Amanda O’Reilly, founder of InStyle & Co which consists of three separate entities; Balance InStyle, Weddings InStyle & Events InStyle was awarded the Ottawa Business Journal Forty Under 40 Award this past Monday May 1st, 2011.
OBJ Article highlights the 2011 recipients and the criteria used to reach their decision.
“This year’s list of 40 recipients proves Ottawa has the talent, creativity and the ‘jazz’ that goes along with moving a city forward into a vibrant place to work and live. The city is alive and well,” said Michael Burnatowski, OCRI Entrepreneurship Centre manager and one of the panel of judges determining the awards. The committee included Mr. Burnatowski, University of Ottawa Telfer EMBA director Terry Kulka, Ottawa Chamber of Commerce executive director Erin Kelly, CellWand Communications CEO Nick Quain, OBJ editor Peter Kovessy and OBJ publisher Michael Curran, who also chaired the process. The judges collectively spent around 100 hours reviewing and ranking each of the submissions. All nominations were assessed according to a 40-point system: 20 points for business achievement, 10 points for expertise and 10 points for community involvement. “I really like the way the award itself is structured. It is a balanced scorecard, with a slight tilt to business achievements. It is a great way to think about what it takes to be a business leader in the city. It’s not just about business expertise – it is about being a part of the community,” said Mr. Kulka.
Amanda has a lot in common with her clients and understands the need to have things done quickly and without compromise. “To do” lists are a constant in people’s lives; it seems that as quickly as one list is checked off, another list is started. “Understanding our clients’ individual needs, building long-term, trusting relationships, and valuing client confidentiality are the standard at InStyle.
Balance InStyle opened its doors in 2006 and was the first in Ottawa to provide lifestyle management solutions from leisure to luxury all the way down to the routine and mundane. In 2007 Balance InStyle opened it’s second location in Naples Florida catering to snowbirds.
Also in 2007, Amanda co-founded the Canadian Concierge Association to offer support and advice to those wishing to start their own Concierge Business after learning the ropes the hard way.
After running her business out of her home for the first few years Amanda decided it was time to take her game to the next level and took up residence at 107 Murray Street in the heart of the Byward Market.
In 2009 Weddings InStyle was created to offer couples opting for an intimate glamorous affair an alternative. "Budgets might be tight these days, but that doesn’t mean that style and romance are going away."
Civil weddings or bigger than “BIG” Sex in the City weddings were the options at hand, before Weddings InStyle. There were no turnkey full service options available in the downtown core that could accommodate 2–90 guests without compromise. In 2010 Amanda also became a licensed wedding officiant thus having the privileged to also perform ceremonies.
Events InStyle completes the trio. Offering premier event planning solutions that are a reflection of personal style that are customized to meet individual needs.
Amanda is so passionate about her business and her clients and this is evident in everything that she puts her InStyle signature to.
Amanda and her team give back on a regular basis through the generosity of their clients. When re-organizing, purging or staging client homes, they often come across unwanted clothing, toys, and household items which they in turn donate directly to various women & children based shelters.
In 2005 Amanda co-founded the 100 Man Run and has helped raise over $100,000 for The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation a cause which is near and dear to her heart.
Amanda maintains that this award is a collaborative effort and is very thankful for her team, her vendors, friends and family who never lost faith in her vision, passion and determination to bring something new and InStyle to Ottawa.
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