By Felicia Greekas

Tale’awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation (TACC) would like to congratulate three outstanding Aboriginal Entrepreneurs for their achievement in business.

Cristy Johnson, Danny Chase and Rhonda Dieni are being recognized for their success and hard work by the BC Aboriginal Business Awards created through the BC Achievement Foundation

Cristy Johnson, owner of Cristy’s Jewelry Designs has been in business for two and a half years creating unique one-of-a-kind jewelry designs for her contemporary jewelry collection. She began designing her pieces after attending a bead show in Arizona with her aunt that led her to start her own business.

In 2008 she was sought out to be member of the gift lounge for the Much Music Video Awards where she showcased her creative designs and talent by creating custom pieces for the stars.

Heading into her third year of business, Cristy Johnson is this year’s recipient of the Young Female Aboriginal Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

“I feel like this is what I’m supposed to be doing. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” Cristy said about her business.

Creating great momentum for 2009, Cristy is an entrepreneur worth keeping an eye on.

Another entrepreneur being recognized is Danny Chase, President and owner of Chase Office Interiors Inc. (COI)

COI specializes in federal government and commercial clients. They offer a combination of design services, office furniture, installation and overall project management.

2009 brings its sixth year in operation. When asked about this recognition Danny tells me, “We’re definitely honoured that our team is being recognized for what we have done. We’ve worked really hard and it’s well deserved for our team.”

When previously asked what makes his company unique Danny says, “We’ve automated our efficient systems. We’ve built all our systems from scratch, based on feedback from clients and manufacturers. We didn’t assume the old way of doing something was the best way to do it.”

This willingness to adapt to new situations has provided Chase with the ability to be flexible enough to meet various client demands.

His approach has proven to be successful and his company continues to grow and expand with a head office in West Vancouver and an office and showroom in Edmonton.

With an efficient system and great team, Chase Office Interiors is the recipient of Business of the Year Award – two to ten person enterprise.

“This keeps us moving forward and keeps the momentum with continued goals and action plans for the future,” Danny says. “We’ve also published it in our newsletter to thank our clients because they are apart of helping us reach a certain level of success, without them we don’t have a business.

“It brings us closer to our clients and shows that we are all working together to accomplish these goals. Our Clients have a choice in the industry and we like to thank them and appreciate that they choose us,” Danny adds.

Constructing a path for success COI has set the stage for continued growth and recognition and we look forward to seeing what’s to come.

The BC Aboriginal Business Awards is recognizing North Vancouver’s Bikram’s Yoga College of India for outstanding business achievement in the category for Business of the Year – one to two person enterprise.

Rhonda Dieni, owner and co-director of the studio has been guiding people through peace and tranquility through her yoga classes since the business came to life in 2005

With three years of business behind them and many more to come, Rhonda and co-owner Lillian Tseng are helping create new lifestyles for people who visit their studio, for the new comers and advanced. Each class is dedicated to strengthening and stretching your body and are all accommodated for beginners.

If any time is a good time to begin a new physical practice, it’s the beginning of a new year. With this recognition you know you are going to the right place to get a great start.

“I want to make sure everyone gets a chance to encompass a lifestyle that anyone can adapt to. It’s never too late and you’re never too old. You just do it.” Rhonda said, “Every day is a new day, and everyone gets that chance.”

North Vancouver’s Bikram’s Yoga College of India will only continue to grow and allow more people the freedom of healthy lifestyles through an ancient practice.

Each entrepreneur has found their strengths and passion for what they do. Creative and resourceful they’ve developed systems that work for a successful business.

TACC looks forward to continue to see these three outstanding entrepreneurs continue to expand their business and see great things for 2009 and years to come.

Congratulations Cristy, Danny and Rhonda on your success!

These entrepreneurs and many others will be honoured at the BC Aboriginal Business Awards gala on January 27, 2009. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit www.bcachievement.com.

Each company has their own website if you’d like to follow up and learn more. Cristy’s Jewlery Designs at www.cristysjewelry.com, Chase Office Interiors at www.coiinc.ca, and North Vancouver’s Bikram’s Yoga College of India at www.bikramyoganorthvan.com.