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08 Feb 2024
Unleashing the Power of Women Entrepreneurs: The Figure Eight Podcast
Ever wondered how a simple idea scribbled on a napkin can evolve into an eight-figure empire?
In this introductory episode of the Figure Eight podcast, host Julie Ellis will take you through the incredible journey of Mabel's Labels and moving beyond it.
From a light-bulb moment to the nail-biting experience of scaling up for major retail to the emotional journey of selling and stepping into an advisory role for other entrepreneurs, you’ll discover the reality of switching gears and the insights gained from both sides of the business fence.
We'll discuss:
Introduction to Figure Eight (00:00:04) Julie Ellis introduces the Figure Eight podcast and her interest in learning from women entrepreneurs, their experiences, challenges, and future plans.
The Story of Mabel's Labels (00:03:07) Julie shares the story of founding Mabel's Labels, from the initial idea to scaling for major retail, goal setting, and the decision to sell.
Transitioning to Advisory Work and Entrepreneurial Support (00:16:50) Julie's transition to advisory work and her focus on helping women face the challenges of scaling businesses.
Have you ever been branded a failure for choosing a path less traveled? On the latest episode of the Figure Eight podcast, Julie had the pleasure of chatting with Kristy Miller. Kristy shared her journey from dropping out of university to becoming the founder of The Scented Market. Despite the resistance, her unwavering determination and strong support system proved that success doesn't always follow a conventional script.
Kristy is the founder and CEO of The Scented Market, a homegrown business known for its self-care mission and soy wax candles, bath and body products, and home decor. In 5 years, The Scented Market has expanded to four retail locations and supplies hundreds of stockists across Canada and the USA. With a passion for creating sensory experiences that transcend the ordinary, Kristy has built a reputation for excellence in the candle industry.
Join Julie and Kristy as they discuss evolving team dynamics and strategies to align with the needs of a flourishing business, the art of hiring for brand wellness, and the tough decisions that spark monumental growth.
**Journey to Entrepreneurship and The Scented Market (00:02:03)** Kristy's path from nursing student to entrepreneur, overcoming resistance, and garnering support. The genesis of The Scented Market and crafting the inaugural candle.
**Expanding Business, Team Dynamics, and Overcoming Struggles (00:07:29)** The expansion of the team, learning from errors, valuing team members, and transforming challenges into lessons for positive growth.
**Business Growth and Role Transitions (00:14:46)** Addressing the complexities of scaling up, including U.S. expansion plans, legal and financial hurdles, and the necessity for detailed planning. Kristy contemplates moving from CEO to a creative director role, leveraging her strengths, and the intricacies of such a transition.
**Self-Reflection, Aspirations, and Mentorship (00:21:51)** The critical role of self-reflection in entrepreneurship, Kristy's ambitions for herself and The Scented Market, and her intent to provide mentorship based on her experiences.
**Leadership Balance and Strategic Decisions (00:27:31)** The balance between being a leader and a learner, the significance of data in strategic decision-making, and combining instinct with analytics for the brand's benefit.
**Customer Engagement and Strategic Marketing (00:33:01)** Fostering customer loyalty, community engagement, niche marketing focus, and future plans for growth and community support through self-care product experiences.
"Strategy is a marathon, not a sprint." This philosophy rings true in Julie's conversation with Nicole Mahoney, CEO of Break the Ice Media, as they delve into the long-term vision for her business.
Nicole Mahoney is an entrepreneur, speaker, and podcast host with a passion for business. She’s the founder of Break the Ice Media, a PR and digital marketing agency specializing in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry, and also serves as the CEO of Travel Alliance Partners. In her weekly podcast, Destination on the Left, launched in 2016, she interviews tourism professionals from all over the globe on creativity and collaboration.
She commissioned a first-of-its-kind research study in 2020 to examine what makes partnerships successful and explore the role collaboration is playing in helping the industry recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. Those results, her recorded conversations with more than 300 podcast guests, and her personal experience formed the basis of her book, Stronger Together: Building World-Changing Business Collaborations. Nicole resides in Canandaigua, New York.
In this conversation, Nicole and Julie discuss the significance of laying a robust foundation before embarking on major projects like a brand refresh. It's a reminder that strategic thinking and the ability to look beyond the day-to-day are what differentiate thriving businesses from the rest.
Join us for more strategic insights on the latest Figure Eight episode:
Nicole's journey, evolving leadership, and company culture (00:02:03) Nicole's entrepreneurial journey, the strategies she used to navigate business during the pandemic, and her post-pandemic leadership evolution.
The pivot point (00:21:27) Nicole discusses landing a large contract in 2022 and the challenges she faced in securing the right financing and banking relationship.
Challenges of being a CEO (00:25:38) Nicole discusses the bottlenecks and challenges she faced as a CEO, particularly related to managing the work and strategic partnerships within the company.
Evolution of the brand and the importance of strategic thinking (00:30:09) Nicole talks about the upcoming evolution of her business's brand, the strategic thinking behind it, and the potential for new revenue streams and relationships.
Did you know that mature entrepreneurs bring a wealth of diverse experiences to the table? In this episode of Figure Eight, Jackie Dinsmore highlights the value of founders with life experience. Her venture capital firm, Extra Innings Ventures, embraces this philosophy by investing in seasoned individuals. Jackie and Julie also discuss how letting go of the helm to become an employee and eventually selling one's ownership requires adaptability and emotional preparedness. Her story provides invaluable lessons on the often-overlooked human side of business transactions.
Jackie was a corporate lawyer at Blakes in Toronto, and subsequently worked as Assistant General Counsel at The Toronto Star. Originally intended as a side project to satisfy her non-legal creative side, Jacqueline launched FlapJackKids, a company that focuses on all reversible products for women and children. Jacqueline's products were featured in swag bags for Emmys and Oscars pre-parties, and can be found in thousands of stores in North America and worldwide. She has been named Top Mompreneur by Mompreneur Magazine and appeared in Forbes Magazine alongside Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama. Her company was featured numerous times in top press and media including The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, Ok Weekly, Us Weekly, Woman's World, USA Today, The Huffington Post and Woman's Day.
Jacqueline was also one of the original owners of Caravel Law and since its sale, now acts as its Co-Managing Partner. Caravel Law is a revolutionary law firm of over 100 lawyers that has disrupted the legal services industry in Canada, by making big firm trained and in-house experienced lawyers available as fractional counsel to start-ups, F500 companies and everything in between. Its low overhead model ensures access to great lawyers at a reasonable cost. Jacqueline has had three successful exits and most recently started Extra Innings Ventures, a venture capital firm focusing on under-represented founders with life experience.
Jackie's Transition from Law to Serial Entrepreneurship (00:01:24) Jackie's journey of practicing law before founding and exiting multiple companies, including her current venture capital firm.
Challenges of Exits, New Partnerships, and Extra Innings Ventures (00:12:37) The emotional and strategic challenges of exiting businesses and finding the right partners for future ventures, including her venture capital firm focused on investing in underrepresented founders.
Lessons from Product-Based Business (00:20:36) Reflections on mistakes made, managing inventory, and staying relevant in the fashion industry.
Building a Founding Team (00:24:29) Lessons learned from building a founding team, scaling up, and managing people.
Continuous Learning and Community (00:29:55) The importance of continuous adapting and surrounding oneself with a supportive community in entrepreneurship.
Let's talk about the art of transition – moving from doing to overseeing. It's a challenge many entrepreneurs, including Julie's guest Hillary Parnell, have had to face.
Hillary Parnell has been the owner of the Academy for the Performing Arts and Preschool for the Arts in Apex, NC for the past two decades and more recently founded two other dance adjacent companies (Dance Photo Pro and Dancers In Balance).
She has taught over 10,000 children, grown her revenue to well over 2M, and coached hundreds of small business owners. Her passion is to help the next generation of entrepreneurs create thriving businesses through leadership, mentorship and making not nearly as many mistakes as she has.
Today on Figure Eight, Julie and Hillary discuss how she leveraged her dance studio space for multiple ventures, recognized the pivotal signs that it was time to upscale her business, and built the right mindset and team for success.
**Founding and scaling the dance studio and preschool (00:01:51)** Hillary's journey in founding and growing her dance studio and preschool business beyond the industry's expected revenue, how she overcame resistance, and finding work-life balance.
**Dance adjacent companies and revenue diversification (00:15:55)** The founding of dance adjacent online businesses, the importance of revenue diversification in the dance industry, and identifying when to level up the business.
**Adapting to growth (00:23:16)** Adjusting to the challenges of growth for a brick and mortar business, including software, staffing, and personal financial planning.
**Growth and development (00:32:54)** The importance of learning, personal growth, and passing knowledge onto the next generation.
**Business growth and marketing (00:33:25)** Plans for business growth in 2025, including diversification and marketing.
**Challenges of leadership and mentorship (00:36:30)** Learning how to manage a team and receive education and mentorship.
**Bookkeeping and Business Education (00:40:37)** Discussion about the need for business education in specialized fields like dance and dentistry.
**Universal Business Challenges (00:41:12)** Comparison of business challenges across different industries and the benefits of gratitude and reflection.
From hiring previously incarcerated folks and those in addiction recovery to implementing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Gina Schaefer's story of entrepreneurship demonstrates what it can look like to understand and support the community you serve.
When Gina moved into a forlorn neighborhood that needed a hardware store, she built one. When she thought the recovery community needed businesses to believe in them, she became one, and when she suggested that inequality could be helped with business ownership, she began selling hers to her team.
Gina Schaefer is the Founder and Co-Owner of 13 hardware stores located in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, and their suburbs. She and her team of 300 have helped millions of customers shop right where they live, in their urban communities, despite continuous pressure from bigger, stronger competitors.
In her book, Recovery Hardware, Gina chronicles her experiences building a business while learning from non-traditional teachers like folks from the recovery community and returning citizens. She serves as an advocate and spokesperson for causes directly related to raising wages, anti-monopoly legislation and small business development.
Gina serves as board chair for the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and is a member of CCA Global Partners’ Board of Directors. She spent 9 years on the corporate board of Ace Hardware and 12 with the House of Ruth. Gina’s guiding principle comes from a treasured quote “I always wondered when somebody would do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody”.
Join Julie and Gina for a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and community-centric business strategies.
Identifying a Market Need and the Challenges of Business Growth (00:01:18) Gina's motivation for starting a hardware store, her role in supporting the recovery community, and the challenges of being a woman in the hardware store industry and having locations not succeed.
The First Hardware Store (00:04:20) The process of bringing the idea of a hardware store to fruition, merchandising in a small store, and adapting to neighborhood needs..
Scaling and Process Efficiency (00:12:00) The process of opening new stores and the learning curve in optimizing operations with each new location, as well as maintaining focus while expanding the business.
Empowering store managers and ESOP structure (00:17:59) Empowering store managers to act as owners and the process and benefits of ESOP.
Empathy and Inclusivity in Hiring (00:26:06) Gina shares her approach to hiring individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Philanthropy and Impact Investing (00:36:09) Gina explores her philanthropic efforts, impact investing initiatives, and her role in supporting causes and young entrepreneurs.
Management lessons (00:37:49) Gina reflects on not asking enough questions about HR and finance, and her desire to help others avoid similar mistakes.
Ever dealt with that annoying thigh chafing? Julie had a heart-to-heart with Marnie Rabinovitch Consky, Founder and CEO of Thigh Society, who turned her personal struggle into a thriving business. Thigh Society is the leading direct-to-consumer brand of size-inclusive long leg undergarment solutions to sweating, chafing and modesty designed to help women move through the world with comfort and confidence.
Marnie is an entrepreneur who started her company based on a problem that she couldn't find a solution for: long leg underwear for women that wasn’t shapewear or a men’s boxer brief. Without any related experience in sales, clothing manufacturing or ecommerce, she followed her hunch and self-funded Thigh Society to over $25M in sales, creating a new long leg underwear category of shorties that she calls “chafewear”.
Thigh Society has been featured on The Today Show & The Marilyn Denis Show, in In Style, Buzzfeed, and SELF to name a few, and is well loved by celeb influencers like Meredith Shaw, Alicia McCarvell and Remi Bader in addition to being ranked as one of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies in the Globe & Mail’s Report on Business for 3 years in a row. Marnie has been featured in Forbes Magazine, Nasdaq, the Toronto Star and several other notable publications and podcasts.
In this episode of Figure Eight, Julie and Marnie discuss rejecting diet culture, the power of focusing on a single product, and scaling a remote-work team.
The journey of Thigh Society and the power of hyper-focus (00:01:29) Marnie's journey as an entrepreneur, identifying a gap in the market and creating the product she was looking for.
Thigh Society's mission (00:19:14) Marnie discusses the evolution of Thigh Society's product line, the mission to help people feel comfortable and confident, and destigmatizing thigh chafing.
Scaling up with a results-only remote work environment (00:26:16) Marnie talks about the challenges and decisions involved in scaling up the business, including moving away from cotton manufacturing and the shift to seamless knitting.
Expanding markets and utilizing social media (00:38:39) Marnie discusses the growth targets surrounding social media, marketing efforts in Australia, and product use expansion for Thigh Society.
Ever wondered how a former Team Canada lacrosse player turns into a thriving entrepreneur? In Julie's conversation with Mandy Friend Gigliotti, they unpack her fascinating transition from athletics to real estate mogul to being the owner of multiple successful businesses.
Mandy leads The Friend Team, a team in the top 1% of Realtors in the Rochester and Upstate New York regions. Founded on the values of FAITH: Family, Accountability, Integrity, Teamwork and Humility, her team will help over 200 clients, friends and families with over 50 million in sales for 2023. In the business world, Mandy is known for her entrepreneurial spirit as she is also a partner in her husband's chiropractic office, owns a daycare, is in the process of opening and laundromat and runs her coach and training business. Above all else, she loves to be known as a wife to her husband, Ed as well as a mother to her 5 children. All of her training and coaching is centered around her passion to pursue all the aspirations on her heart without compromising the relationships, people and causes that matter most.
Julie and Mandy discuss starting businesses in diverse industries, seeking industry knowledge from those who have done it before, and learning team leadership.
From playing for Team Canada to building a real estate team (00:01:53) Mandy's experience as a lacrosse player, playing for Team Canada, and making the transition to real estate.
Quarter life crisis, implementing systems, and prioritizing personal growth (00:06:04) Navigating Mandy's intense schedule, exploring hobbies, and overcoming the feast or famine mindset in real estate.
Starting additional businesses (00:16:09) Mandy's venture into starting a daycare business and the challenges faced in aligning personal and professional goals.
Leadership, Delegation, and Investing in Personal Growth (00:21:24) Mandy talks about delegating responsibilities and the process of transitioning from a hands-on role to a leadership position.
Expanding into a New Business (00:32:11) Mandy explains the decision to expand into a laundromat business, the process of applying previous business learnings to the new venture, and seeking industry knowledge and resources.
Scaling to Seven Figures (00:36:05) Scaling and growing businesses, exploring the decision to focus on multiple smaller businesses versus deepening investment in one larger venture, and reaching seven figures.
Balancing Work, Family, and Long-Term Business Growth (00:37:57) Mandy explains how she manages her time between work and family, taking a slow and steady approach to business growth, and creating opportunities for others.
Alyssa Kerbel, the founder of mini mioche, built her business on sustainable, ethical practices and when the time was right, exited mini mioche in order to continue making the impact she craved. Success isn't one-size-fits-all and Alyssa and Julie discuss how redefining success to align with personal values can lead to fulfilling work that goes beyond profits.
Alyssa is a multi-passionate, heart-led, impact-driven entrepreneur who, over the past 20+ years, has started, grown, sold and exited two companies (Alyssa Agency, a wholesale fashion agency and mini mioche, a children’s apparel and lifestyle brand).
Alyssa founded mini mioche in 2008 as a passion project and ‘side hustle’ after the birth of her first child to fill a void in the children’s apparel market for simple, gender-neutral organic cotton basics. mini mioche went on to become a multi-million dollar direct-to-consumer brand, while paving the way in sustainable and ethical fashion and values-based business practices.
In 2023, Alyssa sold mini mioche in order to focus on her passions in the areas of community building, wellness and supporting female entrepreneurship.
Alyssa and Julie discuss:
**From fashion sales to founding mini mioche (00:01:18)** Alyssa shares the story of founding mini mioche as a side hustle and her transition from working in fashion sales to launching her own sustainable and ethical fashion brand for children, while still running her agency.
**Transition and Tough Decisions (00:09:35)** Alyssa discusses the pivotal moment when she realized the need to let go of her agency business and the tough decisions involved in transitioning her focus to mini mioche.
**Advocacy and Charity Work (00:19:22)** The conversation shifts to Alyssa's integration of advocacy and charity work into mini mioche's business ethos, emphasizing the importance of giving back..
**Adapting to the pandemic (00:21:13)** The impact of the pandemic on mini mioche's business, transitioning to e-commerce, and the positive effects on sales.
**Realigning with personal values by exiting (00:22:22)** Alyssa's realization of losing joy and fulfillment in her business as it became more transactional and less meaningful. They discuss the importance of goals, impact, and aligning her business with her personal values, as well as the challenge of exiting a business.
**Creating community spaces and supporting female founders (00:37:04)** Alyssa's vision for using the acquired space to build community, foster human connection, and support wellness practices.
**The importance of holistic goals, defining success, and finding community (00:42:02)** Alyssa and Julie discuss the significance of holistic goals for personal and business success, and consistently re-evaluating goals in service of personal and business needs.
Imagine reinventing your business so it can survive the pandemic and then the next year, navigating the chaos of a total loss fire on your business property. In this week's episode of Figure Eight, Three Brothers Winery partner Erica Paolicelli discusses the critical importance of resilience, ambitious adaptability, and a solid disaster plan.
Meet Erica Paolicelli, an accomplished enterprise architect, growth strategist, principled leader, brand ambassador, and financial manager. As a partner at Three Brothers Wineries/War Horse Brewing Company, the Finger Lakes region's premier destination, she has played an instrumental role in transforming the establishment into a multimillion-dollar revenue-generating enterprise since its inception. Erica's expertise spans cash flow forecasting, project management, and brand development, making her an indispensable asset to the company's success. With 17 years of experience, she excels in fostering high-performing teams and currently spearheads business development initiatives to identify new opportunities and optimize existing revenue streams.
With a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the State University of Oneonta, Erica is excited to leverage her business acumen in her latest venture, Dominator Brave, where she merges her passion for health and wellness with her proven track record in business development. Her vision is to introduce world-class health and wellness programs to communities across western New York and beyond.
Julie and Erica discuss:
**Erica's journey to managing the winery** Erica's unexpected start in the wine industry to her partnership with the owners of Three Brothers Winery as they expanded into multiple locations, a brewery, and more.
**Adapting to the pandemic reality (00:12:23)** Exploring the opportunities created by the pandemic, including shifting to e-commerce, curbside pickup, and drive-thru experiences, while keeping the focus on an exceptional customer experience.
**Overcoming adversity (00:19:29)** Dealing with the total loss fire at the winery and the importance of disaster planning, solid relationships with insurance providers, and utilizing third-party representation.
**Impact on Business Operations (00:27:23)** The impact of the fire on business operations, including the rebuilding process, lost business, and the challenges of reopening the tasting room.
**Seasonality and future dreams (00:29:00)** Strategies to mitigate the decreased income during slower seasons and future plans to scale the winery.
Did you know that systems, processes, and delegation are essential to scaling your business? Ten years after accidentally starting her business, Anna-Vija McClain and her team have helped hundreds of business owners scale and grow their brands.
Anna-Vija McClain is an expert in small business efficiency and growth. She is the Founder and CEO of Piccolo Solutions, a development firm that provides businesses with numerous ways to scale, from lead generation to workflow solutions that just celebrated their 10th year in business.
Anna-Vija is active in the Nashville community through numerous charities, Boards, and volunteer efforts, including serving as the President of the Nashville Emerging Leader Board. As a long time Mentor with SCORE Nashville, she is honored to have been selected as the host of the SCORE Connect television show on News Channel 5+, connecting business leaders and resources. She has been named to Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Most Admired CEOs, and Best in Business Lists and was selected for the 2022 Forbes Top 1000 List! And just recently, Anna-Vija was named Nashville Business Journal's 2024 Woman of Influence.
She and her team have helped hundreds of business owners grow their personal and professional brands.
Julie and Anna-Vija discuss:
**Helping small businesses and building her own (00:02:17)** How to help small businesses grow, accidental entrepreneurship, and building a team.
**Leadership practice and the CEO role (00:08:15)** The evolution of oneself as a leader, how to shift into the CEO role, and the importance of clear company vision.
**Delegation, systems, and taking on new projects (00:18:54)** Anna-Vija discusses creating systems for delegation and scaling, implementing a four-day workweek, and how transitioning to the CEO role enabled her to focus on expanding the business in new ways.
**Business Scalability (00:30:06)** Scaling a business, including the impact of introducing new packages and the significance of taking a step back to move forward.
**Group Coaching Program (00:36:16)** Anna-Vija introduces her new initiative, a group coaching program aimed at providing guidance and support to small business owners, focusing on scalability, systems, and marketing.
Ever wondered how to juggle the hats of entrepreneur, mother, and partner? Tonia Jahshan, Julie's guest on Figure 8, shared her incredible story of growing Steeped Tea (now Sipology), from a one-woman operation to appearing on Dragon's Den to being a regular on the PROFIT 500 Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies list.
Tonia Jahshan embarked on her visionary journey over 17 years ago, armed with a cup of tea and a mission to infuse the joy of loose leaf tea into people's lives. Through her social selling venture, Sipology, she not only shared the love for tea but also empowered numerous business owners, providing them with extra income and a supportive community. Today, Sipology has blossomed into a renowned North American health and wellness brand, offering matcha, essential vitamins, and super greens – a bouquet of well-being.
Julie and Tonia discuss...
**The beginning of the entrepreneurial journey (00:01:30)** Tonia shares her inspiration for starting Steeped Tea and her initial experiences with loose leaf tea. Tonia discusses the challenges she faced, the success of her in-home tea parties, and the decision to turn her business into a social marketing company.
**Transition to a larger scale and striving for a significant sales target (00:08:22)** Tonia talks about the transition from running the business at home to involving her husband, Hatam, and the challenges of managing a growing company while having children.
**The Dragon's Den experience (00:11:15)** Tonia discusses the changes brought about by Hatam's involvement, the decision to appear on Dragon's Den, and the subsequent expansion into the US market.
**Evolution of product offerings and health and wellness focus (00:16:01)** Tonia explains the company's shift towards health and wellness products, including the development of Health Canada-approved teas and boosters.
**Working with her husband and maintaining a strong marriage (00:20:24)** Tonia discusses the dynamics of working with her husband and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing their marriage over business disagreements and the power of complementary skill sets.
**Delegation, adapting to social media, and incorporating AI (00:23:14)** Challenges of managing people and delegating tasks in business growth, evolving the sales model to work with social media, and incorporating AI.
**Focus and Decision Making (00:33:15)** Advice on focusing on key aspects and having a strong decision-making process in business growth.
Sustainability in beauty is not just a trend; it's a responsibility. In conversation with the award-winning Jenn Harper, founder of Cheekbone Beauty, we explored the innovation behind sustainable beauty. From establishing an Indigenous innovation lab blending traditional wisdom with modern science, to creating eco-friendly, biodegradable beauty products and appearing on Dragon's Den, Cheekbone Beauty is redefining what it means to be a beauty brand with a conscience.
Jenn Harperis not just a name in the beauty industry; she's a revolution. An award-winning social entrepreneur and international speaker, Jenn is the trailblazing founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics—a brand that has gracefully painted the ideals of sustainability and inclusion onto a global canvas. From its inception in 2015, Jenn has nurtured Cheekbone Beauty into a B. Corp Certified force, now gracing the shelves of Sephora Canada and 550 JC Penney locations across the USA. You can read more about Jenn and her story here.
Julie and Jenn discuss...
The origins of Cheekbone Beauty (00:01:25) Jenn discusses the inception of Cheekbone Beauty. Jenn also shares the dream that inspired her to start a makeup brand and her vision to support her Indigenous community.
Transition to the beauty world (00:04:18) Jenn discusses the transition from selling seafood to the beauty world. Jenn elaborates about the importance of sustainability, representation, inclusivity, and social impact in the beauty space.
Starting the business and early support (00:07:41) Jenn reflects on the support she received and the early stages of building Cheekbone Beauty. Jenn shares her experience of securing early investment from an Indigenous investment fund, enabling the growth of Cheekbone Beauty.
Transition to sustainable and clean products (00:15:05) Jen discusses the transformation of the product line, formulating sustainable products.
Transition to Retail Listing (00:23:06) The transition from direct-to-consumer to listing products in retailers like Sephora and the challenges faced in this shift. The need for capital to support growth and expansion.
Sustainability, Indigenous Innovation, and Indigenous Entrepreneurship (00:29:27) The unique positioning of the brand through Indigenous roots, focusing on sustainability, and the use of Indigenous wisdom in product creation. The increasing presence of Indigenous women in entrepreneurship and the support available for startups in the Indigenous ecosystem.
Sustainable Growth Strategy (00:35:13) The importance of fostering business growth over time and the challenges of managing rapid scaling in a sustainable manner.
Join us for another episode of Figure Eight where Julie talks with Tara Milburn, the founder and CEO of Ethical Swag. Tara recounts the challenges of promoting sustainable products in a traditionally non-sustainable industry, the decision to become a B Corp, and building a remote, geographically diverse team.
Tara founded Ethical Swag in 2010 but didn't quit her full-time corporate job until after turning 50, when her kids were older and she could dedicate more time and energy to the venture. She embarked on a journey to redefine what success looks like in a company. Tara believes that business has created many of the challenges we face globally, and has an important role to play in fixing it. Ethical Swag is her way of demonstrating we can solve problems in business, create a better world, provide great swag that aligns with her clients values, and have fun doing it! You can learn more about Tara's incredible career here.
Julie and Tara discuss...
**Ethical Swag's Mission, Values, and Evolution (00:05:53)** Tara's perspective on Ethical Swag as a business vehicle, the industry's response to sustainable products, and the challenges of articulating and achieving her goals for the company. They also discuss Tara's decision to become a B Corp, and the importance of third-party certifications.
**Building a Geographically Diverse Team (00:15:01)** Tara's approach to creating a geographically diverse team, the values of transparency, and the challenges and advantages of building a strong culture within a dispersed team, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
**Clear communication parameters and technology use (00:23:03)** The impact of evolving technology on work, including the convergence of technologies and the need to be purposeful and thoughtful.
**Balancing profitability and sustainability (00:31:18)** Exploration of the idea that businesses can be profitable while also promoting sustainability and ethical practices. Tara recounts the challenges of societal expectations and the need for progress over perfection in promoting positive change.
**Supporting entrepreneurs in business challenges (00:37:59)** The importance of building a supportive community for entrepreneurs facing business challenges and navigating the "black hole" phases.
In this episode of Figure Eight, Julie welcomes Sherry Shannon-Vanstone, US government mathematician turned award-winning Silicon Valley startup leader turned venture capital collective co-founder. Julie and Sherry discuss building inclusive work cultures, the complexities of launching a new data analytics venture, and Sherry's efforts to reduce the gender disparity in venture capital.
Sherry Shannon-Vanstone is a purpose-driven, successful serial tech entrepreneur known for building high-performing teams. As a trailblazing woman in information security, she’s a strategic risk-taker who led start-ups to successful exits in Silicon Valley and the Toronto-Waterloo Tech corridor with two IPOs and two acquisitions.
Currently, Sherry serves as a board or advisory member for CANARIE, Protexxa, AI Partnerships and APMA Project Arrow among others. She’s also a highly sought-after speaker on topics such leadership, entrepreneurism and how to create a collaborative corporate culture. Additionally, Sherry is the co-founder of Women Funding Women, a collective with a mission to bridge the gap in funding for women led ventures.
Learn more about Sherry's story and achievements here.
Julie and Sherry discuss...
Early Career and Experience in Information Security (00:02:31) Sherry discusses her transition from a mathematician in the US government to becoming an entrepreneur in the tech industry. Sherry shares her experience working in information security, joining a startup in Silicon Valley.
Perseverance in Entrepreneurship (00:08:55) Sherry emphasizes the importance of persistence and perseverance in entrepreneurship, sharing her experiences and setbacks in building successful businesses.
Founding a Company and Building a Culture (00:17:50) Sherry's efforts to build a culture of inclusivity and respect, forging strong company core values, and her experiences with nepotism. Sherry discusses hiring a high-caliber team.
Acquisition and Transition (00:26:59) The decision to sell the company, alignment with the acquirer's values, and missed opportunities in the acquisition process.
Women Funding Women Collective (00:38:11) Sherry discusses amplifying female angel investors and her role in co-founding a venture capital collective that bridges the funding gap for women-led ventures.
In this episode of the Figure Eight podcast, Julie converses with Tina Sue Moser, a former entrepreneur who sold her business and now partners at Cultivate Advisors. Tina Sue recounts her journey from starting her business for flexibility as a mother, through the challenges of entrepreneurship, to successfully selling her company.
Tina Sue Moser is a Business Growth Strategist, Certified Exit Planning Advisor and Life Coach who began her journey over 20 years ago with a leap into entrepreneurship after saying goodbye to the corporate world when she became a mother. Despite having no prior business experience or mentors, she continuously pushed her boundaries, introducing new services, making strategic acquisitions, and forging valuable relationships until becoming a top producer in the industry and successfully selling her business at top dollar.
Tina Sue is currently a Partner, Growth Advisor and Director of Finance for Cultivate. With her desire to help as many women entrepreneurs as possible, Tina Sue also hosts a podcast (Women Choosing Growth) to share her expertise and the expertise of other successful women. Her motto for this community of women helping women is “We are Better Together".
You can learn more about Tina Sue and her story here.
Julie and Tina Sue discuss...
Becoming an entrepreneur (00:01:20)
Tina Sue's decision to become an entrepreneur after a life-changing event, her experience as a new entrepreneur, and pushing boundaries to grow her business.
Selling the business (00:09:06)
Tina Sue's decision to sell her business, the unexpected nature of the sale, and the challenges of deciding what's next.
Transition to advisor role (00:13:38)
Tina Sue's transition to becoming an advisor. As an advisor Tina Sue focuses on financial education and growth by acquisition, and explains the importance of understanding business metrics.
Coaching through acquisition (00:20:29)
Tina Sue shares her experience of coaching people through acquisition. Furthermore, she unpacks the emotional process of letting go after selling her business.
What to do after selling a business (00:28:10)
The discussion revolves around different options after selling a business. Tina Sue shares her experience of transitioning from a solo entrepreneur to joining Cultivate Advisors as a partner, emphasizing the importance of peer support.
Balancing personal needs (00:32:12)
Tina Sue discusses the importance of fulfilling personal needs and finding satisfaction in different aspects of life. Tina Sue shares her dedication to continuing the growth of Cultivate Advisors.
Join Julie as she interviews Cari Kenzie, an entrepreneur and resilience coach, about growing and selling a multi-million dollar business, founding her leadership empowerment company iShft, and her journey of self-discovery after surviving the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Cari is full of insights about healing, intuition, and empowering others.
Cari Kenzie, once a multi-million dollar entrepreneur, has reinvented herself as a prominent keynote speaker, resilience coach, and strategic advisor following her survival of the Boston Marathon bombing. She successfully sold her company, Skyline Dynovia, and has recently co-founded iShft (pronounced Shift), a company revolutionizing leadership and personal empowerment. Her speeches and workshops emphasize resilience, transformative leadership, and strategic growth, helping individuals and corporations turn adversities into opportunities for advancement. Cari’s dynamic approach and relatable stories engage all audiences, making her a sought-after speaker for conferences and corporate events.
Julie and Cari discuss...
**Building the Company (00:01:28)**
Cari discusses her journey of growing a multi-million dollar business in three-dimensional and interior design. Cari talks about the challenges she faced as an entrepreneur. Additionally, Cari shares how her company expanded from a sales office to a full-service business, specializing in trade shows and exhibits.
**Identity and Catalytic Event (00:08:31)**
Cari discusses how her business became her identity and her initial plans to retire within the company. Cari recounts her experience during the Boston Marathon bombing. Cari reflects on the impact the bombing had on her health and her journey towards healing and self-discovery.
**Clarity and Curiosity (00:19:20)**
Cari discusses the pivotal moments that led her to find clarity and embrace curiosity in her journey of growth. Cari discusses how her illness led to a different perspective and creativity as well as her decision to sell the business.
**Trusting inner wisdom and transition after selling the business (00:26:44)**
Cari emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself. Cari shares her journey after selling the business, navigating self-doubt, and finding confidence.
**Empowerment, collaboration, and ROI in entrepreneurship (00:32:09)**
Cari discusses the impact of collaboration, empowering others. Cari talks about the importance of considering the return on life alongside the return on investment in business decisions.
In this episode, Julie interviews Erika MacKay, the founder and CEO of Niche for Design, about her journey in interior design and her focus on workspace wellness. They discuss the evolving office environment and Erika shares her experience of balancing entrepreneurship with maternity leave. Erika shares insights into creating healthy, productive workspaces and the challenges entrepreneurs face in maintaining business operations during significant life events.
Erika is a workspace wellness expert and advocate for spaces that help us feel and perform at our best. She is a registered Interior Designer, a member of the International WELL Building Standard Faculty, and a part-time faculty member at Conestoga College. As founder and CEO of Niche for Design she is focused on growing her team and their impact. She is fascinated by hybrid offices, flexible “coworking,” environments, and the opportunity to create connection and belonging in physical “office” spaces. Her next business venture is going to be an embodiment of this new work “experience”. Erika is sought out to speak and consult, based on her expertise in work environments, space planning, and especially wellness in the workspace. She believes that the spaces we spend time in have an enormous impact on our health and has made it her mission to help more people work in spaces that truly support their wellbeing.
Erika and Julie discuss...
Erika's journey in interior design (00:02:22) Erika discusses her childhood interest in space optimization and explains the shift in the purpose of office spaces.
Growing a business and building a team (00:12:46) Erika shares her experiences and strategies for growing her business, including her approach to taking maternity leave as an entrepreneur.
The opportunity of stepping back (00:20:25) Erika takes a step back as a CEO to focus on the bigger picture and plans her return to work.
Workplace design and wellness (00:23:18) Erika discusses the reasons why business leaders may not consider workplace design and the misconceptions about the role of designers.
Reimagining office spaces (00:29:36) Exploring alternate arrangements for office spaces. Erika describes how this shift in perspective on workplace design and wellness is not an extra but the most important aspect of a workspace.
Julie interviews Jill Knittel, the founder of JK Executive Strategies. Jill shares her nearly 30-year journey in the recruiting industry, emphasizing the importance of building deep client relationships and understanding company culture.
This discussion covers the challenges of scaling a business, transitioning from day-to-day operations to strategic growth, and the role of technology and AI in streamlining processes. Jill also highlights how to foster a positive work culture through flexibility, accountability, and team-building initiatives.
JK Executive Strategies, LLC (JK Exec) was launched in August 2017 by Jill Knittel to serve the Executive Search needs of high performing organizations across the United States with best-in-class search methodologies and processes. The JK Exec team follows a proven methodology and discipline for every search, resulting in clear expectations, timelines, and communication throughout each engagement.
With 26 years of experience in direct hire and retained search, Jill Knittel and her team have completed successful searches including national retained searches for: CEOs, Executive Directors, CFOs, Vice Presidents, General Counsel, and VPs of Human Resources amongst others. In addition to search work, JK Exec provides HR Consulting Services to organizations in need of hiring, onboarding, and process expertise. Learn more about Jill and JK Exec here.
Julie and Jill discuss...
Jill's journey in recruiting / Founding JK Executive Strategies (00:01:20)
Jill's experience in scaling her recruiting business and the significant changes in the recruiting industry over the years.
Creating a relationship-based business (00:04:33)
Transitioning from transactional to relationship-based interactions with clients, as well as building a team and adding processes.
Empowering the team and letting go (00:10:04) Challenges and strategies around empowering the team and letting go of day-to-day details.
Consultative approach to clients and scaling beyond local (00:17:18)
Transitioning to a consultative approach with clients and building relationships outside the local community, including how to replicate processes and increase the funnel for business growth.
Team Engagement and Feedback Process (00:23:05)
Hiring for attitude, gathering feedback from team members, and creating a flexible work culture that supports employee well-being.
You can connect with JK Executive Strategies on their website.
In this episode of Figure Eight, host Julie Ellis converses with Marcia Dawood about the funding challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. They discuss the importance of bootstrapping and strategic fundraising to avoid equity loss and the trap of constant fundraising. Marcia highlights the disparity in venture capital funding for women and the need for more women to become angel investors.
Marcia Dawood is an author, TEDx speaker, Podcast host, and an early-stage investor who serves on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee. She is a venture partner with Mindshift Capital, a member of Golden Seeds, and the chair emeritus of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), a global professional society for angel investors. She is also an associate producer on the award-winning documentary Show Her the Money.
Julie and Marcia discuss...
Funding Landscape for Women (00:02:08)
Discussion on the poor venture capital statistics for women entrepreneurs. Marcia shares data on angel funding. Marcia discusses the complications female entrepreneurs face in securing funding.
Making a Difference as an Investor (00:06:02)
Marcia reflects on her journey to angel investing. Marcia explains how recent changes have made investing in funds more accessible.
Developing an Investment Thesis (00:12:44)
The importance of creating a personal investment strategy. Marcia advises on maintaining due diligence to prevent emotional decisions in investing.
Strategizing for Entrepreneurs (00:17:05)
Julie and Marcia discuss how entrepreneurs can strategically approach potential investors. Discussion on the importance of bootstrapping and avoiding desperation in fundraising.
Women Entrepreneurs' Funding Issues (00:24:04)
Highlighting the cultural misalignment in venture capital with women's business needs.
Fostering Femtech Companies and finding trusted advisors (00:28:30)
Addressing barriers faced by Femtech entrepreneurs and the need for advocacy. Importance of identifying reliable advisors and discerning quality advice for entrepreneurs.
Link to the friends and family round podcast episode click here.
In this episode of "Figure Eight," Julie converses with Robin, a successful entrepreneur in the plumbing wholesale industry. Robin shares her journey from joining her father's business to purchasing and growing it to over $140 million in revenue. They discuss the challenges Robin faced, her lessons in financial management, and the importance of effective communication and leadership. Robin's story offers valuable insights and inspiration for women entrepreneurs, emphasizing resilience, strategic thinking, and the significance of a supportive team.
In 1982 Rob's Dad was upset that she had bailed on university. He told her she could work for his plumbing wholesale company for one year and would then be going back to school. After being there for thirteen years Dad sold Rob his business. Scared sh!tless, she relied on the same techniques she used in high school, figure out who the smart people are and hang out then them. In 2021 with the tumult of COVID receding, sales at $146 million, and record profits, Rob sold the company.
Julie and Robin discuss...
Robin's Journey Begins (00:01:21) Robin shares how she joined her father's plumbing business after leaving university.
Learning Financial Management (00:05:02) Importance of understanding finances as a key lesson in entrepreneurship.
Tony Robbins' Philosophy (00:08:17) Robin shares insights from Tony Robbins about maintaining goals while adjusting strategies. Robin emphasizes the importance of gradual change to avoid overwhelming the team.
Investing in Leadership (00:13:06) Robin discusses the significance of leadership training for personal and team growth.
Team Dynamics and Challenges (00:20:58) Robin shares how attending strategic coaching shaped her ambitious goals for the business.
Types of Entrepreneurs (00:22:29) Robin describes two types of entrepreneurs: those focused on ideas and those focused on execution.
Strategic Pricing Program (00:25:19) Robin discusses implementing a pricing program to optimize profit margins.
Decision to Sell the Business (00:29:40) Robin shares her thought process leading up to the decision to sell her company.
Post-Sale Transition (00:34:40) Robin reflects on her leadership style and the legacy she left behind. Robin shares how her team stepped up following her exit.
In this episode of "Figure Eight," Julie converses with Wendy Brookhouse, an independent financial advisor specializing in women entrepreneurs. Wendy discusses her journey, the challenges of starting her own practice, and her unique approach to financial advising. Wendy also highlights the necessity of having a clear financial plan and the right team to support business growth. This conversation provides valuable insights into entrepreneurship, emphasizing mindset shifts and strategic planning for long-term success.
For more than a decade, Wendy has helped people get to their financial goals faster and easier. Since earning her first ten cents, and leveraging every penny (back when there were pennies) she realized how to make the most of it. Her dime-savvy mentality has been put to great use as the founder of Black Star Wealth, as she's learned how to build a business from the ground up while simultaneously creating powerful financial tools such as the One Number SolutionTM and One Number Solution for BusinessTM.
Wendy's Independent Journey and Decision-Making Frameworks (00:01:24) Wendy discusses the challenges and advantages of starting her business independently and the importance of viewing one's business as an asset rather than a personal endeavour.
CEO Mindset and Building Business Habits (00:07:08) Wendy emphasizes the transition to a CEO mindset, focusing on strategic thinking. The conversation also shifts to discussing personal legacy and its impact on financial planning.
Freedom Through Delegation (00:14:24) Wendy emphasizes how delegating tasks leads to greater freedom for strategic focus, the importance of balancing work pace, and conducting post-mortems after time off to improve business processes.
The Importance of End Goals (00:21:06) Wendy discusses the significance of having a clear end game for business valuation and the importance of knowing your financial needs post-retirement to avoid holding on too long.
The Power of Financial Awareness (00:27:26) Understanding financial needs empowers entrepreneurs to make informed decisions about their businesses. Julie and Wendy talk about the challenge of recognizing when to move on from outdated business relationships.
Launching Fixed Fee Advising (00:32:47) Wendy reveals her new program designed to provide transparent pricing for financial advising services.
In this episode Julie Ellis converses with Trena White, co-founder and co-CEO of Page Two, a non-fiction book publishing firm.
Trena shares her journey from traditional publishing to establishing Page Two, emphasizing the shift to a hybrid publishing model that offers authors greater creative control. Trena also shares advice on adaptability, collaboration, and strategic leadership to scale your business.
Trena White is co-founder and co-CEO of innovative book publishing firm Page Two, which publishes non-fiction books by leading experts. Page Two has published several books selling over a million copies and its books have been translated into dozens of languages around the world. Trena is a nominee for the RBC Women of Influence Trailblazer Award. Before launching Page Two, she was publisher of Douglas & McIntyre and Greystone Books, Canada’s largest independent book publisher at the time; and an editor at McClelland & Stewart, now an imprint of Penguin Random House.
Julie and Trena discuss...
Hybrid Publishing Model (00:03:50) Discussion on the evolution of publishing and the hybrid model's benefits for authors. Trena explains the early efforts to educate authors about their new publishing approach and the transformation in client interest as Page Two's reputation grew.
Developing a Leadership Team (00:10:30) Gabby's journey from intern to CEO, highlighting trust and internal knowledge. Trena reflects on the complexities of leading a hybrid team post-pandemic.
Creative Freedom (00:20:31) The importance of adapting systems and documenting processes for smoother growth, scalability, and improved creativity.
Long-Term Business Planning (00:25:11) Trena and Jesse's excitement about future planning and new service offerings. Exploring ways to collaborate with authors to sell more books and build their businesses.
Long-Term Book Momentum (00:30:57) Strategies for sustaining a book's visibility and relevance over time. The impact of digital marketing and technology on the evolving publishing landscape. The rise of audiobooks and the efficiency of print on demand in publishing.
Margaret Coons, the innovative mind behind Nuts For Cheese, takes us through her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from selling her artisanal vegan cheeses at a local farmer's market to conquering the grocery aisles across Canada and the U.S. Margaret shares her grassroots approach to retail, revealing the trials of negotiating listing fees and shelf space, and the valuable role supportive partners like Farm Boy have played in her success. You'll gain insights into the grocery industry's complexities and learn how persistence and strategic partnerships can pave the way for business growth.
Margaret Coons is the Founder & CEO of Nuts For Cheese, the market leader in artisan, organic, plant-based dairy manufacturing. Vegan from an early age, Margaret developed a passion for plant-based cuisine becoming a vegan chef and experimenting with nuts and seeds to create deliciously creamy plant-based cheeses. Since launching at a farmer’s market in 2015, Nuts For Cheese has enjoyed explosive growth across Canada and the United States with its award-winning artisanal and versatile dairy-free products available at national retailers, including Loblaws, Sobeys, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, and more. Today, Nuts For Cheese is the #2 plant-based cheese brand in the Natural channel in the U.S. and is the #1 brand driving growth. Margaret sits on the board of CGLCC (Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce) and LEDC (London Economic Development Corporation). She was awarded the Top 25 Women of Influence Award in 2023 and was an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalist.
Join us on Figure Eight as we uncover the transformative journeys of women stepping into the entrepreneurial world from high-skilled professions. Our guest, Dr. Meghan Walker, a successful naturopath and business strategist, shares her unique insights on the challenges faced by "reluctant entrepreneurs," those who find themselves in business not by choice but through a calling to make a difference. We promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of overcoming mindset hurdles and the vital shift from professional expertise to entrepreneurial savvy.
Dr. Meghan Walker ND(inac), HBSc. Entrepologist, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Author. Meghan Walker is a former naturopathic doctor, health expert, entrepreneur and health systems innovator. Meghan is a sought-after speaker, having spoken on media outlets and stages around the world on subjects related to health innovation, entrepreneurship, women’s health and leadership.
Dr. Meghan Walker is a naturopathic doctor and Entrepologist (On-tre-pol-uh-gist), focusing on the health optimization of entrepreneurs and game changers. As an entrepreneur, Meghan started and sold her first business while in University and is now the Co-Founder and CEO of Health Hives and the Chief Cheerleader of Clinician Business Labs – a platform to assist clinicians scale and amplify their businesses and impact.
Meghan is the host of the IMPACT Podcast featuring guests such as Dr. Alan Christianson, Joy McCarthy and Dr. Vincent Pedre. Meghan is an award winning speaker, having spoken on international stages such as Mindshare Collaborative and the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and through multiple media outlets such as Forbes, Canada AM, Elle Magazine and Global Morning.
Meghan speaks on topics related to women’s performance medicine, brain health and entrepreneurship, healthcare innovation and leadership. Meghan is the host and producer of the annual entrepreneurship conference Impact LIVEs and most importantly, the bedtime story reader to her three young girls.
Julie and Meghan discuss...
(00:00:04) Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship
(00:08:20) Learning From Imperfect Action in Entrepreneurship
(00:14:39) Lessons in Entrepreneurial Balance and Growth
In this episode, Julie interviews Dr. Dionne Laslo-Baker, founder of DeeBee's Organics. Dionne shares her journey from a career in maternal-fetal toxicology to creating a successful organic snack company. They discuss the challenges Dionne faced in the retail landscape, her innovative approach to product development, and the importance of customer feedback. Dionne also emphasizes the value of coaching and mentorship in overcoming self-doubt and fostering growth. The episode highlights the significance of resilience, community support, and continuous innovation in the entrepreneurial journey.
Dr. Dionne Laslo-Baker is the Founder and creative force behind DeeBee’s Organics. As a medical scientist with a PhD from the University of Toronto, Dionne spent years studying how the environment and the food we consume impact our health and wellness. She has garnered international attention for her doctoral thesis on the effects of exposure during pregnancy to toxins in our environment. Dionne was named Humanitarian of the Year at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. She is widely published in medical literature and has taught courses in human anatomy and physiology at both the University of Toronto and Dalhousie University.
Dionne is a strong proponent for the health science behind organic food, and DeeBee’s Organics was founded by a mom on a mission. She created DeeBee’s to feed families, do business differently, and create a legacy that will impact future generations. At DeeBee’s we believe in the potential of a vibrant world where differences are celebrated, kids are encouraged to be themselves, and we are all nourished with a rainbow of fruits and vegetables straight from the earth.
This is our “colorful world.”
You can connect with Dionne through LinkedIn or her website.
Canada's top woman entrepreneur, Kelsey Kitsch, takes center stage as she discusses her remarkable career path characterized by bold choices and relentless ambition. From an unorthodox application to the Ivy Business School to leading ventures in frontier industries like land development and psychedelic drug research, Kelsey's story is one of creativity and fearless exploration. Her "why not try?" attitude serves as a powerful lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating the impact of seizing opportunities and embracing the unknown.
As we learn from Kelsey's journey, the theme of diversity in career paths stands out. With a background in management consulting, Kelsey has navigated transitions into construction, subscription boxes, and much more. Her ability to identify and harness the "silver thread" of her passions and capabilities has allowed her to excel across various fields. The episode reveals the risks and rewards that come with being ahead of the curve, encouraging listeners to identify their unique strengths and pursue them with vigor.
The entrepreneurial landscape is fraught with challenges, and Kelsey candidly discusses her experiences with business struggles and transitions. She shares insights into building complementary teams, utilizing tools like the Enneagram for enhanced team dynamics, and the importance of recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses. Kelsey's resilience and ability to adapt to abrupt changes, from market failures to personal health issues, underscore a key takeaway: success is as much about managing crises and learning from failures as it is about celebrating victories. Join us for an inspiring conversation that offers a treasure trove of wisdom for current and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.
Kelsey Kitsch has founded, scaled and consulted to businesses across diverse industries:
heavy civil infrastructure
master planned communities
psychedelic drug development
digital therapeutics
...and every time uses the same approach and skills: connect with individuals to build trust, build teams and align them on a vision we hold for the future which involves new solutions executed on today.
Simply put, Kelsey is a visionary who inspires with integrity and builds trust, resulting in the formation of world class teams that together, deliver results.
Kelsey speaks on the future of work at the intersection of psychedelics and culture. She takes consulting work on a sharp shooter basis. She sits on two non-profit boards- both squarely focussed on healing people and the planet.
As her passion project, she is devoting time to a women in psychedelics documentary project this year.
Julie and Kelsey discuss...
**(00:00:04)** Women Entrepreneur Success Stories
**(00:08:45)** Diverse Career Paths With Creativity
**(00:15:35)** Navigating Entrepreneurial Challenges and Success
What if you could transform your biggest dreams into tangible achievements? Join me, Julie Ellis, as we journey through the art of setting and conquering big, gorgeous goals in a solo episode of Figure Eight. Drawing from my book "Big, Gorgeous Goals," I share actionable tools to help you turn ambitions into reality. Together, we'll explore the importance of aligning goals with personal purpose, making space for creativity, and embracing the urgency to redefine our paths. Discover how to manage to-do lists and embrace SMART goals, all while keeping your energy levels high, even on the toughest days.
In this episode, you'll find inspiration and guidance to propel women entrepreneurs towards their dreams. Learn how to navigate the key stages of goal-setting by dreaming boldly, creating a clear vision, and mapping your journey with tangible milestones. I emphasize the necessity of taking small actions, evaluating progress, and understanding the deeper why behind our aspirations. I also introduce my growth and leadership training programs designed to empower and support entrepreneurial success. Dive into the world of ambitious goal-setting with me and discover how collaboration can lead to you getting everything you want in 2025 and for the last half of this decade.
Welcome to Figure Eight, where we feature inspiring stories of women entrepreneurs who’ve grown their businesses to seven and eight figures. Today, we’re joined by Lori Weir, co-founder and CEO of Four Eyes Financial, a fintech company. Lori, an experienced entrepreneur, began her journey in 1996. Her first venture was an adventure-based learning company in New Brunswick, inspired by a consulting project on incentive travel.
Lori later transitioned into consulting, focusing on organizational design and operational efficiency. Through her work with wealth management firms, she identified inefficiencies in risk profiling and investor communication. This insight led her to co-found Four Eyes Financial in 2015 with her partner, leveraging his technical expertise to build a product that simplifies and improves the investment process.
Lori shares her experiences scaling a tech company, the importance of securing funding, and the challenges of constant innovation. Despite being based in New Brunswick, away from major financial hubs, Four Eyes has successfully attracted talent and contributed to the local innovation economy. Lori emphasizes the value of aligning skills with vision and making informed decisions to scale effectively.
Lori Weir is the co-founder and CEO of Four Eyes Financial. Lori is a people and business builder. In her 30 years of entrepreneurship, she co-founded and was the managing partner of two successful consulting firms; helping some of Canada’s most profitable companies, including JD Irving and Scotia Wealth, align processes and employee behaviours to drive positive client experiences. Lori’s background in strategy development and execution governance led Four Eyes Financial, a company she co-founded in 2015, to earn both the 2023 RegTech Company of the Year & Best Wealth Management Regulatory Solution (Canadian Regulatory Technology Assoc). Lori is the past chair of ALS Canada and Marathon by the Sea, her volunteer efforts have taken her abroad including work in Economic Development in Latin America.
Connect with Lori through LinkedIn or learn more about Four Eyes Financial on their website.
This episode highlights Jacqueline Sava's inspiring journey as the founder of Soak Wash, revealing her innovative approach to creating a product that cares for delicate clothing while prioritizing sustainability. She discusses education's role in fostering consumer relationships and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship over nearly two decades of business.
There’s the stuff you toss in the washer, like your jeans, T-shirts and the kids’ sweatshirts. Then there are the clothes you coddle. The ones that say “this is me.” That’s the stuff you take care of with Soak.
Jacqueline Sava is the Director of Possibilities and Founder of Soak Wash Inc. Founded in 2006, Soak was a side-project for Jacqueline’s first business designing knitwear, and was created to fill a gap in the marketplace. Jacqueline identified that the care products available in retail environments at the time did not align with the clothing they were meant to wash. And so, Soak was born—a premium laundry solution that customers grew to love and trust.
Through Soak Wash Inc. (a proudly women-led company), Jacqueline has empowered individuals to take better care of their clothing by extending the life of their favorite pieces.
Our resellers are over 95% women owned businesses. Investing in Soak Wash Inc. is an investment in hundreds of women-owned and led business across the globe.
This conversation with Kristi Herold illustrates how play can be a transformative force in both personal and professional realms. With insights into her journey, the evolution of JAM, and the impact of recreational play on workplace culture, this episode offers valuable lessons on community and joy in entrepreneurship.
Kristi Herold is the founder and CEO of JAM, a multi-million-dollar global business that has connected millions of people through play since its inception as one of the largest adult recreational sports leagues in the world. The JAM team has produced and delivered over 4000 playful corporate events, in over 30 countries since the summer of 2020 and the JAM team consults organizations helping them integrate fun and play into their “workPLAYce culture”. JAM has been awarded “Canada’s Most Admired Culture Award,” and certified as “Great Places to Work – Canada” multiple times.
Kristi's team is offering Figure 8 listeners a copy of her PLAYbook PDF and 25% off a JAM event. Get yours here!
You can learn more about JAM on their website. You can also connect with Kristi on LinkedIn or Instagram.
If you're interested in learning more, you can find my book Big Gorgeous Goals on Amazon, anywhere you might live. For more about my growth and leadership training programs, visit www.julieellis.ca to see how we might work together. Read my blog or sign up to get your free diagnostic. Are you ready for growth?
Caitlin McGregor’s journey as the founder of Plum transforms the hiring landscape by embracing data to reveal innate talents rather than relying on traditional resumes. The episode explores how technology and behavioural data can help businesses thrive while ensuring that employees are matched with roles that allow them to flourish.
Caitlin MacGregor, CEO and co-founder of Plum, is passionate about helping people reach their true potential. That’s why, after building two businesses for other people, she founded Plum – to help organizations fully leverage the human potential within their workforces. Plum equips business leaders with the talent data needed to match employees’ talent to roles where they’ll thrive, so that the business can thrive too. She is a regular speaker at global events including CES, Human Resource Executive HR Technology Conference & Exposition, Americas’ SAP Users’ Group (ASUG) Women Connect, HRCI Higher Standards Summit and more. She also is a sought-after guest on podcasts including, Recruiting Daily, The Recruitment Flex Podcast, and 3Sixty Insights. In addition, she has been quoted in the NY Times, Financial Post, The Globe and Mail, The Record, Global News, Human Resource Executive, and Benefits Pro. Caitlin is a gold GLOBEE Women World Awards winner for Achievement in Innovation and was named an Inspiring Leader by InspiringTM Workplaces.
In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Steph Sellers, founder of Cookies and Dreams, and her mission to spread joy through gourmet cookies. As she navigates the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, she shares valuable insights into building community connections and the realities of running a successful business.
Steph Sellers is the founder of Midwest based, gourmet cookie company called Cookies & Dreams. Her baking journey started at the local farmers market as a young college graduate & continued over many years, a few restaurants & lots of ups & downs. After a particularly tumultuous year, Steph knew she needed to try something new if her restaurant was going to survive. She came out with a menu of 12 gourmet cookies to sell at her restaurant's bakery & the rest, as they say, is history. The cookie concept took off quickly! Later that year, she opened her first stand-alone brick & mortar store for Cookies & Dreams & began shipping nationwide. While the Cookies & Dreams journey has also been full of highs & lows, Steph & the Dream Team now run two successful brick & mortar locations, ship nationwide, wholesale & offer fundraising opportunities with their giant, gourmet cookies.
You can learn more about Cookies & Dreams on their website or Instagram.
Watch for the Big Gorgeous Goals: Official Workbook coming March 2025.
What did you think of this conversation? We'd love if you'd rate or review our show!
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