Meet Dina Kulik Founder of Kidcrew And 2019 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Ones To Watch Award Winner

Dina Kulik

Founder, Kidcrew

Ones to Watch Award

Dr. Dina Kulik is a mother and Paediatrician in Toronto. With a focus on superior patient outcomes and education, Dina is one of Canada’s leading child health media experts, providing child health information to parents and the public through television, radio, and print media and via her thriving blog, DrDina.ca. She is the founder and CEO of Kidcrew, a multidisciplinary clinic for kids’ health. 

My first job ever was… I worked at Second Cup in high school. I loved serving tea and coffee and the chill environment that was created. The quiet times allowed me to study (such a nerd!)

I decided to be an entrepreneur because… when I see product or services that don’t exist, but I think should, I am compelled to make it happen.

My proudest accomplishment is… raising four thoughtful, kind, and sweet sons. I am proudest when I see them being a kind friend or being supportive brothers to one other.

My boldest move to date was… taking out a loan and building Kidcrew. The risk was my own, but it has paid back in spades. When I see families walk in and see how fun, bright and comfortable Kidcrew is, and seeing the kids playing happily and eagerly attending their appointments, it is certainly worth it!

I surprise people when I tell them… I am the mom of four young sons. I also run ½ and full marathons.

I knew it was time to launch my business when… I noticed a void in the market for fun, comfortable and entertaining medical clinics. I knew families and practitioners alike would love a clinic providing every service for kids all under one roof. 

My best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is… follow your sense of urgency. Too many would-be entrepreneurs wait and debate and run pro and con lists endlessly. If you have an idea and a way to make it happen, and the fire is under you, just jump in. It’ll never feel like the best time. You will always have doubts. But if you don’t jump, you’ll constantly second guess yourself

“Follow your sense of urgency.”

My best advice from a mentor was… trust your gut.

When the going gets tough, I tell myself… ‘Look how happy those kids and families are. Look how much you have reinvented how child health care is provided’. I could never go back.

If I had an extra hour in the day, I would… run farther each morning. 

I stay inspired by… hanging out with kids! Children are the most inspiring people. Children are optimistic, happy and eager for every adventure. A ride on the subway, a special moment with a loved one, a new friend; kids are full of excitement for change. More adults should live with this type of gusto in life. Chatting with a young child about what excites them always brings a smile to my face and inspires me to make their day even better.  

The future excites me because… they are so many possibilities! There are so many ways to make kids healthier, happier and improve their lives. Too few products and services exist for children and families that are created by a physician AND mom, and I hope to change the landscape. 

My next step is… so much is in store for me and my businesses! Additional Kidcrew locations are in the works, as is a skincare brand for children and families and a line of healthy, but tasty, kids snack food and drinks. I will also be launching a sleep program for tired parents in 2019. I have only just begun my entrepreneurial journey and can’t wait to see what the future brings!