In honour of International Women’s Day, we wanted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of local female entrepreneurs. Here is our interview with Jaime Hackett and Erin Prohaska, founders of Canadian brand Bite. Their mission was simple: to create a natural, effective solution to keep pesky bugs at bay. Their Insect Repellent is not only clean and non-toxic and approved by Health Canada but also highly effective and desirable.
1. How did you come up with the idea for your brand?
J: We love to spend time outdoors but have always found ourselves being cautious in the summer months because we’re allergic to mosquitoes. The only alternative was to spray ourselves with toxic chemicals and it just never felt like it was worth it.
When we dove deeper into the research and we started to see the effects of climate change on rising tick and mosquito populations, it became a no-brainer.
E: Looking at the products on the market, we couldn’t believe that nothing had changed since we were kids. Insect repellent has historically been relegated to the back of cupboards because no one wants to use it (yet we know we need to) and this made us realize that mass change was needed! We wanted to create a product that not only worked, but was safe, felt nice, and looked nice on vanities and elsewhere. Everyone should be able to spend time outdoors with peace of mind.
2. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? (What were your motivations or aspirations at the beginning?)
J: I have never really fit the 9-5 mold. I have always found myself throughout my career consulting and working on projects. All these years of experience truly led me to take the official leap and launch Bite with Erin.
E: I like the idea of living and dying by my own decisions. I grew up in a household of entrepreneurs and I have always wanted to build something meaningful while staying true to my values.
3. What impact would you like to have on people, other women, society in general?
J: I hope to inspire others—especially women—to take control of their ideas and turn them into reality. Erin and I are so proud to say that our company is 100% owned and led by women.
E: Not everyone thought an upmarket, plant-based repellent was a good idea. But Jaime and I trusted our convictions, stayed true to our values, and believed in the vision. If I can empower women to take risks and bet on themselves, I’ll consider that a huge success.
4. How do you manage work-life balance as an entrepreneur? (Do you have strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout?)
J: It’s all about boundaries. I try to set clear work hours and make sure to prioritize self-care and family time. It’s definitely a learning process, but trying to find balance is key.
E: Delegation is huge. Knowing when to step back and recharge is just as important as pushing forward. I also find that staying active helps me manage my stress.
5. Are there any women who have inspired you in your professional or personal life, and if so, why?
J: There isn’t just one specific woman who inspires me—rather, I find inspiration in every woman-owned brand I come across. Seeing local female entrepreneurs behind brands like Three Ships, Paume, Everist, and so many others doing incredible things motivates me to be part of this movement.
E: I’m with Jaime on this one. There are so many women out there, pushing boundaries, giving back to the next generation and absolutely killing it with their initiatives. I’m inspired daily to do my part.
6. As a woman entrepreneur, have you encountered any unique challenges? (This could be related to gender, stereotypes, or social and economic barriers).
J: Breaking into the market and being taken seriously, especially in a space dominated by long-standing brands, was a challenge, especially since our goal was to change the way that people see insect repellent.
E: Being an entrepreneur is hard, regardless of gender. I’ve learned that my weaknesses can be my strengths and that instead of apologizing for various traits, I should lean into them. There is a place for humility and empathy in business and leadership and there is a lid for every pot. I don’t spend time thinking about challenges; my time is better spent focused on opportunities and solutions.
7. What advice would you give to young women who want to start their own business but are hesitant due to fear of failure or perceived barriers?
J: Being afraid and uncomfortable is part of the process. Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’—just start. You’ll learn as you go.
E: Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Having a strong support system makes all the difference.
8. How do you define success?
J: Success is making a positive impact while staying true to your values. It’s not just about revenue—it’s about building something that you love and are proud of.
E: Success is freedom—it’s the ability to create, innovate, and live life on my terms.
9. Can you share a defining moment or success that you’re particularly proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?
J: We had a really clear vision of how and where we wanted to see the product. Seeing our product on those shelves for the first time was an unforgettable moment. It made all the hard work feel real.
E: We received a note from a young woman going through chemotherapy. She said Bite gave her the confidence to go outside and enjoy time with friends. She kept in contact with us throughout the summer, including sending pics with her friends, all with Bite in tow. This continues to be a defining moment for me.
10. If you could give one golden rule to an aspiring female entrepreneur, what would it be?
J: Be confident and always trust your gut (it’s rarely wrong!)
E: Say less; Do more. Ideas are great, but execution is everything.
