Lindsay Rose Turner, Mentor, and Bin Chen, Mentee

Local entrepreneur, Lindsay Rose Turner, sums up her experience as a mentor for the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) in a quote by Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Over the past six months, Lindsay has been helping ICA client, Bin Chen, learn the ins and outs of opening a health and wellness store and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice in Victoria. Trained in TCM and Psychology, Bin left 12 successful stores behind in Shanghai to start his life in Canada. While Bin was not new to the world of business ownership, opening a business in Canada was different in many ways. He sought out the mentorship program to learn about the local market, licensing regulations, registration process and tax system, for example.

As the owner of Lindsay Rose Holistic Health, a private health practice specializing in Shiatsu Therapy, Bowen Therapy and Reiki / Energy Healing, Lindsay was well-positioned to support Bin through his self-employment journey. “It is such a rewarding experience, especially when I see the progress and accomplishments Billy makes along the way. I feel such pride and excitement for him as he grows and develops his Traditional Chinese Medicine practice here in Victoria.”

Understandably, the process has not been without difficulties. Bin cites language barriers and cultural differences as his greatest challenges, but remains confident that these difficulties will become easier with time.

In May 2011, just four months after the start of their mentorship, Bin opened his store, Natural Garden Remedies, at the Crystal Gardens on Douglas Street. Bin has found a beautiful location in downtown Victoria,” says Lindsay, “and the enthusiasm to get the store up and running is infectious. I know he is going to help many people with his natural health and wellness products and services.”

Bin explains, “The business is still in its testing period, but I look forward to seeing more success in the future.”

He credits Lindsay for helping him make such quick progress.

For Lindsay, this experience has been an important opportunity for self-discovery and learning. “Through Bin, I have re-learned to take matters slowly and use a step-by-step process to work through any challenges and speed bumps along the way. I have learned to re-examine my own business with ‘fresh eyes’ and more enthusiasm, which has come directly from Billy.”

For more information about ICA’s mentorship program, please contact Karolien Swaak, Mentoring Services Facilitator, at 250-388-4728 ext. 122 or kswaak@icavictoria.org.