It’s May and you know what that means, a new Pretty and Smart feature, this month you’ll get to meet Anaida Poilievre one of P&S Co.’s OG founders. Side note we also have some new desktop and tech downloads for you here. But let’s get back to the real reason you’re all here, and that is, to get to know Anaida a little better. You’ll also get to read the story about Pretty and Smart came to be #EFII (iykyk). You’ll have read some of Anaida’s pieces, she’s written about her top career advice, how to plan an elopement and of course how to start a blog. Now, you’ll get to know her a little better in the profile piece below. As always if you’ve got any further questions feel free to ask them in the comments below or send us an email.
Without further ado, ladies and (the few) gentlemen … meet Anaida Poilievre.
Name or nickname if you have one:
My name is Anaida, some call me Ana but my nickname is Nini. It was given to me by a good friend back in grade 7.
Zodiac sign:
Pisces. But honestly, after having read the description of Pisces I’m not sure it applies to me.
Where do you live and what do you do?
I live in Ottawa but grew up in Montreal (It is always important for me to mention it. Montreal will always be a part of me). And, I work in politics. It was a beautiful accident. I never intended to work in a political environment. Politics found me, and it suits me. I am happy it happened.
What is your dream career/career goal or ambition?
I have a lot of different interests and as long as I get to do something that I love and allows me to have creative freedom, the ability to make decisions and execute them, and to make a difference, I will be extremely happy. I don’t know where life will take me so I am open minded and always open to opportunities that meet those characteristics.
What makes you feel pretty and smart/what does it mean to you?
Well, I will take the opportunity to mention that I originally founded Pretty and Smart Inc prior to Pretty & Smart Co. The name “Pretty and Smart” was born from the day to day interactions that I had with my little sister, Sabrina, who was 4 years old back then. I would constantly tell her “you’re so pretty!” or say things like “hey, pretty girl.” I soon noticed she was mimicking a lot of the things I would do or say. All of the sudden I realized that my words could have an impact on her. I decided I wanted to continue calling her “pretty” and building her confidence but then I added the word “and smart.” So I would never call her “pretty” without adding the word “and smart.”
That same year, on Halloween, she was trick or treating with her mother. She was dressed up as a princess. A lady at the door told her “you are so pretty!’”, and my sister Sabrina quickly jumped and said “AND SMART!” while touching her forehead. That was the moment that confirmed to me the power of words we use with our little ones and how they pay attention.
I decided it was a beautiful thing to build her confidence and that I wanted to continue that idea and expand it.
I then reflected further on what it means to be “Pretty and Smart.” So here is what I came up with:
To me, to be Pretty and Smart is to build a strong foundation by being Emotionally, Financially & Intellectually Independent™
Emotionally Independent is to love yourself first and unconditionally (it is a crucial first step for healthy loving relationships). It includes taking good care of yourself: your health, staying active, putting yourself together and doing things YOU love.
Financially Independent is to set yourself up in a way that no matter what happens, you are good on your own. Kevin O’Leary mentions this in his book Cold Hard Truth on Men, Women & Money. He uses his mother Georgia as an example and her “secret stash.” That is one way of doing it but there are other ways. For me, it was to keep my condo that I purchased when I was single. It took sweat, sacrifice and discipline to come up with the down payment and a good credit score. I still own it and now rent it (to a beautiful family with a toddler).
Intellectually Independent is to have a mind of your own. Read, inform yourself, educate yourself. Have AN opinion, YOUR OWN opinion.
I strongly believe that this is the foundation to build strong women and this is what I want all pretty and smart ladies to achieve including my daughter, Valentina.
One piece of advice to your younger self:
Reverse engineer your life. Try to figure out your end goal or the things you wish for, then work backwards. Make a plan. There are certain things I wish I started thinking about earlier on in life.
Otherwise, I would congratulate my young self for taking calculated risks and encourage more young people to do so.
Who would you say is your biggest role model or icon (fashion, career, fitness, personal or otherwise):
I do not have one in specific. But I am drawn to people that overcome hardship and against all odds, make a big impact.
A lot of people tend to only look at the end result (success, fame, money, recognition, etc.) and don’t bother to look at the person’s humble beginnings and extreme hard work to achieve it. Look at Cristiano Ronaldo. Most people see a good looking multi millionaire wearing expensive designer clothes and driving luxury cars. Some think he is a brat.
If you read more about him, you realize he comes from a very poor background and that everything he has, he built it. Including his incredible skills on the soccer (futbol!) field. Talent is overrated. It is always hard work that gets you to the top.
What you’re reading/watching/listening to:
This is the most painful thing for me to admit, I cannot commit to a full book. I am a little ADD. But I LOVE watching documentaries and of course read the news every day and researching articles on the most random things out there (I love to have a good general knowledge on things).
I listen to music EVERYDAY and you will always find me playing Frank Sinatra in the background while working or doing chores.
Favourite thing in your closet right now?
Leggings and sweaters. Sorry fashionistas!
Next place you hope to travel to near or far (when it’s safe of course)?
A tropical all inclusive place. I could take a break from daily cooking and cleaning.
Best word to describe you and why?
Resilient. Life made me this way.
What is your fitness or wellness routine?
I practice daily gratitude. There is not a day that goes by where I am not thankful for many things in my life.
I haven’t kept a consistent fitness routine so I won’t pretend I do. Lol
But I do think it is absolutely important and I am always trying to push myself to remain active. I played soccer for most of my teenage years and early adulthood.
What is your favorite thing to write about?
Self improvement, productivity and whatever useful piece of knowledge that I have and can share (tech, financial goals, eloping, etc).
What is your guilty pleasure?
Nutella. Always.
Favourite quote:
The only thing more beautiful than the woman that knows what she wants, is the woman who isn’t waiting on anybody else to get it for her.
Rob Hill Sr.
What is your favourite piece you’ve written for PSCO?
How to plan an elopement simply because it was a very personal moment and one of the best days of my life.
Where can people find you online? What is your handle?
I like to separate my approach on social media.
For anything personal that touches on all aspects of my life, follow me on Instagram @prettyandsmartinc
For anything political (only), you can follow me on Twitter @AnaPoilievre
Thanks for reading along and getting to know Anaida a little better! If there is anything else you’d like to know as always get in touch or write in the comments below.
