iilo is a proud women-led B Corp and we want you to amplify impact with us
I’m a woman, wife, and mother of two energetic, elementary-aged children. I co-own iilo Creative Alliance, a Certified B Corp and values-based creative services agency in Western Canada, with my business partner Madelen Ortega.
Madelen is also a woman, wife, and mother of two active teenagers. Having both worked in the communication design industry for over 20 years, we knew from the get-go that our business would embrace our needs as both parents and professionals and lean into that identity to create impact for our team and clients.
The truth is, Madelen and I were lucky. We had strong female role models growing up. My mom worked at our local credit union, volunteered at a local women’s shelter, and ran courses to teach women entrepreneurs how to run a business. Having emigrated to Canada from Chile in the early 80s to escape the Pinochet dictatorship, Madelen’s mom became a social worker and dedicated her career to creating work opportunities and supporting people in crisis or complex situations.
It’s safe to say we inherited an entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude from our own mothers. Madelen and I see opportunities and solutions when others may see roadblocks. And that spirit of constant possibility and positive impact is exactly how we’ve approached our business.
How iilo is designed for impact
iilo has been registered as a Benefit Company in BC since our founding in 2021, which means our values are woven into the foundation of our business. In 2023, we officially became a Certified B Corp. We aim to align our impact with the United Nations’ global Sustainable Development Goals: #5 Gender Equality, #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, and #10 Reduced Inequalities.
Here are some ways we put these goals into action:
- We’re proud to be a certified Living Wage Employer providing well-paying work to other women and underrepresented people in the creative services industry.
- We’re a human-centred business, structured to meet our team’s personal needs first; we aim for everyone to have self/life/work balance, in that order.
- Our processes and practices take into account the social and environmental impact of everything we do.
- As we deepen our expertise in areas such as sustainable design and accessibility, we operationalize and create best practices to apply our learning to all client projects, thereby helping them to grow and evolve.
We’ve made such an effort to align with these equity-promoting efforts because Madelen and I have personal experiences of being undervalued, underestimated, and undersupported in the workplace. We’ve created a business that works for us and our team, and that we’re constantly improving to meet everyone’s shifting needs. We don’t just want to avoid creating a work culture that doesn’t serve us, we want to make work better for everyone.
Why your support of women-led businesses makes a difference
iilo delivers communication design solutions (branding, reports, events, and more) that simplify and amplify world-changing social and environmental initiatives. Our clients include B Corps, progressive impact businesses, non-profits, institutions, social enterprises, and municipalities.
Often, our clients share that they choose to work with us because iilo is a women-owned business. We love that they see the value of supporting a business led by women!
Here’s why partnering with a women-led business like ours is a smart move for any purpose-driven business:
1. Shared Values, Amplified Impact: The Power of Alignment
Like you, we’re deeply committed to ethical business practices, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. For us, this means an ongoing commitment to 1% for the Planet, being a Living Wage Employer, participating in the Community of Accessible Employers, and supporting LOCO BC. These aren’t just checkboxes for us; they’re integral parts of how we operate and who we are.
By partnering with us, you’re reinforcing your commitment to these values and contributing to a more equitable and sustainable economy. Our shared dedication to the B Corp mission creates a powerful synergy that can amplify your own impact. Imagine the collective force when two purpose-driven organizations collaborate. It’s not just about transactions; it’s about a shared vision and a united effort to create positive change.
2. A Different Perspective: The Unique Strengths of Women-Led Businesses
Women bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, which can lead to creative solutions and innovative approaches. As a women-led business, we lean on our “superpowers” of empathy, communication, and transparency. These qualities aren’t just “soft skills”—they’re strategic advantages in today’s complex business landscape.
Empathy allows us to truly understand your needs and challenges. Communication ensures clarity, collaboration, and alignment at every step of the process. Transparency builds trust and fosters long-term relationships. Our unique lens on your work results in new possibilities and approaches, and higher-quality work.
Studies have shown that diverse teams often outperform homogeneous ones. By partnering with a women-led business, you’re not only supporting gender diversity, but also gaining access to a broader range of insights and perspectives. This can lead to innovative solutions and a more robust approach to problem-solving. When different viewpoints are valued and included, the outcome is richer and more effective.
3. Supporting Women’s Economic Empowerment: A Crucial Step Towards Equality
When you choose to work with a women-led business, you’re directly supporting women’s economic empowerment, directly in line with Sustainable Development Goal #5 (Gender Equality). This has a ripple effect, strengthening families, communities, and the economy as a whole. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion in your business partnerships, you’re actively contributing to a more just and equitable world.
Even here in Canada, the gender pay gap still exists, where women make, on average, 83 cents on the dollar compared to men. This disparity isn’t just an economic issue; it’s a social issue that affects women’s financial security, opportunities, and overall well-being.
I’ve had men tell me they love working with women as they’re so efficient and diligent, but in the same conversation, try to question the cost of our services. You love us? Don’t question our rates, trust our experience and expertise instead.
This example highlights the inherent bias that women in business sometimes face. It’s a reminder that supporting women-led businesses is not just a feel-good choice; it’s a necessary step toward dismantling systemic inequalities.
4. Building Trust and Credibility: Values in Action
Consumers and stakeholders are increasingly drawn to businesses that demonstrate a commitment to social and environmental responsibility and that prioritize integrity, transparency, and social impact. Partnering with a women-led B Corp that genuinely lives its values can enhance your brand’s image and build trust with your audience, showing that you’re not just talking about values, but actively living them too.
Why iilo Creative Alliance?
At iilo Creative Alliance, we offer full-service communication design services to help values-led organizations inspire, educate, and mobilize their target audiences. We’re passionate about helping you communicate your mission, engage your stakeholders, and achieve your impact goals.
We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that B Corps face. We know how important it is to communicate your values effectively and authentically. We have the skills, experience, and passion to help you do just that. We take pride in our work, knowing that it contributes to a larger vision of a better world.
Let’s Collaborate for a Better Future
We believe that when values-driven businesses work together, anything is possible. If you’re looking for a women-led creative partner who shares your commitment to social and environmental responsibility and who can bring a unique perspective to your challenges, we’d love to hear from you.
Connect with us
We look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you and creating a more just and sustainable future for all.
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This blog post was written by invitation from B Local Vancouver to celebrate International Women’s Day and B Corp Month along with other women-led B Corps. Follow this B Corp Stories: Women’s Month series on LinkedIn.