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.
