The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall.
Meet Ariadna and Creative Training
Ariadna Martinez (also known as Aria) is a local pet behaviour expert specializing in mental health and engaging and understanding animals. Through Creactive Training, she places a strong focus on nurturing a bond between people and their pets, while simultaneously providing education and communication techniques. Aria’s unique approach involves striking a balance between imagination and discipline, while integrating both holistic human health and animal welfare, allowing for creative proactive and reactive pet training. Her techniques target reducing stress, increasing self-awareness and growth, and improving the well-being of her clients – both the humans and animals alike!
Practice Makes Progress with Aria’s Creactive Pet Training Services
What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
My favourite part about being an entrepreneur is the flexibility to be creative and bring ideas to life. Not only does it offer the potential for economic growth, but it also empowers me to develop unique solutions that nurture both personal and professional growth. This journey allows me to make an impact by blending creativity with practical outcomes.
What inspired you to start a business?
What inspired me to start a business is my constant desire for growth, both personally and professionally. I see a deep connection between personal development and providing valuable services to clients, where I can help others while also nourishing my own sense of purpose. Additionally, this journey allows me to align my passion for helping people with the opportunity for economic gain, creating a fulfilling and sustainable path.
What services/ products do you offer?
We offer a unique blend of mental health services through counseling combined with animal connection through specialized training. My approach allows clients to deepen their bond with their animals while simultaneously making lasting changes by educating their pets. Through this process, clients also gain greater self-awareness and emotional growth, enhancing their overall well-being.
Who do you look up to for inspiration when it comes to either being an entrepreneur or your business?
I look up to big thinkers across various fields, from behaviourists and biologists to psychologists, politicians, and entrepreneurs. These individuals inspire me with their ambition not only to grow, but also to help others achieve personal and professional success. Their dedication to making a positive impact while continuously evolving drives my own passion for growth and service in my business.
How did you come up with your business name?
I came up with my business name by reflecting on the idea that creativity is what keeps us engaged, while learning and training are the keys to guiding us toward success. I wanted a name that embodied the balance between imagination and discipline, reflecting both the mental health and animal training aspects of my services. This combination speaks to the importance of growth, both in ourselves and in our connections with the world around us.
What is unique about your business?
My business is unique because it integrates both holistic human health and animal welfare. By providing mental stimulation and training for animals, I ensure their well-being, while at the same time offering mental health support for humans through self-awareness, emotional growth, and deepening their bond with their pets. This dual focus creates a nurturing environment for both people and animals to thrive together.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through your entrepreneurial journey?
The most surprising thing I've learned through my entrepreneurial journey is the immense strength of self-empowerment, and the importance of believing in my ideas. I've come to realize that expressing and sharing my vision not only fuels my growth but also inspires others to embark on their own journeys. This process of continuous improvement has shown me that embracing vulnerability and openness can lead to profound personal and professional transformation.
What’s the best piece of advice you would give to another entrepreneur?
Believe in yourself and your ideas. The journey of entrepreneurship can be challenging, but harnessing the strength of self-empowerment is crucial. Don't hesitate to share your vision—doing so not only fuels your own growth, but also inspires others around you. Embrace vulnerability and remain open to continuous improvement; this mindset can lead to profound personal and professional transformation in your entrepreneurial journey.
What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?
Through the Starter Company Plus program, I aim to achieve ongoing self-growth and gain a deeper understanding of how to improve as an entrepreneur. I am eager to learn new perspectives from professionals in the field, which will help me refine my business strategies and enhance my skills. Ultimately, I aim to leverage this experience to effectively create a more impactful and prosperous business, better able to serve my clients and their animals.
Explore Creactive Training Today
To learn more about Aria and Creactive Training, you can reach out via email at cctivetraining@gmail.com or follow Creactive Training on social media to stay informed about their services.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creactivetraining/
Learn More About the Starter Company Plus Program
To learn more about the Starter Company Plus program, reach out to the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County & Orillia today at smallbusiness@barrie.ca or 705-720-2445.