CHANGEMAKER’S MARKET 2021 – LAURENCE RICH

Welcome to the Changemaker’s Market presented by BlueShore Financial, a digital community of over 200 movers and makers who have generously donated their goods and services to benefit the BC Women’s Health Foundation.

Each and every item or service has been generously donated by a BC business owned by cis women, trans folks, non-binary folks, and those across the gender spectrum. You can bid on items, with all proceeds benefiting the BC Women’s Health Foundation and our mission of healthy women everywhere, capable of anything. 

We asked our Changemakers a few questions, including Laurence Rich of FleuRich Creations, a boutique Okanagan floral design and event styling studio based in Kelowna. FleuRich Creations was grown out of Laurence’s love for design and creating beauty.  

Tell me a favourite series or movie that you watched during the pandemic? 

I loved Bridgerton and The Queen’s Gambit. Both beautifully written and the visuals were on point!

Have you started any new hobbies? 

I picked up reading again which I absolutely loved.

Why did you choose to donate to the Changemaker’s Market?

I was diagnosed with depression a few weeks before the lockdown. Having access to mental health support changed my life for the better. Every woman deserves to feel supported and there needs to be more access.

Why does women’s health matter to you?

I want my daughter to grow up in a world where women are treated and valued equally. It is time that we start the conversations that are needed to support one another.

The theme for International Women’s Day is #ChooseToChallenge. How will you #ChooseToChallenge the inequities that exist in women’s health? 

I #choosetochallenge gender bias and status quo. I choose to always align with ”norms” that advance, support,  and empower all women.

Nearly four in ten women report their mental health has worsened since the beginning of the pandemic a year ago. How do you cope with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic? 

Therapy and meditation. 

What inspires you most about giving back to your community? 

It’s about perspective for me. It’s important for me to not stay in my ”bubble”. I want to know how I can help or support others and how I can do better. How can I, if I don’t make the conscious effort of giving back and being in my community?

What or who is a local shop founded by a woman that you admire?

I love everything about Jaclyn Emily of Okanagan Lifestyle. She’s a fabulous business woman and community leader. A true inspiration!

And lastly, describe your legacy.

I hope that when my time comes, I will be at peace knowing that I have done more than what I thought I could do. That I have raised good people and have contributed in making their world a better place.

Bid, connect, create change. Every purchase made at the Changemakers Market is a declaration of your dedication to women’s health and equity in the healthcare system. Go you.

Whether you bid on the Changemaker’s Market from March 14-21, or donate directly — you’re championing change for all women across BC.

Interested in learning more about our Changemakers? Read more stories or follow along on Instagram @bcwomens.

Changemakers Market is proudly presented by: