Welcome to Wendy's Pure Canadian Design Blog

Hello and welcome,

My name is Wendy. I am a single mom of 4 (ages 8, 20, 23, and 26). I am a cat lover and owner of three rescued cats (ages 1, 5 and 11).

Do you have a dream job? I found my niche in Web design. I create websites to sell your products and services. Also, I love creating enhanced photos from pictures I take. The ragdoll cat in the background is one of my favourites that I enhanced.

In July 2016, I completed the Enterprise Web and Mobile Development program at triOS College and an internship with Stiller ADT as a Web Developer. (Sept 2014 - July 2016)

Currently I work from home as a freelance web and graphic designer for my business "Pure Canadian Design". I specialize in creating customized, WordPress e-Commerce websites for small and home-based businesses.

Follow me on my journey in Web and Graphic Design.


~Wendy Parker

Thursday, June 30, 2016

The Best Is Yet To Come!

Today is my final day at triOS College in Kitchener. I can't believe it was two years ago (June 2014) I was contemplating on going to college. I enrolled at triOS in July 2014 and began my Enterprise Web and Mobile Development program on Sept 15th 2014.

Going back to school for web design was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I pondered what I really wanted to learn to do for years. When I moved to Kitchener 7 years ago, I realized this city is big in the tech industry. I knew I wanted to do something with computers. I loved computer programming in high school. I took an Adult Learning course in HTML and CSS 10+ years ago that really peaked my interest in web design so I decided that's the road I wanted to take.

We haven't heard of many women in the tech field until now. Today there are lots more women who are really interested in web design, development and more. I have recently been involved in mentoring young girls who are also interested in learning about coding through the HackerGrrlz program. I think it's great that these girls get an opportunity to experience coding to create animations, games and websites in as early as grade 4! HackerGrrlz is a program run by Year of Code Waterloo Region that supports girls learning to code. They rely on sponsors and funding to be able to run this program. HackerGrrlz is hoping to continue their program in September 2016 providing they have enough funding come in. I definitely want to volunteer to mentor with this program again in September. 

In March 2016, I started a meet-up for people with 0 - 3 years experience that are desiring to learn web design/development. This monthly meet-up called KW Code Newbs is open to men and women. I like to encourage people to come out and find out what coding is all about. We provide basic web design learning, online learning resources, opportunities for work and to further your knowledge in school and discussions about tech related subjects. It's a relaxed atmosphere and your free to ask questions. Networking and working on projects together is also encouraged at the meet-ups. I have many ideas to expand the KW Code Newbs horizons that will be implemented in the future. 

I'll admit web development isn't an easy field to find work in for a "newbie" but there are many opportunities out there. You just need to keep looking and applying. I'm on the hunt for a job as a Junior Web Developer. I don't mind working as a free lance web designer. I'm still working towards my dream of having my own business. Check it out... www.purecanadiandesign.com

I have come a long way in the last few years. I am working in many areas of my life and I'm enjoying every minute of it. Some of my goals are to find work and have a decent income so I get back on track. I want to buy a car and move out of the "not-so-nice" area I'm living in. I want to inspire other single moms to reach for the sky. I have been tempted to return to the "system". I have been tempted to take a part time cashier job because I have the experience in that industry. But I keep reminding myself why I took the steps I did over the last few years. It is really a trying time right now but I am hoping and praying the right work opportunities will open so I can move forward and not backward. I have to keep believing that all the work I have done is not in vain. I do believe the best is yet to come!  

~ Wendy



Photo by Candace Armenti 2016

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Get Online for a Brighter Shine!

Pure Canadian Design's new slogan "Get Online for a Brighter Shine" is catchy but what exactly does it mean? (I could take the time to write a catchy, little jingle to go with it but that can wait for another day.) Let's start by rephrasing the slogan into a question... 


How can YOUR business shine brighter by getting online?


Your business is as small or as big as you make it. You want to keep growing your business and expand your horizons. What are some of the ways to get the word out about your new products or services?

  • Word of mouth
  • Advertise with flyers or postcards
  • Advertise in a newspaper or on the radio

This will reach numerous people in the cities you advertise or maybe a bit beyond. But remember your business shines only to the ones that it can reach. You want your business to shine brighter so more people will hear about it and see how great it really is. Creating a presence online for your business is an innovative way to reach a multitude of people that would possibly never had the opportunity to hear about your business. 



How do I create a presence online for my business?


Most people think about an online presence as just having a website. Every business owner should make the important investment in having a website for their business. 

Social media like Facebook and Twitter play a big role in communication and networking for businesses nowadays too. When you link your website to your social media profile and vice versa you create more flow to your business. It is great to have a website but it is also important to have an appropriate profile and/or page created to represent your business in social media.

Once you get online there are many more ways to help your business to continue to grow and shine even brighter! 

Pure Canadian Design will create your website and help to develop the online presence you desire so your business will shine brighter. Contact me today for your FREE consultation!

~ Wendy

Contact: wendy@purecanadiandesign.com

www.purecanadiandesign.com




Friday, June 3, 2016

Getting ready for LAUNCH...

Time is going so fast... I am almost done my Enterprise Web and Mobile Development program at triOS College. My internship will be complete as of July 1st 2016. Some good things come to an end but it's just the beginning for many other great opportunities.

I am looking forward to growing my KW Code Newbs Meet-up and expanding our horizons in that field. I am looking forward to mentoring more Gr.4 - 8 girls through the HackerGrrlz program. I love sharing what I have learned. I love sharing ideas to motivate others towards web development.

I have a desire to learn more...more coding skills, more business skills, more innovative ways to help brighten the future for businesses including my own that I am almost ready to launch.

I've been working on my business and my portfolio for over a year now. And even though the website is online there are still things to do to officially launch "Pure Canadian Design". I am looking forward
to building this business with the right people.

10 years ago, it was only a dream job to be a freelance Web Designer but I am so much closer to the reality of it today than I've ever been. It will take a lot of hard work to really get it going and maybe even a few transformations along the way. But I believe it will be worth it all.

Meanwhile I will be looking for a web design job to further my knowledge and gain more experience in my field. I am looking forward to finding a great job. I will soon be launching myself back into the workforce where I will once again put all of my enthusiasm for web design into a company that will reap the benefits of my hard work and creativity.

I have a desire to help other single moms/dads to find their passions and work they will love. I want to help them overcome their fears and road blocks. I want to motivate them to do what they love to make the money needed to support their family and get off welfare for good. I need to be an example first so for now I will continue my journey step-by-step.

I am nervous and excited all in one for my future. I have come along way in the last year and a half. I believe the best is yet to come.

~ Wendy