Claire’s Best Advice for Canadian Women in Business:
“Build a solid network and seek opportunities that allow you to learn, shine, and demonstrate your best self!”
Tell us about your business Claire:
Following a long career in healthcare education and leadership, Claire Crossley currently works with individuals and organizations to offer programs and life-skills to single moms and youth in the Cities of Toronto and London, Ontario through her business, Single Moms with Big Balls (SMBB). In order to support single moms on a pro bono basis, Claire provides consulting services to organizations in the areas of strategic planning, business development, educational and community engagement initiatives.
Claire is also the co-founder of Community space Toronto (COMMsTO), a community hub of local non-profits and social entrepreneurs with a focus on economic health and social programming. Additionally, Claire is a founding partner of The Academy of Learning, Strength and Conditioning (The ALSC), a non-profit organization located in Scarborough and dedicated to student athletes, academic studies, and life-skills.
In other community efforts, Claire sits on the Board of Directors of Women At The Centre; a unique non-profit organization developed by women survivors and dedicated to the eradication of gender-based violence. Claire’s position is Director of the Women’s Economic Development and the Men and Boys portfolios. Claire recently held the position of Strategic Planning and Engagement on the Board of Directors for the Spanish Speaking Education Network; a non-profit organization supporting the success of Spanish youth and families via education and resources. Finally, Claire previously served on the Board of Directors for hErVOLUTION; a non-profit which encourages girls and young women to pursue STEM-based careers & aims to increase government involvement in the support of STEM education in Canada.
Claire is excited to partner with Women in Biz Network to launch the London Chapter of Mentor Her Biz beginning Tuesday, January 5th and every Tuesday thereafter from 10:00am-12:00pm at Kowork, a collaborative space for entrepreneurs in London, Ontario.
Let’s get to know #WIBNMember Claire better:
Claire uses her own life experiences as a single mom at 18 years old to support other single moms who seek business and/or education opportunities. As a young mother without a high school diploma at the time, Claire quickly realized education and a supportive network were necessary for her success!
Claire worked to foster her career (as opposed to a job) in healthcare and attended university at the same time, achieving many accomplishments which resulted in opportunities for learning and growing throughout her career. Approximately five years ago, Claire left her full-time career in healthcare to become an entrepreneur who supports other single moms and youth in their quest for success.
Claire recently returned to London, Ontario to be closer to her daughter, Michaela, and her two grandsons, Jaxson and Charlie!
What are your favourite business tools and books?
My favourite business tool for engaging is Twitter.
As for books, Claire personally owns approximately 2,000 books including topics on leadership, business, strategic planning, and classic Greek and Roman literature.
What advice would you give to other business owners?
Build a solid network and seek opportunities that allow you to learn, shine, and demonstrate your best self!
I am interested and available to mentor on the following topics:
- Social media and blogging
- Leadership
- Marketing
- Managing your time within your business and life
- Networking / developing positive relationships
- Starting a new business / creating a business plan
- Developing your personal brand in line with your small business
- Evolving the objectives and direction for your business
- Building community by hosting events
Connect on Twitter @claireSMBB and at ca.linkedin.com/in/ClaireCrossleySMBB and on facebook
