About Ivana
LaSalle resident since 1983. LaSalle business owner for 30 years.
From Zagreb to LaSalle
I moved to LaSalle in 1983 and attended Sandwich Secondary School. In 1996, I opened International Art Designs, a business I built and operated for 30 years before recently retiring.
I was born in Zagreb, Croatia, but LaSalle is where I grew up, built my life and my business, and watched our community evolve for more than 40 years.
About
International Art Designs at Urban Selections Plaza began as a custom framing studio — carefully chosen mouldings and creative options for art of every kind.
Over the years it grew into something richer. Customers wanted home décor with a contemporary European sensibility, so we expanded into pottery, glassware, mirrors, and giftware. Later we added custom engraving and awards, completing a full circle of personal expression.
I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Windsor, and I made it a point to hire people with backgrounds in visual arts or interior design. Anyone who walked through our door was met by someone who genuinely understood the work. Windsor’s Biz X magazine recognised us as “Perfect Picture Framer.”
For thirty years we competed head-to-head with the big-box chains — and held our own on price. Where we truly shone was in service, expertise, quality, and selection. Because we take genuine care of our customers, many became lifelong friends. We couldn’t have done it without them. Every person who steps through our doors is greeted with a warm smile, and we go the extra mile — every time — to make sure they leave happy.
Operating a Small Business Teaches You
It teaches you to make payroll before you pay yourself. It teaches you to price honestly, because the person you overcharge today is the neighbour you see at the grocery store tomorrow.
It teaches you that deferred maintenance is never cheaper, only later and more expensive. And it teaches you that when something goes wrong, there is nobody else to answer for it. You answer for it.
That is thirty years of making decisions, managing money, solving problems and being accountable. It is the whole of what I would bring to the council table.
Why council, why now
I recently retired, and for thirty years this community walked through my door and kept my business alive. I feel like I have to give back to the community.
I’m not a politician, and I don’t pretend to be. I’ve lived this town, I’ve run a real business here, and I care deeply about seeing LaSalle stay the best little town it can be — and help it keep getting better.
In her own words
Filmed inside International Art Designs, the business Ivana operated for 30 years. One minute and eight seconds, with captions.
“I’d like to be your voice.”
Read what she says
Hello, LaSalle. I'm Ivana White. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I've owned International Art Designs here in LaSalle for almost 30 years, and I've heard your concerns, and I've decided to run for council.
I want to be your voice. Why? Because you supported me all these years, and now I'd like to give back to you.
Because I've been in business for so many years, I'm a strong advocate for local business. Every business matters in a community, whether you're home based or a brick and mortar store.
I'd like to be your voice. It's time to give back and I'd like to return the favor, because you supported me all these years.