Cape Breton Profile - Sylvia Ho"Owning a business is always stressful, especially a business that thrives on deadlines, as mine does. The way of life here is so much more relaxed than in Singapore where I grew up. The lack of external pressure makes my work much more pleasant than it would be in a large city. I realize now that my decision to stay in Cape Breton was the right one. It's a good place to do business. And when my work for the day is finished, I can revive my spirits in my garden." - SylviaHo
Sylvia Ho has made many crucial decisions in her life. Forteen years ago, against her parents wishes, she came to Canada from Singapore to further her studies in fine arts and graphic design. When she was finished her degree at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax, she was offered a job in Sydney. She decided to take the job and postpone her return home to Singapore.
The job lasted seven years. When it was time to move on, she was faced with two more major decisions...whether to go into business for herself, and whether to stay in Cape Breton. After much sole-searching, Sylvia decided to do both, and Artplus Advertising was born. Sylvia now has two full-time employees and Artplus Advertising is offering services and setting standards for graphic design that Cape Breton can be proud of.
Sylvia is a good business woman. She knows it's important to keep up to date with the rapidly changing graphics technology. Recently she bought a piece of high tech equipment that allows her to do colour separation. In this technological age. Sylvia knows that remaining current and competitive no longer means living in an urban center.
Although Sylvia was born and raised in a country thousands of miles from here, she now considers Cape Breton her home. If she leaves for a while, on a business trip or vacation, she can't wait to get back. Just like a true Cape Bretoner.
Sylvia has managed to find a balance in her life in Cape Breton...a balance between her demanding work schedule and her prized leisure time, most of which she spends in her backyard garden. It's a luxury Sylvia will never take for granted and one which she's quite sure she won't find anywhere else.
![[Island of Many Faces]](../graphics/main.gif){kind=small}
![[Next Profile]](../graphics/next.gif){kind=small}
![[Image: Sylvia Ho]](../graphics/silviaho.gif)
"Owning a business is always stressful, especially a business that thrives on deadlines, as mine does. The way of life here is so much more relaxed than in Singapore where I grew up. The lack of external pressure makes my work much more pleasant than it would be in a large city. I realize now that my decision to stay in Cape Breton was the right one. It's a good place to do business. And when my work for the day is finished, I can revive my spirits in my garden."