- Words by Angela Cowan Photography by Don Denton

Chiara Sulyok is passionate about encouraging others to follow their dreams, and her own life is a prime example of what can be achieved when you follow your heart.

From her earliest years, Chiara had a love of carpentry and construction, and learned everything she could from her father. But her first forays into a career took her into horticulture and commercial landscaping.

害羞草研究所淚 do have quite a passion for gardening and greenery,害羞草研究所� she says. 害羞草研究所淚 did do quite a few years in horticulture, and from there that rolled into hardscapes. Then in my early 30s I decided to go back to school for carpentry.害羞草研究所�

She worked hands-on in the industry for several years before being offered a project management position with Alair Homes about eight years ago.

害羞草研究所淚 never thought of doing that, but I害羞草研究所檓 glad I did,害羞草研究所� she says.

From there she was offered general manager, and soon after she was offered the spot of regional partner.

害羞草研究所淢y role now is to work with all the locations on Vancouver Island and two locations in Arizona,害羞草研究所� she explains, adding that her role is different from what she害羞草研究所檇 expected when she first started out in the construction industry, but no less satisfying.

害羞草研究所淚 love working with people and I love construction,害羞草研究所� she enthuses. 害羞草研究所淚 love the journey of meeting with a client, them presenting their vision, us bringing the vision to paper and then building that vision on raw land.害羞草研究所�

Chiara has been settled in the picturesque Yellow Point area for over 20 years, and has been using her skills and knowledge to remodel and renovate, and create her dream home.

Having just completed a large renovation project, Chiara害羞草研究所檚 moving onto the exterior landscapes, pulling from her earlier experiences to create an oasis in her backyard, and it害羞草研究所檚 clear that working hands-on in construction and landscaping still gives her immense satisfaction.

害羞草研究所淔or myself in construction, it wasn害羞草研究所檛 easy. And, yes, there are ups and downs and many, many challenges,害羞草研究所� she says. 害羞草研究所淚 just want to let anyone out there know that if you have a dream, and you have a passion, you should follow it. For my husband and me, for both of our careers, the roads haven害羞草研究所檛 always been easy, but you push through because you害羞草研究所檒l learn some sort of lesson from it that will help you down the road. Every place in life and every job you go to will always lead to more experience.害羞草研究所�

The 7 Sins

Envy:

Whose shoes would you like to walk in?

Nicole Curtis from Rehab Addict. Nicole害羞草研究所檚 passion and drive in the construction industry show strength. She害羞草研究所檚 creative and works hands-on alongside her team while embracing every challenge that comes her way. Nicole害羞草研究所檚 passion for restoring older homes gives her the opportunity to give back to the community while embracing motherhood at the same time. She is truly an inspiring individual who thrives on creating change.

Gluttony:

What is the food you could eat over and over again?

When gluttony comes to mind, there is nothing like indulging in my mother害羞草研究所檚 famous Italian cookies. The smell of freshly baked treats gathers us around her kitchen. Once a year, she bakes my favourite cookie: a walnut and chocolate blend encapsulated in a fresh pastry dough. It害羞草研究所檚 one of a kind. This family recipe just tops my close second, braided Easter bread.

Greed:

You害羞草研究所檙e given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?

I would buy a beachside bungalow in the heart of Costa Rica for a family getaway, and right next door, a casita for my mother to relax. There would be endless sunsets for us all to enjoy while basking in the heat of the tropical paradise.

Wrath:

Pet peeves?

Entitlement. People who think and act like they deserve success without working for it.

Sloth:

Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?

A hot, sandy beach where I could unplug and take a break from reality and lose myself a little. There is nothing like the sound of the tide moving in and pulling itself over the sand like a blanket.

Pride:

What is the one thing you害羞草研究所檙e secretly proud of?

I love my drive. I truly believe anything is possible. Once I set my goals and envision the final outcome, I will work my way up until I succeed.

Lust:

What makes your heart beat faster?

There are two things that light me up. First, I always enjoy a good challenge and being able to solve problems. In construction, there害羞草研究所檚 never a dull moment and it adds a little fuel to my fire! Secondly, it exhilarates me to work with people who strive to learn, grow and succeed. To see team members excel at their passions and embrace every little bit of the journey makes my heart beat faster.

Story courtesy of , a Black Press Media publication
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害羞草研究所淵ou should never put limits on your dreams,害羞草研究所� she adds. 害羞草研究所淵ou can do anything that you want to do.害羞草研究所�