Meet The Member - Crystal Kelly, Amani Financial
The primary mission of my independent financial planning practice, Amani Financial Inc., is to guide women to financial independence so that they can break the cycle of financial chaos and bring peace of mind to their lives.
Today we’re sitting down for an interview with Crystal Kelly to learn more about building Amani Financial.
Tell us more about you and your business! We’d love to know about your business today and the story of how you got here.
I am Certified Financial Planner® with 18 years of experience in the financial services industry. The primary mission of my independent financial planning practice, Amani Financial Inc., is to guide women to financial independence so that they can break the cycle of financial chaos and bring peace of mind to their lives.
Women have unique needs, challenges, and inequalities they face when it comes to their financial well being, as such the financial advice they receive should be just as unique. This is achieved through holistic, fee-for-service financial planning in the areas of cash flow management, investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance and risk management, tax planning and small business financial planning. With an emphasis on education and empowerment.
Areas of specialization include women transitioning from employee to self employed and women going through a separation or divorce, and am a candidate for the Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist designation. I am a mixed settler and indigenous woman descending from Musgamagw Dzawada'enuxw, one of four tribes making up the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples in the Pacific Northwest. I have a special interest in serving indigenous nations through education and guidance. All in an effort to help build a robust indigenous economy.
Let’s dive more into your business. What products/services do you offer? What do you do for your clients that sets you apart?
The financial services industry is very male dominated and his heavily influenced by colonized and patriarchal world views. Unfortunately this results in women not getting the type of support they are now demanding, in order to create real, long lasting financial security. Women's unique needs and challenges need to be addressed as part of a financial plan.
In addition, my fee for service model offers a way to get financial advice without product pitches or sales tactics. The majority of the advice out there is tied to commissions from the sale of investment products. My fee for service model eliminates that conflict of interest so that the recommendations made are truly in your best interest. It also eliminates the need to have an existing portfolio to get good advice. You can have a robust portfolio, or be just starting out! It doesn't change the qualify of advice you receive.
I can be hired for the following services:
Comprehensive fee for service financial planning
Educational Workshops
Speaking Engagements
Consulting
What is your favourite part of what you do?
When my clients express how working with me has improved their quality of life, reduced their stress levels, increased their confidence with their financial well being and helped them make informed decisions about their financial security and build wealth long term.
Witnessing my clients go from fear, shame and confusion around their finances to excitement, empowerment and confidence...it's why I do what I do.
What's a challenge you’ve overcome as a business owner, and what did you learn from it that you can share with others?
A challenge I have experienced as a business owner is how isolated and alone it can feel. When you're building the tracks as the train is coming and wearing all of the hats of your business, it can be very difficult. It is similar to the challenges I've faced as a single mother. Sometimes I need to vent, sometimes I need to talk through a problem that I haven't figured out a solution for yet, sometimes I need inspiration when my creative brain feels stuck.
The most valuable lesson I have learned from going through this challenge is to prioritize connection with other women. The relationships we with have with the women in our lives are so incredibly important and the rich connections we build expand our lives in ways we can't see are possible when we are doing it all alone.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Always have something in the calendar that you are looking forward to.
Do you have a go-to motto or quote that inspires you?
One of my favourite quotes is by Russ, when he was asked...
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Russ: "What if it can turn out better than you can imagine?"
What is the worst advice you've ever received?
Russ: "Be realistic"
Is there anything you'd like to share with the YBB Community?
If you would like to receive practical financial information and tools in your inbox and stay up to date on upcoming workshops or launches, please sign up for our monthly newsletter on the website https://www.amanifinancial.ca/.
Mad Love Monday - Kaytlyn Beakhouse, Sort & Simple Professional Organizing
Hi there, I’m Kaytlyn! I am the Owner and Lead Organizer of Sort & Simple Professional Organizing. I love transforming people’s lives through simplifying their space.
Image @christinalouisebranding
Hi there, I’m Kaytlyn!
I am the Owner and Lead Organizer of Sort & Simple Professional Organizing. I love transforming people’s lives through simplifying their space.
Why did you start this business?
Now more than ever, it is VERY easy to accumulate stuff. However, it’s not as easy to get rid of items. Most of us can relate to the feelings of stress, overwhelm and even paralysis that a big ol’ pile of stuff can create. Disorganization can impede our productivity, hinder efficiency, and can even cause feelings of guilt and shame.
This is where Sort & Simple comes in! Through the power of decluttering and the implementation of functional systems, not only can we create a welcoming space, creativity and confidence soar too!
Why do you love being an entrepreneur?
After a decade long career in the healthcare field, I had reached a plateau in my learning and development. I was craving a new challenge!
Owning my own business has filled many of the gaps I had in my previous career - I get to build meaningful, long-term relationships, and utilize my creativity and handy-girl skills. The best part is that I am challenged every day and am constantly learning. I love it!
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far?
When it comes to organizing an important lesson I’ve learned is to be continuously adaptable. Every client has a unique way of using their space and belongings, so I need to keep an open mind to their preferences and find solutions that make sense to them. Often that means using a system very different from what I would want in my home!
As for the business side of things, I have learned that I cannot control everything. When I finally realized that there is a limit to my capacity a huge weight lifted off my chest. By giving myself permission to set work boundaries, delegate tasks, and to be patient with the process I have had more opportunities present themselves and am having a lot more fun along the way. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Do you want to chat non-stop about the magic of decluttering and organizing?
Let's connect!
Image @christinalouisebranding
Mad Love Monday - Sharmin Syed, Uniquely You Aesthetics and Wellness
Hello! I’m Sharmin. I am a Registered Nurse with over 8 years of experience in Mental Health & Addictions, ER, and Medical Aesthetics.
Hello! I’m Sharmin.
I am a Registered Nurse with over 8 years of experience in Mental Health & Addictions, ER, and Medical Aesthetics.
In March 2022, I opened my own clinic, Uniquely You Aesthetics and Wellness, which has been a long time dream of mine. Having my own practice gives me the independence to work with my patients closely, collaboratively building treatment plans that help my patients achieve their skin goals.
Proudly based in beautiful Edmonton, Alberta, Uniquely You Aesthetics and Wellness was conceptualized in an effort to help bring you closer to your aesthetic and wellness goals. Our fundamental belief is that everyone deserves to look and feel their best no matter their age, gender or background.
We believe in using a holistic approach by treating the mind, body and soul for the best results for our patients. At Uniquely You, we create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve long-lasting results you’ll be proud of. We’re committed to working closely with you to not only determine your skin goals, but the blueprint that will help us get there.
Uniquely You is proud to use the most advanced techniques, proven technologies and the best medical-grade products. Our providers are highly trained medical professionals that treat patients safely, precisely and with the utmost care. The result? The best version of your already beautiful, unique self. Here’s to being Uniquely You!
I am very passionate about educating others so when I am not injecting, I am naturally teaching. I am also a faculty instructor with the Canadian Association of Medical Aesthetics (CAMA), where I proudly educate fellow healthcare practitioners on the art of injecting!
In my free time, you can find me spending quality time with my husband and our two young children. I love traveling and I am also a big foodie, so I always keep my eyes open for local hidden gems. I love nerding out on facial anatomy, and all things mental health and personal development!
We asked Sharmin, What was your first moment of reassurance that you were on the right path?
Seeing my patient’s reactions after a treatment and how satisfied they are, is truly my favourite moment. A patient of mine said to me once “You gave me a new life, I hope you are proud of the work that you do”. We shared a few tears of joy. Then, she went on to sharing the hardships she faced in her life which affected her self- love and confidence. She said “Before coming to see you, I could not look at myself in the mirror but now I cant stop looking at myself”. This was absolutely the highlight of my career. Nothing beats the feeling of helping others.
what is your Favourite Quote?!
“Talk to yourself like someone you love” – Brene Brown
I am looking forward to meeting all the amazing YBB Community members and learning about their story and entrepreneurial journey. Hope to see you all at future YBB events and gatherings.
Submission By: Sharmin Syed
Get in touch hello@uniquelyyouskin.com