Today, Friday, March 8, Balzac’s is proudly joining International Women’s Day by celebrating our success as a female led company that champions women in the work place. As part of this celebration, and for the past week on our Instagram, we have been recognizing and acknowledging the women in our company who have been with us the longest, adding to this proud history and legacy.

DIANA OLSEN

PRESIDENT & FOUNDER- 26 YEARS

I owe so much to the women of Balzac’s.  The loyalty, the hard work, the ability to lead and motivate are the driving forces of the company.   I’m very proud that we have organically grown into a company that champions women as leaders without ever having to mandate it.  I suppose we are a small example that diversity breeds diversity and that bringing more women into leadership roles especially in large corporate boardrooms can only lead to greater equity and success by bringing valuable female perspectives into all workplaces. Watching these women’s lives unfold with their beautiful families and personal growth has been an honour and a privilege.  May we all continue to push that dial a little more each day and build a world that empowers everyone.

RACHEL WRIGHTON 

MANAGER, PORT DALHOUSIE & NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE – 6 YEARS

It feels amazing to be a part of a female led company, this is one of the many reasons I sought out this company to work for. I visited the cafes in the past and knew the quality of the products and then seeing Diana on Dragons Den I knew this was something that I wanted to be a part of. It feels like family here, we support and value each other and that makes such a difference in the work place! Raising two young girls it is so important to me to show them that you can be a working woman and Mom in a leadership position!

SUSAN SWAIN

MANAGER, RYERSON – 6 YEARS

Being part of a female led company makes it easier to be an integral part of the work environment as it allows you to focus fully on the job without having to worry as much about navigating in a traditional corporate environment. I always feel as though I am heard and that my opinions and ideas are fully considered and appreciated, which has not always been the case in previous companies I have worked for. As someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, having great female role models to emulate is inspiring, and helps to push you to further yourself professionally.

FRANCES KUSTEC

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ACCOUNTING – 10 YEARS

Privileged and inspired. I work in an environment of respect, loyalty and support. Working for Balzac’s, and with Diana Olsen, has been tremendously motivating and rewarding. I am very proud to be part of this company and its success.

ALEM EDO

BARISTA, DISTILLERY DISTRICT – 15 YEARS

Being a mother of two beautiful girls and raised by a wonderful and kind mother myself, I have a special place for those who work hard and become successful women. Working at Balzac’s, and especially working with the women of this organization and learning from them, has taught me a lesson for life. I’m always grateful and call myself lucky to be part of this amazing group of women whom I not only consider coworkers, but family.

CATHY SEGEREN

STRATFORD & WEST REGIONAL MANAGER – 15 YEARS

It’s an honour and privilege to work for a company led by women. Diana Olsen is a very unique, successful, talented and caring lady. This company has brought love to my life, it’s like sisterhood, the balance between work and family. It’s amazing to work in an environment where you are appreciated, your voice counts and there is great team spirit. Balzac’s supports and believes in their staff in the same way Diana has always done to me. The company is quality driven, resourceful, creative, energetic and FUN to work for. We believe in strong relationships…..”That’s why I love going to work”

LEEANNE BROWN-FREDERICK

BARISTA, POWERHOUSE – 6 YEARS

Feels great knowing I work not only within a company that has supported me since day one, but also one that was started by such an inspirational female force. It has also personally given me the courage to start up my own business and create a pop art card company, Presspops. Becoming a female entrepreneur while also working at Balzac’s has given me so much joy. This female-led company has allowed me to follow my passion, as well as create a positive customer service experience within a fun environment and I sincerely love what I do. I love the people I’m surrounded by. The staff here are brilliant and our customers are kind and appreciative. This year for International Women’s Day, I want to support my fellow boss babes and the ones who not only lead the way, but inspire each one of us to do better. The ones who are on a constant path to pursue their passion. The oneswho never complain but push harder, despite the hardships they have experienced on a personal level. The ones who are strong and resilient, yet kind and compassionate. They all exist within this company, and I am so grateful for them.

OLIVIA PETHICK 

BARISTA, STRATFORD – 14 YEARS

I believe that it is very important to have strong female role models to encourage women in the work place to push themselves to achieve their greatest potential. For that reason I am grateful to have been part of the Balzac’s family for so long and benefit from all the examples of female leadership within the company. I have seen not only growth in myself, but in other female coworkers over the years due to the supportive and encouraging environment. When we all strive to help one another and lift each other up there is no telling what heights we may all achieve.

ROSANA REN

BARISTA, POWERHOUSE –  8 YEARS

More women in this Century have had more opportunities to work in any Industry, successfully Achieving their dreams. The Balzac’s company gave me the opportunity to go to English School, because one of my dreams was to continue studying in my Health field.

FABIOLA SILANDER

TORONTO REGIONAL MANAGER – 17 YEARS

It is empowering to work for a company led by a woman. I’m very proud to be part of Balzac’s as it is not only a very successful company bust most importantly a company that was established and continues to be run by a very talented woman in a very competitive business. I have the privilege to work in a place where our work is respected and appreciated, where hard working employees are always recognized and encouraged to grow within the company. I am allowed to have an opinion and have always been encouraged to bring and contribute my own ideas on many aspects of the company, and there is a lot of value in that. I admire Diana Olsen for what she has accomplished, and I am humble to be part of her vision. I care about Balzac’s as my own and that right of thought was inspired by Diana herself. Diana told me one day: “I want you to see this place as your own”, and I did, and for that I was rewarded; just one of the many advantages of working for a woman with a clear vision of what she wants for her business and her team.