91大黄鸭 entrepreneur, Kristy Carruthers has been announced as a finalist for the Stevie Awards for women in business.

Carruthers, nominated in the category of female entrepreneur of the year - business products- 10 or less employees; started her company, Proforma Inspired Promotions in 2014 after having her second child. The single mother was looking for a career where she could put down roots for her family and become part of a community after working on cruise ships.

鈥淢y struggle was being a single mother with two young kids, running a business, building it and making it all work. It was a unique challenge but it鈥檚 also motivation. The things that make it difficult make it worthwhile.鈥�

Now Carruthers business has taken off, since 2015 the company has grown 450 per cent.

RELATED:Canadians widely unaware of accomplishments of famous women, poll suggests

鈥淲hat I love about what we do is that we help them (clients) build their brand by building good feelings. It鈥檚 about giving gifts and building good will. I think that is such a great way to advertise and build awareness of your company and that is my favourite part. It鈥檚 about finding the right item to send that message. We get some of the strangest requests, someone just asked for lightsabers.鈥�

RELATED: B.C. woman looks to reduce stigma surrounding weed-smoking moms

Carruthers is bringing her ten year old daughter to the awards party on Nov. 16 in New York City.

鈥淚t鈥檚 pretty exciting and a little humbling. It鈥檚 a big honour and in my particular industry is fairly male dominated and nice to be nominated. I think anything that encourages or highlights women in any industry is great.鈥�

The Stevie Award is a premier business award which honours and generates public recognition of the achievements of women executives, entrepreneurs and the organizations they run. nominations are judged by many of the world鈥檚 most respected executives, entrepreneurs, innovators and business educators.

To report a typo, email:
newstips@kelownacapnews.com.

sydney.morton@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .