“We were on seven billboards, twenty-one bus shelters, CTV, Global Radio, Pinterest ads, Facebook, all of that. The power of marketing means so much to the organization. As a result, we were able to have more employment opportunities for the holiday season, and it’s been, I would say, the best in the last couple of years,” exclaimed Amy.
4-minute read
Written by Keanna Kennington, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
As we celebrate our 150th birthday, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is excited to celebrate our rich history by sharing stories of our members. We hope that by sharing these stories, we can inspire and engage current and future members to continue building a strong and vibrant business community in Winnipeg.
Amy Tung has always felt like she’s been called in a direction to help others. So in 2018, she founded I AM LOVE Project with the topic of mental health and self-love at the organization’s core. A subject close to Amy’s heart, she shares her struggles with mental health through the I AM LOVE Project.
Photo provided by Amy Tung
Amy’s mission was to donate 60% of proceeds to local charities, schools, and non-profit organizations, starting with bracelets made from consciously sourced materials and stones with specific properties focused on mental health and wellness. As a result, I AM LOVE Project thrived in spreading an important message; to love yourself with everything you have and give back wherever possible.
After COVID-19 brought the world to a screeching halt, Amy kept a positive outlook and took it as an opportunity to shift focus. The fundraising-first business model had the chance to expand and offer support to local community members, and that’s precisely what happened. The organization has now grown to support women facing barriers in the Winnipeg community.
“We essentially help women rise from poverty, increase their inclusion in society, and create community through transformative employment opportunities,” said Amy with a smile.
Bridging the gap for women who may not feel accepted in their community and providing reasonable accommodations for women with mental health challenges, history of substance use, disabilities, and who have been incarcerated is at the heart of what they do.
Amy’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, either. As a result, I AM LOVE Project was recognized in the 2022 Canada Post Small Business Tales of Triumph contest, where she won the award for Doing Good.
“We were on seven billboards, twenty-one bus shelters, CTV, Global Radio, Pinterest ads, Facebook, all of that. The power of marketing means so much to the organization. As a result, we were able to have more employment opportunities for the holiday season, and it’s been, I would say, the best in the last couple of years,” exclaimed Amy.
Photo provided by Amy Tung
I AM LOVE Project works with and supports many local female artists, including a particular beadwork artist named Sarah. G. In 2021, Sarah broke her left humerus bone in half during a head-on collision with a semi-truck. Without the use of her left arm, Sarah missed her most beloved stress-relieving activity: crafting. So Sarah decided that if she couldn’t craft, she would watch crafting videos on YouTube.
This is where she found her love of beading and beadwork, and she also loved that the beads were light enough to hold in her left hand. Collaborating with Amy and I AM LOVE Project, Sarah now creates Indigenous-inspired DIY Tassel Earring Kits in bold and beautiful styles.
“After learning her story, we thought: how does she earn more? How can we support her? Because typically, no other workplaces are willing to provide those accommodations,” said Amy.
It is collaborations and employment opportunities like this that support and gives back to our community and helps women who have faced or are facing physical or mental disabilities, emotional challenges, and financial hardships. People like Amy are catalysts for change in the workplace and everyday life.
As a former council member of The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Advisory Council and a current Chamber member, Amy fondly recalls the support she received as a new business owner, not just from The Chamber but from other members.
Photo provided by Amy Tung.
“I’m an introvert and don’t like putting myself out there. The Chamber is a very supportive, dynamic, engaging community,” Amy smiled.
Amy has made I AM LOVE Project’s primary mission to foster and encourage endless self-love and spread that love to others in your community. Every woman that’s given an opportunity to succeed and thrive shares a part of her story. Every design that’s made is a chapter in her story. Every piece of jewelry is a reminder that lifting others up is a beautiful way to support your community.
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At the end of the day, it’s all about your business. You want to see your business succeed and grow, and that’s why we’re here.
Providing a platform to help local businesses in Winnipeg thrive is what we stand for – whether it’s advocating for you, connecting you with the right people at the right time or setting you up with the support and programs you need to grow.
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