Canadian Founder Archives - Etiket Journal

Female Founders Series: Sahajan

March 7, 2025March 6, 2025 by Natalie

An interview with Lisa Mattam, founder of Sahajan.

In honour of International Women’s Day, we wanted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of local female entrepreneurs. Here is our interview with Lisa Mattam, founder of Sahajan, a natural skincare brand from Toronto offering high-performance, clean skincare based on the ancient Indian science of Ayurveda. Derived from the Hindi word for “intuitive” – Sahajan brings you the evidence to follow your intuition and choose clean beauty.

1. How did you come up with the idea for your brand?

Sahajan began with a simple yet profound moment—finding my daughter covered in my skincare. It made me question what was truly “good enough” for her and, in turn, for me. That moment sparked a journey into Ayurveda, a tradition deeply rooted in my family’s heritage. As a former pharmaceutical executive, I realized I could bridge ancient wisdom with modern science to create something both effective and clean. Partnering with Ayurvedic doctors and pharmaceutical chemists, I built Sahajan to honour tradition while delivering real, proven results.

2. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? (What were your motivations or aspirations at the beginning?)

I always knew, intuitively, from my heritage that these ingredients worked, and I felt compelled to bring that wisdom forward. Hearing how Sahajan is transforming people’s skin—and even their lives—is incredible, but for me, it’s also a way to honour my roots and share the power of Ayurveda with the world.

3. What impact would you like to have on people, other women, society in general?

I believe the biggest impact I can have is in growing Sahajan in a way that allows the brand to do good—both for people and for the world. That means helping people nurture their wellness, but also giving back in meaningful ways. Through Lip Karma, we support girls in developing countries as they navigate their futures. We donate products to women’s shelters and programs that help women re-enter or begin their careers. On a more personal level, I’m passionate about supporting my team and fostering an environment where women can thrive.

Beyond that, representation matters. I recently had the opportunity to speak at a high school in the city where I grew up, and seeing young people connect with me, someone, who shares their background was incredibly powerful. I hope that by sharing my journey, I can inspire other women to pursue their ambitions—whatever they may be.

4. How do you manage work-life balance as an entrepreneur? (Do you have strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout?)

I actually don’t believe in the concept of balance. Running my own business while raising children, supporting aging parents, and maintaining a full life means that sometimes work requires more of me, and sometimes life does. I lean into whatever needs my attention most at any given time—that’s how I manage.

This year, I’ve made a real commitment to taking better care of myself. I’ve prioritized working out, but I’ve also put a huge emphasis on family and community. Last year was an incredible year for the business, but I had my head down the whole time. This year, I want to be more present—to spend more time with friends and family, because as much as wellness, exercise, and meditation are important, I know that people are what truly make me happy.

5. Are there any women who have inspired you in your professional or personal life, and if so, why?

In my personal life, my mom has always been a huge inspiration. She immigrated here and built a life from nothing, demonstrating resilience and determination in ways I can only aspire to demonstrate. Both of my parents are warriors from my point of view.

And in a more fun way, I’ve always been inspired by Olivia Pope from Scandal—specifically, season one Olivia Pope. I watched the show a few years after it aired, and maybe it resonated because, at one point in my career in pharma, I dressed like her and had a similar hairstyle. But more than that, she represented an incredibly intelligent, no-nonsense woman in a way I hadn’t seen before. I am sometimes shy to admit it, but I have often rewatched season 1 to inspire me.

6. As a woman entrepreneur, have you encountered any unique challenges?

Absolutely. Women entrepreneurs continue to face unique challenges, and the data reflects that. Less than 2% of VC funding goes to women-led businesses, and we’re still breaking the mold of what entrepreneurship looks like.

One of the most striking examples of bias I’ve faced happened last year. I sat on a panel, then did a fireside chat at a company’s town hall. I was excited to share my journey, talk about my incredible investors—Rupi Kaur, Yvonne Strahovski, the president of Lululemon—and celebrate the achievements of our brand. At the very end, after discussing all of these milestones, the final question I received was: Is this what you do full time?

That moment summed up the underlying bias women entrepreneurs face every day. I’ve built a company with a growing team, operating in two countries, with strong retail presence, yet there’s still this disbelief that this level of scale is complicated. Perhaps the bias is augmented because I run a beauty business but that moment became a reminder of how much work still needs to be done.

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?

There’s no better time for women to step into entrepreneurship than right now. The fears and barriers will always be there, but once you take the first step, you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

We now have so many relatable role models—women who have paved the way and shown us what’s possible. In beauty, founders like Tata Harper have set the standard. In Canada, we see incredible success stories in brands like Jenny Bird and Knix. These brands remind us that success is achievable.

More than ever, women entrepreneurs have access to networks and support systems that didn’t exist before. Possibility is right in front of us—so go for it.

8. How do you define success?

Success is difficult to define because, for me, it’s more of a feeling than a specific milestone. But if I can raise kind, happy children, maintain meaningful relationships with my family and friends, contribute to my community, and run a thriving business—that is success.

9. Can you share a defining moment or success that you’re particularly proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?

Raising our first round of equity funding was a defining moment for me.

It felt incredibly daunting, but I knew it was necessary—not just for the financial support, but for the strategic partnerships, mentorship, and doors it could open. Now, having successfully raised funding and brought on investors including Ridgeline Ventures, Top Knot Ventures and also notables including Rupi Kaur, Yvonne Strahovski and Celeste Burgoyne, President, Americas and global guest innovation at Lululemon, I am incredibly proud that I not only faced that mountain but that I was able to recruit an incredibly engaged group of investors who believe in Sahajan. The raise was invaluable and I hold that milestone close to my heart.

10. If you could give one golden rule to an aspiring female entrepreneur, what would it be?

Know that it takes a village to grow a business.

You don’t have to do it alone, and in fact, you won’t be able to. Surround yourself with people who will support and uplift you—whether that’s emotional support, business advice, or hands-on help. When you build that kind of network, anything is possible.

Female Founders Series: SIDIA

March 7, 2025March 5, 2025 by Natalie

An interview with Erin Kleinberg, founder of SIDIA.

In honour of International Women’s Day, we wanted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of local female entrepreneurs. Here is our interview with Erin Kleinberg, founder of SIDIA, a Toronto-born and based body care and fine fragrance brand inspired by the timeless feeling of comfort at home, the beauty that surrounds us every day, and the multi-generational legacy of the family matriarch.

1. How did you come up with the idea for your brand?

After building brands with many founders and helping legacy and luxury brands with new launches and moments at my agency Métier, I felt inspired to create a brand of my own, in my grandmother’s name and honour. She passed away too young, and when that happened, I felt like I needed to share the self-care and priority on personal rituals she always instilled in me. Our tagline, ‘come home to yourself,’ reflects this essence. I’ve studied luxury brands for so many years, and, that felt like the right moment to take a leap of my own. Through my time running Coveteur I also spent so much intimate time with tastemakers in their spaces and learned how people create comfort, hygge and ambience through gorgeous bougies and hand and body care and always dreamed of creating these products in my own special way.

2. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? (What were your motivations or aspirations at the beginning?)

At a young age, I knew my path would be unconventional. My parents always knew my brother would be a doctor (veterinarian), and they always looked at me with a bit of a sweet and loving question mark lol. I never did that well in school, always schmoozing for grades and excelling with my social life. When I was a kid, I crafted bead jewellery and sold it to friends and family. And then in university, I started making tops from scarves that gained popularity. That was when I realized I could create and share products with the world. As a serial entrepreneur, starting at the age of 21, I successfully launched a clothing line sold in Barneys, Nordstrom, Lane Crawford, and 80 stores worldwide within a few years. This early success paved the way for co-founding The Coveteur.

Since selling garments out of my dorm room, it has felt natural to build and share—it’s truly my passion! Graduating from university in Toronto’s limited fashion job market compelled me to forge my own path. During university, directing a large charity fashion show taught me valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, from fundraising to showcasing designs. Managing everything with my oversized navy BlackBerry phone, that experience shaped my entrepreneurial journey and fueled my ambitions.

3. What impact would you like to have on people, other women, society in general?

I want to inspire people—especially women—to embrace what makes them unique rather than chasing a mold that was never meant to fit everyone. There’s this illusion of progress in beauty standards, but so often, it’s just the same unattainable ideal repackaged. The pressure to conform, to smooth out every imperfection until we all look like variations of the same face, is exhausting. True beauty lies in individuality, in the quirks and differences that make us human.

I hope we’re moving toward a future where trends don’t dictate self-worth, where creativity and authenticity take the lead again. The world doesn’t need another copy-paste version of what’s “in” right now—it needs people who are unapologetically themselves.

4. How do you manage work-life balance as an entrepreneur? (Do you have strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout?)

Sustainability practices are part of how we scale our team and organization. There’s no use in advocating for a healthy, harmonious community if we don’t practice what we preach. In an effort to create work-life harmony, we forgo meetings on Fridays, support Summer Fridays and extra long weekends when possible, and make pains to keep working hours only 9-5. It means a lot to me to nurture a team that feels balanced and creates a culture of openness, passion, and collaboration.

5. Are there any women who have inspired you in your professional or personal life, and if so, why?

My grandmother acts as our blueprint. Deeply ingrained in our ethos is a penchant to interweave and connect tradition and modernity. So many women can resonate with this feeling of celebrating their matriarchs. We hope, as you enjoy the brand, you feel a sense of ease, comfort, hygiene, and home.

6. As a woman entrepreneur, have you encountered any unique challenges?

There’s the way success is framed. Men are seen as visionaries, while women are often called “lucky” or assumed to have had help. It’s frustrating, but at the same time, it fuels me. Because every time a woman carves out space for herself, without apologizing for it, it chips away at those outdated mindsets. The goal isn’t just to succeed within the system but to reshape it entirely.

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?

Embrace your failures as opportunities. Each time I fail, I internalize it – I’m only human. Take the time to absorb, and wake up the next morning and turn your mistakes into lessons; if we don’t win, we learn. You will be hit with failures and crises along the way, be it internal or external, but it’s how you come back from them that makes or breaks a business.

8. How do you define success?

Feeling like I’m continually learning, having growth, and being content with the everyday. Feeling grateful and excited about the future.

9. Can you share a defining moment or success that you’re particularly proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?

My biggest win is my team. That goes without saying. There’s almost 20 individuals who work across both my companies and a lot of them have been here for a long time. I think that’s a true testament to what we’re building and how we’re constantly growing together. It takes a village. If I don’t have the team, then I don’t have anything. I can’t do anything by myself. People always say this, but hire people who are smarter than you. Make sure they have different strengths than you. My M.O. is like, communication is collaboration, it’s community, and it’s really just trying to get to higher heights together.

10. If you could give one golden rule to an aspiring female entrepreneur, what would it be?

Just go for it and don’t be afraid what people might think. It’s easier said than done but get comfortable with being uncomfortable and constant change. Seek advice from others, but ultimately make decisions based on your own judgment. Listen to your gut—intuition and instinct rule everything. Expect setbacks; its all about resilience, grit, collaboration, and resourcefulness. Remember your purpose of why you’re doing what you’re doing and what sets you apart. Once you are ready get people around you that are smarter than you and show them your vision daily. It takes a village! Launch now, perfect later!

Female Founders Series: DEALBODIES

March 7, 2025March 5, 2025 by Natalie

An interview with Krys Lunardo, founder of DEALBODIES.

In honour of International Women’s Day, we wanted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of local female entrepreneurs. Here is our interview with Krys Lunardo, founder of Toronto-based DEALBODIES, a body care line with effective active concentrates for active skin that aren’t derailed by dilution.

1. How did you come up with the idea for your brand?

After selling my previous brand, I wanted my next venture to be more intentional. I was shocked to learn that 90% of body care brands use water as the main ingredient, often making up 85% of the formula. DEALBODIES eliminates fillers, offering clinically-driven concentrates that target skin conditions with precision—without dilution.

2. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? (What were your motivations or aspirations at the beginning?)

For me, it was all about carving out my own niche. I drew a lot of inspiration from my childhood—like when I’d tweak my Barbie playsets because I thought they were missing something, or when I’d create new cardboard contraptions, convinced that kids would love them more. Even back then, I was always looking to fill a gap. Though I spent time in the corporate world, my mind was constantly focused on innovation, on finding solutions, and on figuring out how to fill those voids.

3. What impact would you like to have on people, other women, society in general?

I often reflect on how others view my work and efforts. As a Bahamian-born woman raised with a deep respect for reputation, I’d like to be known for my intentionality and forward-thinking. I want to be recognized for adding substance, not just for fitting into the status quo.

4. How do you manage work-life balance as an entrepreneur? (Do you have strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout?)

My kids’ schedules help keep me grounded. That’s not to say I’ve perfected time management—I still find myself catching up on work during after-bedtime tuck-ins. But making sure they don’t feel my absence or lack of attention is what keeps me balanced. Stress is inevitable as an entrepreneur. Honestly, my way of coping is by sitting in silence and pausing the doom-scrolling. I need that stillness to calm my overactive thoughts.

5. Are there any women who have inspired you in your professional or personal life, and if so, why?

Watching my grandmother juggle her corporate job while selling women’s suits in her spare time gave me my first real glimpse into the CPG space. She exposed me to the ins and outs of the business—everything from the buying process and inventory to variants, profit margins, quality control, client care, and brand image—all while knowing I was a sponge ready to soak it all up.

6. As a woman entrepreneur, have you encountered any unique challenges?

My unfortunate reality, like many women, began at a young age. I vividly remember interviewing and working through internships, where my credentials often surpassed those of my male counterparts. Yet, they were always given the more prominent roles and received multiple callbacks—I mean it was the commercial construction industry, which was predominantly male, but I quickly realized that even women in HR overlooked me by habit. That was the first time I truly felt the weight of being a woman in the workplace.

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?

We are in a time—women can be so much louder now. While the work is still continuing, my advice would be to make as much noise as you can. Stand firm with conviction in your business efforts, knowing that you’ll at least have the support of Canadian women—who make up over 50% of the population—behind you.

8. How do you define success?

I define success as outgrowing spaces, and getting comfortable with uncomfortability—because that’s what ultimately drives growth.

9. Can you share a defining moment or success that you’re particularly proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?

I’m proud of my humility. While many brands boast of being “first of its kind” in the industry, I acknowledge that these practices have deep roots in various cultures. My goal is to honor and elevate these time-honored traditions.

10. If you could give one golden rule to an aspiring female entrepreneur, what would it be?

Stick to your own roadmap—you’re free to adjust your own course, but never follow someone else’s path.

Female Founders Series: Monsillage

March 7, 2025March 5, 2025 by Natalie

An interview with Isabelle Michaud, founder of Monsillage.

In honour of International Women’s Day, we wanted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of local female entrepreneurs. Here is our interview with Isabelle Michaud, founder of Montreal-based brand Monsillage, who finds inspiration in past travels, one-of-a-kind experiences, personal impressions and glimpses of grace to create her fragrances.

1. How did you come up with the idea for your brand?

A desire to create something of my own that would marry my love of fragrance, life and freedom.

2. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? (What were your motivations or aspirations at the beginning?)

To take control of my destiny.

3. What impact would you like to have on people, other women, society in general?

The extraordinary is often hidden in so-called ordinary lives. If we tap into our uniqueness with intention and perseverance, we can achieve beautiful things.

4. How do you manage work-life balance as an entrepreneur? (Do you have strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout?)

My life is centered on my business, and I draw my happiness from it. My slower pace is my balance.

5. Are there any women who have inspired you in your professional or personal life, and if so, why?

All the public women who stand their ground and stay the course while carrying the burdens of judgment and misogyny in disguise.

6. As a woman entrepreneur, have you encountered any unique challenges?

My own insecurities. Getting out of my comfort zone.

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?

The desire for self-fulfillment through a business project often comes after having gone through work experiences that didn’t fully satisfy us. This desire becomes greater than the fear. If that isn’t the case, you’re not ready for entrepreneurship.

8. How do you define success?

Pride.

9. Can you share a defining moment or success that you’re particularly proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?

The day I was able to quit my second job and live fully off my business income.

10. If you could give one golden rule to an aspiring female entrepreneur, what would it be?

Go ahead and take that leap! Action is the key to success!

Female Founders Series: Wonderblush

March 7, 2025March 5, 2025 by Natalie

An interview with Melanie Hachey, founder of Wonderblush.

In honour of International Women’s Day, we wanted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of local female entrepreneurs. Here is our interview with Melanie Hachey, founder of Montreal-based brand Wonderblush – a collective that creates makeup essentials designed to make everyday beauty an effortless affair. Crafted with clean, cruelty-free, vegan ingredients that are thoughtfully formulated and produced in Montreal, their products invite you to experience beauty that feels as good as it looks.

1. How did you come up with the idea for your brand?

Wonderblush was born out of my passion for makeup and my desire to create a brand that combines performance, luxury and eco-responsibility. With my team of makeup artists, we listened to our customers’ real needs and wanted to develop beauty essentials that are easy to apply and enhance their natural beauty.

2. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? (What were your motivations or aspirations at the beginning?)

Entrepreneurship was the chance to turn my biggest dream into reality, but also to have the flexibility and agility to evolve at my own pace. It’s this flexibility that makes entrepreneurship so exciting: every day is a new opportunity to grow and develop my business in my own way.

3. What impact would you like to have on people, other women, society in general?

I want to inspire people, especially women, to follow their own path and listen to their intuition. Too often, we stay in a situation that looks perfect on paper, but doesn’t really fulfill us. That’s exactly what I experienced: I was in a job that, on the surface, ticked all the boxes, but I didn’t feel aligned with myself. I had to make a difficult choice, question my trajectory and leave everything behind to pursue what I was really passionate about: makeup.

Through my career and Wonderblush, I want to show that it’s possible to redefine your own success and build something that’s just like you. Daring to take risks, listening to your inner voice and following your dreams to the end – that’s what I hope to convey.

4. How do you manage work-life balance as an entrepreneur? (Do you have strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout?)

Honestly, finding balance is a constant challenge, and I don’t think there’s a magic formula that works for everyone. And let’s face it, I haven’t found it myself just yet! However, I have put in place certain habits that help me to take time for myself and avoid burning out.

Fitness is very important to me: I train five times a week and run on the weekends. It really helps me relieve stress and feel good. I’m also an early bird, so I go to bed early to get my eight hours of sleep. That way, in the morning, I’m rested and have time to myself before everyone else wakes up: I work out, take time to put on my makeup and listen to a quiet podcast.

And with four kids, of course, I have to take time off work to spend with my family! It keeps me grounded and prevents me from being absorbed by work all the time.

In short, there’s no perfect recipe, but these little tricks help me keep a semblance of balance!

5. Are there any women who have inspired you in your professional or personal life, and if so, why?

Honestly, the women who inspire me most are my mom friends. You have to juggle so many things at once: work, kids, family, and try (as best you can) to keep a little time for yourself. It’s really not easy, and yet they always find a way to manage it all.

I admire their ability to keep going, even when it’s total chaos. They remind me that you don’t have to be perfect to do things right, that you just have to find your own rhythm and allow yourself a little kindness. It’s these women, who do their best every day, who inspire me the most.

6. As a woman entrepreneur, have you encountered any unique challenges?

Honestly, being an entrepreneur is a big challenge in itself. One of the biggest for me has been learning to trust myself. When I worked in a corporate environment, I could rely on the experience of a colleague or the approval of a boss to validate certain decisions. But as an entrepreneur, I had to learn to take responsibility for my choices without constantly seeking external validation.

The other big challenge, of course, is balancing work and personal life. Being an entrepreneur is a huge mental burden, and with a family, it can quickly become too demanding. I’ve had to learn to set limits and, above all, to accept that I can’t do everything on my own.

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?

I’d say go for it, but go for it intelligently. Fear of failure is normal, and frankly, there will be difficult moments, but that’s also how we learn and grow. The important thing is to surround yourself with the right people, ask questions and seek advice from people who have been there before.

Don’t waste too much time waiting for “the right moment” or wanting everything to be perfect before you get started-just get started, adjust along the way and learn as you go. And above all, trust yourself! If you have an idea you’re passionate about, it’s worth exploring.

8. How do you define success?

For me, success means doing something that nourishes me, both personally and professionally. Whether in my family life or in my business, the important thing is to be aligned with my values, to feel motivated and stimulated on a daily basis. It’s not just a question of numbers or recognition, but rather of knowing that what I do has meaning and brings me happiness.

9. Can you share a defining moment or success that you’re particularly proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?

It’s funny to say, but one of the most memorable moments of my entrepreneurial journey was meeting the Etiket team. When I first launched the collection, Etiket was one of the first retailers I really wanted to approach. Their brand selection, customer approach and values were a perfect match for what I was looking for in Wonderblush.

I had the chance to talk to Simon, one of the owners, and Karine, the marketing director. After our meeting, they decided to integrate Wonderblush into their store. It was a great source of pride for me, not only because it was one of my first points of sale, but also because it validated all the hard work, energy and passion I’d put into the project.

10. If you could give one golden rule to an aspiring female entrepreneur, what would it be?

Listen to your inner voice, your intuition. It always knows what’s right for you. There will always be outside opinions, doubts, fears… but in the end, nobody knows you better than you know yourself. And that goes for both your career and the personal aspect of life!

Female Founders Series: SKINBYVEE

March 7, 2025March 5, 2025 by Natalie

An interview with Vee Mistry, founder of SKINBYVEE.

In honour of International Women’s Day, we wanted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of local female entrepreneurs. Here is our interview with Vee Mistry, world-renowned facialist and esthetician and founder of Canadian brand SKINBYVEE. Combining innovative skincare and advanced technology, Vee’s unique facial massage technique and personalized approach offers the ability to feel confident in your skin. The unique SKINBYVEE® Face Therapy treatments, which focus on each client’s skin needs while encompassing a meditative and holistic approach to deliver an experience like no other, can be experienced at the Etiket Spa in Toronto. The brand’s Gua Sha Cryo Sticks, which are exclusively designed tools that can be used at home, will help those struggling with rosacea, acne, premature aging, and pigmentation concerns.

1. How did you come up with the idea for your brand?

The brand SKINBYVEE was always based around sharing real knowledge about how to look after your skin from a deeper rooted and scientific approach. Through my facials and the very specific layering technique of skincare ingredients to modality choices, the goal was to give clients a lasting approach, never just a quick bandaid fix that was temporary.

2. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? (What were your motivations or aspirations at the beginning?)

Entrepreneurship is in my blood. I come from a long family history of entrepreneurs. My Granddad, dad and uncles had a very large manufacturing business in the UK for over 40 years creating women’s clothing for high street and department stores. As a little girl, I grew up knowing that owning a business was in my blood. To be creative without limitations. To achieve the great dream. SKINBYVEE is my second business. I opened my first way back in 2009-2015 a full spa in the Yorkville area where I went on to sell it.

3. What impact would you like to have on people, other women, society in general?

I want to be the place where people can come to find real information. Know that there is no judgment. I have their best interest in mind and no matter how large or small the budget may be everyone is able to get their best skin. I want to give people confidence in themselves, allow them to have choices and beauty is not about fitting into a mould of what society tells us it should look like. I want people to know that getting older is a privilege and not something that has a sell by date. I want us to all have a place where we lift each other up and know that sharing will not make the slice of our pie smaller but more importantly we grow stronger together.

4. How do you manage work-life balance as an entrepreneur? (Do you have strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout?)

The older I have gotten the better I have found this work life balance to be implemented into my day to day. I like to switch off from emails and social media by the time I’m home after a work day. I want to be present for me and my family. I also love making regular time for dinners and drinks with friends. I feel energized by being around others who can often offer me an angle to life that I may not necessarily have considered. I split my time between my Toronto and Miami home and so being in Miami I always go for a long walk at the end of my day. It allows me to connect with my thoughts and how my body is feeling. Working out is a key part of my day to day as well so I love doing things like Pilates and getting those 10k steps in.

5. Are there any women who have inspired you in your professional or personal life, and if so, why?

I get inspired by stories of resilience and so recently I watched DVF’s documentary as well as Celine Dion’s documentary and truly loved their approach to their career and how they never wavered.

I have a few amazing friends who continue to inspire me as I listen to what they see in me, as sometimes we are so close to the project and we don’t see our own potential. Those couple of women in my life always push me to know to be greater and keep striving. I am very inspired by both my daughters (24 yrs and 19 yrs). They have taught me about creating boundaries, knowing that I am equally deserving of career opportunities and they have taught me that I can be great at both my career and as a mum and don’t need to choose.

6. As a woman entrepreneur, have you encountered any unique challenges? (This could be related to gender, stereotypes, or social and economic barriers).

Yes, I have and continue to experience the challenges around being direct and confident and often find people still get uncomfortable around me. I know I am very assertive, I know what I want and I stay in my lane and go out and strive for that. This can sometimes make it challenging as people are not always welcoming for me to join their friend circle, which can sometimes get a little lonely.

I still have to say that there is very much a clear divide in what is accepted by women and what men can do in the workforce. When it comes to work-life balance, and making work choices there is still an undertone of what’s acceptable for men over women and that’s a shame but I think it’s a forever battle that women will be forced to fight for.

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?

Fear is your first failure so don’t focus on failure or success: just go out and do what you have to do. Know that the beauty of owning your own business is you are able to pivot and there are no rules to say success is acquired by these few rules. Don’t listen to the noise, more than often the ones that are telling you how you should do things, they themselves don’t own a business or have never done this. And lastly, the best lessons are learnt from the projects that didn’t quite go the way you thought they would. Learn from those lessons and no, they are not mistakes but opportunities to be successful.

8. How do you define success?

When I hear my name being mentioned in rooms I have never entered. When people and companies reach out and want to work with us and when we get opportunities that the young 20-something-year-old me only dreamt of, that is my definition of success.

9. Can you share a defining moment or success that you’re particularly proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?

In 2024, we were approached by British Vogue magazine to feature our SKINBYVEE Gua Sha Cryo Sticks. That was truly a pinch-me moment as I fellow Brit girl I read through those magazines growing up, and so having my tool featured in the magazine was mind-blowing. In 2025, I was profiled in Forbes magazine and seeing my career written about in the pages of Forbes was such a proud moment. And finally, last year and this year, we got two amazing inquiries from two extremely high-profile celebrities for me to do their facials and that was a jaw-dropping moment.

10. If you could give one golden rule to an aspiring female entrepreneur, what would it be?

Stay true to your vision and dream. Don’t listen to the noise. Know that this ride is a roller coaster of emotions and don’t get disheartened. There will be tests daily but approach them as a positive lesson and remember to always have fun.

Female Founders Series: LoveFresh

March 7, 2025March 5, 2025 by Natalie

An interview with Stacey Davis, founder of LoveFresh.

In honour of International Women’s Day, we wanted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of local female entrepreneurs. Here is our interview with Stacey Davis, founder of LoveFresh – a Toronto-based luxury line of fun, all-natural, non-toxic and highly effective body care products – offering an “easy luxury” experience and natural beauty products that will keep your skin glowing.

1. How did you come up with the idea for your brand?

I was working a very humdrum job for the city of Toronto. My children were young and I was looking for something fun and exciting to challenge me. I found a course on the therapeutic benefits of essential oils and dove head first. A total game-changer.

2. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? (What were your motivations or aspirations at the beginning?)

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, it came somewhat easy for me. I knew that working for myself gave me the control to make every decision in my business. If I made a mistake, it was mine to make.

3. What impact would you like to have on people, other women, society in general?

Don’t shy away from trying. I really believe that the biggest regret is not giving it a shot. If you believe in something, give it 100% of your effort. If you love your career, you’ll never work a day in your life.

4. How do you manage work-life balance as an entrepreneur? (Do you have strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout?)

You have to give yourself a break… or you will burn out. I like to keep Sunday for myself and family. Sometimes that means just doing nothing.

5. Are there any women who have inspired you in your professional or personal life, and if so, why?

My mother. She had a very big heart yet had no trouble speaking her mind. She believed in complete honesty in every aspect of her life. Always choosing the high road, very inspiring to me.

6. As a woman entrepreneur, have you encountered any unique challenges? (This could be related to gender, stereotypes, or social and economic barriers).

I don’t think women are always given the same respect when it comes to being a business owner. It’s still so surprising for men to learn you have a very successful business. Things are definitely changing, but that mentality is still very prevalent.

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?

If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody else will either. Learn as much about your craft as possible. Knowledge is power and never stop listening and learning. Success truly does not happen overnight.

8. How do you define success?

A balanced life while making an impact on others. A feeling of accomplishment and having a soft place to land in your personal life is the sweet spot.

9. Can you share a defining moment or success that you’re particularly proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?

I have something very exciting coming in late 2025 that I am bursting at the seams about.

10. If you could give one golden rule to an aspiring female entrepreneur, what would it be?

GO WITH YOUR GUT. I have trusted my gut for the last 17 years and I firmly believe by doing so, you create the business YOU want to create. It’s a powerful tool.