In Our Network

Charlotte Chen Pienaar is the founder of Everyday Humans, a newly launched DTC brand that makes comfy, planet friendly sunscreens for all humans. Charlotte is passionate about sustainability and inclusivity. Created with the belief that sunscreen should be for ALL humans and the foundation of all skincare routines, Everyday Humans combines good for you formulas, good for the planet packaging at everyday prices.

In today’s episode, Charlotte and I talk about what sets Everyday Humans apart, the intricacies of chemical vs physical sunscreen, and how she's navigated the industry as a self funded founder.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Stephanie Lee is the founder and CEO of SELFMADE, a skincare line that merges mental health with beauty. While working at the epicenter of the beauty world and reckoning with a mental health crisis, Stephanie questioned the current societal standards that make it nearly impossible for us to recognize and appreciate our inherent human value. This was an uncomfortable discovery, and it instilled a deep desire for change which led her to seek out vulnerable conversations about our personal relationships to mental health and self-worth.

In today’s episode, Stephanie and I talk about her upbringing and what it was like dealing with mental health in an Asian American household, how she practices self care, and the power of self expression.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Ishra Gill is the Marketing Director of Flax Home, a women-owned and women-run DTC based in Vancouver offering up the comfiest linen goods for your home. Before landing with the stellar team at Flax Home, she's had over 10+ years of experience in a non-traditional journey working in media, retail, agency side, and CPG. She also gives back her time and financial support through advancing women's economic empowerment by investing in founders and businesses she believes in like Belli Welli and by being a part of communities like The 51 and The Forum. Building brands that people love and bringing them to life has always been the thread that connects everything together — and what she is innately skilled and loves, to do.

In today’s episode, Ishra and I talk more about her experience navigating the agency and brand side of businesses, behind the scenes of brand building, and how brands can stand out and evolve amidst the constant change in social media.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Alexandra Nikolajev or better known as @lexniko on her socials is the host of the One Last Thing podcast. Taking you beyond the story, Lex breaks down celeb wins and learns, offers unsolicited strategic advice and provides deep dives into the most interesting relationships and news across the world of pop culture. During her 9-5, Lex leads Global Content + Partnerships at Pinterest where she oversees global inclusion and diversity initiatives with creators and influencer.

In today’s episode, Lex and I talk about her experience navigating the early blogging world to now finding her niche, creating an engaged community through social, and how to get out of a creative rut. 

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Leslie Tessler is the founder of Hanni, a company focused on single blade razors to ultimately say goodbye to razor burns, irritation and ingrown hairs. Leslie fell in love with a straight razor after getting her face shaved at a men's barbershop in Tokyo. Before Hanni, Leslie gained her industry veteran status after working at Ralph Lauren, L'Oréal, and Coty to name a few.

In today’s episode, Leslie and I talk more about her experience transitioning from a fast paced world to slowing down and finding her passion again. We dive into the benefits of using a single blade razor and how Hanni is focusing on being sustainably cautious.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Allie Egan is the Founder and CEO of Veracity Selfcare. Veracity was created to help you figure out what your skin is saying without having to rely on ‘skin types’ or quizzes to determine your skincare routine. Veracity focuses on an at-home hormone test to gather data about the state of your skin and offer products optimized for you.

Allie began her career investing in consumer and beauty brands at L Catterton and backs healthcare businesses as a venture partner at Meridian Street Capital. Before founding Veracity, she was CEO of the fashion brand Cynthia Rowley and led the product, e-commerce, and digital marketing teams at Estée Lauder’s top brands, including La Mer, Clinique, and Origins.

In today’s episode, Allie and I talk about her experience and challenges with skincare, how hormone testing works and what it identifies, and the ingredients and environmental factors that affect our overall skin health.

I hope you enjoy the episode! 

Emily is the founder of Ohai, a cannabis lifestyle brand featuring a curated collection of Elevated Essentials. Ohai was founded in 2018 in Vancouver, BC and built by an all-women freelance team.

In today’s episode, Emily and I talk about how she’s navigated the world of entrepreneurship, what Ohai means to her, and how she’s integrated the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in her life.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Jennifer is the Founder of Empyri, a skincare line focused on integrating the benefits of active root extract into every product. Prior to starting Empyri, Jennifer graduated with a masters in bio-chemical and environmental engineering. Since then, her entrepreneurial drive has led her to start multiple companies including Empyri.

In today’s episode, Jennifer and I sit down to talk about how she started Empyri, benefits of Cannabis infused skincare, and how Cannabis is shaping and disrupting the beauty industry.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Follow and connect with Empyri on Instagram @empyri.co

Ashley is the Founder and CEO of Smash and Tess, a Vancouver designed and North American made slow fashion company. Home of the "romper revolution”, Smash + Tess is known for its signature rompers and casual "everywear”. With sizes that run from XXS-Petite- to XXXL, the inclusive collections complements every lifestyle, occasion and body.

The brands most recent collaboration with Hilary Duff collection was an incredible success, selling out the same morning it went live! The brand has also been seen on celebrity favourites like Kate Hudson, Gabrielle Union, Jenna Dewan and more.

In today’s episode, Ashley and I sit down to talk about Smash and Tess’ focus on inclusive sizing, sustainable materials, and ethical practices.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Scout Sobel is the Founder and CEO of Scout's Agency, a female-focused PR agency that specializes in getting women as guests on podcasts. Over the last two years, the agency has served women like Catt Sadler, Kelley Baker, Jessica Zweig, and many more inspiring women.

She is also the co-host of Okay Sis, a top-charted podcast, with her sister Mady where she openly documents her experience living with bipolar disorder

Now, Scout is putting all of her emotional tools, learnings, and wisdom into her debut book, The Emotional Entrepreneur, a 25 lesson emotional guidebook for women who want to pursue a life of purpose. 

In today's episode, we dive deeper into how to emotionally handle entrepreneurship and how every entrepreneur should be prioritizing their mental health.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Jen Babic is the Founder and Lead Consultant at ppl stuff, a people and culture consultancy based in Toronto. She is also the Head of People and Culture at Inkbox, a direct-to-consumer brand focused on bringing semi-permanent tattoos to customers. Jen is a seasoned HR professional with 9+ years of experience in the industry, working for companies like Aritizia and now Inkbox.

In today's episode, we dive deeper into conversations around company culture, the basics of resume building, and how women can forge their own path in the corporate world by being strategic about their career moves, asking for a raise, and taking on meaningful projects. 

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

You may know Bri Springs from her time on Season 25 of the Bachelor. Aside from that, Bri works in Communications and continues to use her platform to advocate and educate others on how best to support the Black community.

Bri and I sit down to talk about her experience on the show and she’s adjusted to life post bachelor. We also talk about her experience growing up biracial, how that shaped her upbringing and how we can all continue to uplift, support, and educate ourselves on how we can be allies to the Black community.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Noura Mutairi and Kate Clarke are the founders of BYNK Media, a Toronto-based creative agency specializing in innovative marketing and brand-building. Founded in 2020 by designer Kate Clarke and communications specialist Noura Mutairi as a one-stop marketing hub. 

They specialize in social media strategy, event planning, branding and graphic design, influencer marketing, photoshoot production, and email marketing. BYNK focuses on creating 360-degree marketing campaigns that allow them to oversee every detail to ensure high quality and effective results. 

Clients include 437, Majesty’s Pleasure, Collective Nude, Calvin Klein, Miaou, and more.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Sascha Lafleur, co-founder and principal designer at West of Main, has had a passion for design for as long as she can remember. She attributes her creative flare and an abundance of artistic energy to early influence by her immediate family, which includes woodworkers, builders, artists, and fashionistas. 

This celebrated, local and international award-winning designer is known today for curating thoughtfully layered, traveled designs. Sascha started West of Main Design in Ottawa where she is committed to co-designing spaces that are a true reflection of her clients’ lifestyles and passions.

Taylor is the Co-founder of Nudestix & Nudeskin, a makeup and skincare line that focuses on clean vegan ingredients. The company was founded by Taylor, her mom Jenny, and sister Ally back in 2014 and since then the brand has grown tremendously. The brand has amassed a large following in the beauty industry and has caught the eye of celebrity investors like Hilary Duff and Chelsea Handler. In today's episode, Taylor shares challenges she had to overcome as a founder, especially at the age of 17, how the company has navigated the beauty industry with their less is more outlook, and her pinch me moment of spending the day with Hilary Duff. 

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Sophie is the Marketing Director at 437, a swim and apparel company founded by Hyla Nayeri and Adrien Bettio. Sophie’s previous roles include companies like Saje Wellness, Aritzia, Inkbox, and working as a Social Media and Partnerships Manager for Kaitlyn Bristowe. In today's episode we get candid about what it's like pivoting in your career and finding your niche, along with the do's and don'ts of building a personal brand on social media.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Ally is a former two-sport college athlete at UCLA where she played soccer and track & field. She has now dedicated her time to being a full-time model, shooting for companies like Lululemon, Nike, H&M. Most recently, Ally shot with Sports Illustrated, being the brands newest face of the magazine. Aside from her modelling career, she is dedicated to continuing the conversation around mental health which we touch on during our conversation, along with pressures she's experienced from the modelling industry.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Isabel Aagard is the Founder and Designer at LastObject. Frustrated by all of the single-use waste, she decided to design innovative solutions to wasteful habits that make a lasting impact, starting with LastSwab — the world’s first sanitary, reusable cotton swab. LastSwab was followed by LastTissue, and most recently by LastRound. One by one, Isabel is tackling the single-use items that have become an unfortunate part of our daily routine. As an eco-fighter and power-mom Isabel stands by her products and hopes to inspire others to be the change and adapt to living sustainably..

In today's episode, Isabel shares how her professional experience led to her sustainability journey with LastObject and the importance of staying informed on sustainability practices and issues like greenwashing.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Blair was born and raised in Toronto and has spent the better part of her career working in the community building space, both online and offline at companies like Soho House, Kit and Ace, and now TikTok. She started out in the fashion industry, with short stints in New York and Vancouver, and ultimately ended up back in Toronto. She is currently a Partner Manager on the TikTok Canada team, working primarily with entertainment talent and public figures on the platform.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Lilly Scott is the founder of Electric Collective Fitness, a modern fitness community that focuses on the way fitness makes us feel, not editing the way we look. Her classes combine cardio, barre, pilates, strength training, dance, and yoga to deliver highly challenging fitness workouts that leave you feeling mentally stronger, happier, and ready to take the world by storm.

The Electric Collective was founded during the Covid-19 pandemic out of necessity. Before the lockdown, Lilly worked as a lawyer-lobbyist in an energy and environmental firm in Washington, DC. After work she taught group fitness classes at Equinox and Core Power Yoga, and was a lead teacher trainer in DC for the latter. When gyms and studios closed, she knew her students needed her. What she didn’t know is that others did too.

She taught free classes on Zoom for three months and they got popular quickly. At her height, she had over 300 people in her zooms. The word spread and she realized she could turn these classes into a business. It went so well that she quit her firm a month later.

Lilly loves to connect with and inspire people of all ages, facilitating their connections with their bodies and souls.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Ilona Selina is a driven entrepreneur that geeks out on strategic collaboration. Ilona founded Route – a boutique social media and influencer marketing agency providing strategic marketing initiatives tailored to meet the needs and goals of luxury lifestyle brands and female founded businesses. As a content creator and digital marketing expert with demonstrated history in integrated partnerships across digital and experiential platforms, Ilona is constantly finding new ways in which her clients can stand out in the digital space.

In today's episode, Ilona shares her journey in the world of social media, how she's navigated building a digital and remote first marketing agency, and her tips and tricks to content creation and building authentic engagement.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Azora Zoe is the Iranian-American female founder behind Goldune. Goldune is an e-commerce marketplace where you can find the best sustainable brands in home, lifestyle and personal care, all in one place. The company focuses on prioritizing working with brands that are Female and/or BIPOC owned, led or helmed. As of Q1 2021, 72% of the brands whose products are sold by Goldune are helmed by women, and 39% are led or founded by BIPOC.

Before Goldune, Azora Zoe worked at e-commerce companies like Food52 and BaubleBar. She is an ex-New Yorker, a maximalist, and a solopreneur.

In today's episode, Azora shares her journey in the world of sustainability, how Goldune came to life by way of identifying a lack of diversity in the sustainability industry, and how others can educate themselves on being more mindful about the products we purchase.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Alexandra Lawrence is a digital brand builder who has spent 5 years working with fashion & lifestyle brands to hone their aesthetic, vision, voice, and digital presence. She worked in house at Hermes of Paris and Stuart Weitzman and now runs her own creative studio, Digital Brand Stylist. She recently ventured into launching a brand of her own — Align Skin, a skin oil that is on a mission to simplify skincare and be gender and skin inclusive.

In today's episode, Alexandra shares how she transitioned from her corporate job to freelancing and creating Digital Brand Stylist, the importance of diving deep into skincare ingredients, and how skincare is not a one size fits all.

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Pre-Order for Align Skin is coming April 2021 

Adeela Carter is the founder of The Carter Strategy Group, a global consulting firm that specializes in strategic planning and business development for entrepreneurs, small businesses and corporate clients. She is also the co-founder of Pitch Better, a Canadian startup that connects Black female entrepreneurs to funding. After a decade-long career in criminal law with the Ministry of the Attorney General in the Ontario Court of Justice, Adeela decided to take a leap of faith, leaving her 9-5 to pursue her passion for business and entrepreneurship.

In today's episode, Adeela shares the key steps founders need to take before searching for funding, how she balances being a full-time entrepreneur and mom, and how she left her career in criminal law to pursue building her companies. 

I hope you enjoy the episode! xx

Rachel Karten is a leader within social media who has experience both growing brands from the ground up and managing accounts with millions of followers. She was most recently the Associate Director of Social Media at Bon Appétit and Epicurious where she won social Webby’s three years in a row and received a coveted National Magazine Award for best social at a magazine. There she built the social media presence for verticals Healthyish and Basically—two of Condé Nast’s most successful sub-brand launches. Before Bon Appétit she was at meal kit delivery startup Plated. She now consults with brands, helping them create value-driven social strategies that delight.

In today's episode, Rachel shares how she balances working in social media, how she's used her platform and social media presence to speak up about important issues, and what it takes to work in the industry.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

Rachel Karten:

Aila Morin is a Marketing & Advertising vet - Currently, Aila leads the Marketing, Creative, and Product at MERIT Beauty, a minimalist, clean, luxury beauty brand founded by Katherine Power. Formerly the Brand Marketing and Go-to-Market Director at Mejuri, Aila was one of the few early hires responsible for the growth of Mejuri from an early startup to a successful fine jewelry company.

In today's episode, Aila shares how she worked her way through the industry building her career and network through experience with multiple startups, her experience growing Mejuri's media presence as the former Brand Marketing and GTM Director, and how she has honed in on her strengths in her vertical to help grow the MERIT Beauty brand.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

Aila Morin:

Rea Kolbl is a former gymnast and Stanford alum turned Professional OCR athlete, Spartan Ultra World Champion, and competitor on Amazon Prime's Original Series, World's Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji, where her team, Team Canada Adventure, placed second.

Rea grew up in Slovenia where she spent most of her childhood in the gym, competing for 10 years on the Slovenian National Gymnastics Team. In 2010 she moved to United States for college where she picked up trail running. Between 2012 and 2016 she competed in several trail ultramarathons, winning 6 races, setting 5 course records, and winning her age group at a 50 mile trail race. Most recently, Rea participated in an expedition adventure race hosted by Bear Grylls in Fiji, a 700-kilometre-plus journey that taught her so much about herself, life and what a true adventure can be like.

In today's episode, Rea shares how her passion for sports evolved throughout the years, her experience competing in the Eco-Challenge in Fiji, and advice she has for someone hoping to follow a similar path. 

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

Rea Kolbl:

Priya is the founder and CEO of 1Milk2Sugars, an award-winning digital marketing and public relations agency with a portfolio that includes top international lifestyle brands including NIVEA, Coppertone, L’Oréal and Centrum.

Under Priya's leadership, 1Milk2Sugars has grown by over 200 percent in the last two years alone and was just named one of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies by the 2020 Growth List.

Polly Payne is the founder of Horacio Printing, a Christian based planner designed to give structure, accountability and encouragement. Polly migrated to the big apple and became the Senior Sales Director of an award winning Ad:Tech company. She left her career in advertising to run Horacio Printing full time and pursue her God given purpose. She now lives in Tennessee with her family and hosts the Dream Planning Podcast.

In today's episode, Polly shares how she turned her side hustle into a full-time career, how to launch a business while leading with purpose, and tips for launching a product based business on platforms like Kickstarter.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

Horacio Printing Promo Code: INOURNETWORK

Brooke Milo is the founder of NGNG Agency, a digital marketing agency based in New York. Starting the agency in her early 20's, Brooke has always been a natural-born entrepreneur. NGNG Agency now focuses on being an authentic partner to their clients by providing strategy, creative, and social media management services. 

In today's episode, Brooke shares how she founded her company in her early 20's, how to avoid burnout by prioritizing self-care, and how to maintain an authentic brand.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

Kayla Greaves is an award-winning journalist and senior beauty editor at InStyle. She was previously the fashion & beauty features editor at Bustle and a lifestyle editor at The Huffington Post. Her work has appeared in BuzzFeed, Teen Vogue, ELLE, FASHION magazine, and more. Kayla has interviewed the likes of Academy award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, supermodel Naomi Campbell, TIME 100’s Most Influential People, and women’s rights activist Jaha Dukureh, Viola Davis, Chaka Khan, and many more.

In today's episode, Kayla and I discuss the behind the scenes of being a beauty editor at a major publication, the importance of highlighting and supporting black-owned businesses, and what it takes to break into the industry.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

Clio is a full-time entrepreneur, founding Booje Media, a digital marketing agency based in Vancouver, BC, and Podcast Nation, a podcast agency that focuses on production, advertising, and branding. Clio is also the co-founder of the accessory brand, Dew Edit, and the wine label, Spade and Sparrows. Both of which she co-founded with Kaitlyn Bristowe.

In today's episode, Clio and I discuss how she got started in the digital marketing agency back when social media was just getting started, how she's maintaining healthy relationships and setting boundaries with her co-founders, and how to get your foot in the industry with little to no experience. 

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx

Links:

Melanie Masarin was previously the Creative Director and Head of Marketing of Dig Inn, where she led the rebrand of the company, overseeing everything from messaging, communication, store design, branding, digital presence, paid advertising, and offline marketing. Most recently, Melanie was the Head of Retail and Offline Experiences at Glossier where she led the offline and experiential strategy including the creative direction of their showrooms, developing pop-ups, and conceptualizing permanent spaces. Now, Melanie has bottled up her hospitality and lifestyle experience to create Ghia, a spirit-free aperitif designed to change the way we think about drinking and socializing.

Melanie shares her experience navigating the industry in New York, the story behind Ghia, and the importance of social media marketing and audience analysis.

I hope you enjoy our conversation xx 

Mentioned Links: 

Ali Grant is the founder of Be Social Group, an influencer marketing agency based in Los Angeles. Be Social is an awareness-building powerhouse with a built-in influencer network of millions of their closest connections.

From starting an agency at the age of 24 to now being the CEO of a company that has been recently acquired by one of the leading content production companies in the United States, Dolphin Entertainment. Ali shares her experience starting a company and growing as a leader, tips to overcome imposter syndrome, and how to set yourself apart during the job hunt.

I hope you enjoy the episode xx

Mentioned links:

Ali Grant & Be Social Group: