Jennie Hamel – owner of Jennie’s Diner in Bonnyville – has received some major recognition after making the final four in the Alberta Business Awards’ “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year” category.
The diner opened on July 1st of 2014 and Hamel says things have been going well so far. “It’s a little different from what I remember when my mom was running restaurants. It’s a different economy with different dynamics here. But we’re figuring it out and I think we’re doing pretty good. There always seems to be smiles on people’s faces and my staff is happy.”
Hamel has some advice to any women, or anyone really, who might want to start a business of their own. “Research. Research is huge. Know your clientele. Know your region and research what you want to do so you can go into it with all your facts.”
The award was ultimately won by Collegiate Sports Medicine.