Every would-be entrepreneur brave enough to enter the Dragons' Den dreads hearing the words “I’m out.”
But somehow, the rejection doesn’t seem as harsh when it comes from the sole female Dragon on CBC TV's Gemini Award-winning show. “You can be honest without hurting people,” says marketing mogul Arelene Dickinson. “There is a lesson to be learned when you listen to what people say.”
The South Africa-born Dickinson moved to Calgary when she was young. After school, she immediately started a family that grew to include four children. Later, as a single mother, she worked in various marketing-related jobs. She joined Venture Communications as a partner in 1988 and took over sole ownership in 1998; it has been recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies for three consecutive years.
View the photo gallery of Arlene Dickinson's home.
Dickinson has also been named a Global Television Woman of Vision and one of the Top 100 Women Business Owners.
What advice does she have for other entrepreneurs? “Trust your instincts and celebrate the fact you are who you are. Strive to be a great person and a passionate and dedicated leader in life and in business.” Words of wisdom we can all follow.
Dickinson welcomed Star Spaces into her home in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood.
Q: How would you describe your home in two words?
A: Warm, contemporary.
Q: Tell us about your home.
A: My brownstone was built in 1800 and I bought it two years ago. There are decks on every level, with a walkout off the kitchen on the main floor leading to a beautiful outdoor garden/patio.
Q: What attracted you to this space?
A: The contradiction. I love the contemporary interior and historical exterior face of the home. The high ceilings create space, and the light shining from front to back fills the home with energy. The peaceful outdoor spaces are my oasis in the city.
Q: Who shares your home?
A: My friends and family who visit…often.
Q: What is your favourite room and why?
A: My bedroom. It’s better than any hotel suite, with my own fireplace, great lighting and a cozy reading area.
Q: How would you describe your decorating style?
A: Eclectic. I love to blend old and new. For this home, I was inspired by my South African heritage. I’ve collected native pieces from Africa that represented where I am from and matched them with pieces from around the world that are contemporary and unique. I am a random shopper. I find something that interests me and I have to have it. That was the case with the Liechtenstein chair that my designer purchased for me in Italy.
I have a few pieces that really stand out and make a statement. Living in a space that is all browns and neutrals is not my style. I love colour, clean lines and comfort. It’s hard to create a contemporary look that’s also comfortable, but I think I’ve done it. I want guests to feel they can sit and relax.
Q: What is your fondest memory in this home?
A: Wouldn’t print that.
Q: What’s the one item in this house you can’t live without?
A: My Bang & Olufsen stereo system.
Q: Weekends at home, what are we most likely to find you doing?
A: Reading, listening to music, working out on the treadmill. Likely not cooking!
Q: If your walls could talk, what would they say?
A: Where is she?
View the photo gallery of Arlene Dickinson's home.
