The Entrepreneurial Roadblocks, the Reset, and the Real Reason You Started!

Featuring the wisdom of Shawna MacNeil (Integrity Seminars) & Allison Prior (Canadian Artist). Curated and written by Tonya Zee

This article is part of a new series where I honour the Canadian creatives, leaders, and visionaries. Because real influence doesn’t just lead — it lifts others up along the way.

There are moments on the entrepreneurial path that stop us in our tracks. Not because we’re lazy. Not because we’re lost. But because we’re growing — and growth isn’t always graceful. Every strong leader I know has a story of stumbling, resetting, and rising. And as I reflect on my own journey, I’m reminded of the incredible voices that carry wisdom, resilience, and truth. Two of those voices are Shawna MacNeil and Allison Prior. Their words have stayed with me — and I have a feeling they might be exactly what you need to hear today too.

From Shawna MacNeil – Business Owner, Business Consultant, Integrity Seminars:

"Every dream is a destination. And just like a long road trip, the journey to your vision isn’t always smooth. There will be roadblocks, detours, unexpected delays. Days where the road feels endless and your energy runs low."

Shawna’s words are a reminder that these moments aren’t failures — they’re part of the journey. She reminds us that a roadblock doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it means you’re being forged. And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is pull over, pause, cry if you need to, and reset with intention.

As Shawna says, balance is not weakness — it’s wisdom. Even the best vehicles need tune-ups. So do we. Her voice has influenced countless leaders through her work, and it’s a voice I’ve leaned into myself. I’m proud to honour her as part of this powerful and life-giving 'Canadian Voices' series by Tonya Zee.

From Allison Prior – Canadian Artist & Tonya Zee Longtime Creative Collaborator:

"When you feel like giving up, remember why you started in the first place.""Take care of yourself physically and mentally… Setbacks are part of the journey — but don’t give up if you see potential in what you’re building."

Allison’s wisdom has not only inspired my journey — it’s been a powerful part of it. She was a featured artist in our WEC Canada Online Magazine, and a key contributor to our Canadian Spotlight Project — a national initiative I had the honour of building to celebrate women across Canada. Her art and music doesn’t just inspire — it speaks. It tells stories. It reminds us that passion can survive pressure. And she’s right — the goal isn’t perfection. It’s loving what you do, setbacks and all.

Why I’m Starting This powerful Series:

Because this series is about honouring the voices who remind us to keep going, even when the entrepreneurial road gets bumpy. Because I want you to see the heart, the realness, the community behind the brand. I’ve been knocked off track too and still showed up strong. And I’ve had women like Allison and now Shawna beside me, cheering me on — through both the highlights and the rebuilds.

So to you, the entrepreneur or leader reading this: You're not weak for hitting a roadblock. You’re wise for pausing and realigning. You’re brave for staying when it would be easier to quit. And you’re powerful for remembering why you started.

Stay tuned for more voices, more truths, and more of the real stories that shape Canadian business and leadership.

Here at Tonya Zee, you can find both remarkable and resilient women and men featured on Tonyazee.com And if this message resonated, I’d love to hear your story too. Let’s rise together.

With heart,

Tonya Zee