Working from Home
victoryfireworks.comEntrepreneur Ann Rastin is having a blast: Not only does she have an explosive career but she brings her toddler to work with her. |
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Toronto Sun |
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Ann Rastin of Victory Fireworks with her son Tyler.
Rastin, 43, is the president of Victory Fireworks on Sims Cres. in Richmond Hill which offers an amazing array of colourful top sellers. But the true light of her life is 2-year-old Tyler.
"The best part of my job is being able to bring Ty with me everyday. I'm so lucky, I've not missed any of his firsts -- first word, first step and first teeth ... he's truly the most incredible treasure and I'd be broken-hearted if I was away from him all day. I feel so bad for other mothers who can't do this."
Her office is entirely baby-proofed: A bumper pad adorns her cherry-wood office furniture and alongside invoices are diapers, toys and crayons. "I even change his diaper on my desk.
"He even has his own office here and a job -- someone takes him to mail letters everyday."
Rastin has worked hard to have the best of both worlds in a predominantly male-oriented industry: She started out selling fireworks in the back of her car in order to pay for her university education. "Back then fireworks were a twice a year event -- Victoria Day and Canada's birthday."
Now it's a year-round celebration at Victory -- she's gone from a car trunk to a 19,000 sq. ft. warehouse and is the largest fireworks wholesaler, retailer and distributor in Canada. She also owns an outlet in Burnaby, B.C.
Warm environment
Rastin is also a licenced pyro-technician who handles large professional fireworks displays for towns and cities across the city. She's also president of the Canadian Pyrotechnic Council.
Rastin prides herself on providing a warm, family-oriented working environment. "Some of my employees have been with me for 16 and 17 years. We're like one big extended family -- and everyone watches out for Ty." Her husband, Joe, joined the business six years ago.
Rastin gives customers a bang for their buck with more than 250 products -- a must-have for upcoming Canada Day celebrations is the new Menace, a multi-shot cake perfect for any finale, advises Rastin.
Meanwhile, Rastin advises new business owners to go slowly: "Don't expect overnight success. And be sure to find people you trust to work with."
Check out victoryfireworks.com.
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