MLF: When did you start working with Maple Leaves Forever (MLF), and what is your role?
MB: I have worked with MLF since January 2014, when I came on board to attend to the website and manage social media. It was pretty satisfying to come in and breathe some life into MLF’s online presence. In early 2020, our marketing lead Emad resigned, and my role expanded to that of Marketing Manager. I began designing print ads, postcards and brochures, as well as coordinating their printing, placement and budget. I really enjoy the wide range of tasks and the combination of teamwork and independence that I have working with Maple Leaves Forever.
MLF: What has been the most interesting thing you’ve learned/done working with MLF?
MB: I loved managing our video project in 2017, celebrating Canada’s 150th Birthday. I helped with the procurement, messaging, and reviewing/editing process. The parts that we filmed at Ken Jewett’s (the founder of Maple Leaves Forever’s) farm stand out as great memories for me, as part of the MLF team. The video (made by West&Social) turned out just beautifully, and I am proud to have been a part of it!
MLF: Maple Leaves Forever has a team of part-time employees – most of us have other jobs. What other roles/jobs do you have and how do they relate to MLF?
MB: I have operated my own web design business, Maestra Web Design, for the past 20+ years and designed nearly 200 websites. It’s contract work – flexible and variable – so my ongoing work with Maple Leaves Forever provides a bit of stability, and also a chance to hone other skills apart from web design. It’s also been great to work as part of a team, as my website work is typically independent and self-directed.
MLF: What is your favourite season? Why?
MB: I love Fall. After the heat of the Toronto summer, it feels so good to wear socks and sweaters and feel comfortable outside. The colours are gorgeous and the crispness in the air energizes me!
MLF: How has the pandemic affected your work and routine?
MB: To be honest – I work from my home office 99% of the time anyway, so the pandemic hasn’t really affected my office work much at all. Now that my clients are all familiar with ZOOM I actually see them more than I did before! Of course, I’ve had to upgrade our home internet plan to accommodate all the streaming with my teenaged boys and my husband being home all the time!
My “Other life” is as a musician – I sing periodically with the Canadian Opera Company Chorus and conduct a women’s choir in my neighbourhood – and these activities have completely shut down. Likewise my husband Michael Colvin, who is a full-time opera singer, is currently on forced ‘COVID hiatus’. Our musical life, like the whole industry, is in suspended animation, and that has been really tough. Apart from watching lots of Netflix, I have cultivated a few new hobbies including watercolour painting and hand-lettering – very soothing and creative outlets during these long winter evenings.