Entrepreneur Barbara Stegemann is fighting illegal poppy crops in Afghanistan with orange blossoms.
It's an idea that sprung out of her garage, an idea that has grown into a business employing 2,500 Afghans, while its product is sold in 91 Hudson Bay stores across Canada.
Stegemann is the chief executive officer of The 7 Virtues, a fragrance line that uses buying power to empower families in war-torn and disaster-racked countries. Sourced through fair trade, the collection's organic oils come from villages in Afghanistan, Haiti, the Middle East and Africa.
"I don't believe in charity. I believe firmly in economic empowerment, connecting with people and welcoming them to the banquet, building relationships with people," Stegemann said in an interview with CBC last year.
Her efforts in aiding the goals of Canada's mission in Afghanistan landed her the designation of becoming the country's first female Honorary Colonel for 14 Wing Greenwood.
On Wednesday (May 2), Stegemann will take the stage at the Brackendale Art Gallery with Vancouver Economic Commission CEO Lee Malleau to talk about economic development and social entrepreneurship.
Malleau has an extensive background in economic and business development. From 2003 to 2005, Malleau was the District of Squamish's economic development officer. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Malleau worked on a Lower Mainland initiative to attract and retain new businesses during the Games. She's served on the Economic Development Association of B.C. and the Economic Development Association of Canada.
The event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. The end of the evening will include an informal Dragon's Den, at which point people can pitch their business ideas and get feedback, said Patricia Heinztman, co-organizer of the evening.
Admission is by donation, with a suggested donation of $5 to $10 at the door. For more information email [email protected].
