For Denise Dow of Saint John, NB,  “Strong & Free” is the realization of a life long dream to provide Canadians worldwide with an emblem to display their patriotism for Canada.  Strong & Free became a reality in September of 2006 for Denise by tracing three maples leafs from her backyard and then carving the shape into wood.  From there she took it to Plastech in Notre-Dame, New Brunswick where it was prototyped and then manufactured. Canadian weather not being very flag-friendly, the emblem provides proud Canadians with an affordable and meaningful alternative that can be used year-round and is practically maintenance free.

Denise was born in Saint John, NB and has lived and worked there for most of her life, apart from a year in Montreal and another in Orange County California.  She graduated from Simonds High School in 1976 and went to UNBSJ part time taking computer and business courses while working in the computer field. She has really enjoyed her 30 year career in IT but always had a strong desire to be an entrepreneur.

 “Strong & Free is all about passion... passion to make my dream a reality and passion to create an emblem that is meaningful to other Canadians.  Strong & Free is also about sharing that passion and providing a symbol for my teenagers and other young Canadians that says; everyone can make their dream come true if you truly believe in it.”

This proud and patriotic Canadian’s passion has fuelled her success. The Strong & Free outdoor décor emblem can currently be purchased for $19.99 at participating Home Hardware, Canadian Tire Stores and worldwide from the StrongAndFreeEmblem website.  It is available in both official languages and in three metallic colors Gold, Pewter, Copper and Black (which can be custom painted). It is made in Canada of high impact plastic the same durable material used to make shutters for outdoor home décor.

Feedback on the emblem has been very positive. “I think Canadians are very patriotic but they have never been given a means to show it… Strong & Free provides a practical, easy to install option… it’s up to them to decide if they want to embrace it.”  “The most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur is how much I enjoy working on "Strong & Free"... no really, I love it!”  Denise’s passion for her work is contagious, and she received strong support from her friends and family who encouraged her to follow her dream.

With our troops engaged in supporting human rights across the globe there is more awareness of our position on the world stage.  Canadians have always had a reputation for being conscientious world citizens and it follows us wherever we go as we state our nationality with pride. Denise has created a product that Canadians home and abroad, can use to show that they are proud call Canada their home.

Denise has just introduced new items in her product line including lapel pins, jacket crests, car magnets, stickers which are in high demand.  Her goal is to “Start a "virtual wave" of Strong & Free from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. “What better time to show the world that Canada is proud to be “Strong & Free!” This passionate and proud business owner truly knows the meaning of Strong & Free.