Your source to learning about ambitious female entrepreneurs, business owners, co-founders and business professionals in the Ottawa Valley, Lanark County and surrounding areas and their successful businesses in industries such as beauty, wellness, business, fashion and much more! New episodes released every Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Erin Curtis is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University's Child and Youth Care program with over a decade of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals through ABA. After moving to the Ottawa Valley in 2018, she founded Dragonfly Family and Learning Services to meet the growing need for inclusive, family-focused support. As a Certified ABA Parent Trainer, Erin is passionate about empowering caregivers through collaborative, person-centered plans that honor each family's unique journey.In this episode, you're going to learn about neurodiversity, learn about different diagnosis, and therapy, wait lists and more. Erjn and her team understand the unique needs of neurodivergent brains, providing you with the understanding and reassurance that they will succeed. In this episode....
Erin Curtis is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University's Child and Youth Care program with over a decade of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals through ABA. After moving to the Ottawa Valley in 2018, she founded Dragonfly Family and Learning Services to meet the growing need for inclusive, family-focused support. As a Certified ABA Parent Trainer, Erin is passionate about empowering caregivers through collaborative, person-centered plans that honor each family's unique journey.In this episode, you're going to learn about neurodiversity, learn about different diagnosis, and therapy, wait lists and more. Erjn and her team understand the unique needs of neurodivergent brains, providing you with the understanding and reassurance that they will succeed. In this episode....
Calling all sweet tooth enthusiasts! If you're located in or around the Town of Smiths Falls, there is a boss babe whose delicious handmade fudge, saltwater taffy, and maple hard candies will have your tastebuds exploding! Gillian Manton's homemade fudge and candy business is quickly becoming a local favourite and is gaining momentum, as she has mastered the art of creating mouthwatering products that has customers coming back for more. This babe is unstoppable, as she has already launched Moose Munchies Candy Co. in Sobey's and Foodland across Ontario! In this episode....
Tegan Mackey is a dynamic force in the world of real estate and property management. Along with her spouse Matt, together they have mastered the art of transforming properties into thriving investments. After discovering their love for renovating homes, Tegan and Matt quickly realized the potential of rental property ownership, and merged together Matt's construction company and their rental property business together, creating MTM Construction & Property Management in Smiths Falls. They realized that you need thick skin, quick thinking and in-person meet & greets with potential tenants (not to mention valid reference checks) in order to find success in this business. Tegan not only shares landlord secrets, renter property investing tips, and how to leverage financing opportunities, but she also dives into ...
Creativity has always been in Candice Allen's DNA. She thrives in the realm of her imagination, relishing the challenges of creatively solving problems and finds excitement in the prospect of learning something new.Challenging the traditional “rules” of design has always been this babe's motto, as she beliebes that design is not just about making things look pretty, but also about creating visual solutions that work. With over 15 years of graphic design, Candice has been immersed in a wide range of projects including graphics and art production/creation, social media management/content creation, logo design and development, as well as website design, launching her graphic design biz, Angkst of Boredom in Pembroke, designing logos and content for clients such as Stone Moss Construction, FN Good Food, Women's Sexual Assault Centre and more! In this episode....
In the heart of a bustling household infused with entrepreneurial spirit, Pascale Lépine's childhood was filled with dynamic experiences that would shape her into a formidable force in the world of business and leadership. Surrounded by innovation and ambition of her grandfather and father, she quickly absorbed the values of resilience and creativity from an early age, setting the foundation for a life dedicated to entrepreneurship. After returning home to Ottawa from New York, she stepped into her role within the family business as a Community and Land Development Coordinator at Lépine Apartments, working her way up the corporate ladder, building on her strong work ethic and unwavering passion for making a meaningful contribution to the legacy and vision her family had meticulously crafted over the decades.Founded by her father, René Lépine, Lépine Apartments traces its roots back to 1952 in Montreal, where a simple dream of home construction blossomed into a thriving enterprise. Over the years, the Lépine family expanded their reach, establishing Lépine Apartments in Ottawa, but recognizing the ever-evolving needs of communities was paramount. A few years ago, responding to a surging demand for modern living spaces, they made a pivotal decision to venture into developing and building apartments in rural communities across eastern Ontario. This strategic shift wasn't just about business; it was a heartfelt response to the growing need for modern, inclusive living options for families, seniors, and individuals alike looking to downsize their home. Each unit now boasts spacious rooms, elegant marble tiles, walk-in closets, and, importantly, affordability, making Lépine Apartments the go-to choice for a new generation of renters looking to downsize without compromising on luxury.Join Pascale Lépine, the Planning Manager, as she takes us behind the scenes of the apartment rental industry. Discover the rich history of Lépine Apartments and learn about the challenges and triumphs of climbing the corporate ladder within a family business.
Samantha MacFarlane is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and holistic nutritionist who integrates therapeutic modalities with nutrition science. This conversation is dedicated to real talk around mental health and wellness and setting realistic goals that work for busy working professionals, like you listening. As Sam says, "no fancy jargon — just genuine conversations to help empower your wellness and strategies that everyone can implement in their own lives." In this episode....
After a 35-year career in the corporate world as a Creative Director and Communications Designer, Janice Boychuk felt her life as she knew it suddenly come to an immediate halt, as she instantly became her husband's caregiver after he became terminally ill.Following his passing, Janice bought a trailer and embarked on a solo road trip with her cat out to British Columbia, and, after finding a new sense of independence, returned home and discovered a new creative passion. Blending her experience as a designer and artist with the craftsmanship of custom chocolate making, she launched her miniature chocolate edible art and has since exploded in the chocolate world, launching Clayton Creative Chocolates! And not only in this episode does Janice walk us through her creative process into launching her business, but every tasty bite tells a story - and we invite you to indulge in the extraordinary.
Amanda Walker first stepped into the social media space in the early days of the pandemic, learning how to navigate this digital landscape, finding herself immersed in a world where personal branding, viral content, and community engagement were at the forefront of businesses online experiences - and wanted to show other biz owners how to use it to their advantage. At Amanda Talker Media, Amanda and her team don't just manage your socials - they craft content that resonates, develop strategies that align with your goals, and make the process simple for you! But like all of us, there's a lot of shit going in our personal lives...and being a social media manager is no different - and the burnout is real!
Sarah Deme's journey in the fashion world first began with a diploma in Fashion Merchandising from Fanshawe College, but that was just the start. Fueled by her passion, Sarah took her talents across the globe, snagging internships at a chic fashion house in Belgium and a bustling wholesale agency in New York City. Talk about a dream come true!From meticulously curating collections at Paris Fashion Week, Sarah's experiences have shaped her into the fashion powerhouse she is today. She then dived deep into the world of men's suits and furnishings at Nordstrom, showcasing her finesse and flair, then taking the lead at the fragrance counter, where she became a master at juggling products, managing a team, and tapping into customer preferences — all while curating the ultimate style experience.When a turn of events happened in Sarah's life, she had to pivot and found herself taking over the Conway's Menswear in downtown Perth from the former longtime owner - and suddenly she became the proud biz owner of this historic menswear store.
Madison Barr had a vision that emerged from a fusion of entrepreneurial acumen and a deep passion for thrift shopping, which gradually took shape through persistence and resilience amidst setbacks and false starts. Anchored in a vision of creative freedom and community support, this boss babe's journey as the proprietor of her consignment biz has been a thrilling transition from her background as a hearing practitioner into the realm of entrepreneurship. As a proud member of the vibrant downtown Carleton Place community, Madison from Coastal Consignment believes in using fashion as a force for good. She isn't about unrealistic standards or unattainable ideals—she wants women to embrace their authenticity, celebrate their individuality, and love the skin theyre in.
Rylie Goody is a passionate Career Confidence Coach, dedicated to empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and thrive in their professional lives. Rylie specializes in helping her female clients build self-assurance, overcome career challenges, and navigate the complexities of the modern job market.Whether you're seeking to advance in your current role, transition to a new career, or simply gain clarity on your professional path, Rylie will help cultivate your unique strengths, identify your goals, and develop a roadmap to help you achieve the career of your dreams!
Ottawa Valley Boss Babes' anniversary "Where Are They Now" episodes concludes with Elizabeth Davis, the bombshell behind Bombshells Tattoos! Liz is an incredibly talented and sought-after tattoo artists in the Ottawa Valley, first starting off as a tattoo artist at the famous Wizzard's Den in Petawawa, then went into hair, opening Bombshells Hair Studio AND her tattoo studio, eventually leaving hair altogether to pursue tattooing altogether. She had a unique business model with her all-female team, but is now tattooing exclusively from her home - and has bigger plans to expand her creativity into artwork, sculpturing and more! In this episode, Liz and I dive into:
Ottawa Valley Boss Babes' anniversary "Where Are They Now" episodes continues with Amy Penaloza If you haven't heard of Amy Penaloza, you are living under a rock. Because this bad ass boss babe is like me who doesn't hold back on sharing her #RealTruths, nothing was off for the table for Amy, who welcomed an open conversation about the struggles and hardships she has been through in her life, along with accumulating an incredible village of women who have surrounded Amy and her family and have made her the strong, empowering and beautiful person she is today. Amy, who had been working at another local clothing store, decided to take a chance and launch her own business, Racked Consignment, wanted to offer her community the opportunity to shop high-end clothing while also keeping in mind a budget-friendly aspect. In this episode, we chat about....✈️ How Amy previously worked for an airline company at the Ottawa Airport, significantly enhancing her customer service skills, preparing for her next career venture - into the world of retail!
In 2023, the County of Renfrew declared intimate partner violence an epidemic. Intimate partner violence has continued to climb to alarming rates not just throughout our rural communities but stats prove that in Canada, a woman is killed by her intimate partner every six days and one in five women faces some type of abuse in their intimate relationships. Despite Meta's regulations blocking news and media outlets from sharing news stories on social media, if you were to search domestic violence in the Ottawa Valley, you would see numerous news stories filled with reports of domestic violence charges, intimate partner violence investigations, and Bernadette McCann House (BMH) commitment to engage with community partners to educate and support Renfrew County residents about the seriousness and long-term dangers of violence in our community.In this episode, BMH executive director Leigh Sweeney and I chat about...
Our anniversary "Where Are They Now" episodes continues with Candace Fleming, the bad ass boss babe hairstylist with the most compelling story, and is the driving force behind Bush Beard, where she creates exceptional Canadian-made beard essential products for men. candid glimpse into the realities of small business life.Candace first caught my attention after Small Business Centre and Valley Heartland CFDC spoke so highly of her, sharing that she was a "must-feature" guest on OVBB - and they weren't wrong! This licensed stylist with a deep passion for hair founded BUSH in 2018, and was committed to turning beard dreams into reality. Candace not only has the entrepreneurial spirit, but she fully embraces the spirit of small business and proudly represents her Canadian roots. In this episode, we immediately dive into Candace's journey behind the chair and becoming a highly sought after hairstylist, but then we get into....
Our anniversary "Where Are They Now" episodes begins with Emily Arbour, the successful entrepreneur, creative market host and incredibly passionate boss babe behind Cheerfully Made in Almonte! Inspired by her love for craft vendor markets, in 2013, Emily Arbour launched Cheerfully Made, a brick-and-mortar extension of her hosted vendor markets, showcasing Canadian makers and their products. Over the years, Cheerfully Made has expanded to feature over 60 brands, many of which are local, while supporting a diverse community of makers, artists, and entrepreneurs. Emily is a wealth of knowledge to many and her brick and mortar has been featured by many bloggers, influencers and media outlets, putting Almonte on the map.In this episode, we first try to wrap our heads around how Emily does it all, but then we get into...
Whitney Joy Smith is a remarkable entrepreneur, city councillor, and industry leader is dedicated to providing excellence across various domains, including private investigation, security services, and professional training. Her inspiring journey spans the founding and leadership of three prominent entities: The Smith Investigation Agency Inc., Smith Security Inc., and Training Centre Canada, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in these fields. Under her direct leadership, her investigation agency has been at the forefront of redefining professionalism and delivering exceptional results. She leads a team of expert private investigators who consistently exceed industry standards.While she is the proud CEO of three successful businesses, in this episode, we're focusing on Whitney's investigation agency and the factors that contribute to her exceptional private investigation services.
Kerri Broome is a celebrated energy healer and spiritual medium known for her transformative approach to healing and personal growth. With a passion for helping individuals connect to their true selves, Kerri has dedicated her life to mastering various healing modalities, culminating in the creation of Bluestar Quantum Energy Healing, a unique practice that harmonizes ancient wisdom with modern techniques.In addition to her healing work and writing, Kerri is a talented artist whose creations reflect her deep connection to the spiritual realm. Her artwork serves as a visual expression of her healing philosophy, inviting others to engage with their own energy and emotions.Whether through Kerri's healing sessions, books, or artistic endeavors, this boss babe embodies the essence of compassion and empowerment, guiding others on their journey toward wholeness and self-realization.In part 2 of our 2-part feature....
Kayla Sawula is the latest downtown Arnprior boss babe to hit the scenes, brightening smiles with more than just toothpaste! Ottawa Valley Smiles is Downtown Arnprior's cutest dental hygiene boutique, offering a spa-like experience where your mouth gets the pampering it deserves.This remarkable entrepreneur provides not only dental cleanings but also cosmetic services such as professional teeth whitening and tooth gems. With insurance coverage, flexible booking options, and a relaxed, calming atmosphere, her adorable, girly, pink space is the perfect place to treat yourself!In this episode...
Kerri Broome is a celebrated energy healer and spiritual medium known for her transformative approach to healing and personal growth. With a passion for helping individuals connect to their true selves, Kerri has dedicated her life to mastering various healing modalities, culminating in the creation of Bluestar Quantum Energy Healing, a unique practice that harmonizes ancient wisdom with modern techniques.In addition to her healing work and writing, Kerri is a talented artist whose creations reflect her deep connection to the spiritual realm. Her artwork serves as a visual expression of her healing philosophy, inviting others to engage with their own energy and emotions.Whether through Kerri's healing sessions, books, or artistic endeavors, this boss babe embodies the essence of compassion and empowerment, guiding others on their journey toward wholeness and self-realization.In part 1 of our 2-part feature....✨ Kerri reflects on how she initially uncovered her spiritual gifts but was fearful to embrace them—until a haunting vision of her brother's fate appeared before her, ultimately becoming a heartbreaking reality
Divorces can difficult and super stressful to navigate, but collaborative family law offers a beneficial alternative for couples seeking a more amicable approach to negotiating their separation compared to traditional legal methods. Holly Agnew, a collaborative family lawyer based out of Almonte, believes that the traditional legal process, involving lawyer-to-lawyer correspondence or court involvement, is not in the best interest of families and the outdated notion that each party must hire their own lawyer can be detrimental to families, and comes with its own sets of challenges.Holly's collaborative family law approach allows couples to work together with specially trained lawyers (and potentially other professionals) to navigate the emotional and financial complexities of separation. In this episode...
Forestry is weaved into the tapestry of the Ottawa Valley. For hundreds of years, the abundant forests in the Ottawa Valley have provided a livelihood in an industry one of the largest drivers of Renfrew County's economy.Not surprisingly, the Forestry Technician program is the longest-standing full-time program offered at Algonquin College's Pembroke Campus. Since its early days, the Pembroke Campus has been among a small group of post-secondary schools in Ontario that have produced thousands of Forestry graduates.Shinaid Eggett, a Forestry Technician Algonquin College Pembroke graduate, is doing great things in her career and recently received a prestigious award from the industry back in September from the Ontario Woodlot Association. In this episode....
Amanda Amyotte is a multi passionate country girl, mom of two, registered nurse, Arbonne independent consultant and one bad ass farmer behind Maple Crest Farms in Shawville. Many local makers may also remember her baby business, Maple Crest Farm Baby Division. Amanda and her husband Andrew are regenerative beef farmers, raising and producing livestock and crops that align with the natural environment that nourishes soils, ecosystems and their community.In this episode....
✨NEW EPISODE ALERT✨While out in Alberta, Erin Kergen had been working for large public brands, with exposure in program development, creative concepting, to project management and everything in between. While off on maternity leave, she and a girlfriend decided to take over a former general store, naming it after their girls, Pickle and Myrrh. Relocating back to Ontario, she opened her sweet caramel shop with her husband in 2020 and has been happily brewing their delicious handmade salted caramels ever since, growing a large customer base around the world!
Yvonne Nobbs was a former Airbnb host with a waterfront cottage whose renters were constantly asking her where they could rent a boat in the Madawaska Valley area. With there not being any bost rental businesses in the area, Yvonne offered her renters to take her own boat out for an additional feel, when she suddenly had the idea to launch her own recreational watercraft rental business, Highlands Outfitters.And business immediately took off, as Yvonne started to source her inventory, purchasing pontoon boats, fishing boats, canoes, standup paddleboards, and even offering fishing tours and kayak adventures. In this episode....
In the historical town of Perth, you will find a casual fine dining experience like no other. With a rotating menu offering a modern take on traditional dishes and fresh, local ingredients guests, the Stone Cellar invites you to come eat, drink and visit. And Lindsay Mason, who is one half of this young family owned business, chats with me about the the ins and outs about what it's like managing a busy restaurant and how she came into owning this establishment.
In today's business world, efficiency is key and being able to access services remotely helps to reduce driving time, in-person appointments, and other unnecessary fees, especially around property and real estate. Amanda McMullen launched Ontario Law Clerk Services, a virtual solution for clients looking for assistance from experienced real estate law clerks, providing top-quality, and professional freelance real estate law clerking services, saving clients' time and money by outsourcing their files through their experienced and trusted team.In this episode....
Our vision is crucial for the movements we make, tasks we accomplish, and interactions we have. It even impacts our sleep patterns based on the light we are exposed to during the day. Despite the importance of sight, it is often taken for granted until our vision begins to blur, prompting us to schedule an appointment with our optometrist.Dr. Morgan Welburn, Optometrist and Partner at the Renfrew Eye Clinic, along with her business partner, are strong advocates for eye health. They urge individuals to undergo regular eye examinations and are incorporating advanced tools and technology to enhance vision care for their patients.Dr. Welburn has been featured in Women in Optometry, actively supports her community by sponsoring events and initiatives and is committed to raising awareness about the increasing number of female optometrists. In this episode, we discuss:
Valerie Hyska is the proud owner of Your Independent Grocer (YIG), a beloved neighborhood grocery store that has been serving the Petawawa community for many years. With a passion for providing fresh, high-quality products and exceptional customer service, Hyska's YIG has built a loyal customer base and a reputation for being the go-to destination in Petawawa for all your grocery needs. But how does one get involved in the grocery store industry, how much equity do you require to take over ownership, and how do you build and cultivate a team of long term staff that even end up retiring there? In this episode...
Celissa Vipond and Melissa Lindstro m we're hustling two colleagues working at a mental health care centre when COVID hit and more and more therapists started moving their practices online - and found that their clients much preferred receiving therapy virtually. And in 2021, Celissa and Melissa launched Virtual CBT, providing structured psychotherapy to individuals struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD, panic disorder, health anxiety, and various phobias. In this episode, we discuss:
Upon returning to the Ottawa Valley, Kristin Leitch made the decision to start her mobile makeup service, driven by her passion for the beauty industry and empowering women to feel confident and beautiful. Kris' business flourished as she expanded her services to include permanent makeup, brow shaping, botox, and laser treatments. In 2018, she established HeLa Beauty in Downtown Pembroke, followed by a second location in Petawawa. Kris and her team of professionals in white coats are committed to delivering top-notch medical-grade services and educating clients about the importance of personal care, elevating their self-care routines to new heights. In this episode....
Krystin and Catherine Wood are a mother-daughter duo operating Mahogony Salon & Spa, offering two locations to serve and pamper their clients. Since opening the doors of their premier (Stittsville) location in June 2004, these babes and their team have been dedicated to exceptional guest service, attention to quality and taking their level of care and service to an entirely new level of luxury. But a lot goes on behind the scenes when it comes to owning two luxury day spas - and Catherine and Krystin don't hold back as they reveal their secrets to achieving success in the wellness, beauty and self care industry! In this episode, we discuss:
Perfected by a husband and wife duo, Samantha Armstrong and her spouse Tyler created an epic gourmet donut like no other. After discovering a unique donut concept in Nashville, Tyler and Sam were inspired to create their own version. It was during COVID that Tyler brought the idea forward to Sam, and the couple decided to pursue it. Despite having no culinary experience, the couple dedicated months to perfecting their 140-layer donut before launching it on social media. Fast forward 4 years later, Holey Confections can now be found at 3 locations across Ottawa and the couple even struck a Dragon's Den deal in early 2024! In this episode...
Kate Page is a dedicated powerhouse in the health and wellness industry, committed to enhancing individuals' well-being, offering top-quality supplements and expert guidance to help her customers reach their health goals. Whether you're in search of clean vitamins, minerals, herbs, or sports nutrition products, Ottawa Valley Supplements is your trusted ally in holistic wellness, with professionals immersed in the nutrition biz, ready to help guide and educate you on various vitamin and mineral supplements. In this episode....
After Denise Ray and her family had been approached by the former owners of U-Brew (before it became Cork Culture), letting them know they were nearing retirement, Denise, her former spouse and daughter were excited to get involved and take over this existing brew-on-premise business. After speaking with retailers and suppliers, familiarizing themselves with the wine making process and sampling plenty of different wines, they rebranded U-Brew and became Cork Culture, eventually relocating to a new location and sharing their joy of winemaking with others across the Ottawa Valley! In this episode....
Terri-Lee Cameron was another member at the Renfrew Curves fitness location, which helepd women meet their fitness goals with a 30-minute total body workout combining strength training, cardio, and stretching. But then the former owner approached her, asking if Terri-Lee wanted to take over the business and she quickly agreed, ready to pursue this incredible opportunity. In addition to the struggles following the global pandemic and a franchise that was not worth continuing staying associated with, Terri-Lee decided to step away from being a Curves franchise owner and rebranded as an independent fitness studio, with a similar strength training concept. In this episode....
Mélanie Pieschke was working for the MRC Pontiac when she decided to take a leave of absence for a year and started selling clothes at the Sears store counter, realizing that she loved it and never looked back. She opened her fashion boutique, Jolie Folie, in Shawville because she was passionate about building economic development in her community and wanted to give people a reason to shop local instead of venturing to the big city. In this episode.....
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It is entirely possible to plan a wedding without the help of a professional planner, BUT there are some things you need to remember, might not be aware of and also want to enjoy your day without having to worry about the little things After being listed on Chatelaine's 40 under 40 list, Julie McNamara knew it was time to take the plunge and expand her business model from a small wedding planning company to a vibrant social enterprise offering a diverse suite of events and public affairs services. In this episode.... ✨ Julie shares how she stumbled into the event and wedding industry, becoming Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley's sought-after wedding and event firm
Scott's Shoes has quite the history past, with three generations of family ownership. The original store has been a well known fixture in downtown Renfrew since 1895 and the Scott family have been finding the perfect pair of shoes for every foot! Fast forward to 2024, Nathan Scott and his wife Haley are the main proprietors of the store, upholding the longstanding Scott family legacy of managing the business and delivering top-notch footwear and exceptional customer service at their three stores in Renfrew, Pembroke, and Arnprior. And there's no business like shoe business as we get into all things retail shoe therapy and let let the shoe drop, as we talk about:
Located on the grounds of an 1860's stone manor house in the heart of Rideau Lakes, Stone Manor Studios is a renovated carriage house that was repurposed to become an exclusive art studio for creatives. Previously known as Newboro Manor, owner and creative director Kim Lulashnyk wanted to provide a warm and inspirational space for artists and craft enthusiasts alike to gather and learn from experts in their fields, engage in meaningful conversations about art, and provide them with an unforgettable experience to inspire, refresh, and enrich their creative hearts and minds. We learn more about this boss babe behind this establishment and how she and her husband transformed this formerly well known bed and breakfast and created a stunning setting for aspiring artists to dive into their creativity!
Megan Tysick is a data-hungry and creative marketing babe with years of brand management experience under her belt. With advanced capabilities building and strengthening businesses and their brands, she is Ottawa and Lanark County's go-to content creator, understanding brands across various industries and their marketing strategy's to developing a new or adjusted plan to help their biz thrive. From taking fashion business management in school to working behind the scenes at Aritzia, Megan quickly learned the value of brand marketing, retail management and development, eventually transitioning and becoming a freelancer, launching The Social Club, a marketing and branding consulting agency. In this episode...
Leia Antunes fell in love with the dance of ballet from a very young age, getting accepted into Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Professional Division at the age of 13. She was immersed into the graceful, poised and beautiful world of ballet, but her lifelong dream of becoming a professional ballerina was met with strict dance schedules, body dysphoria, dancer comparisons, and sore feet. So this babe decided to take a break, travelled the world, and returned to her home in Smiths Falls to become... a registered massage therapist... and eventually, the new owner of the faith-based dance studio, Redeemer Dance Academy. In this episode, Leia and I chat about:
Chelsea Lafleur, or better known as Queen Chelsea VFX, is a social media digital effects creator creates who creates visually stunning and captivating effects that not only catches the attention of her wide online audience, but her work often goes viral on her social media platforms, as people are constantly captivated by her mind blowing content. Chelsea has a knack for leveraging the latest digital tools and technology to produce engaging and shareable content that resonates with her viewers. Her work ranges from animated graphics to immersive AI filters, and she is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the digital space. In this episode, we dive into learning about:
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In a world that is constantly changing, being at the top of YOUR GAME means you need to make TOUGH DECISIONS about your business and yourself in order to be successful. And working one-on-one with Tina Collins, Executive and Team Coach helps individuals, organizations and teams identify their strengths, needs, dreams, potential, identities and more. During the coaching process, Tina holds up a mirror to executives so that they can identify some of the things that are blind spots to them and implement changes, creating self-awareness, driving transformational change, and providing critical challenge and support. In this episode..... ✨ We discover how Tina fell into her line of work by becoming an executive and leadership coach and who her ideal client is ✨ We talk about self-awareness, regulating our emotions, vulnerability, identifying triggers, and more! ✨ Tina and I explore gaslighting in the workplace and why this master of manipulation … And how they can break you ✨ Tina shares solution-based tips for your organization with proven client testimonials that work and create effective teams
Saschali Brunette, Owner of The Sushi House Petawawa, co owner with her partner Mackenzie and proud mother of three busy littles, launched the very first sushi business in downtown Pembroke before she decided to take a break and focus on her music career. But after relocating back to the Ottawa Valley and the small community of Laurentian Hills, she realized there was a demand for more sushi options - so she and her partner got to work! With their skilled talents, fresh sushi recipes and a taste for more sushi variety, The Sushi House has since expanded across the Ottawa Valley, showing locals that a home based business can be successful without the need for a store front, multiple staff, and set hours, with their grab-and-go sushi trays found in Sip-N-Stirs Pembroke, Jan's Valu Mart, No Frills Renfrew and No Frills Arnprior and Canex! Sascha is relentless with big dreams and big obstacles that she plans to overtake in a BIG way, with a podcast EXPANSION exclusive - you'll have to tune in to find out!
For over 17 years, Adrienne Carfagnini, Founder, Clinical Director and therapist at Connected Counselling Services has been working with individuals, couples and families to assist them in their healing and recovery journeys. This isn't your typical couch therapy session though, as Adrienne shares how she uses holistic and alternative approaches in her therapy, counseling, and healing sessions. We switch positions as we learn about a therapist's point of view, how awkward it can be when a fighting couple enters a session, Adrienne's thoughts on personal self-sharing with clients, how she implements self care to prevent therapist burnout, why listening fatigue is a real thing, and why she values mentorship from other therapists. During this podcast "session" Adrienne speaks out to entrepreneurs in hopes to inspire them to seek out therapy to battle life's perpetual challenges, especially those working in isolation, seeking validation in business decisions and dealing with unexpected curveballs!
Looking to shift away from the field of Social Work, Kaitlin decided to return to school to become a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). After the magical home birth of her daughter in 2018, Kaitlin was inspired to support women and families through their transformative perinatal journeys and became a birth doula and it was during her second pregnancy Kaitlin decided to expand her perinatal education and began the process of becoming a Licensed Childbirth Educator. Now, Kaitlin is putting her passion into practice, opening Flourishing Families in Perth, a holistic heart-centred clinic designed to support individuals and families through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Kaitlin is a trailblazing boss babe as she brings a unique revolutionary approach in the way she approaches business and builds her team, demonstrating how she is clearly a leader in her field and credits her education, skillsets, core values and life experiences to the various series she and her team provides. In this episode,