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February 12, 2020

Meet Kristin - Operation Entrepreneur boot camp graduate and mentee


From suffering a concussion and being medically released from the Canadian Armed Forces to starting a successful business she’s excited and passionate about, Kristin Topping’s journey through recovery, transition and entrepreneurship has been remarkable.


“After my concussion, I became an extreme introvert to the point where I didn’t want to leave the house and I avoided social situations. I knew I was getting out of the military and I was applying for jobs in a similar field, but I was struggling. It was my husband who suggested I could start my own business, something I hadn’t considered until then.


I attended the intro to entrepreneurship workshop and I met all these people who were totally inspiring. That night, I went and registered my business. I got my domain name and even started building my website!


After the Dalhousie boot camp, I signed up immediately for the mentoring program. Prince’s Trust did a really great job pairing me with someone whose strengths were entirely different from mine. I feel like my mentor, Richard, understands how to push me based on my goals and guide me towards what to do next.


“My mentor’s business experience is totally different

to mine but that’s why it’s so helpful.”


He has really helped me with financial forecasting to prepare for things like incorporation, or building a greenhouse, and seeing what I need in my business plan to do that. We’ve gotten comfortable with each other, and I can see him being a resource for me forever.


I wouldn’t be where I am today without Prince’s Trust Canada. That one-day introductory workshop kickstarted a tsunami.”


Kristin’s injury meant she had to set new career goals for herself. With the support from Prince’s Trust Canada, she’s gone from facing a very uncertain future to an optimistic one full of opportunity. Browse her collection of rare indoor plants at Sweetlifeflora.ca and order one for yourself or as a gift.


Find hundreds of veteran-owned businesses in your community and online using our BuyVeteran.ca directory. If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, visit our website for more information or contact us at mentoring@princestrust.ca