We learn more about the talented, driven and ambitious local entrepreneur, Lauren Pefhany, in our latest Modern Entrepreneur series: 

1. What do you do for a living? 

I believe what you do for a living is more than your 9-5 job. Although, for that part of my life I’m a branch office administrator at an Edward Jones branch.
Outside of that, I’m a mother (yes, I consider that a full-time job too!), a Director of Social Media and Marketing and a Social Events Coordinator.

2. How long have you lived in Mississauga?

Mississauga has been my home for 17 years.

3. What prompted you to create the community Facebook group "Port Credit, Clarkson, Lakeview & Lorne Park Community"?

I love the entire South Mississauga area and was always looking for things to do in the area. As I was looking for events in the general area, I noticed a divide between the communities in the South Mississauga area and wanted to find a meaningful way to engage and connect everyone (the local businesses, the South Mississauga enthusiasts, the visitors, the residences, everyone!) through events and online conversation. 

4. How has the response been to it and when did you start it?

I started the group back in late-August 2017 and we have grown exponentially! At that time I didn’t even have 100 members and now I have had over 2000 people join us. People have been positively supportive and we’ve had numerous people come out to the community meet ups that we host. I always love hearing people’s feedback because it allows me to fine tune the group to meet the needs of the group members. 

5. What does community mean to you?

“Community” quite literally means a group of people who live in the same place or have a common characteristic. I think beyond living in the same area, people in our community share the mindset of being kind, paying it forward and always progressing. That’s what community is to me. 

6. What are some obstacles you've faced in your career and how did you overcome them?

Overcoming obstacles in my career is something I am still going through. I also think if I ever stop running into obstacles I am doing something wrong. When things get easy, it most likely means I’m not progressing or I’ve stopped trying to better myself. Most of my obstacles come from procrastinating or trying to avoid the unknown. When I feel overwhelmed, I just write a simple list of things I need to get done and work on one thing at a time. Before I know it, I’ve crossed off everything on my list and can focus on the bigger picture again. Also my family has been supportive of me since day one. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them and their prayers. 

7. How do you spend your down time?

All of my down time I spend with my wonderful son. He and I go on all sorts of adventures together. I love exposing him to new experiences and foods! We’ll usually get together with my best friends and head out to a neat festival or try out new restaurants that are kid-friendly.

8. What are some projects you're currently working on?

My most exciting project right now is being part of a team that’s opening a new paint studio in Port Credit called The Studio Paint Bar. I’m also planning a special neighbourhood meet up for this Summer to celebrate community and reaching 2000 members on the Port Credit, Clarkson, Lakeview & Lorne Park group! 

9. What one thing would you change about Mississauga?

I’d want to see more mixed-use space such as green space and community buildings. Also, somehow redirecting traffic from Lakeshore to help congestion as we continue to grow. I’d like Mississauga to stay suburban but maintain its small-town feel (even though we are not so small). 

10. What's your middle name? 

My middle name is Hannah, which is actually the Korean word for the number “one”. Fun fact: I’m Korean-Canadian! 

11. What's your advice for other entrepreneurs?

We’re all going to do things differently so my advice is that if you’re going to do something, do it right and do it with love in your heart. Don’t do it for the money or for what you get out of it.