BY EMMA WHITEN
Real estate professional and salon owner Gurjinder K. Bhurji knows from first-hand experience how difficult it is for people to afford housing in today’s market. Gurjinder moved to Surrey when she was seven years old and became an active member of the community, and raised four children of her own. She has spent the past 13 years in Real Estate with Royal LePage Wolstencroft Realty and two years ago bought a second business, Stylin’ Confidence Beauty Salon. Despite her busy schedule, Gurjinder is the Race Organizer for RunSurreyRun, which was launched as a virtual run/walk for the City of Surrey. She also is one of fifty women in the Women of Options initiative.
Being an active member of the Surrey community and working in Real Estate, Gurjinder has seen how unaffordable the housing market has become for many individuals. When she heard about the Options Community Services’ affordable housing project, she thought it was an excellent opportunity to get involved with the community and do something positive by providing affordable housing for those who need help. Gurjinder is now raising $25,000 in support of the initiative. She hopes it helps provide more safe homes for women and families-one of the necessities of life.
Gurjinder believes that inspirations are all around us, in people, and within nature. She takes these lessons and enforces them in her career and community, finding ways to support those around her. After the birth of her fourth child and spending seven days in ICU due to complications, Gurjinder saw the value in each moment and day of life. She saw how privileged she was to be healthy, which eventually led to her running passion and spiritual growth. What some may call risks, she calls opportunities and learning experiences that help her build her career, abilities, and confidence.
Gurjinder notes that this is a challenging part of being a mom and business owner when it comes to finding balance. When asked about her mother, Gurjinder explains that her mother was a very hard-working woman who had an outside job and worked evenings at home knitting and sewing to earn extra money. Her hard work and dedication to her family are the skills she passed on to Gurjinder.
As a mother, Gurjinder believes that she has learned a lot from her children. Children bring many challenges, and dealing with these challenges becomes our experience and wisdom as parents. She views her staff and colleagues in the same light, with their growth reflecting her own. Being a businesswoman, Gurjinder has ensured that she prioritizes the goals of other women and encourages them in their pursuits. Bringing opportunity to women comes with the stability and security of safe, affordable housing. Being one of Options’ 50 women, Gurjinder hopes to enable other women to pursue their inspirations and opportunities in the community.
To learn more about how you can support Gurjinder in her partnership with the 50 Women of Options, please visit the Women of Options website.
