RBC Royal Bank salutes women entrepreneurs across Canada.

• Position: Barb Carle-Thiesson, Jane Eyzenga, Isabelle Legare and June Perry

From providing strategic communications or accounting services to manufacturing wood products, women are running businesses in diverse fields and finding the financing and advice they need to grow from RBC Royal Bank. We are proud of our clients and introduce you to four of them here....

Barb Carle-Thiesson, FCA, Partner

Firm: Tyce Carle-Thiesson Chartered Accountants, Nanaimo, BC 250-740-0040 barb@tctca.ca

Description: A public accounting firm with 10 employees, which includes two CAs (Barb and her partner) and three CGAs. This specialty practice focuses on the professionals market, providing comprehensive tax planning and tax minimization strategies for doctors and dentists.

Growth: Since becoming a chartered accountant in January 1982, Barb has operated as a sole proprietor and in partnership -- first in Alberta and then in Nanaimo -- for the past 12 years. "Women were just starting to get into this business in the mid '70s, but I've always preferred the flexibility and independence of private practice rather than working for a large firm." explains Barb, who is also the 2nd Vice President for the B.C. Institute of Chartered Accountants. Starting their current practice last fall, Barb and her partner outgrew their space within a month and doubled their staff within eight months.

Unique Feature: An expert in the professionals market since 1992, Barb provides complete accounting services to her clients as well as advanced strategies through seminars and newsletters. "In this way, we help them become more successful and enhance our own reputation in the field."

Growth Tip: "You have to be committed, which sometimes means working when you would rather not and making certain sacrifices. But, if it's the right decision for you, don't beat yourself up about the other things you may have to give up in the process. Commitment and a professional attitude will get you to where you want to be."

Future Plans: "To buy our own building and get established in a permanent location. I also hope to maintain staff continuity by retaining good people like our women CGAs while they have their families."

How RBC Royal Bank Helps: "I've had excellent and very supportive account managers in my 12 years with the bank. They've always believed in me."

Jane Eyzenga, President

Company: R. A. Warner Building Supplies Ltd., Lyndhurst, ON 613-928-2828 warnerc@recorder.ca www.timbr.com

Description: This full-service building material supply operation, under the franchise...