about themselves. Having experienced the hardships of a parental divorce, and experiencing one of her own, she is dedicated to making her life better, and the lives of those around her too. She is a woman who wants you to know that you matter. She is this week’s Woman of the Week.

Tell us a little about yourself

Thank you for this opportunity. A little about me, haha, it’s not always easy talking about ourselves!! Here it goes, because I want others to know that if I can do it, they can do it!

I am from the GTA area, but moved every 4 years as a child; from Orillia, where I was born, to Toronto, to Brampton, to Orangeville, to Hillsburgh, to Georgetown,to Erin and finally to Ottawa!! Whoo, exhausting. I don’t know how my parents did it. They loved checking out new towns and loved flipping homes, something now I fully appreciate. Through such an experience, I learned to adapt and thrive in new situations and was able to make friends almost immediately. Perhaps that is why today it is so easy for me to become friends with almost anyone.

I moved to Ottawa in 1996, where I lived at Carleton University. I met 4 incredible women, whom later lived with, on campus, and still call friends-while we have distant ourselves with our hectic lives, I know they’re still there and would be in a heartbeat.

I later went on to obtain a position with Health Canada in 2000, upon graduation, and have been there ever since.

I have also always been an entrpreneur on the side, and more recently, embrassed it with the birth of my second son a year ago.

It’s not easy with 3 kids now; two of my own and a step-daughter within a newly blended family. Yet three years ago, Mike, my husband, and I met, post-divorce for both of us, and started a side business just simply to see what could be accomplished. Not two years in, and we sit at 6 figures in sales, and feel incredibly blessed. This opportunity has allowed me to take a leave from government and focus on my own company and being 100% present. I know I could still do it on the side, have someone oversee things, touch base on my breaks and lunches from work. But in all honesty, financial freedom, lack of commuting and living my own life my way is so much more important to me now.

I say me, as Mike is now a silent partner who pushes me and encourages me, but still works his other job ensuring we cover all bases with a family of 5, and the benefits which get exhausted quite frequently. This is not to say it will always be this way. 🙂 Our plans.

We love weekend get aways, we love beautifying our home and gardening.

I find peace in a backyard oasis and lots of flowers to read and drink a goooodd coffee.

I also love social media, and not just for the fun of it or to be on it, but to seek ways to share what we do to help others.

Who inspires you in your life? Who do you look up to? And why?

Inspiration you ask!!! Those who inspire me are Lisa Larter for her motivation, drive and style. I honestly can say I am where I am because of her belief in me.

Deborah Macdonald, I met years ago and her passion and charisma are so inspiring. A woman I admire immensely.

Elizabeth Mclaughlin, this lady has taught me to stand in my leadership and be proud. Her coaching style resonates with me, and her ability to problem-solve and put it to me to do has been incredible. Much respect.

Brene Brown and Ali Brown, not related 🙂 but ahhhh inspiring women…

Pierrette Raymond, her dedication and follow through and showing up is so breathtaking. Work ethic and showing up these days is lacking and to see someone like her all over social media groups and her own, plus various magazines through the city is remarkable. I commend her on her efforts. Much respect for her loss- both parents, and your putting her family and her husband’s family first. I admire her too.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you have had to overcome in your life?

Many set backs have occured in my life. Some know my story, some may not have ever heard of me. Many can read about it somewhere on a Google search. I tend not to dwell on the past for some wounds are still raw from the pain. Anyone who has had a parental relationship breakdown, disassociate and divorce knows what I mean.

From all experiences, lessons learned. Learned lessons I now have should I need perspective for my onward journey.

What are you most proud of?

Proud of my dedication and perseverance, and my drive & the realization that I need to also balance out momentum with rest.

Proud for my kids, work ethic and life as I now know it.

What do you want your older self to know?

Tough one. I think that this period in my life was a pivot point for where the greatness all happened 🙂

Favourite quote.

“The middle is messy, but it’s also where all the magic happens.” Brene Brown

Pierrette Raymond

Pierrette Raymond is a multi-business owner and philanthropist. She has been running businesses since 1996, and has a background in Psychology, Education, Grief and Bereavement. She is the owner of 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Ottawa and Gatineau, and recently became a professional dog trainer with multiple certifications in dog behaviour and training. She is a four-time published author, speaker, facilitator, a community leader and also a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. She is the recipient of the Ontario Leading Women Building Communities award, given by the Government of Ontario to women in our province "who demonstrate exceptional leadership in working to improve the lives of others in their communities”. And she is a a Forty Under 40 Award Recipient.