Facilitator Feature
Location: Hastings County
Name: Christina McLean
Born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, a strong interest in French led me to living away from home for periods in Quebec and the south of France to learn the language. When it came time to choose a university, Bishop’s, situated in a small community in the eastern townships of Quebec, was a natural fit. After receiving my BA in art and psychology, I spent 10 years in Toronto working and furthering my studies at OCAD University in Photography. Feeling the urge to put down roots closer to family and make space for a quieter lifestyle surrounded by nature, I moved to Marmora full-time in 2020 – just two weeks before the pandemic was declared in Canada. Working closely with several small business
owners, I developed a strong appetite for entrepreneurship and desire to launch my own business. I received certifications in both project management and coaching before Creative Minds Retreat, a creative incubator offering space to unplug along with coaching services and products, was born in theFall of 2020. This was the perfect complement and foundation for my role as Hastings County Small Business Coordinator, expanding my coaching services to the 40,000 residents within my new community.
Why did you become a Facilitator?
I believe in using creativity to connect communities and that entrepreneurs are some of the most creative folks out there. Having transitioned in my career several times and then launching my own business, I’m acutely aware of how intimidating, but ultimately fulfilling, the process can be. Working with the right people and asking the right questions makes all the difference in whether you live out someone else’s dreams or live out your own. It is a privilege to be in a position to help business owners see that through by co-creating the opportunity for widespread positive social and economic impact in our local community.