Episode 29: From Holiday Treat to Hometown Hit: Mama's Signature Spudnuts with Tess Butler
In this episode of Friends of FEADies, we sit down with Tess Butler, a new business owner in her first year running Mama’s Signature Spudnuts. Tess shares her inspiring journey of turning a beloved holiday tradition into a full-fledged business. From the immediate market success of her potato-based spudnuts to navigating the early challenges of entrepreneurship, Tess offers a candid look at what it takes to bring a family recipe to market. Tune in to hear how she’s building a brand from scratch and learn her tips for other budding food entrepreneurs!
Episode 28: Good Food Entrepreneurs with Rachel Smith, Ally Hrchabeck, and Destiny Millar
Join us as we sit down with three incredible Indigenous entrepreneurs: Destiny Millar, Ally Hrchabeck, and Rachel Smith. They share their unique journeys into the agri-food and food manufacturing space, the role of food in their healing, and how they've navigated the industry while keeping their cultural roots alive.
Whether you're an entrepreneur or simply passionate about food, this conversation offers inspiration, wisdom, and heartfelt stories of resilience and growth.
Sit back, listen in, and enjoy!
Episode 27: Nurturing Community - The Story Behind Skip A Beet & Prairie Market with Dani Genest
In this episode, Lindsay Toth sits down with Dani Genest, the inspiring owner of Skip A Beet, a mail delivery service that provides fresh and frozen provisions, and Prairie Market, a walk-in store in Saskatoon specializing in locally produced, sustainable, and ethical food products. Dani shares her journey from her grandmother's cafe to her own culinary career, and how community, collaboration, and sustainability are at the heart of her business. Learn how Prairie Market supports local farmers and producers, while also uplifting women, people of colour, and queer individuals in the food industry. Tune in to discover how Dani is making a positive impact in the agri-food development sector and beyond!
Episode 26: Reconnecting with yourself through food with Jenn Sharp
In this episode, we have a special guest, Jenn Sharp, a multi-talented author, journalist, and host of the documentary series "Flat Out Food" on City TV Saskatchewan. Jenn shares her inspiring journey from growing up on a multi-generational grain farm in rural Saskatchewan to becoming a prominent advocate for sustainable agriculture and local food systems.
Join us as Jenn talks about her deep-rooted connection to the land and how it has influenced her work and life. She shares the story behind her book, "Flat Out Delicious," and how it led to the creation of the "Flat Out Food" documentary series. Jenn's passion for regenerative farming practices, local food artisans, and mindful eating shines through as she discusses the transformative power of understanding where our food comes from and how it’s produced.
Episode 25: Trusting Your Gut - The Journey to COO at Beck's Broth with Domenique Mastronardi
In this episode of the Friends of FEADies Podcast, host Lindsay Toth sits down with Domenique, the dynamic COO and partner at Beck's Broth, a company known for its innovative bone broth-based coffee and hot chocolate. Domenique shares her unique journey from being a food engineering student to a successful entrepreneur and now COO. She dives into the challenges and triumphs of her career, including starting her own business, transitioning into a partnership with Beck's Broth, and the unexpected benefits of trusting her gut instincts.
Listeners will gain insights into the intricacies of scaling a food business from farmers markets to larger operations, the importance of gut health, and how Beck's Broth is making waves with its unique product offerings. Domenique also discusses the exciting and nerve-wracking process of preparing for Dragon's Den, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to prepare a pitch to investors and a shot to be on national television.
Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, innovation, and the power of collaboration in the food industry.
Episode 24: Crafting Botanical Beverages - From Restaurant to Retail with Dalia Kohen
Dalia Kohen is the visionary behind WildFolk. Dalia shares the journey of bringing her non-alcoholic cocktails from concept to reality, navigating challenges and celebrating successes along the way.
Discover how Dalia's background in the restaurant industry influenced her approach to crafting botanical beverages, finding inspiration in collaborative spirit and innovative design. Look ahead to future product launches and the vision behind WildFolk's spirit-free drinks, designed to foster inclusivity and connection in social settings.
Tune in to this episode to uncover the artistry and passion driving the creation of WildFolk's botanical beverages, and discover how Dalia is redefining the cocktail experience for a new generation of consumers.
Episode 23: Crafting Culinary Dreams - Laurie Rowe's Journey with Jordan Ridge Sauces
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Laurie Rowe, creator behind Jordan Ridge Sauces, nestled in the picturesque town of Black Diamond, Alberta, at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Laurie shares her journey as an entrepreneur, drawing from a rich family history of independent women and entrepreneurs.
Discover the heartwarming story behind Laurie's maple campfire sauce, a generational recipe passed down through the years. Navigate through the challenges Laurie faced, from navigating the complexities of co-packing to ensuring meticulous attention to detail in every jar. Learn valuable lessons on due diligence and the importance of trusting your instincts when it comes to building a successful business in the food industry.
Tune in to the Friends of FEADies Podcast to glean insights from Laurie's journey and be inspired to embark on your own entrepreneurial endeavors in the agri-food sector! 🌱
Episode 22: From Farmers Markets to 600+ Stores with Jennifer Kohut
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jennifer Kohut, the visionary founder behind Jenny's Delectables, a gourmet stuffed potato sensation that has taken Western Canada by storm. In this episode, Jennifer shares her remarkable journey, starting from humble beginnings in farmers markets to becoming a household name in over 600 stores. Discover how Jennifer's unwavering commitment to quality and innovation propelled her from selling out markets within hours to catching the attention of major grocery chains like Co-op and Sobeys. Learn the secrets behind her success, including the pivotal role of sampling in winning over customers' hearts and taste buds.
But success doesn't come without its challenges. Jennifer opens up about the hurdles she faced in scaling her business, from navigating supply chain shortages to balancing personal and professional life. Through it all, her resilience and dedication to her vision shine through, offering invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Episode 21: Crafting Brands - From Design to Delivery with Lindsay Toth
In this episode of the Friends of FEADies podcast, Kendra Wack sits down with Lindsay Toth, the Member and Marketing Coordinator at FEAD. Lindsay brings a wealth of experience from her background in the agri-food sector, particularly in marketing and branding. With a career spanning iconic companies in Saskatchewan and various entrepreneurial incubators, Lindsay shares her career journey.
From her pivotal role in rebranding Great Western Brewing's Original 16 beer to launching the rebrand for Sask Startup Institute, Lindsay's expertise shines through as she discusses the intricacies of executing a successful brand transition. Drawing from her experience at Three Farmers and beyond, Lindsay emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to marketing, highlighting the significance of consistency without overwhelming oneself.
Throughout the episode, Lindsay offers insights into the nuances of brand management and marketing strategies, providing actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to establish and grow their brands effectively.
Episode 20: Community-Driven Entrepreneurship with Prairie Grazer Founders, Cristie and Meghan
Prairie Grazer isn't just a business; it's a culinary adventure that unites people through the delightful art of grazing. When the world grappled with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cristie Zyla and Meghan Hawkins showcased the true essence of entrepreneurship. Instead of shutting their doors, they embraced the art of the pivot, resulting in a remarkable surge in sales and growth that caught the attention of many.
In this episode, we delve into their journey, exploring how they not only built a successful business but emerged as champions for their local community. Discover how Prairie Grazer highlights the talents of other local businesses and embodies a heart for giving back—a true testament to community-driven entrepreneurship.
You can find the Prairie Grazer on Instagram.
Episode 19: The Power of ”WHY” - My Journey into 400+ Canadian Stores
Carly Minish is an exceptional entrepreneur who has turned her love for culinary excellence into a thriving business, enriching the lives of countless food lovers across Canada.
From humble beginnings, experimenting with formulations, and sharing her creations with family, Carly's gourmet take on this quintessential Canadian product quickly gathered a devoted following. The journey led her to farmers' markets, where the demand for Smak Dab soared, and soon enough, this delightful condiment found its way into over 400 stores in Western Canada and specialty shops in Ontario.
In this episode, Carly tells you about the power of "WHY" and how to pitch your business. Smak Dab has strong branding and very engaging social media as well. She tells you about the power of social media and how to leverage that to get new customers.
So, get ready to be captivated by Carly's remarkable journey as she shares her story of passion, perseverance, and the joy of bringing her delectable creation to the world. Her journey as a female founder in the agri-food industry will undoubtedly inspire you to believe in the incredible possibilities that lie ahead when you dare to follow your heart.
Episode 18: A Journey to Wellness and Entrepreneurship
In the face of personal tragedy, Lindsay discovered the healing power of nurturing life and growth through her business. "I Love Microgreen" became more than just a venture; it became her pathway to grieve, recover, and rise above the darkness when her father faced his own battle.
Lindsay, the visionary force behind "I Love Microgreen," is a remarkable entrepreneur who has transformed a family-owned business into something truly extraordinary. Her passion for microgreens goes beyond culinary delight; it's a dedication to harnessing nature's powerhouse of nutrients and flavors, bringing incredible health benefits to her community.
What sets Lindsay apart is her unwavering commitment not only to creating creative and delectable recipes using these tiny greens but also to making a profound impact on the well-being of her community. Her journey is not just about entrepreneurship; it's a mission to battle adversities and champion her Metis and indigenous heritage.
From her indigenous heritage to the trials and triumphs of being a female founder in the food industry, Lindsay's story is one of resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of microgreens.
Episode 17: Establishing a Strong Brand Voice & Personality
Raquel Vigueras uncovers the spicy secrets behind successful brand-building in the hot sauce industry. In this episode, we're turning up the heat with Raquel, the mastermind behind Pueblo Chili hot sauce.
Raquel was raised in Swift Current, SK. She had a fiery passion for graphic design and web development from a young age. Her journey into the world of hot sauce began in a college conceptualization class where she tackled the challenge of designing a brand from scratch. Little did she know, this would ignite her love for the hot sauce industry.
Join us as Raquel shares her transformational journey, from concept to brand identity, packaging design, and marketing, breathing life into a brand that didn't exist before.
Episode 16: Keynote Presentation - (2022 AWESOME Conference)
Welcome to the final episode from the 2022 AWESOME Conference. We are excited to share the presentation from the keynote speaker, Amy Kaban, founder and CEO of Parkerview Brews Kombucha. Amy founded her company in 2017 and has grown Parkerview Brews to where it is now available in over 200 retail locations across Saskatchewan. Amy is a Founder who has built her business from the ground up and when it comes to entrepreneurship and business development, Amy is a wealth of knowledge! Listen in to hear Amy’s valuable presentation where she shares her business journey and the important things she’s learnt along the way.
Episode 15: Achievement Awards Panel – Part 2 (2022 AWESOME Conference)
Welcome to part two of the Achievement Awards panel chat that was recorded live at the 2022 AWESOME Conference. This panel highlights the 5 recipients of the Outstanding Mentor award: Crystal Milburn (Prairie Bee Meadery), Shakirat Edoho (Atare Foods), Kareema Batal (Neo Juicery), Angela Seto (Three Foragers Bee Co.), and Dalia Kohen (Wild Folk). The panel was moderated by Miriam Johnson (CEO, WESK). Listen in to hear these accomplished founders discuss facility ownership, sustainability, female entrepreneurship and more.
Episode 14: Achievement Awards Panel – Part 1 (2022 AWESOME Conference)
This episode is part one of the Achievement Awards panel chat from the 2022 AWESOME Conference. This panel highlights the 5 recipients of the Rising Startup award: Raquel Vigueras (Pueblo Chili Co.), Amanda DeSutter (Amanda Lynn Gluten Free), Lindsay Beaulieu (I Love Microgreens), Betsy Hiebert (Cocoabeans Gluten-Free Bakeshop), and Sondra Pearn (Lake Life Caesar Co.). The panel was moderated by Miriam Johnson (CEO, WESK). Listen in to hear these inspiring founders discuss business goals, challenges, as well as their life and entrepreneurial tips.
Episode 13: Industry Outlook Panel (2022 AWESOME Conference)
This episode was captured live at the first in-person AWESOME Conference on November 9th, 2022 in Saskatoon. The discussion features three leading women in agri-food: Natasha Vandenhurk (CEO, Three Farmers Foods), Shannon Hood-Niefer (Chief Technology Officer, Sunnydale Foods) and Karen Churchill (President and CEO, Ag-West Bio) The panel was moderated by Miriam Johnson (CEO, WESK). Listen in to hear the panelists discuss opportunities, challenges, technologies, and the impact of women in agri-food.
Episode 12: Sales: Fostering the Success of Local Producers
Julianna Tan is a chocolatier with a passion for supporting local and is the co-founder of two successful businesses in Saskatoon, SK. Julianna started her journey as a farmers’ market vendor and now supports over 100 local food-producers and artisans through her online platform, The Little Market Box. She cares deeply about local producers and through The Little Market Box, Julianna helps support the individuals and families who rely on the farmers’ market as their livelihood.
In this episode, we continue our discussion on markets and local supply chains. Listen in to hear Julianna share her entrepreneurial experience and discuss the importance of strong community relationships, creating an authentic connection with your customers, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Episode 11: Sales: Preparing for Market Vendor Success
This episode is all about markets! Our guest, Jodi Dore, is the co-founder and owner of The Chai Wallahs based out of Red Deer, AB. Jodi and her business partner, Heather, started selling Chai Products at small Farmers’ Markets almost two decades ago. Jodi has a lot of advice and information to relay around markets: what to expect, creating a positive experience, nurturing relationships, and building a supportive community.
Are you thinking about selling your product at a local market? When done right, markets can be your most dense period of sales and connections. If you grow, bake, or create things as a hobby, you may have thought about selling them at a market. Farmers’ Markets are a great opportunity to grow a business and strengthen local food systems. Before you venture down the path of becoming a market vendor, some
preparation is needed.
Episode 10: AWESOME Food Founders Panel – Empowering Women’s Conference at Canada’s Farm Show
This is a special episode as we are sharing a live panel discussion put on by AWESOME at the Empowering Women’s Conference that took place at Canada’s Farm Show in Regina, SK. Canada’s Farm Show held their 4th annual Empowering Women’s Conference presented by Farm Credit Canada on June 22nd, 2022. The Empowering Women’s Conference is for all women who
want to enhance their family life, community, career, and industry. Thank you to FCC and
Canada’s Farm Show for inviting us to host this inspiring panel!
The panel was moderated by Barb Stefanyshyn-Cote (co-founder of Black Fox Farm and
Distillery) and the panelists you will hear from are Lindsay Beaulieu (Founder of iloveMicrogreens), Shakirat Edoho (Founder of Atare Foods), and Erin Kernaleguen (co-founder of Living Sky Farms). Listen in to hear the Founders discuss the unique challenges of being a Female Founder, resilience, entrepreneurial tips, and more.
Episode 9: Product Development: Finding Creative Solutions for Food Processors: Prairie Research Kitchen
Mavis McRae is the Director of Prairie Research Kitchen. Prairie Research Kitchen is a program offered by Red River College Polytechnic in Winnipeg, MB and brings together a unique blend of food science and culinary arts. Mavis has led the development of Red River College Polytechnic’s Culinary Research program since 2014. She has worked in the Manitoba agri-food industry for 25 years specializing in the areas of food product development, food safety, project management, and new business development.
In this episode, Mavis shares the services that are available to food and beverage processors at the Prairie Research Kitchen. She expands on how the program is an ideal and accessible partner for businesses, the benefits of tying together the culinary arts and food sciences and how the program compliments larger facilities such as the Saskatchewan Food Centre and Leduc Food Centre.
Episode 8: Product Development: Working with a Product Development Team (Sara Lui - Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre)
Sara Lui is the Director of New Product Innovation at the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre in Saskatoon, SK. Sara and her team assist food entrepreneurs with the development of innovative food products. A product development team can provide expert advice on the regulatory requirements and designing associated with food products. Whether a food business is wanting to introduce their product to the marketplace, troubleshoot a problem, increase production or customize a recipe, working with a development team will put a business on the right track to achieving a high-quality and successful product.
In this episode, Sara explains why having a standardized recipe is important, key things to avoid when scaling up your production, as well as the many ways her team assists businesses with their product development.
Episode 7: Tips For Grocery Retailing – Entrepreneur’s Perspective
In this episode, we discuss the entrepreneur’s side of entering the grocery retail market. We had the pleasure of chatting with Amy Kaban, founder and owner of Parkerview Brews Kombucha. Parkerview Kombucha is a Canadian beverage company founded in 2017 that can currently be found in over 120 locations across Saskatchewan and has plans to expand throughout Western Canada.
Have you been selling your product directly to your customers at farmers markets or trade shows and are ready for the next step? Entering the grocery retail market can seem like a daunting task and Amy provides some great insight on how to get your product onto store shelves. Listen in as Amy shares helpful tips on how to approach grocery retailers, the importance of building strong retailer relationships, and how to prepare yourself for pitching to buyers.
Enjoy!
Episode 6: Tips For Grocery Retailing – Retailer’s Perspective
This episode we had the pleasure of talking with Matthew Sobocan. Matthew is the Local Development Manager for Sobeys for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and NW Ontario. He has over 35 years of experience working in grocery retail and the consumer packaged goods industry and provides a lot of valuable knowledge.
Have you been selling your product directly to your customers at farmers markets or trade shows and are ready for the next step?
Entering the grocery retail market can seem like a daunting task but we are here to help and provide some great insight on how to build a retailer relationship to get onto store shelves and into the hands of more consumers. Listen as we discuss how stores like Sobeys are prioritizing local products and working with business owners to manage their output capacity and help with sales growth.
Episode 5: Happy International Women’s Month from the Women of Awesome
In this special edition episode, Bailey and Shenuka from the AWESOME Program have a heart to heart about why they love working for a program dedicated to supporting women in food business. They also discuss societal and personal challenges they’ve experienced as women in the industry. Hopefully with more conversations like this we will strive to #breakthebias and continue to grow the number of women in the food manufacturing sector in the prairies and across Canada!
Episode 4: Calculating Product Cost Pt 2 with Taheera Fidaali & Dalia Kohen
Taheera is back and joined by AWESOME member and founder of Wild Folk botanical beverages, Dalia Kohen. Dalia is a Calgary based chef and was the owner of The Coup, a very popular ethical vegetarian restaurant, for 15 years. After selling that business in 2020, she has launched her line of gorgeous, alcohol-free, ready-to-drink classic cocktails in a can.
Dalia and Taheera work through the product costing spreadsheet together to help her better understand her costs of production and highlight areas where reductions might be made. Dalia asks great questions that likely pertain to many businesses.
Episode 3: Calculating Product Cost Pt 1
Taheera Fidaali is a Chartered Professional Accountant with 12 years experience in accounting & finance. She runs her own consulting business TULA, CPA where she supports business owners with financial management, taxes and CFO services. Previously, she worked at McCain Foods travelling to many different countries, learning and sharing best practices for product cost management.
In this episode, Taheera explains how to calculate your product cost, some key expense areas to watch out for and how this information is important for determining the price of your product. Plus as a bonus we are linking a product costing exercise and template spreadsheet you can access to practice on your own business.
Episode 2: Strategic Messaging and Key Business Relationships Pt 2
Daria is back to walk through the exercise discussed in the previous episode with Awesome member, and entrepreneur Grace Clark. Grace is the co-owner of Nutrimeals, a Calgary based meal prep company that delivers fresh, healthy, and delicious pre-made meals delivered across Alberta and directly to your door. Her business is making it possible for healthy meals and convenience to co-exist.
Listen in on this coaching call between Daria and Grace and take some time to apply the lessons to your own business to clarify your messaging.
Episode 1: Strategic Messaging and Key Business Relationships Pt 1
We are honored to have had Daria Malin of Boost Strategic Coaching and author of Hands-On Marketing; The Small Business-Owner’s Guide to Advertising & Branding as our first guest on the podcast.
In this episode, Daria shares her approach to developing clear, concise messaging that is tailored to the different relationships that are key to your business. We discuss messaging to the end customer as an obvious key stakeholder but what about other groups such as suppliers and retailers?
