“I had the opportunity to do a little bit of everything working with my mother and her company from deliver- ies to accounting. I kind of learned what it was like to run a business through her eyes,”
CANADIAN TECH COMPANY CONNECTING ARTISTS, VENUES & FANS SIDE DOOR
by Ryan Myson
Laura Simpson, Co-Founder and CEO of Hali- fax-based Side Door is a serial entrepreneur that traces her entrepreneurial spirit back to working with her mother, who ran a small business out of their house in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. “I had the opportunity to do a little bit of everything working with my mother and her company from deliveries to accounting. I kind of learned what it was like to run a business through her eyes,” said Simpson. In 2011 Simpson started hosting artist shows in her own home. At that time, she was working in the live music industry supporting artists and events. What Simpson uncovered from this experience was that the most enjoyable events for the artists and the audience were the ones that she was hosting at her own home. Those attending loved the intimate and interactive
M ost people think that to see the best artists perform intimate and interac- tive shows you need to have an industry connection who can get you in the back door or get you backstage passes to engage with the artist. But after having the opportunity to speak with Laura Simpson, we have a feeling that you will be looking to slide in the Side Door for your favourite artist’s next performance or maybe even host your own in-person shows in a non-conventional space like your living room, backyard or in a community centre, bookstore or warehouse.
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FALL/WINTER 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • FALL/WINTER 2022
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