YOU DON'T HAVE TO FIT IN A MOLD: ANNE-EDMA #FEMMEBOLD
I first met Anne-Edma in real life the day I spoke on a conference panel she was hosting. However, we've been talking via direct message on Instagram for a while. Anne-Edma is an inspiring and intelligent woman, who knew how to exactly position her business and actually cater to a niche that needed education and guidance: entrepreneurs. She's a business and tax lawyer, and by the end of this interview, I bet you'll reach out to her. I have learned so much from her very informative videos on Linkedin and she basically made me realize I NEED to hire her.
Qui est Anne-Edma ? Parle nous de toi!
J’exerce la profession d’avocate en droit des affaires et je suis fiscaliste également. J’ai lancé mon cabinet en 2015 et depuis, je travaille quotidiennement avec des entrepreneurs pour les aider à bâtir, gérer et protéger leur entreprise. On peut me décrire comme étant ambitieuse, déterminée et un tantinet introvertie ;)
What are some of the reasons why you decided to be an entrepreneur and eventually launch Amlea Attorneys previously known as Audax Lawyers?
I wanted to switch up the way things were done in the legal industry. First image that comes to mind when we think of lawyers is often an old man with a suit. It always looks super serious and intimidating. I’m here to change the relationship entrepreneurs have with lawyers, so they see them as their partner and go-to person when they’re doing business decisions instead of an expensive service provider to avoid at all costs.Also, what I wanted to create what was not out there. There was no law firm I could work for that reflected my core values and that was attracting entrepreneurs the way I wanted to. Often, branding in the legal industry is also very conservative. I did not want anything to do with that. I’ve created a look and feel that is refreshing and attracts the type of people I want to work with. That’s the feedback I’ve been getting. Plus, before becoming a lawyer, I got to work specifically in the field I wanted to practice. So for me, it was the perfect opportunity to give it a try. Lastly, having your own business is definitely more work, but oh so rewarding.
" Supporting entrepreneurs starts by empowering and educating them "
You’re a Business and tax Lawyer and you’re the mastermind behind AMLEA Attorneys! Can you give us insights on your mission for Amlea Attorneys and some of the services your are offering?
Amlea Attorneys is all about supporting entrepreneurs. We’ve come to the realization that supporting entrepreneurs starts by empowering and educating them. This way, they can understand the legal basics and jargon that is essential to building a solid business. We help them whether they are just starting out by defining the ideal legal structure for their business activities, protecting their brand, drafting legal agreements for every business relationship they have. It’s about helping the entrepreneurs build, run and protect their business.
An event or achievement that you are proud of?
Very proud to have had the opportunity to travel to Ghana last October for a Women Entrepreneurship Seminar. I spent 2 weeks with 7 fellow canadian business women and 10 women from Ghana. It was a very enriching experience and it expanded my comfort zone. I was able to take part in this event because of what I’ve built with the law firm. Tt’s definitely opening doors for more opportunities.
What are some of the obstacles you’ve encountered since launching Amlea Attorneys?
Wearing many hats. As a business owner, I have to take care of a lot of administrative tasks, run the business, onboarding new clients, work on my personal brand and do constant business development but also deliver legal services.
Également, il est important de se créer un réseau très tôt. De par ma personnalité plus “introvertie”, j’ai dû apprendre à délaisser ma zone de confort et aller vers les autres afin de me faire connaître. Finalement, lorsqu’on se lance si jeune, il faut aussi faire face aux doutes des autres relativement à nos compétences et prouver que nous sommes tout aussi capable d’accomplir le travail. Bâtir sa réputation est un travail de longue haleine.
What have you learned from them?
I’ve learned that we are capable of anything we put our mind to. When I look how far I’ve come, my 20 year old self would not have believed this. I’m discovering a creative part of myself I didn’t know I had or at least, I made myself believe I didn’t have and it’s fun to explore that. I’m now allowing myself to execute ideas that excite me and that I would have previously assumed I can’t achieve.
How do you practice self-care
Naps, naps, naps. I love a good nap on the weekend, that’s how I take care of myself. I also like to read at night to disconnect from my day. Gym is an efficient way as well but I’m not consistent with that at all (ha!).
What would you say to your 20 year old self?
Dare to dream big. Whatever you see others achieve that seem impressive, you can do it too. It’s simply proof of what’s possible for anyone. You don’t have to fit in a mold. You can be yourself, create your job AND make a living even if your parents tell you otherwise!
Any words of advice or encouragement for La Femme BOLD who is reading this?
Si une idée te chicote constamment et que tu as le désir profond d’accomplir quelque chose, c’est parce que c’est un besoin pour au moins une personne “dehors”. Ce qu’on est amené à créer correspond souvent à venir combler un manque ou inspirer quelqu’un d’autre. J’ai longuement réfléchi à me lancer en affaires. J’ai eu des doutes mais aujourd’hui, je vois l’impact positif que ça a eu sur ma vie et aussi sur celles d’autres femmes qui se permettent maintenant de croire que c’est possible pour elles aussi. Je me dis que c’est plus grand que moi et Dieu merci que je l’ai fait finalement! 