Proudly supporting women-owned business across Western Canada
We're committed to making diversity, equity and inclusion part of everything we do. Our local supplier program is a natural extension of this journey towards building an inclusive culture. By supporting women entrepreneurs to grow and scale their businesses, we are bringing greater diversity to our stores, our customers and in helping support the communities we serve. Here are some of those women entrepreneurs whose businesses we proudly support in select stores across the country. Check your local store for a selection of products from women-owned businesses.
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International Women's Day
Support women entrepreneurs!
British Columbia
Meet Kara Sam from Bucha Brew
After having her first of two sons, Kara was searching for a new beverage to satisfy her thirst. She discovered Kombucha on a family trip to Maui, and couldn’t find an equivalent upon her return home to B.C. So, she started brewing kombucha at home – and quickly scaled Bucha Brew in becoming the biggest western Canadian brand on the market! Their drinks are meant to help you rejuvenate, elevate, and thrive!
Meet Jill Forster from Chaser’s Fresh Juice
Cold-pressed Chaser’s Fresh Juices are made with 100% natural ingredients, and are cold pasteurized without heat to extend their shelf life while maintaining their nutritional benefit, and deliver pure goodness and pure flavour in every sip. Jill and her family grew Chaser’s from a small Yaletown juice shop to one of the largest cold-pressed juice manufacturers in B.C. in just under 9 years! As such, Jill encourages any women to venture into entrepreneurship at any stage of life. “We’re all multitaskers capable of big things,” she says.
Meet Ryley Humphry from Laid Back Snacks
Family-owned, woman-led, and woman-operated, B.C.-based, Laid Back Snacks believes in the 80/20 rule of snacking: 80% wholesome goodness, 20% live a little. They’re also a company with a conscience: For every box of snacks sold, they donate a snack to a child in need through a partnership with the Breakfast Club of Canada.
Alberta
Meet Ashlee Steinhauer from Worthy
Ashlee became passionate about making jam while in a 12-step recovery program in 2014. A few years later, as she started to get her zest for life back, Ashlee decided to focus on making jam full-time. Her jams are distinct in flavour and made without artificial sweeteners, flavours, or colours, and made with citrus pectin and organic cane sugar. But what really makes them “worthy” are the distinct flavours, including Earl Grey Lavender Peach, Strawberry Cardamom, and Vanilla Rhubarb.
Meet Kathy Leskow from Confetti Sweets
A stay-at-home mom with a sweet tooth and big ambitions, Kathy turned her love of baking into a farmers-market cookie business that was so popular she soon needed her own sweet-smelling bakery. Her latest endeavor? A cookie mix to bring that warm fresh-baked-cookie scent home – but with much less effort. And don’t worry! She doesn’t mind if you take all the credit.
Meet Anna Jane Daklala from Secret Foods
In 2020, Anna Jane had a business vision: to produce clean, all-natural plant-based alternatives to traditional condiments. She spent a year developing sauces and building a brand, then quit her job and pursued this passion with everything she had. Now, her premium mouth-watering tahini sauces are no secret. Albertans are using them to elevate their favourite meals with a little drizzle, dip, or dress!
Manitoba
Meet Millie Krause from Elman’s Food Products
Founded in 1938 by Samuel Finkleman, Elman’s has been passed down through family for over 70 years. They have worked hard to keep the Kosher company intact and viable through great products, service, and branding. Dedication and sticking to these tenets have been key to their success.
Meet Agata Robb from Juice Me
Agata is on a mission to offer all-natural Super Shots. And for this mom of two, convenience is key. As such, her frozen, cold-pressed, and concentrated shots can be consumed in a variety of ways: added to hot water, regular water, sparkling water – or defrosted and shot straight. However you enjoy them, you’ll enjoy their flavour and ease!
Meet Colleen Wohlgemuth from Stone City Coffee
Colleen’s love for freshly roasted specialty coffee began on a trip to her sister’s California roastery. She brought home beans to serve friends, who called it “the best coffee ever!” And so began the coffee dream. What started as side gig has now become a fulltime job roasting small-batch coffee beans for exquisitely smooth coffee that absolutely bursts with flavour.
Saskatchewan
Meet Stephanie Numchuk from Simpson Snacks
As a mother of three busy children, Stephanie has always relied on snacks to get through the days. The pretzels she made were always a huge hit at home, so when she and her husband were approached to bring them to market, they couldn’t say no! It was a leap of faith, but one she’s thrilled they took.
Meet Taylor Chapman and Colleen Cretin from Good Spirit Kombucha
These two sisters-in-law are proud to be at the helm of a business that makes tasty, fizzy non-alcoholic alternatives more accessible to everyone in the prairies. Fruity, fizzy, and tangy, their refreshing kombucha boasts the perfect balance, and is a wellness treat borne of a love for health and whole foods. Cheers!
Northern Ontario
Meet Katie Porobic and Audry Gavin from June & Jo Spice Company
Katie and Audry launched their small-batch spice blending company in 2021 with Katie’s Grandma June’s popular family recipe in hand and a passion to make it work. And it has! In under a year, they’ve seen incredible demand for their Texas Original Spice Blend and Texas Crispy Coating Mix, delivering great flavour geared for all cooking levels.
Meet Kate Shumka from Shumka Dust
In culinary school, Kate spent a ton of time tossing around different spices – with great success! – and the first Shumka Dust spice mixes were born. Now, Kate uses the same practice alongside her husband and 12-year-old daughter to create your go-to seasonings, spices, and rubs. Kick up your cooking and use it on anything your heart desires!