Meet Melanie Normandin, Vice President of Arctic Consultants Inc., and 2018 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship Finalist

Melanie Normandin

Vice President, Arctic Consultants Inc.

Finalist, Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, EAST

Arctic Consultants has been meeting the procurement needs of remote communities in Nunavik and Nunavut since 1984. Melanie Normandin took over the family business with her husband in 2009, and now works not only to ensure the day-to-day runs smoothly, but also to help guide growth on a strategic level. Combining four types of services — including wholesale food and general merchandise, expertise in the logistics of packaging and the shipping of products to Northern communities, and transportation — Arctic Consultants is aiming to become the leading procurement team serving communities North of the 55th parallel.

My first job ever was… babysitting kids.

I decided to be an entrepreneur because… Turn of faith, my husband had his eyes on my father’s company. I decided to jump in. That was the best career move I ever made.

My proudest accomplishment is… balancing a family of three kids, marriage and a growing business. It’s a struggle in constant adjustments but it all works out.

My boldest move to date was… buying a triplex with my boyfriend now husband three months after we met. That was fun.

I surprise people when I tell them… that I dream of taking my family on a long trip around the world with only a packsack.

My best advice to people looking to grow their business is… Surround yourself with the best.

My best advice from a mentor was… You only live once, don’t waste your time

If I could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, it would be… Ashevak Kenojuak, an Inuit artist from Cape Dorset that I find so inspiring. A soft, reserved petite women, yet strong and very independent. Her art is absolutely stunning. I wish I had the chance to meet her and talk to her eye to eye before she passed away.

I would tell my 20-year old self… Lucky you, all these wonderful years in front of you, enjoy.

“That year has turned out to be one of the most exciting, intense and fun year of my life. I am now a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.”

My biggest setback was… I had planned on travelling around the world with a friend for one year. When this plan felt short, I was lost and had no idea where to go from there.

I overcame it by… I found a job in the video games industry that opened up a whole new fascinating world to me. I then met my husband and it was love at first sight. That year has turned out to be one of the most exciting, intense and fun year of my life. I am now a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.

The last book I read was… Les yeux jaunes des crocodiles from Katherine Pancol. Light and very well written.

I stay inspired by… Planning a trip or planning renovations then doing it.  

The future excites me because… It’s a mix of business and personal growth and confidence. My dreams and plans are getting bigger and bolder with time. It’s very exciting when I think of the future.

Success to me means… Freedom to live the life I want. Being independent, and in charge of my destiny. Surrounding myself with significant people and creating a great world for all my loved ones friends and employees.