Former energy workers launch small businesses

Changes in the oil and gas industry have forced or inspired many Calgarians to make a career change, some into an entirely different field of work.

Environmental consultant Evelyne Nyairo is a convert from the energy industry. She just started a natural skin care line called Ellie Bianca. One of her products is body oil.

"If the price of oil is not going up then we have to look at other alternatives," she said.

Nyairo does miss the fast pace of downtown Calgary.

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"As much as it's stressful, sometimes I want to have that stress … but I am committed to making this happen."

Nyairo has her products in five stores and is opening a storefront.

"There's always the risk of … what if, but I'm learning something different," she said. "You just have to stay positive."

More people starting new businesses in downturn

The number of new business licence applications increased by about eight per cent in Calgary the first half of this year compared with the same time last year.

But while the switch has been successful for some, others have not been able to make their new venture work.

Engineer Eveline Chartier thought her business venture  — lunchtime meditation to relieve stress — was a good idea, but CredoYoga was not downturn-proof.

"People romanticize entrepreneurial ventures," she said. "My major contacts in oil and gas and the clients that I wanted were part of the industry, which were very much affected by this continued downturn."

With not enough clients to sustain the business, Chartier is now looking to get back into the oil patch.