September Client of the Month: Margaret Fraser & Stephanie Watt of Metalude
Meet Margaret Fraser and Stephanie Watt, YES’s September Clients of the Month. Together, they founded Metalude in 2022 to transform cities into inclusive, playful spaces where children’s rights and voices are prioritized. Margaret has nearly 10 years of hands-on experience developing innovative urban play programs and advocating for children’s participation. Stephanie, an urban geographer and former Montréal city councillor led child-focused public space initiatives. They combined their skills to ensure that public spaces and city planning are shaped by youth perspectives, play, and mobility. Together, they collaborate with communities and institutions to transform cities into spaces where children are seen, heard, and able to thrive.
YES: When did you start your entrepreneurial journey, and what were some of your goals when you started?
Margaret + Stephanie: We started working together as freelancers in January 2022. After two major contracts, we decided to dedicate ourselves to this work by creating a non-profit organization called Metalude in November 2022. When we started, we hoped to collaborate with larger organizations as child specialists. We dreamt of working with the City of Montréal, where we live, on projects that have a real impact on children’s lives.
YES: What stage are you at now? What have been your greatest achievements?
Margaret + Stephanie: We’re established! Our greatest achievements are having demonstrated proof of value for our clients in a niche market and creating a work culture that aligns with our values. Almost three years in, we have had clients support our creativity and take risks with us (leading to some incredible results), and we can take time off to spend with our families, no questions asked.
YES: What were/are your biggest struggles?
Margaret + Stephanie: Once we had demonstrated our value, it took time to find our place in the ecosystem. We had to hang on for quite a while before being invited to bid on projects and eventually getting our first and then second municipal client. We did loads of development in that time. Our YES Business Coach, Farshad, is helping us with everything from lead generation to calculating our start-up runway so we can breathe a little easier.
YES: What was the problem you were experiencing before you came into YES?
Margaret + Stephanie: We knew our skills and experience as individuals, but we were not clear on what our special sauce was as an organization. We needed clarity – and so much advice on so many fronts!
YES: What did you find as a result of using our services? What was the best thing about it?
Margaret + Stephanie: The best thing about YES is the consistent support and the on-the-ground experience its coaches bring! It is also affordable, and for a micro-organization, this is such a relief!
YES: How do you feel about the service you have received from YES?
Margaret + Stephanie: We are overjoyed with Farshad’s coaching. He knows how to channel our energy and questions with the lightest touch. He provides great advice, assigns relevant homework (lol) and provides external resources when needed. We feel seen and supported.
Discover Metalude here.
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