ENTREPRENEUR

Judite Holder, proprietor of four boutique businesses in London, Ontario, has made a career of customer-focused service. She is a visionary, a builder, and a creator. She sees things not as they are, but as they can be. 

Each business was struggling when Judite acquired them but, after relocating and restructuring, she nursed them to financial health and profitability. Today the businesses are market leaders in London and Southwestern Ontario in each of their respective categories.

PROFESSIONAL

Accomplishments:

  • Named Honourary Patron of “Music Reigns” by the London Professional Firefighters in support of Orchestra London

  • Named a “Paul Harris Fellow” by the Rotary Club of London on behalf of Rotary International, the highest award they bestow

  • Named “Master Florist” and “Top 100 Florists” in Canada by FTD

  • Finalist, 5 years running, in London Free Press public survey, “Best Flower Shop”

 

Member of these Professional Organizations:

  • Rotary Club of London

  • London Executives Association

  • Directors Club of London

  • Portuguese Club of London

  • London Portuguese Business (Past President)

SURVIVOR

Judite has raised two children, two husbands and four businesses.  She has lived in abject poverty in a war-torn country and endured tremendous loss.  She has walked the Camino – a 225 kilometre trek from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela. She is strong. She is a survivor.

She believes no one owes you a living.  If you want something, you work for it.  And she is passing on her fortitude to her two young granddaughters, Maia and Katia, who have already made it known they want to work in the family business when they grow up.

PHILANTHROPIST

Supporter of:

  • London Abused Women’s Shelter through an environmentally-friendly “Cash for Vases” initiative

  • Western University through the creation of a permanent ongoing bursary for needy students since 1997

  • Proceeds of her public speaking have gone to the Bereaved Families of Ontario, London Chapter