Devon is an evoker. She defined a new market category, co-founding Blo, the world’s first and largest franchise chain of Blow Dry Bars. Born from her second-year university project, the company spans four countries, with 52 locations, and has collaborated with international mega brands like Mattel, Guess, Topshop and Gwenyth Paltrow. PROFIT Magazine named her 1 of the 30 most fabulous entrepreneurs in Canada. She was the youngest-ever mentor to join Futurpreneur, the North’s foremost youth mentorship program, and now sits on its advisory board. As an advocate supporting women against violence, she is a strategic advisor, and past board member to WAVAW Rape Crisis Center (Vancouver, BC).
Her resolute disposition for leadership shows up in all facets of her life. She was assaulted in two unrelated incidents at 18 and then again at 21. Right after launching Blo, she went through the ensuing judicial process that eventually led to two guilty pleas, and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression and Anxiety. Still, she soars. Her trade secrets? A stockpile of grit and gratitude.
Devon’s served up belly-laugh inducing, heart-pouring sermons on platforms around the world like TedX, Pecha Kucha, and opened for Dragon Kevin O’Leary. She can always be counted on for deep courage — and a fierce reality check.
Most of us would like to think we’re up for anything. The fact is the fear of discomfort is one of the greatest barriers to entry as it relates to developing as a communicator. Because, ultimately, what we are going to talk about, we must be prepared to feel. Without learning how to face these hard truths, we cannot elevate our relationships, advance our careers, achieve our dreams, or help ourselves. How you share, and how you listen, influences the outcome of everything you do. How would your life change if you woke up everyday, committed to communicating virtuously? One thing’s for sure – it ain’t always gonna be comfy.
All around the world when we experience trauma, we are told not to let what happened to us define us. ‘You. are. not. your. story’. Popular beliefs surrounding victimhood are limiting, and perpetuate a culture of self-consciousness, scarcity and powerlessness, instead of self-awareness and emotional richness. Statistics of violent crime point to a painful truth: in every workplace, school, neighborhood, and family – there are survivors of rape, assault and abuse. It is time to rebrand victimhood, and cultivate a shared dialogue that is grounded in the reality of what life is like post-trauma. Both for survivors, and the people who love them. A dialogue for humanity.
Think Dev is the RUN to your DMC? It’s possible. She’s an 80’s baby. Tell us more about your show.
Looking to develop something uncanny and special? That’s dope. Devon loves to get creative. Tell us more about what you’ve got brewing.
