Meet Our Entrepreneurs

Emma Paige Designs

Paige Burchell

Paige Burchell
Emma Paige Designs
Fashion Techniques and Design, 2010

Emma Paige  Designs is an independent fashion brand specializing in custom bridal wear. All pieces are designed and made-by-hand in Toronto.

“I didn’t learn from my success but rather from my failures, as every mistake was a lesson learned and a pivot in the right direction. The journey has pushed me to unimaginable lengths which, I am forever grateful for.”- Paige Burchell

MOOSE MOONRace

Salma Nadaf

Salma Nadaf

MOOSE MOONRace

Post Graduate Certificate Program in International Fashion Management – 2020

MOOSE MOONRace is an online apparel brand offering cool, casual, sustainable, and gentle clothing for aficionados of pets and woods. The prints of pets, woods, and nature on casual clothing help customers to express their personality and to express love for pets & woods. These clothing are suitable for different occasions like hiking in the woods, workouts, aerobics, and daily life.

“Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey that allows you to follow your passion and to serve society. Be unique, ethical, optimistic, and realistic!“

Securepanda

Laura Harris

Laura Harris
Securepanda
Network and System Security, 2019

Laura created a startup that makes cyber-security simple and reliable for businesses.

“Be fearless, resilient and courageous.Failures and mistakes are your best advisers.”- Laura Harris

Cedar and Vine

Jo Stewart

Jo Stewart
Founder, cedar and vine
Apparel Technical Design, Fashion/Apparel, 2018

Cedar and Vine was created with a specific goal in view: inspiring women everywhere to be confident while standing out from the crowd.
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Each of our products are locally made in Saskatoon, SK. If instead you choose to go for a custom design, you can make sure everything you desire in a piece is added along the way. Not to mention, all of our products are being constructed, from scratch, with all-natural fibers.

The Next Music Generation

Maryanne McMullen

Maryanne McMullen, Founder and CEO

The Next Music Generation

Psychology Program 2021

The Next Music Generation (TMNG) Entertainment brand allows you to showcase your musical talent and prowess.  It is no news that The Next Music Generation (TNMG) aims to serve as a stepping stone for the upcoming talented artists all around the world, seeking to showcase what they are made of, in other words, their musical talent. The Next Music Generation (TMNG) allows talented artists to work with the best musical crews ranging from music producers, DJ’s and other great minds in the artistic fields to groom your musical talents to become the best in The Next Music Generation Band.

Be open to learning, pivot with the times, never be afraid to fail and seek advice if you don’t understand something.  Always remember the proverbial phrase “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”.

House of Marpa

Janelle Marpa

Janelle Marpa
House of Marpa
Fashion Techniques & Design, 2006

The Marpa sisters, born 12 years apart- makers and curators of goods to inspire mindful living and support your mindfulness meditation practice. As a lifestyle brand, they not only create products to support a mindfulness meditation practice, they also intend to spread awareness of the benefits associated with a mindfulness practice through experiential workshops that pair everyday activities with mindfulness practices.

“Be open to opportunities to collaborate with other entrepreneurs to help each other grow.”- Janelle Marpa

Soul Chocolate

Katie Wilson

Katie Wilson
Soul Chocolate
Professional Chocolatier Certificate, 2011

We are bean to bar chocolate makers. Our tiny shop in Toronto whips up single origin chocolate bars and chocolate goods from scratch.

“Business is hard. But the opportunities in front of you are bound by your imagination. So dream big and make it happen!” – Katie Wilson

ouimatcha

Charisse Mendoza

Charisse Mendoza
ouimatcha
Fashion Management, 2019

Switch your morning routine by avoiding jitters, crash and heightening your emotions. Oui Matcha will help you indulge in healthy options at the best way possible. It doesn’t only provide a healthy option, it allows you to start a different conversation.

“No time is the best the time to follow your dreams.” – Charisse Mendoza

Roselle Desserts

Stephanie Duong

Stephanie Duong
Roselle Desserts
Baking & Pastry Arts, 2011

Roselle Desserts is a French-inspired dessert shop operating in Toronto since 2015. We specialize in cakes, cookies, croissants, and confections.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.” – Stephanie Duong

Diana Coatsworth Design

Diana Coatsworth

Diana Coatsworth
Diana Coatsworth Design
Fashion and Design Techniques, Fashion/Apparel Design, 2015

Fashion business that aims on combining comfort and elegance combined. Aimed to marry classic details and modern flair. Easy, effortless, stand out pieces you will cherish for years.

“Once you understand that there’s no overnight success or quantum leaps in business; but, many, many small & consistent daily steps towards realizing a vision, will you succeed.” – Diana Coatsworth

Made You Look Jewellery

Sarah Dougall

Sarah Dougall
Made You Look Jewellery
Jewellery Arts, 2001

Sarah’s company represents over 100 Canadian jewelry designers, 20 of whom create their work on-site in our state of the art jewelry studio.

“Entrepreneurship is about recognizing a need, seeing an opportunity and being brave enough to do something about it.”- Sarah Dougall

Lady Killa Airsoft Co.

Tina Todaro (Lady K)

Tina Todaro
Lady Killa Airsoft Co.
Community Worker program, 2017

Founded 2 years ago, Lady Killa Airsoft Co. is a brand, within the Airsoft and Tactical Industry, that aims to provide Airsoft players with quality, long-lasting, and eye-catching gear and accessories, handmade and customized to the players preference.

“Never get discouraged. Entrepreneurship is a roller-coaster but is ultimately a perfect way to creatively express yourself, while being in control of your businesses decisions.” – Tina Todaro

Megan Ernst Photography

Megan Ernst

Megan Ernst
Megan Ernst Photography
Behavioural Science Technology, 2014

“I am a Wedding, Elopement and Engagement photographer specializing in capturing the real, the raw, the playful, the intimate. I want to give my clients the opportunity and space to be vulnerable and free together because my best work comes from the freedom of you being yourselves. I am to capture the little touches, they way you play together and the moments of humility that make you fall even deeper in love with your person. Wandering, authentic, sentimental souls are my people.”

“Always keep hustling. A business is not built overnight.”- Megan Ernst

Nutmeg Consulting

Angela Grant Buechner

Angela Grant Buechner
Nutmeg Consulting-Birth Babies & Breastfeeding
Registered Nurse-Perinatal Intensive Care Nursing, 2003

Private practice providing Lactation Consultant home visits, Breastfeeding Prep & Baby care consults, Birth Doula care for ALL kinds of birth, and Postpartum Doula visits for day/night support.

“Using education, creativity and passion, you can create new ways to help others.”- Angela Grant Buechner

Hair Granted Beauty Supply

Zhorrah Grant

Zhorrah Grant

Founder & CEO

Hair Granted Beauty Supply

Diploma in Child and Youth Care – 2019 Graduate

Established in 2020, Hair Granted Beauty Supply is the largest black-owned store of its kind.  Stocking a vast inventory of hair products, raw hair, wigs and cosmetics, Hair Granted Beauty Supply is resetting the benchmark in customer service and satisfaction.  

My one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is PLAN! PLAN! PLAN!  Always write down EVERYTHING!  Every idea, every thought, everything you want to accomplish. WRITE IT DOWN!!  By starting a journal or a book where you can just write down your thoughts. You are doing two things, 1. You are starting to work towards your dream. 2. You are manifesting your dream. The power of the pen is a weapon like no other. Writing down your thoughts and plans can make you see things so much clearer.

Caitlin Legere Design

Caitlin Legere

Caitlin Legere
Caitlin Legere Design
Graphic Design Program, 2017

Caitlin Legere Design acts as an ally to inspired minds. It is our goal to help driven entrepreneurs create the brand of their dreams, giving them the design bones they need to bring their vision to life through brand strategy, development, digital and social marketing. We want them to feel empowered with their business, confident in their brand and passionate about the future ahead.

“Don’t limit yourself before you start. It’s admirable to research into your ideas before taking the entrepreneurial plunge, but let’s face it, there is never going to come a time where you feel 100% ready to follow your dream. Comparing your journey to someone else’s or getting wrapped up in the details will dull the passion you had in the first place and prevent you from taking the first step. Find out your “why” for doing what you do and use that as your guiding light when things get murky or unclear, then take action!” – Caitlin Legere

Global Measure Inc

Deborah King

Deborah King
Global Measure Inc
Sustainable Fashion Production, 2020

Global Measure is a social enterprise focused on connecting sustainable and ethical fashion brands with consumers. We help measure, validate and certify responsible fashion, giving bragging rights to responsible brands and purchases. Our ‘Brand Search’ portal helps consumers quickly find sustainable brands, and validate the authenticity of certified product.

“Stop being your own biggest obstacle. The world is waiting for your passion and creativity!” – Deborah King

Amelia Eats

Amy Symington

Amy Symington
Amelia Eats
Culinary Management Nutrition, 2010

Amy Symington, MSc. is a nutrition professor, research associate and plant-based chef at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada. She runs the culinary nutrition programming at Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto, a not-for-profit organization for those touched by cancer and does recipe development and food writing for various publications in Toronto. Amy believes in the evidence-based health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets and is the recent author of The Long Table Cookbook: Plant-based recipes for optimal health.
Her personal consulting business, Amelia Eats, provides plant-based nutrition consultations, menu development, recipe development and nutritional analysis for small and large business and nutrition focused catering/culinary classes.

“Never underestimate the power of good nutritious food, having a strong moral compass, the ability to listen, sincerity in the interactions you have and good old fashioned hard work. These are building blocks for a success entrepreneur.”- Amy Symington

AADÙN

Adunni Rufai

Adunni Rufai
AADÙN

AADÙN is a sustainable brand that upcycles and repurposes traditional African Handwoven fabric.

Aso òkè, is considered an artifact and is often passed down from generation to generation as a family heirloom. They stand the test of time because they are quality fabrics traditionally handwoven on a loom made out of original cotton. However, as more ceremonies are being held and different aso òkè adornments are being worn to each of them. They end up taking up space in our closets as we all keep buying new ones for the next ceremony. Consequently, over the years, we amass bags and bags of aso òkè sitting idle, collecting dust or worse ending up in a landfill.

AADÙN is tackling waste by collecting these high-quality fabrics that were previously owned and repurposes them into timeless handcrafted pieces for everyday use. Thereby contributing to the circular economy and a more sustainable environment.

“Getting started is more important than being right.” – Adunni Rufai

Damaged in Darkness

Marina Stathakis

Marina Stathakis
Damaged In Darkness
Digital Media Marketing, 2021

At Damaged in Darkness, we bridge the gap between the digital world, mental health awareness and human connection, with the overall intention to make a positive social impact.

“The biggest advice I would give to aspiring entrepreneurs is just try something because you never know if you don’t try. I think it’s important to trust in yourself and your vision. In the beginning, sometimes people won’t understand your vision, you might feel alone, or you might question your own idea. Always trust yourself, and rely on people that support you and give you proper constructive criticism. It might be scary at first, but discomfort is where true growth happens.
” – Marina Stathakis

Lesley Hampton

Lesley Hampton

Lesley Hampton
Founder, Fashion Designer, Creative Director of Lesley Hampton
Fashion Techniques and Design, 2017

Lesley Hampton is a fashion label established in Toronto, Canada specializing in luxury evening-wear and premium After 5 designs. It’s an indigenous owned fashion brand, focused on mental health awareness, body positivity, and authentic indigenous representation. The Lesley Hampton brand is known for promoting inclusion and diversity that represents a broader perception of beauty.

“It is empowering to be your own boss and to make the change you want to see in the world!” – Lesley Hampton

Justine Apple Photography

Justine Apple

Justine Apple
Justine Apple Photography
Digital Photography Certification, 2017

Toronto-based photograph services specialized in corporate and social events, family photography, and professional head-shots.

“Don’t underestimate the power of connections. When you’re starting out, it’s not only about what you do that’s important, it’s also about who you know and the relationships you build.” – Justine Apple

Kitchen Diva

Livia Tabnor

Livia Tabnor
Kitchen Diva
Culinary Arts – Chef Training, 2016

A catering company offering creative colorful food options as well as traditional Jamaican standbys for businesses and private clients.

“I turned my passion into my paycheck and it changed my life”- Livia Tabnor

Health Nut Nutrition

Nikole Goncalves

Nikole Goncalves
Health Nut Nutrition
Business Administration-Marketing, 2011

Nikole Goncalves is passionate about food and nutrition. Her YouTube channel HealthNut Nutrition, has videos on food, lifestyle, and wellness. She has over 600,000 subscribers, who she calls the HealthNut Fam. She has also released her first ever cookbook, The HealthNut Cookbook.

The Edible Story

Alanna Fleischer

Alanna Fleischer
The Edible Story
Culinary Arts-Italian & Culinary Management, 2011 & 2012

The Edible Story is a unique hospitality venue that can host events and parties as well as operating a full service catering company on and off site. Edible daily business consist of cooking classes, large format catering such as weddings and corporate/in home deliveries. 

Mattive

Maria Gabrentina

Maria Gabrentina
Mattive
Transitions to Post-Secondary Education, 2021

Hi, My name is Maria (Dessy). I was born in Manila and had my first 24 years in Montalban, Rizal, Philippines. I was a Registered Nurse back home and came to Canada as a landed immigrant.

Sadly, when I came here, I was struck by a disease which made me unable to perform my duties as a Nurse. Thank goodness I found my passion in doing arts and crafts. I also incorporated some of my knowledge in health care thru Holistic Therapies.

I am proud to be part of the Filipino diaspora and to share my knowledge and culture to everyone. Long time ago, Filipinos were all Natives. We were able to keep our culture alive, immersed with Catholicism to keep the peace between two nations.

About the Company-Mattive produces craft items made from processed recycled plastics and beads, and organic materials available from the local store. We also offer teas, and diffuser oils.

“Keep going on. Every business is a progress. The more you stay put in it, the more it grows.” – Maria Gabrentina

MANGIA & BEVI Resto-Bar

Eleonora Caldato

Eleonora Caldato
M&B Hospitality Inc. – operating as MANGIA & BEVI resto-bar
Culinary Management, 1996

At Mangia e Bevi the food is simple, fresh and made with honest ingredients – combined just the way they should be. The recipes come straight from Italy so do the ingredients. We also love to support our local Ontario producers and farmers.

“Persevere! You do not need to win every battle.” -Eleonora Caldato

EarthFructifera

Katherine Cabrera Velasquez

Katherine Cabrera Velasquez
Earthfructifera 
Business Management, 2022

Earthfructifera is a company engaged in the export and import business. We began in 2010 in the country of Ecuador where we owned banana, red dragon fruit, and baby banana farms. Our main goal is to commercialize fresh, premium quality products grown in Ecuador and other countries of the region. We also strive to provide the best-personalized customer service there is. Our headquarters are located in the city of Guayaquil, and we have offices in Lima and Miami.

“The most demanding tasks bring the greatest satisfaction.” – Katherine Cabrera Velasquez

Flux + form & Kim Drosdick Jewellery 

Kim Drosdick

Kim Drosdick
Flux + form & Kim Drosdick Jewellery 
Jewellery Arts, 2001

Flux + form is three intuitive designers working in a warm, inviting space and creating jewelry that shares our art and celebrates our client’s stories.

Kim Drosdick Jewellery ‘Do what you love’ is what I always say! I’m one of the lucky ones that get to do that every day. As a graduate of GBC’s Jewelry Arts program I’m trained to work with almost every material and jewelry request imaginable. I create wearable works of art using ethically sourced and recycled materials. I love being able to re-use clients existing jewelry to create something new and meaningful for them – I call it Re-Jewel™!

“I think if you are a successful entrepreneur then you know that it’s the ONLY way to move through life doing what you love.”- Kim Drosdick

Power To Girls Foundation

Aisha Addo

Aisha Addo
Power To Girls Foundation
Business Administration Accounting, 2013

We motivate, educate and inspire black and marginalized girls to become young women of power.

“Feel the fear and do it anyway!” – Aisha Addo

Flux + form

Carey Pearson

Carey Pearson
Flux + form
Business, 1997

Flux + form is three intuitive designers working in a warm, inviting space and creating jewelry that shares our art and celebrates our client’s stories.

“Being an entrepreneur has allowed me to see so much more possibility with my career. I don’t feel the limits that I did working in a corporate nine to five job.”- Carey Pearson

Unika Swimwear

Betsy Campos

Betsy Campos
Unika Swimwear
Fashion Techniques and Design, 2016

ŪNIKA comes from the Latin word “Unica” meaning – only one, one of a kind & unique. ŪNIKA was created with a clear vision in mind: to provide body-specific swimwear for all women – regardless of age, shape, or size. We aim to empower every woman in recognizing and appreciating her own individuality – the end goal is to make you feel confident in a swimsuit.

“Trust yourself, and go against the grain. Everyone will make comments – then ask you how you got there.” – Betsy Campos

israella KOBLA

Emefa Kuadey

Emefa Kuadey
israella KOBLA
Fashion Techniques and Design – 2019 Graduate

Launched in 2019 by British born Ghanaian designer Emefa Kuadey, the women’s ready-to-wear clothing and accessories brand redefines minimalism through structure and bold femininity. israella KOBLA was created for the confident woman with a distinct sense of style. She stands out, effortlessly.

Inspiration for the Toronto based brand comes from a juxtaposition of the designer’s interests; fashion and a past life as a civil engineer. israella KOBLA pieces highlight an appreciation for architecture and timeless design. Ultimately, the goal is to redefine the way we look at minimalism and modern fashion.

“Get comfortable talking about your business or project – you never know who might be interested or able to help you further your venture.” – Emefa Kuadey

Brazil Heels

Lilia Costa

Lilia Costa
Brazil Heels
StartGBC Summer Camp, 2019

We are Brazil Heels, your online women’s shoe store! To deliver the unique Brazilian concept of beauty, quality, and fashion, we work with established and reliable Brazilian shoe manufacturers.

“Research about the field you want to work within, study different topics (marketing, finance, sales), network with industry professionals, work hard on your business plan, get mentoring from knowledgeable professionals, avoid procrastination, and work every day to get the work done. Be kind to yourself when you fail in doing something. There will be lots of challenges along the way, so don’t give up when you face them.”- Lilia Costa

Paper & Poste

Beckee Kavanagh

Beckee Kavanagh
Paper & Poste
Graphic Design, 2008

Paper & Poste is a Toronto-based stationery studio focused primarily on wedding stationery and specializing in letterpress and eye-catching design. Having been in business for 8 years, Paper & Poste has become the go-to for high-level clients seeking elevated invitations for their events. Their design expertise and notable style has been sought out by multiple celebrity clients, both wedding & corporate, and are well-trusted by the country’s leading event planners. Paper & Poste has received accolades from a number of publications, winning 2019 Stationer of the Year at the Weddingbells Canadian Wedding Awards, and has been featured in the prestigious WedLuxe Magazine countless times for their contributions to styled shoots and real weddings. Most recently, they appeared on The VIP Collective podcast as stationery experts in their field, and will be speaking to planners and photographers at an upcoming Revel Sessions conference regarding the importance of stationery details in the event industry. At Paper & Poste, our small team of 4 continue to push the creative restrictions on the traditional wedding invitation, eager to create innovative designs that strike that elusive balance between timeless and trendy.

“To keep your business relevant and ahead of the curve, you have to continue to explore and introduce new innovations and ideas in your industry that excite your potential clients.” – Beckee Kavanagh

A Mindful Collective & LIZELLE MARPA TUCCI

Lizelle Tucci

Lizelle Tucci
A Mindful Collective & LIZELLE MARPA TUCCI
Registered Dental Hygienist, 1996

A Mindful Collective
Founded by Janelle Marpa of House of Marpa, Lizelle Marpa Tucci, author and wellness educator (IG) @l.marpatucci.author, Kiki Athanas of MEbyKiki, and Ashley Parker of The Kindness Practice; we are four mindful entrepreneurs who crossed paths in our shared passion for mindfulness as a way to navigate the stressful and overwhelming demands of everyday life. Our goal; get you curious AF about mindfulness. We swear by the practice because it has CHANGED our lives, and now we’re ready to show you how YOU can use it to slowly transform the way you think and the way you live – all for the better!

With mindfulness at the heart of all we do, we provide education in a supportive space to begin and/or enrich an existing mindfulness practice. Our vision is to build a community of mindful mavens to support each other in the mission to live more mindfully; bringing meditation, positivity, manifestation and self kindness into the mainstream through premium-curated experiences we know you will love.

LIZELLE MARPA TUCCI
Lizelle is a mother of three young boys, and live north of Toronto. She has been a health care educator for over fifteen years and a dedicated lifelong learner.

Lizelle started a doctorate of distance education with Athabasca University and felt overwhelmed with studies, work, and family life. She discovered the stress-reducing benefits of mindfulness and mindfulness meditation, reminding me to pause and take a breath!

She meditates with her sons daily and has noticed how this has reduced their anxiety. She has found that a regular practice allows her to pause, opening the floor to heartfelt conversations with her boys that have improved their resiliency and overall well-being.

This experience inspired her to write and self-publish a children’s book based on mindfulness. She hopes that her book will help parents experience the benefits of mindfulness and mindfulness meditation with their child.
As a Dental Hygiene practitioner and educator, her discovery and practice of mindfulness and meditation has helped her understand how self-care is key to providing care for patients, managing workplace stress, and personal relationships!

She has a passion for online learning allowing access to education anytime and anywhere! Through her online and blended courses, she hopes to share her knowledge and experience with those who are curious about how mindfulness can impact their personal and professional lives.

“Be of service to others!” – Lizelle Tucci

MeLor Inc.

Laura Roppa

Laura Roppa
MeLor Inc.
Early Childhood Education, 2009

At MeLor we connect thousands of professionals in the child care profession to their dream job.

We specialize in providing on-call Registered Early Childhood Educators and Assistants to licensed child care facilities throughout Toronto and the GTA.

We have recently extended our services regarding the Covid-19 pandemic to assist families with their home schooling needs. Our Educators now provide virtual learning support from the comfort and safety of their own homes

We also offer a variety of interactive workshops for Child care centers and other childhood educational institutions.

“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable!” – Laura Roppa

Louis Cifer & Stout Irish Pub

Erin Gamelin

Erin Gamelin
Louis Cifer & Stout Irish Pub
Business-Marketing, 2000

Louis Cifer is a 4000 sq/ft Brewpub on the Danforth that makes award winning craft beer and from scratch food.

Stout Irish Pub is an award winning gastro-pub located in the heart of Cabbagetown. Featuring a wall of board games, a cozy fireplace and a quaint grassed in boutique patio, you will be sure to enjoy your evening!

“Don’t be afraid to fail. Success teaches you very little, failure teaches you everything. Any failure is life just telling you to find a different route.”- Erin Gamelin

Boundless Bars and Marble Meals

Karen Barbalat

Karen Barbalat
Marble Meals & Boundless Bars
Culinary Management 2010,
Food and Nutrition Management (Post Grad) 2015

Marble Meals is a health-conscious meal delivery company that services Toronto & the GTA. Marble Meals provides a variety of gourmet offerings prepared with attention and care. Clients enjoy expertly prepared food that helps them live an active and healthy lifestyle.

Boundless Bars. where the focus is on creating organic superfood bars, with sustainable packaging and fairtrade practises with unique ingredients.

“The greatest gift you can give to your community is to live up to your full potential. You’ll often find it in entrepreneurship.” – Karen Barbalat

hEr VOLUTION

Doina Oncel

Doina Oncel
hEr VOLUTION
Assaulted Women and Children’s Advocate Program –  2002

Based in Toronto, Canada, hEr VOLUTION is the go-to place for youth, particularly young women from underserved communities to come to in order to advance in 21st Century Skills. We exist to create opportunities for the next generation of women in STEM connecting them with leaders in the industry for career support. We listen to the needs of the community and that of the STEM industry to better help the next generation of underserved youth, with a focus on young women to enter STEM. “Inspiring girls to embrace STEM careers”

“You can do any thing you put your mind to.” – Doina Oncel

Neecee Lexy

Nancy Lemi

Nancy Lemi
Neecee Lexy
Social Media Marketing, 2019

NEECEE LEXY named after its CEO & Founder nickname. It’s a business creative agency and blog based in Toronto. We offer personalized branding strategy and 360 Digital Marketing service including ( SEO Optimization, Google Ads, GMB, Microsoft and Social Media Management).

What makes Neecee Lexy exclusive – the company operates as a global publication that covers feature stories of business owners, entrepreneurs, influential figures, and artists since 217. It releases weekly feature articles and Podcasts which focus on sharing stories of outstanding entrepreneurs that are impacting today’s social media, music industry, fashion, and entertainment lifestyle. Moreover, covering stories of young upcoming or established CEOs every Thursday morning on our website www.neeceelexy.com/blog. There you will find hundreds of personal stories of entrepreneurs how they started their business.

Furthermore, Neecee Lexy teaches aspiring entrepreneurs and small to medium business Digital marketing tactics and branding via videocast on YouTube: www.neeceelexy.com/youtube

“Believe in your creativity because that’s your greatest power.” – Nancy Lemi

AUTO

Janine Kwok

Janine Kwok
AUTO
Design Management, 2021

AUTO is a community-based approach to healthcare. Addressing those living with chronic illness. Currently AUTO is a clothing and lifestyle brand raising funds and awareness around the effects of auto-immune disease. Funds raised from sales are donated to charities such as; Lupus Ontario, Diabetes Canada and more.

AUTO is currently in production of becoming a socially charged app that addresses isolation when dealing with chronic illness. AUTO reaches those dealing with similar symptoms and connects them to share information and create lasting relationships. 

“Don’t Give Up Kid!” – Janine Kwok

Samantha McAdams Jewellery

Samantha McAdams

Samantha McAdams
Samantha McAdams Jewellery
Jewellery Methods, 2016

Inspired by all things antique, Samantha is influenced by the tradition and sentiment of heirloom jewellery. Her work demonstrates an appreciation for the fine details found in classical techniques and high-quality craftsmanship. Samantha is passionate about the custom jewellery process and working one-on-one with her clients to fully execute their vision. She takes pride in personally connecting with new people to create pieces that can be a part of their families for generations to come.

“Explore your industry. Work for established entrepreneurs and soak it all in. Take this knowledge and find out where you see yourself and go there!” – Samantha McAdams

Majestic Wisdom & Eloquent Expressions

Monah Water

Monah Water
Majestic Wisdom & Eloquent Expressions
Fashion Exchange – Industrial Power Sewing, 2015

Majestic Wisdom is an African-inspired premium lifestyle brand with a creative cultural edge.
Eloquent Expressions is a dynamic professional copyrighting, design and communications company.

“Having vision to see beyond limitations, faith to believe beyond possibilities, and courage to tread beyond the familiar has helped me remain driven in entrepreneurship.” – Monah Water

Memory & Company

Ashley Kwong

Ashley Kwong
Memory & Company
Activation Co-ordinator/Gerontology, 2000

Memory & Company is a Premium Day Program and Respite Resort for people living with memory loss located in Markham Ontario. Her club is the first club of its kind in the world and has been recognized by the London School of Economics as the “future of dementia care”.

To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. -Anatol France

Rock-A-Toy

Idil Asik

Idil Asik
Rock-A-Toy
Digital Media Marketing

Rock-A-Toy: A Mum Owned-Montessori Inspired Boutique Toy Shop

Everything started with becoming a mum, I realized the importance of a toy on child development. Rock-A-Toy sells unique and educational toys. I want to make kids and families happy and fall in love with my products.

“If I can start a business by myself with a small newborn baby during the lockdown, everyone can do it! Trust yourself, whatever the conditions are.” – Idil Asik

INLAND

Sarah Power

Sarah Power
INLAND
Fashion Design and Techniques, 2007

INLAND is a shopping community for Canadian designers and for those who celebrate them. A curated marketplace, INLAND showcases slow fashion, accessory, and jewelry brands that are thoughtfully designed and ethically produced. Founded in 2014 by Sarah Power, INLAND has created space – originally through pop-ups, and now virtually – to access and shop Canada’s most exciting new designers.

“Chose courage over comfort and be true to the change you want to provoke.” – Sarah Power

SafePod

Stephanie Cole

SafePod
Social Service Worker, 2018

SafePod is a social enterprise that tackles the issue of sexual and gender-based violence in the Toronto workforce.

“Entrepreneurship is a path I will never regret taking. I learned more and achieved more then I ever imagined.” – Stephanie Cole

Lamiaceae

Annissa Rodriguez

Annissa Rodriguez
Lamiaceae
Analytics for Business Decision Making, 2018

Lamiaceae, is an all natural skincare company! We are devoted to creating natural skincare, that is handcrafted locally, with zero chemicals and dyes!

“Commit yourself to personal mastery – Evolve yourself daily!” – Annissa Rodriguez

COCO XO Chocolate

Quest Atkinson

Quest Atkinson
COCO XO Chocolate
Professional Chocolatier Certificate, 2019

Quest has always had an inclination towards chocolate. Being caught countless times over the years sneaking away chocolate and giggling, she decided study this decadent “food of the gods” and earned a Professional Chocolatier Certificate at George Brown. Quest gets intense enjoyment in preparing tasty treats for others to savor. Most of her unique products are the result of happy collaborations with regulars, for custom orders. As someone who’s had a lifelong struggle with anxiety and depression, Quest started this business with the hope of creating happy moments for others. So naturally, love is at the core COCO XO.

“Make these things your non-negotiables: learn the art of self-forgiveness, find a loved one to support and anchor you, have trust in the journey. ??” – Quest Atkinson

UNSGND

Dymika Harte

Dymika Harte
UNSGND
Graphic Design, 2018

UNSGND is a female powered one stop shop creative agency focused on building brands and creating content for small businesses, recording artists and community initiatives.

“Being an entrepreneur means you get full control of your time, but it also means you decide whether you’re going to make money or not every day”- Dymika Harte

Kathleen Gomes Educational Consulting

Kathleen Gomes

Kathleen Gomes
Kathleen Gomes Educational Consulting
Early Childhood Education, 2008

Kathleen Gomes Educational Consulting is a childcare coach and consultancy service. Kathleen advocates for the early childhood community and runs various workshops for RECEs and parents.

“It’s never too late.” – Kathleen Gomes

Black Women United

Juline Sutton

Juline Sutton
Black Women United
Social Service Worker, 2021

Our mission is to create safe spaces to educate and empower Black women through strength based workshops, while fostering mental wellness and a positive sense of self.

“Stay consistent, stick to it. The payoff will be rewarding.” – Juline Sutton

Made by Moi

Lolita Richards

Lolita Richards
Made by Moi
Commercial Baking and Pastry Arts, 2015

“Made by Moi, Desserts has served up delicious cakes for special occasions all across Toronto, telling stories through unique, and edible custom designs.

In July of 2017 Lolita founded the “Wee-Bake Program”, a free program for youth aged 14-17. Wee Bake runs for 8 weeks every summer and is designed to motivate and teach youth basic baking as well as Financial Literacy skills.“ It feels great to know that I can provide a space for youth to fulfill their passion for baking, while emphasizing the importance of financial literacy.” – Lolita Richards.

The “Made By Moi” Pop Up Dessert bar is a place where you can create your dream dessert and eat it too!-A Summer Pop up shop that serves up fresh waffle cones and ice-cream with over 10 different toppings to choose from, Creating a delicious dessert suited to your unique taste. 

“Believe in your unique abilities. Start from where you are with what you have!”- Lolita Richards

May9

Mutiat Olaniyan

Mutiat Olaniyan
May9
Fashion Design and Techniques, 2019

My name is Mutiat Olaniyan and i am excited to welcome you to this Amazing Community of Modesty! This for me is a dream come true. The ability to create a brand for myself and other women and men alike who desire modesty in clothing and Fashion.
My husband and I had this dream of having a modest Fashion brand for years, but as it turned out, it only came to fruition when he passed on, on May9, 2017. May9 Canada was officially started on May9, 2019 In Ontario Canada. I decided to pursue this dream alone not just for me but for other amazing women out there in other to demonstrate strength in weakness. May9, even though it started out as the darkest day of my life has given me strength and determination like no other. It’s our promise to use the best fabrics to make the most beautiful and elegant designs of modest wears with superior finishing. To deliver only quality service and superb customer relations. We are also a company that gives back to charity for every percentage of profit we make. We are based in Canada and we want to reach out to you anywhere you are in the world. We want to have a very good relationship with you our community too, so we welcome your advice, comments and recommendations.

“Entrepreneurship is a test of your patience, resilience and consistency” – Mutiat Olaniyan 

Milou

Maria Mendez

Maria Mendez
Milou
Digital Media Marketing

Milou: Jewelry for everyday outfits✨

Welcome to MILOU, a creative space designed to showcase classic statement jewelry pieces made with polymer clay. Accessories for your everyday outfits!

“Start small and dream big.” – Maria Mendez

Flux + form

Suzanne Crudden

Suzanne Crudden
flux + form

Flux + form is three intuitive designers working in a warm, inviting space and creating jewelry that shares our art and celebrates our client’s stories.

“My quote about entrepreneurship is to always do it your way. It’s good to take advice of course but there’s no magic path to success. Anyone who tells you there is a magic plan is trying to sell you something. Everyone will succeed in their own way”- Suzanne Crudden