5 Inspiring Women at Twigg Musique

October is Women's History Month in Canada. We present to you 5 inspiring women who lead, manage, and keep our company running and growing.

JADE TWIGG - CO-OWNER

How long have you been with Twigg Musique?

I started at Twigg Musique in 2005, during my summer after high school. At that time, I was cleaning instruments, a task that allowed me to dive into the world of music and business. I still remember the infinite amount of instrument cleaning (in acid baths) I did all summer! Then, I began working evenings and weekends in sales during my CEGEP studies. My hours gradually increased, and I even managed to juggle a full-time job at Twigg with my four university courses. It was intense, but I couldn’t bear to give up Twigg; that’s what prolonged my university journey.

When the buyer at the time left, I was offered his position. That’s how I started to get more involved in the Twigg offices while gradually stepping away from the counter. Over the years, I was able to expand my responsibilities by getting involved in marketing, accounting, management, and organization of the business, all while continuing to handle purchases. This evolution has been exciting and rewarding, and it has forged my passion for the music sector.

Can you name a woman who inspires you?

I find great inspiration in all entrepreneurial women, especially those who are also mothers. I have deep respect for every woman who works hard and fights to succeed, especially when she juggles motherhood and managing her professional life. My grandmother, who has since passed away, is an iconic figure for me. She worked her whole life while raising her two children, showing unparalleled strength of character and determination. She was a pioneer in her field, and even in the 40s and 50s, she didn’t hesitate to assert her independence. It’s this boldness that inspires me and pushes me to be daring in my own projects. Her legacy reminds me that nothing is impossible if you are willing to fight for your dreams.

Can you name an accomplishment you are most proud of?

I am extremely proud of the changes I have been able to bring to Twigg, particularly the acquisition of the family business with my brother. It was a significant milestone that marked a turning point in our professional and personal lives. This project required a lot of work, determination, and a clear vision for the future we wanted for the business. Additionally, my little family is undoubtedly the most precious and magical thing I have. Every day spent with them is a source of joy and motivation, and I am grateful to be able to combine my professional life with family moments. These two accomplishments represent for me the balance between professional success and personal fulfillment.

What advice would you give to a young entrepreneur?

My advice for a young entrepreneur would be: GO FOR IT and trust yourself! Starting your own project can be intimidating, but it is crucial to believe in yourself and your abilities. If you face obstacles or failures, get back up and learn from them. Every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back; the best opportunities often arise when you are willing to step out of your comfort zone. Be bold, take calculated risks, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or advice along the way. Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey, and every step counts in your path.

CAROLINE LAROCHE - STORE MANAGER

How long have you been with Twigg Musique?

I have been with Twigg Musique since 2017. My journey began as a full-time salesperson, a role that allowed me to dive into the world of music and discover our customers' needs.

Today, I am proud to be the manager of the Montreal branch. This role has given me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and create a positive environment for my team. I am motivated by the idea of supporting my colleagues in their development and constantly improving the customer experience. It is rewarding to see how my work contributes to the growth of Twigg Music and the satisfaction of our customers.

Can you name a woman who inspires you and why?

My maternal grandmother inspires me because she always showed strength. She could handle seven children at once while always finding ways to entertain us. I never saw her give up despite her health problems.

She embodies unwavering optimism and always welcomes us with open arms, regardless of the challenge. Her ability to stay positive and encourage others reminds me of the importance of family and solidarity—values I strive to convey in my own life.

Can you explain how you discovered the field of management and how you decided it would be your profession?

I have always had a knack for organization and a taste for logic, which naturally drew me to management. My interest in this field solidified through my professional experiences, where I discovered that I enjoyed solving problems while maintaining good relationships with my colleagues.

I appreciate the musical aspect of our business, which allows me to combine my passion with a stable lifestyle. By taking initiatives and participating in decision-making, I realized that I could really make a difference in a work environment. Management offers me the opportunity to guide a team, fuel our passion for music, while creating a framework in which everyone can thrive. It was by seeing the impact I could have on my colleagues and our customers that I knew this was the path I wanted to follow.

Can you name an accomplishment you are most proud of?

I am particularly proud of having quickly climbed the ranks within the company. This journey has been a wonderful adventure, allowing me to stand out and prove that I add real value. I had the opportunity to develop my skills in management, communication, and problem-solving, which has allowed me to become the manager of the Montreal branch.

My rapid ascent is a testament not only to my commitment to my work but also to my ability to inspire and motivate my team. Being recognized for my efforts and dedication is a source of pride, and it drives me to continue improving and innovating to contribute to the success of Twigg Musique.

CATHERINE PETIT - REPAIR TECHNICIAN

How long have you been with Twigg Musique?

I have been learning and still learn the craft of repair at Twigg Musique since 2020.

Can you name a woman who inspires you and why?

It’s difficult for me to name just one inspiring woman, as I admire a range of figures who have shaped the Quebec artistic landscape. Artists like Céline Dion and Ginette Reno are shining examples of hard work, perseverance, and courage. They have not only reached great heights in their careers but have also opened doors for future generations of women in music.

At the same time, I am particularly touched by women who are unafraid to express their opinions and take a stand on social issues. Kim Lévesque-Lizotte and Virginie Fortin embody a well-balanced feminism for me, combining strength and nuance. Their ability to tackle delicate topics while remaining accessible and authentic is a source of inspiration, pushing me to engage more in important discussions.

Can you name an accomplishment you are most proud of?

I am extremely proud to have pursued my music studies until obtaining a master's degree in performance. My musical journey has been incredibly enriching, filled with performances, collaborations, and discoveries.

When I tell people that I play the saxophone, it’s not uncommon to receive comments like, “Oh really!? It seems rare; I think more men play the saxophone.” This perception reflects the gender stereotypes that persist in our field. As a woman in a predominantly male domain, whether as a musician or a repair technician, I appreciate the challenge of being an “outsider.” I love demonstrating that I can excel just as much as my male counterparts and proving that talent and skill have no gender. This motivates me to continue breaking down barriers and inspiring other women to pursue careers where they feel less represented.

Can you explain how you discovered the field of repair and how you decided it would be your profession?

My interest in instrument repair began when I had my own saxophone serviced. I enjoyed watching the technicians and understanding the mechanisms that govern each instrument. This curiosity led me to apply when I learned that the workshop in Quebec City was looking for a repair technician. I appreciate the intellectual challenges this job presents; each instrument is unique, and every repair requires deep thought.

It’s a field where there is always something new to learn, whether it’s an innovative technique or a solution to a particular problem. This continuous learning process is what makes this work so captivating and rewarding, and I am thrilled to be able to contribute to the musical lives of others through my technical expertise.

JULIE DUBREUIL - SPECIALIST REPAIR TECHNICIAN (FLUTE & WOODWINDS)

How long have you been with Twigg Musique?

I have been with Twigg Musique for 15 years now, a journey that has been both enriching and revealing. Before joining this wonderful adventure, I worked as a computer programmer for a few years. However, the call of music and its environment was too strong for me to ignore this passion. As a multi-instrumentalist, I have always had a deep interest in wind instruments, and working with them while helping musicians meet their needs felt like an invaluable opportunity.

In 2013, a need for new blood in the repair team arose. I strongly expressed my interest in becoming an apprentice repair technician. After being mentored by several experienced technicians and taking specialized courses outside, I acquired the necessary skills. Today, I am proud to have been a wind instrument repair technician for over 10 years, and I am grateful to have a wonderful clientele that allows me to practice my passion daily. Every day is a new opportunity to solve problems, share my love for music, and contribute to the artistic journey of each of my clients.

Can you name a woman who inspires you and why?

Throughout my life, I have often found myself in male-dominated environments, sharing interests considered “masculine.” What has deeply inspired me is encountering, day after day, other ordinary girls and women who dared to do what they loved, persisting despite their minority status. These women have broken stereotypes and proven that passion knows no gender. Their determination and courage have greatly comforted and encouraged me.

Today, I see positive change, and I sometimes find myself in spaces where I was once the only female representative. It delights me to see more and more women asserting themselves in fields they are passionate about, and it inspires me to continue doing what I love, regardless of societal expectations. It is essential to follow our passions and defend our place, no matter our gender.

Can you name an accomplishment you are most proud of related to your work?

The accomplishment I am most proud of is undoubtedly the trust I have managed to establish with a large number of musicians, whether they are amateurs, students, or professionals. For me, the most important thing is to listen to my clients’ needs to ensure that their instrument is a true tool for musical expression and not an obstacle to their creativity.

It is extremely gratifying to feel that my skills, both mechanical and acoustic, can make a real difference. When I see a musician thriving thanks to their repaired or improved instrument, it fills me with pride. My commitment to helping others, while adding a human touch to my work, is what makes each day at Twigg Music so special.

How did you discover the field of repair?

My fascination with instrument repair dates back to my adolescence. The idea of working in a workshop, surrounded by various instruments, understanding how they work, and improving them while listening to music seemed simply romantic to me at the time. I began researching how to turn this into a profession, and the information I found often pointed to studies to pursue in the United States or Europe, with discouraging placement statistics.

Faced with these obstacles, I decided to abandon that idea and turn to other studies while continuing to play music. However, life has its own twists, and several unexpected events eventually brought me back to this passion. When I saw a real opportunity to make this dream a reality, I seized it wholeheartedly. Every moment of this journey has brought me closer to my vocation, and I am now thriving in a profession I have long coveted.

TERESA LESCAUDRON - SALES REPRESENTATIVE

This year marks Teresa's 25th anniversary at our company so we put together a comprehensive article about her inspiring journey at Twigg Musique. SEE THE FULL ARTICLE.