Self Employ PEI client Emily McRae is taking her future into her own hands by starting her own business, says Minister Richard Brown, Workforce and Advanced Learning.
McRae, a twenty-two year old nutritionist and recent graduate from the University of Prince Edward Island is the owner and operator of a nutrition service, Life Cycle Nutrition, based out of the Tignish Health Centre. Upon graduation in 2015, McRae noticed a lack of applicable employment opportunities for herself in Western PEI, and decided to create her own opportunity by securing space at the local health centre and receiving approval from SkillsPEI’s Self Employ Program to start her own venture.
“It was an absolute pleasure to spend some time with Emily and her business last week,” added Minister Brown. “She is a driven young lady who is passionate about her work and helping others, and I commend her for taking initiative to launch her own business.”
The Self Employ Program assists clients like McRae through the Canada-PEI Labour Market Development Agreement. Under the program, applicants can draw Employment Insurance for one year while their business is being established. If they are not eligible for EI, they can receive a weekly living allowance based on the minimum wage. The program also offers up to $1,000 for a business planning consultant.
“I knew I wanted to work in a community setting, consulting one-on-one with clients,” said McRae. “I realized a need for a nutritional professional in the West Prince area, and I wanted to help out my home community, so that’s how my business idea came to fruition. Working with other healthcare professionals at the Tignish Health Centre allows for collaboration and provides an optimal service for our clients.”
Through Life Cycle Nutrition, McRae provides healthy suggestions and individualized meal plans for a variety of clients. She is also in the process of obtaining her credential to become a Registered Holistic Nutritionist through the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.
For more information on Life Cycle Nutrition, visit the company’s Facebook page or contact McRae directly at emcrae@outlook.com