Who Am I?

LaurieAnn

Founder of I Am That GAL©

Life Redesign Coach, Masters Certified Handwriting Analyst and Grapho Therapist, specializing in coaching people with Bulimia.

I graduated from University Of Alberta (started at McGill University) with the concept of taking Art History as a segway to Law. It really wasn’t my dream to do that. I wanted to be a Journalist, a writer, anything but a lawyer. I finished my BA in Art History Major and French/English Minor and went to College afterward and received my Honours Journalism Diploma.

LaurieAnn, that’s me. I have a very diverse background.

I started my entrepreneurial life as a Literary Agent and writer. I was VP of the Canadian Authors Association Toronto Branch and Newsletter Editor at the age of 24. Life took a turn when I got married. I became a wife and mother but still liked having my own business while working for my spouse in the capacity of Office Manager and Marketing Manager. I owned my own small sideline businesses such as my Clothing Design company D~Laurz Fashions, a PI Company Techno PI (licensed for 20 years), and likely a few others. Once I was released from my spouse’s company, I became the Executive Director of The Enterprise Centre (not-for-profit helping start-up businesses) during which time I not only matched new entrepreneurs to clients (over $500,000 in revenue collectively they generated from my matching) but also coached over 100 new businesses. During that time I volunteered a lot (maybe too much) and received the prestigious Pinnacle Award for Volunteerism and also became the 5th female President in 50 years of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce and the 2nd youngest President at the age of 38.

After I became single again, I bought an Auto Repair business and added a Used Car Sales, Towing, Muffler, and Impound business to the existing shop. It closed down after 3 years in 2010. As I see it, I have not failed, for they say, failing is not trying. I have had my challenges though.

Truth is I believe, subconsciously, I have been on the pursuit of what I actually loved doing since I was 9 years old after reading two books my mother had (which she gifted to me 7 years ago). Handwriting Analysis.

While running my auto repair business, in 2008 I found a University that actually allowed me to become Certified in this science. I have since become a Masters Certified Handwriting Analyst and Grapho-Therapist, Authorized Mentor for Handwriting University International. I have completed (and soon to graduate) from the PRISM Life Design Program directed by Handwriting University International which teaches the skills of NLP and Timeline Management, amongst a few, that marry into the Handwriting and Grapho-therapy.

I am, on a personal basis, a mother of three beautiful adult children, the mother also to my two dogs and four cats and my fish Sachi. I have no regrets for my 15 years of marriage with the man who was my first love (I can honestly be grateful I don’t have “what ifs”) and I will always be thankful and love him in a different way today. My life has been blessed – no matter what the hardships I went through, I always look at what is good that came from it.

Life is a journey. We may find things we love and do, but I believe life always brings you to where you should be. “I Am That GAL” is my signature. “Get A Life” is the significance of the GAL. And my sister asked me what that meant? I told her “I have NO idea really, in regards to others, but my goal is to help them to understand how to “get a life you always wanted and deserve”. Like I am doing now. I have combined my handwriting analysis, coaching, and my previous first business, the literary agency, into one nice bundle. I Am That GAL©

I am a proud member of The International Society of Female Professionals, the Bart Baggett Marketing Mastermind Group, the Advanced Mastermind Collaborative Group, and a Founding Member of Handwriting University and the Advanced Branding Collaborative group.

One might ask, “how does this apply to the G.A.L. Plan©? It applies in the ability to be precise in creating the plan that is made up for you through our process and providing you with that “map” that is personalized for you to follow. Everyone has a different unique “makeup of needs“, but everyone benefits from a defined path to follow along the way to successfully reach your target. I use this technique for my Bulimia Recovery program (I like to focus primarily for women over 40)

I am the author of Hampy, Publisher’s Award Winning Author for Make Up Not Required – How To Brand The True You, How To Have Your Cake and Not Eat It All Too – Recovering From Adult Bulimia, and Sherry’s World. I am also a contributing author in the book Amazong #1 Best Seller 1 Habit For Entrepreneurial Success by Steven Samblis & Forbes Riley.

I also have two podcasts with colleagues. LIFT Your Story, How We See It, and Sharing Your Thoughts – An Indo Canada Series of Podcasts.

Why did I choose to be and am a good bulimia recovery coach? Because I have been there. I struggled with bulimia for 30 years. When I finally cut loose, I decided I would pay this forward. That is what I am doing, with true compassion, empathy, honesty and care.