wommp

I was doing some spring cleaning this morning and found this - better late than never...   

“The Last Station”
July 10, 2010 -  Victoria, BC

This will be the last time I write to you as the founder of wommp ltd. I made a promise 11 months ago to continue to look for the capital we needed to bring wommp to market, and as many of you know, I was unsuccessful. It is with great regret that I inform you that, as a result, we have decided to terminate wommp ltd, as we cannot continue under present circumstances.

Three years ago it was only a pipe dream. People called me crazy, and perhaps time has proven them right. But three years ago the only crazy thing to do would have been to ignore the pursuit of my dreams.  And what a journey it has been. So few have the opportunity to follow their heart, and I am honoured to be one of them.

 Now I find myself, like many others before me, at a loss of words - how to describe the final moments - the stark realization that after the years of hard work, time and energy, we have come to the end.  I finally understand the endless hours of passion and dedication were not wasted in vein; every effort made and sacrifice taken was worth it, even if we were still left wanting.  Everything that I did for the company was out of love, and in the pursuit of love nothing is wasted. Perhaps I’m a romantic, finding beauty in the breakdown, but if we deny ourselves that satisfaction, then what do we have left? If life is about the journey, then we must reveal in the days that have been, and not weep for those that did not pass.

I cannot say goodbye without saying a huge thanks to everyone who has supported wommp, starting with my family: my dad, Simon, who was an inspiration from start to finish; my mum, Penelope, for accepting my choice to purse a different path; my sister, Emily, for always reminding me there was no limit to my potential, and my brother, Henry, for his discussions and encouragement. Then there are my Uncle’s and Aunts, who gratefully lent their support, both financially and emotionally, and finally my cousin Jessica Lucas, for being the example of following your dreams. I also want to thank my friends, who know who you are, who although were placed second when the business came full swing, still supported me heart and soul – I learned a lot over the last three years, but nothing compared to the value of friendship. They say you can choose your friends but not your family, and I am blessed to be lucky in both regards.

I was fortunate enough to have some very talented mentors, including Professor David McConomy from Queen’s University, who was the first to take me seriously. He saw me through all three of my ventures, starting at the age of 20; regardless of the time of day, he was always there with an open mind, and would enter into endless hours of discussions and action items that no doubt followed - cross country flights were no exception. I am indebted to his knowledge and kindness. Although there are many others whom I relied on heavily, there is one person who helped me see the business clearly in the end – Canadian Marketing Hall of Fame’s Ken Wong. I was lucky to be taught the art from a master, and I have no doubt my future endeavours will benefit from his teachings.   

I was also blessed with the chance to work with some of the finest people.  Everyone who joined the team was instrumental – you took the concept from an idea and put it into motion, and for that I’m grateful. And finally, it would not have been possible without my investors, who believed in me and gave me the chance to pursue my dreams.  There is no way to properly show my gratitude, as you all know I have tried, and many of you have returned my thanks saying that you will invest in me again. What an honour it has been working with you – thank you.

It is my last wish that everyone have the opportunity, at least once, to do something they desire, not matter how absurd it may seem. The courage it takes is immeasurable, and the journey is always worth while.

And now, nothing waits but the road ahead. Take care, best of luck, and may we all, at least once, take the chance to follow our dreams.

                                                                                Signing off,

                                                                                           Alexandra Skey
                                                                                           alexandra.skey@gmail.com