TANYA FREEDMAN

Tanya Freedman was born in Russia. After traveling through Europe, her family settled in London, England. When she was eleven she knew she would either be a passionate artist, or a passionate writer with a special place in her heart for art. In 1999 she settled in Canada with her husband and daughter.

After many career adventures, she ran an exciting antique furniture importing business. Then deciding to combine her love of helping children, with her artistic and teaching talents, she started teaching art classes from her home studio. The business became successful, and she was grateful for the community's trust in her unique art programs and services. Jolly Good Art Studio was soon offering after-school art classes, custom birthday parties and seasonal camps, all in a safe and inspirational atmosphere.

Tanya's tenacity has seen her through many great and difficult experiences.  Her relationships within her personal and business life have taught her so much. This same tenacity has helped her through some tough health times, such as battling with breast cancer in her 42nd year. (see her anthology contribution where she shares her story of conquering this disease - Suddenly Life's Precious) Then she was tested a second time when the breast can recurred, resulting in many more months of hardship for her and her family.

She believes it's all about the attitude we have towards life.

It took years, and a hard knock on her mortality's door, for her to wake up and realize there was no time like the present to make her dreams come true. She was determined to be a published author, right now, not 'some day'.

Her writing and publishing dream became a reality (see article From Conception to Dream Come True) in September 2005, and after much soul searching, she closed the doors of her lucrative art teaching business to focus on writing. She capitalized on her transferable skills as a creative entrepreneur to get through the publishing door. She researched about the available books on the market, and developed the idea for her first non-fiction book: Start and Run An Art Teaching Business. Self-Counsel Press liked the original concept of this business book, in which Tanya shares generously all aspects of the business she created and grew. She also writes about juggling a busy life with business, and other tricks of the trade.

But as there are other facets to Tanya, too. In addition to trying to prioritize and balance family with business, her other passions in life include travelling, spending time by the sea/lake, and spending time with friends and writing buddies; the understanding, creative souls.

Tanya runs workshops, seminars and courses in various colleges in Toronto and the GTA, regarding topics such as Stress Management, Getting Organized, About Writing and How to Start and Run a Creative Business.

All this led her in 2006 to a new love of public speaking and mentoring youth, as well as entrepreneurs. But, one thing she always upholds, and that is always being true to her authentic self, and paying forward.