Empowering the Next Generation
This past weekend, I was joined with amazing friends and had the incredible opportunity to celebrate International Women's Day at the Women's Day Market in High River, AB Canada. It was a beautiful event filled with connection, support, and a shared mission to uplift and celebrate women. As part of our commitment to this cause, PIPER LILY™ Skincare proudly donated 10% of all sales toward scholarships for self-identified teen girls attending the Root to Rise retreat through the non-profit Orenda Society. This initiative is close to my heart, as it aims to nurture self-esteem, foster healthy friendships, and develop confidence and leadership skills in the next generation of young women.
PIPER LILY™ Skincare was named after my daughter, Piper Lily. She is my heart, my motivation, and my inspiration for building a business rooted in empowerment and self-love. I want to leave a legacy for her—one that she can be proud of and that will remind her of the strength, resilience, and kindness that women can embody. As someone living with kidney and liver disease, I understand how precious life is, and I want to make every moment count. Creating a clean, ethical company that not only promotes healthy, radiant skin but also uplifts and supports women is a dream I am honoured to bring to life.
My mother has also been a beacon of inspiration for me. She has always encouraged me to follow my dreams, cheering me on every step of the way. Her unwavering belief in me has been a driving force in my journey, and I am endlessly grateful for the wisdom and love she has given me. She, along with so many strong women before us, has paved the way for future generations, breaking barriers and creating opportunities that were once unthinkable.
When I talk to my daughter about women’s history, she is amazed that there was a time when women were not allowed to vote, had limited career options, or couldn’t even get a mortgage on their own homes! While we have made incredible progress, there are still moments when it feels like we are moving backward. It is a reminder that we must continue to stand together, to cheer each other on, and to create opportunities for the women who come after us. The fight for true equality is ongoing, and as women, we must continue to support, uplift, and empower one another.
Growing up, I experienced firsthand the cruelty that some girls can face. In grade six, I was bullied by a group of “popular girls” simply because I chose to be friends with a girl from a different background. One day, they pushed me down and kicked me for playing with this girl. That moment changed me. I made a vow that I would never be that kind of person—that instead of tearing others down, I would uplift, inspire, and support. That commitment is something I have carried into adulthood and into the way I raise my daughter.
Today, with the added pressure of social media, bullying can feel even more relentless. That’s why organizations like the Orenda Society are so important. They provide young girls with a safe space to grow, heal, and develop the confidence to be their true selves. We need more initiatives that foster kindness, self-love, and resilience in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
This International Women’s Day, I am reminded of the incredible power of women supporting women. Whether it’s through business, mentorship, friendship, or advocacy, we have the ability to create meaningful change. Let’s continue to break barriers, challenge outdated norms, and pave the way for a brighter future. Let’s teach our daughters to stand tall, to lift others up, and to know their worth. Because when women support each other, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
To every woman who has inspired me, supported me, and walked this journey with me—thank you
Love & Radiance,
Erica
Learn more about the ORENDA Society https://www.orendasociety.ca