The 15th annual Gala of Excellence came to a close on October 15, organised by the Prescott Russell Community Development Corporation with the theme of Oscar Night. It was held at the Caledonia Community Hall in St-Bernardin, where 280 guests gathered to celebrate the success of small businesses in the region.
«It is important to stipulate that every two years, the Gala of Excellence adapts to the economic reality and the evolution of businesses and entrepreneurs in Prescott-Russell,” said Luc Filion, Chairperson of the Gala of Excellence Committee, “, to pay tribute and reward those who have managed to stand out through their passion, their development, their community involvement, their loyalty and undoubtedly their resilience.”
Studio Shanthaly of Embrun was awarded quite the distinction on award night, winning both Woman Entrepreneur Award and Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Sisters and co-owners Nathalie and Chantale said that winning both has really boosted morale in the studio.
“We weren’t seen as one of the real big businesses, so winning those awards really showed us, wow we’re doing a great job,” said Chantale. “It gives us the confidence to go forward and work harder on our business. In two years, we’ll be able to start our other business, which is the school of Hair.”
When asked if they would do anything differently if given the chance, Chantale said there was only the hindsight of experience.
“The only thing that I regret is, when we opened up and I was like 21 years old, there’s lots of stuff that we’ve learned throughout the years that I wish I knew when I was young.”
Studio Shanthaly is looking forward to the next Gala in 2024, where they hope to have grown even more and win another award.
