We're so excited to have our friend, neighbour and business-owner Lorena answer our questions about what makes her happy, her business advice and how to stay grounded.
Lo is the owner of Sole Survivor, the Toronto all-female cobbler + leather goods store with two locations in Little Portugal and Kensington Market. The shops offer amazing shoe repair and customization using traditional and also contemporary methods and materials, as well as a variety of beautiful handmade goods.

Province Apothecary founder Julie and Lo are longtime friends, having met before either began their businesses and eventually setting up shop in the same building at 16 Kensington Ave. We're so proud of her continued success and passion!

How do you ground yourself during the day?
By taking a minute and just being here (there) or I like to scream in a joking way. I do this scream that sounds like a mini heavy metal band -it relaxes me every time. hahaha!

When do you feel most like yourself?
I’m still getting to know myself but I would have to say when I am meditating. Connecting to everything and nothing has shown me the ME I should be.

When are you at your happiest?
I’m happiest when the people around me are happy. :)

How would you spend a perfect 'day off’?
I’ve learned over the years of owning my own business that putting an expectation on my “day off” has never worked and instead stressed me out that I was off and that I should’ve been working. So instead I try and make each day a little “perfect” and take little moments “off” for myself.

What piece of advice would you like to offer to other women?
Don’t forget about yourself. Take time and care for the woman in YOU. When we feel most grounded, connected and loved, that is when we can really do anything we are meant to. Also don’t be afraid to ask for help, you are a strong independent woman but sometimes you need your tribe to have your back.

What’s the best part about being an entrepreneur? What’s the worst part?
The independence, and that everything you’ve done and grown into is because of your own hustle. The worst would be that you sometimes feel like everything can be on your shoulders....

What’s the most useful business lesson you’ve learned?
Stand in and show up in the role you’ve grown into!

If your business was a band, what band would it be?
Bjork!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who is your business inspiration?
All the hard working women in my life! <3

Where do you get your power from?
Mother Earth and Mary Jane.

What is your favourite ‘indulgence’?
Oh that’s tough one but I’d have to say CHEESE {inset heart eyes emoji}

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