Today is International Women’s Day! A day to come together and take action in support of gender equality. This year’s theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” urging us all to collectively step forward and drive meaningful change for gender equality.
At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, roughly five generations from now to achieve full gender parity, according to the World Economic Forum. This highlights the urgent need to Accelerate Action and make swift, decisive strides toward equality in both our personal and professional lives.
To honor this year’s theme, we’re celebrating the stories of four remarkable women within our business. We’ll explore what inspires their journeys, the barriers they’ve overcome, and how they continue to break new ground. Together, let’s Accelerate Action and work toward a more inclusive future, faster.
Chrissy Ali Gafoor
Franchise Partner, Good Earth Coffeehouse in Mississauga, ON.
Chrissy draws inspiration from her parents, who were both entrepreneurs and instilled in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and faith. Immigrating to Canada in 1988, she learned firsthand the importance of resilience, humility, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Today, she carries these lessons with her while striving to set an example of strength and perseverance for her children.
“My goal is to show them the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up, no matter what obstacles life throws their way.”
Her days begin early, balancing family responsibilities with her role as a business owner. After ensuring her children are ready for school, she heads to the café to oversee daily operations, meet with staff, and work on business strategies. Afternoons are reserved for family time—helping with homework, preparing meals, and staying connected with her children. Despite the busy schedule, she describes her life as a fulfilling combination of work and family.
Chrissy has learned the value of setting boundaries and prioritizing authentic connections, a lesson she gained from her experience as a “people pleaser.” This shift has helped her become more resilient and navigate challenges with strength.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
Her motivation comes from the verse Proverbs 30:25-26: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” This reminds her to stay true to herself and lead with confidence, even in the face of challenges. Chrissy’s family remains her greatest inspiration, and the love and support they provide fuel her continued growth and success, both in business and life.
Aimee Stewart & Maggie Chidiac
Franchise Partners, Good Earth Coffeehouse in Halifax NS.
Aimee Stewart
After over 20 years in health care, Aimee was ready for a new chapter, one that would allow her to ease into retirement while pursuing a passion for baking and coffee. Owning her own bakery or café had always been a dream, but she never thought it was a feasible goal until a conversation with Maggie, a fellow team member who introduced her to Good Earth Coffeehouse and the opportunity to partner. It felt like a calling, and she quickly jumped at the chance.
“My experience as a woman has definitely shaped my journey. Raised by a strong, independent mother, I learned that women can conquer any challenge. I’ve always been surrounded by women who’ve pursued their dreams, and they’ve been a constant source of inspiration.”
A typical day in Sarah’s life starts by getting her two sons ready for school and daycare then she’s off to her Good A typical day for Aimee starts with opening the café and preparing it for the day. She is hands-on in the morning, setting up and serving customers, before transitioning to managerial tasks as the staff arrives. She spends her afternoons focusing on inventory, reviewing sales reports, and ensuring product quality. Although balancing work with personal well-being is a work in progress, she is learning to trust her team and take time for herself to unwind and recharge.
Her biggest challenge has been balancing motherhood, nursing, and being a military spouse, especially during times of deployment. Navigating the changes that came with her husband’s extended absences taught her resilience and the importance of building strong support systems.
The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.
This quote by Tony Robbins fuels her motivation to step out of her comfort zone and pursue her dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Outside of work, Aimee stays grounded by singing with the Canadian Military Wives Choir, a community of strong women who support and empower one another. Together, they’ve shared unforgettable experiences, including performing at the Invictus Games.
Aimee continues to inspire others with her dedication to pursuing dreams and overcoming challenges, proving that it’s never too late to start something new.
Maggie Chidiac
Growing up in a family of small business owners, including her mother, Maggie has always admired the work ethic and impact her parents had on their community. Their dedication inspired her to pursue both a career in healthcare and a passion for entrepreneurship. With 17 years of experience as a pediatric nurse, she is now also balancing life as a business owner, proving that it is possible to juggle multiple roles.
“My parents instilled in me the value of hard work and the importance of giving back to the community. Those lessons continue to inspire my approach to business today.”
Her typical day starts early, at 6:30 a.m., getting her children ready for school before heading to the café. Once there, Maggie oversees the operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and engaging with customers. Despite the demands of the business, evenings are reserved for family time, where she and her husband enjoy watching their children play sports and unwind together.
I truly believe that with the right support, you can have both a family and a fulfilling career. It’s all about balance.
As a woman, Maggie believes it’s possible to have both a family and a career, despite the societal narrative that suggests otherwise. She credits a strong support system—especially her husband, who has been her number one supporter—helping her to achieve her personal and professional goals.
Outside of work, Maggie enjoys spending quality time with her family, which remains her greatest source of inspiration and motivation. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, balance, and a strong support network.
Nan Eskenazi
Founder, Good Earth Coffeehouse
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, coffee was an integral part of Nan’s life. After moving to Calgary, she wanted to create a business that was an extension of her values and lifestyle. Nan and her partner Michael Going founded the first Good Earth Coffeehouse in 1991 and set out to serve exceptional coffee and wholesome food, in an authentic coffeehouse environment.
“My passion has always been brand development, marketing and of course great coffee!”
Nan starts her mornings with a French Press of Good Earth’s Global Village Espresso and a long walk with her dog before heading into the office. Her days are filled with working to ensure Good Earth remains true to its values and to bring the coffeehouse experience to more people including both customers and people who want to own their own coffeehouse.
It’s a balance of highs and lows, data and intuition, growth and setbacks.
Over the years, Nan has learned that ownership is a balance between keeping the spirit of your vision alive and thriving while attending to a myriad of details and decisions. It’s a balance of highs and lows, data and intuition, growth, and setbacks. It’s riding a wave that cannot often be controlled while finding joy and inspiration in that challenge.
< Back to Blog