Until she was 11, Rebecca Loo lived in Malaysia. She says, “I never imagined I would go to university.” Now, she’s the first person in her family to get a degree—a BA in sociology from the University of Calgary—and credits her mom’s decision to move the family to Alberta as the precursor to her success.

The 28-year old has been an Edmontonian for six years. Here she met Catherine Lam who suggested
they combined her own business sense with Rebecca’s experience in childhood development to open a daycare. Instead, they changed direction, and Octii Nurture Studios was born.

Unique in the city, Octii is a wellness company dedicated to babies. It provides nurturing programs— like fitness classes, baby sign language and music jam—to help babies develop well physically and emotionally, and to strengthen the bond between parent and child. This forward-thinking company caters to a new cultural movement in which Rebecca says, “Everyone is conscious about being healthy, being a well rounded person and having a well balanced life.”

She’s realistic about Octii, admitting, “We’re a baby right now, and we’re going to grow up.” Plans for the future include teaching money management to children and introducing programs for older kids and teens.

Rebecca is also a fitness trainer and teaches group fitness classes to disabled adults. As well, she has implemented programs for children, particularly those with autism. She works with the Canadian Diabetes Association, organizing team running events—spurring her next goal to run a half marathon. She also volunteers with the Fit Rendezvous conference, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s Run for the Cure, and in the Chinese community with the ASSIST Association, planning the Mid Autumn Children’s Festival.

Rebecca is of Chinese origin, and can now write the difficult language after classes at the University of Alberta. She put these skills to use on a month long trip to the country, and says she’s been bitten by the travel bug.

Business partner Catherine is a friend and a fan who offers insight to Rebecca’s commitment: “It isn’t during the good times that one’s character is seen… it’s through the tough times that the true heart comes out. Rebecca’s heart is made of gold and diamonds.”

And, Rebecca shines brightest when she speaks passionately about how Octii can provide parents with ways to enhance their baby’s development and set foundations for sound life skills.