My Story

For Alison Smith, entrepreneurship is genetic. Her father owned his own shoe store, where Alison worked while growing up. It was while working at the store that Alison got the idea for Thera-Ped Moncton Inc. noticing how many customers have foot problems that couldn’t be corrected with standard shoes, Alison realized the possibilities of a pedorthic clinic. After seeking start-up funding from Futurpreneur Canada and the support of Enterprise Greater Moncton, Alison opened Thera-Ped Foot & Ankle Clinic next to her father’s shoe store. Customers now have the opportunity to not only get custom made orthotics, but find shoes that can accommodate them right next door. In addition to launching and running her successful business, Alison also trained to receiver her Canadian Certified Pedorthic Technician and Certified Pedorthist designations. She credits her Futurpreneur Canada mentor Charlotte Frise with keeping her motivated.

With her entrepreneurial background, Alison urges other young people to take the plunge, and become their own boss, but she emphasizes the need for early planning. “It’s very easy to get wrapped up in day-to-day operations, but as an entrepreneur you are the one driving your business. You need to take the time to visualize how you want your business to flourish, and where you see it going in the future.”