Trailblazer: Rachel Ettinger of Here for Her

Rachel Ettinger is a young Canadian woman who is blazing trails like no other. She is opening space and starting conversations for topics that have been seen as taboo for way too long, in the most creative and meaningful ways. Keep reading to find out who this gal is and what she is doing to empower others.

twowildtides: Please tell our readers about yourself and your business. 

Rachel Ettinger: Here for Her is a social enterprise that aims to reduce the stigma around health through awareness, education, discussions and charity work. We are a non-judgemental place where people can ask questions and get advice on how to take control of their health from our network of health professionals. We inspire people to take control of their health and also challenge norms. We sell clothing with proceeds going back to local or national initiatives and charities. We also facilitate volunteer opportunities in the community, bridging the gap for young professionals to personally make a difference! Basically the Instagram (@shophereforher) is the hub where people can learn, ask questions and discuss health topics (both mental and physical) and feel less alone! 
My name is Rachel Ettinger, I’m a morning show host on 97.5 Virgin Radio in London, Ontario. I’m doing my MBA part-time currently at Wilfrid Laurier University and I’m the founder of Here for Her. I love riding my horse Gidget in my spare time, working out and trying new coffee shops and bakeries! I’ve been working in media for about four years since I graduated university and I’m so grateful for the platform I have on-air and on socials to be able to chat about topics I’m passionate about, such as women’s health! 

twt: What an amazing venture! How did Here For Her get started? 

RE: It got started almost two years ago! I lived in a very non-judgemental household and once I got to university I realized that my upbringing wasn’t the norm! There’s such a stigma around health, specifically women’s health, and we need to chat about it openly and educate ourselves on our health in order to make informed decisions. I had just started in media and realized I had a platform and therefore, Here For Her was born! 

twt: What or who inspires you?

RE: Honestly, my surroundings. People I meet, friends, family, a great cup of coffee- I am constantly aware of new topics to discuss on Here for Her, or new things to experience and chat about. When you’re alert, it’s shocking how much you can pick up on through life and social media. I love going for coffee dates to meet new people and hear about their personal stories of success– it’s great learning and it always leads to personal development and new ideas! It’s so important to constantly be inspired and supported by the wonderful people in your life as well. 

twt: We can definitely relate to that. What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting your business?

RE: Hmmmm. Managing my time. Before I started my MBA, I was able to manage my time between work and Here for Her. But now, Here for Her has taken a backseat and that’s OKAY. I only allow myself to check emails or DMs once or twice a week, as work and school are the priority right now! When you’re passionate about something, it’s hard to scale back but I’ve learnt that Here for Her can only be as successful as the motivation and inspiration behind it! 

twt: That is such an inspiring philosophy. I’m going to try to put that into practice in my own life. That kind of leads us to our next question. What has been the key tool to your success?

RE: Networking and hard work. When you meet like-minded individuals, amazing things can happen! I have met SO many small business owners in London, ON who have now become my friends and we host the most amazing events! HFH is sold at a few local boutiques and without them, it would not be as successful as it is! Genuine relationships are key. Working hard and loving what you do is also a key recipe for success! I also didn’t put a lot of pressure on myself in terms of financial goals or social media following for Here for Her– I’m lucky I have a full-time job so HFH was and still remains strictly a passion project. The second HFH becomes too stressful or not true to myself– I take a break and reassess. 

twt: What advice would you give to somebody trying to get into entrepreneurship?

RE: Take the chance. Nothing will ever be perfect. You have to take some risk for payoff. Be smart about it– get your finances and budget in order- meet people for coffee for advice on how to start a business. Gather tons of information and make a marketing plan for what YOU want! Then do it- and figure it out. You’ll make a ton of mistakes along the way but you’ll figure it out! Life is short.

twt: What does feminism mean to you?

RE: Feminism is wanting equal opportunities and rights for ALL individuals. That’s it. It’s standing up for yourself and standing up for equality. Whether that’s race, gender, or even menstrual equity. It’s important that we ALL take a stand for equality… as human beings… shouldn’t we all be feminists? The definition of feminism can be as general or specific as you want it to be! 

twt: I am so here for that definition. On the topic of feminism and menstrual equality…We know you made history this month. Can you talk about your huge accomplishment with the City of London, Ontario Council?!

RE: YES. It was amazing. Matt Sereda from the Thames Valley District School Board and I teamed up last year to provide free menstrual products in all TVDSB high schools! Then, this past year, we spoke in front of London City Council along with the DIAAC (Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Oppression Advisory Committee) about menstrual equity and it was passed UNANIMOUSLY. Now, London, Ontario is the FIRST CITY IN CANADA to provide free menstrual products in all publicly accessible city-owned buildings. This is HUGE. With more awareness, we’re hoping more cities follow suit. HALIFAX, come on now!!!!! I’m now working with the city to fulfill this initiative. 

twt: YOU. ARE. AWESOME. Congratulations!! We honestly hope the ENTIRE rest of the country follows suit. This is one of the many reasons why you truly fit the ‘trailblazer’ bill.
We LOVE the items in your shop. “Get Ovar-y It” has to be one of our faves. Can you tell our readers about the story behind the “Fem Moves” pieces? 

RE: Yes! Fem Moves means basically– how are you making fem moves? AKA how are you being a feminist? Are you standing up for your rights in school or at work? Are you helping advocate for someone else? Are you making your own choices and challenging societal norms? How are YOU a feminist and how do you show equality for all? By wearing this shirt, and any of our clothes, you’re showing that you’re a feminist and are working hard to support all individuals! 

twt: Do you have a favourite quote or words to live by?

RE: “You are what you stand up for”

Okay— rapid fire: 

twt: What have you been bingeing on Netflix?
RE: Grace and Frankie (twt: YAS love that)
twt: What app do you always use?
RE: PhysiApp for my exercises haha! 
twt: What’s your all-time favourite book?
RE: Oooooo– maybe Louise Hay “you can heal your life” 
twt: What are you currently reading?
RE: Mindy Kaling’s new book! 
twt: What song have you had on repeat lately?
RE: Daughters- Little Big Town 
twt: What is your go-to gadget?
RE: MY WIRELESS EAR BUDS 
twt: What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
RE: Getting tattoos 
twt: Where is your fave spot to eat?
RE: oh man… ANYWHERE with lattes and sweets 
twt: What is the best way to spend a weekend?
RE: Right now with work and school… lounging and/or riding my horse 
twt: Do you have any secret talents?
RE: I can do a Marcell the Shell voice? Is that a talent? (twt: uh yeah, it 100% is!!)

We’d like to extend Rachel our sincerest gratitude for taking the time to answer our questions and share with you, our readers, her knowledge, thoughts, and wisdom. If you would like to keep up with Rachel and Here for Her, you can follow her on Instagram and Facebook or visit her website.