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At Durham College (DC), entrepreneurship is about more than launching a business — it’s about igniting confidence, developing practical skills, and cultivating a mindset to make ideas happen. For alumni Nicole Shah, Talivia Bernard, and Sydnee Harding, DC’s Entrepreneurship and Small Business – Business program provided the foundation that shaped three unique – yet equally inspiring – careers.
While their paths after DC looked different, the impact was the same: the program introduced a world of possibilities, giving them the tools to turn their passion into purpose. We caught up with the three graduates to find out how enrolling at DC was their Best. Decision. Ever.
Nicole Shah
Owner, Toasted Walnut, Bowmanville
Nicole loved the fast-paced world of food and hospitality but needed guidance to bring her vision to life.
“Enrolling at Durham College gave me the confidence and knowledge to turn my dream into a reality,” she said.
Through co-op placements and hands-on courses in marketing, accounting, and website development, Nicole developed the skills to launch and sustain her business. Within six months of graduating in 2012, she found the perfect space, secured a lease, and opened the Toasted Walnut, a welcoming café and eatery in Bowmanville, just 10 weeks later.
Today, the Toasted Walnut is a thriving local staple — a testament to both her education and the strong community supporting her.
Talivia Bernard
Owner, DiamondXO Hair, Ajax
For Talivia, DC wasn’t about starting from scratch — it was about scaling what she had already built. While running DiamondXO Hair, a premium hair extension business, she returned to school to sharpen her skills in finance, marketing, and leadership. Guided by real-world projects and mentorship, she gained structure and strategy.
“DC helped me develop systems, understand the ‘why’ behind business operations, and think more strategically. Before the program, I relied mostly on instinct and creativity. Now, I understand how to make informed decisions, manage growth, and navigate challenges with intention,” she explained.
Since graduating, DiamondXO Hair has grown in visibility and reach, with increased bookings, product sales, and even brand partnerships.
Sydnee Harding
Regional Sales Manager, Canteen North America
Drawn to the creative side of entrepreneurship, Sydnee was attracted to the program’s broad selection of courses covering all areas of business. What she didn’t anticipate was how it would pave the way to a dynamic corporate career. Today, as a Regional Sales Manager, she leads full-cycle sales, builds client relationships, and manages complex deals.
“Durham College prepared me for a career in sales by pushing me outside my comfort zone. Strategic thinking, time management, and leadership skills are a few of my biggest takeaways from the program,” she said.
Beyond coursework, Sydnee strengthened her confidence and leadership through Enactus, a student-led entrepreneurial competition team that applies business skills to real-world social and community projects. These experiences taught her how to pitch ideas, collaborate with teams, and think strategically – skills that continue to shape her success today.
Whether launching a business or excelling in a corporate role, DC’s Entrepreneurship program equips graduates with the tools to succeed — wherever their path may lead.
Learn more about the Entrepreneurship and Small Business – Business program.
