Next Tuesday, March 31 another Cherry Pie comes out of the oven right here in Ottawa.
If you have ever harboured cubicle escape fantasies, wondered if you might be destined for something different, or hoped your secret hidden talent might actually support be able to you, then you need to know about Cherry Pie.
More than just your average women’s business network, Ottawa’s Cherry Pie events are some of hottest tickets in town. Started back in 2004 by local mover and shaker Catherine Landry, Cherry Pie is more of a phenomenon than a function, and attracts women entrepreneurs of all kinds. From development to execution, Cherry Pie is about women helping women do business better. It’s an opportunity start smart and learn from the experts, to make connections with potential collaborators, to source unique new products or services, or even to market an existing enterprise. All of this, and a swank, sophisticated atmosphere as well!
So why not consider it? See and be seen next Tuesday at the Lago Bar & Grill among some very savvy women who also know how to have fun. Indulge in a few tasty treats by Executive Chef Robin Bowen, who will be preparing flavourful fare exclusively for the Cherry Pie event, and enjoy an entirely different kind of girls night out.
Kick-off is 7PM next Tuesday, March 31st at the Lago Bar & Grill, Dow’s Lake Pavilion. Tickets are available at the door for $15.00 each or 2 for $22 (students $8).
RSVP to Catherine at Catherineknows@videotron.ca or call 819-776-5161.
And, speaking of seriously savvy women… Catherine Landry, the brains behind Cherry Pie sets a strong example for us all. “My very great friend Sandra and I were talking one day about all our talented friends and how they should combine forces”, Landry explains, “so I organized the first Pie 4 years ago”. Since then, it’s been growing like crazy, and what started as a hobby has now turned into almost a full time production.
Landry, a former nightclub manager, has decided to focus her time and energy on bringing people together through new ideas, concepts and events. Not prepared to sit back, she wants to do what it takes to address issues, build momentum and make a real difference. In addition to Cherry Pie, Landry is also planning projects to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in Africa, and raise funds to help those suffering right here in Ottawa. This is a woman who is not afraid to face a challenge head on, and who is on a mission to kill complacency with creativity, with community and with courage.
Lucky for me, and for girlaboutOtown readers, Landry was kind enough to take some time away from her busy planning to answer a few questions…
You are making a big contribution to the Ottawa community. How would you describe your contribution? I – me myself personally – am not making a contribution rather, I am working super-hard motivating others to get together, work together, support each other, and to share tips, techniques, and contacts. Welcome your competition in the workforce as it encourages customer attention.
Who do you partner with to make Cherry Pie happen? I reach out to businesswomen in this city who “get it”. They don’t ask a million questions, they just understand that putting 400 businesswomen under one roof in a cool sophisticated environment is a valuable networking tool.
How did you come up with the name Cherry Pie? When Sandra (who has been a Cherry Pie supporter ever since) and I were having that initial conversation, we were listening to rock music. The Warrant song “Cherry Pie” came on, we started air-banding to the music, and I had a eureka moment. Good thing we weren’t listening to Barry Manilow or these events might have been called “Mandy-Minglers”!
How often are Cherry Pie events held? How many have there been? In 4 years we have held 11 events. This will be number 12.
There doesn’t seem to be a lot of advertising or lot of PR fanfare about Cherry Pie. How do you get the word out? We get the word out like that old Pantene Shampoo commercial…I told two friends…who told two friends..and so on..and so on.
Despite the low-key approach, Cherry Pie seems to be very popular. Why do you suppose that is? Sometimes things that are driven by organic momentum last longer. I am not a gangster and not out to hustle these women for their money. It is a sweet thing to see people become successful and do well. This encourages a feeling of being safe and secure, which in turn creates a feeling of independence.
How many women typically attend? Up to 400 women are expected at this event on March 31.
What kind of entrepreneurs do the Cherry Pie events attract? Is there a particular demographic or type of business person that attend in larger proportion than most? I think there is a new wave of women who are empowered. With this economy women really are taking the reins, directing strong business growth and becoming successful. A Cherry Pie lady “gets it” and really wants others to do well. In return, she will do well. There is nothing so sad as people who don’t support good things.
How strong is the Cherry Pie network between events? Is there a way for participants to keep in touch in between events? I tend to be ground control and manage to network everyone’s requests. I always say “TELL THEM CHERRY PIE SENT YOU!” and it works.
Can you give any examples of Cherry Pie success stories? I think everyone is a success due to the fact that they mustered up their strength and their experience and DID IT. If they came to the Pie with no business sense or tons of business sense, it doesn’t matter at least they made the effort to try. That has to be rewarded as many of these women have super-busy lives so to take on the additional stress of starting a business—everyone’s a winner.
What is your favorite part about organizing Cherry Pie? I LOVE hooking people up so they can get stuff done and make things happen. Walk the Walk.
What are your plans for Cherry Pie? A website…CHERRY SODA , a youth mentorship program… a summer wild cherry event…a Montreal Tarte aux Cerises event, and then a Toronto Hogtown Cherry Pie…!
What was your childhood ambition? Helicopter pilot.
What is your greatest indulgence? Sleep.
What has been the hardest thing for you to learn? Effective communication.
What is your secret hidden talent? I can see the future through tarot card readings.
What are you passionate about? Youth. They really need to be respected and listened to. They have great ideas.
What would be your perfect day? Lenny Kravitz bringing me breakfast in Bali!
What are you doing when you lose track of time? Thinking up ideas – my brain is like NASCAR at Disneyland!
Given a choice, would you pick a cupcake or a tart? Tarts..hello…the pre-cursor to the pie. 
How would you describe your personal style? Like that of a 12 year old..sneakers, hoodies and t-shirts.
What impresses you? The truth.
What do you like to talk about most? I am a listener.
Favourite music? Hip hop, classical & old school house.
And what about life in O-town? What are your favourite restaurants? The Brig Pub on York Street has amazing food. The tuna salad is 5 stars!
Favourite stores to shop at? Wallacks, NORML Clothing, Mrs. Tiggywinkles, and the marker and pen aisle at Staples.
Good ol’ Ottawa fun? A Ginette Bobo drag show.
Collage image credits – Lago Bar & Grill and Real Simple.
