Laura Twigg, 25, is the owner/operator of Twiggs Coffee Company. A graduate of Laurentian University, she and her husband were keen to return to their hometown when they had an opportunity to own their own business. Twiggs Coffee Roasters is the city's leading provider of organic fair trade coffee. It has experienced growth of 12 per cent over the last two years.

Q: What is your greatest accomplishment?
A: At the age of 23, I came into a thriving business and worked hard to learn all I could. Then, just two years later, I gained the confidence to manage a staff of 25 and grow that business to an even greater level.

Q: Who is your most valued mentor?
A: I would have to say that my most valued business mentor has been my mother-in-law and the founder of Twiggs Coffee Company, Jennifer Twigg. Having operated Twiggs since 1991, she has dealt with many of the issues I am often faced with which makes her a great adviser.

Q: What do you love most about North Bay
      and area ?
A: There are many things I love and find comforting about this beautiful city, although my favourite attraction would have to be the many lakes we have surrounding us that provide many exciting and peaceful activities year-round.

Q: What else would you like to accomplish?
A: I would love to see Twiggs continue to grow and to give people an inviting, friendly and healthy alternative to the numerous "fast food chains."