Wendy Smith

WHAT GOT YOU STARTED?

by Burke Campbell

Published in the Financial Post

June 16, 2008

Wendy A. Smith runs Lifeart ( www.lifeart.ca ), a Winnipeg firm that makes custom prosthetics for those missing fingers, hands, and breasts. Wendy tells the Financial Post what motivated her to become an entrepreneur.

Early curiosity: “My mother was a nurse and my father, an electrician. He ran an appliance repair business. As a young girl, I was fascinated by the tools in his basement shop. That’s probably where my interest in making things began.”

First job: “I took an aptitude test at Manpower. To my surprise, the results suggested that I’d make a good prosthetist. Most of my schooling was in Toronto, but later I worked in Winnipeg.”

Seamless fittings: “After technical study in Toronto, I worked in Winnipeg at the Health Sciences Centre. Eventually, in 1995, I opened my business, Lifeart Prosthetics. The prosthetics I make are intended to be both functional, and in appearance, highly realistic.”

Dealing with people: “Each person reacts differently to losing a body part and its impact can vary depending on a person’s age. As a certified prosthetist, I work closely with the doctor and patient. I get referrals from all across Canada.”

A larger mission: “Prosthetics can make a huge difference in people’s lives. My expertise isn’t just a technical art; it’s communicating with the individuals I meet.”

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