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By Glodeane Brown
 

Ann Ev Principato has been writing all her life, but she has always derived the most enjoyment from the creative writing field. In 2013, while recovering from a traumatic experience, she began to seriously consider the possibility of publishing her stories, and producing her plays, but hesitated due to the topics she explored, and her own journey of healing. After several of her stage plays were performed and received high accolades, she decided it was time to proceed with publication in early 2020. As a person with lived experiences of PTSD, ADD, poverty, abuse, addictions, assaults, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, obsessive and compulsive behaviours, low self-esteem, mental unwellness, and homelessness, Principato is very aware of the stigma associated with these and other issues, and the need for individuals to be able to seek assistance without the associated stigma from others and from within themselves. The mission of Ann Ev Productions is to share Principato’s creative voice through prose, poetry, stage plays, video, writing programs, and film with the ultimate purpose to KICK STIGMA IN THE BUTT.

Stigma stops people from accessing help and prevents people from accepting help. Stigma causes individuals who are struggling to isolate or be misunderstood by family and friends. Stigma may be one of the root causes of bullying, violence, and harassment. It creates an environment of prejudice and discrimination. Through storytelling, with empathy, humour, directions to obtain further information or assistance, and with an open and honest voice, Ann Ev strives to lighten the stigma attached to difficult issues.

COVID-19 has brought the business to a near standstill. Ann Ev relies on face-to-face interactions, selling books at conferences and bookfairs, live performances, drawing contests, journal writing programs to groups, and public speaking opportunities. The publication of Ann Ev's first book was delayed by almost a year, live performances and other in person gatherings cannot occur until the pandemic is over. Ann Ev's second book, but first as Lynn Ev, is in the publication process, but has been put on hold due to financial constraints. However, the writing continues and when possible, delayed plans will go forward. An investor assisted with the publication of the first book and will assist with the publication of the second book. Additional books are completed and ready to be published.

Principato says that the financial accessibility of the WEC program was a huge factor in her enrolling and that any program that assists female entrepreneurs to become successful is a positive benefit. The value she received was immeasurable, and her gratitude is immense. In addition to providing an opportunity to look at the business from an investor's view, through the program a drafted business plan was completed, the business was registered, and ideas were detailed and strengthened. The program gave her the opportunity to participate in many on-line forums that continue to promote and develop female entrepreneurs.

Watch Her Soar by following her online.

Glodeane Brown is the Founder and Editor of the Culture Fancier blog where she regularly writes about arts and culture events, and interviews creative professionals. She is an arts management professional living and working in Kitchener, Ontario.

The Women Entrepreneurship Centre (WEC), as part of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs of every age, stage and culture to achieve their business dreams. We believe in fostering leadership. We believe that everyone deserves an equal shot at success. We believe in connecting you with the right people, skills and support to make it happen.