Growing up, Whitney Westwood’s family retreats to their home in the South of France not only offered her a picturesque backdrop but also shaped her essence of style and comfort, marked in part by the omnipresence of linen. From an early age, Whitney was steeped in a culture of travel, design, and the art of living well, walking through the cobblestone streets of Southern Europe and basking in the atmosphere and people of Cannes and St Tropez. It was this lifestyle—marked by its effortless...

When they realized that the average garment gets worn 7 times before being tossed and the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global greenhouse emissions, Justine and Kendall Barber, co-founders of Poppy Barley, a Canadian slow fashion company focused on quality, sustainability and ethical production decided to create a new kind of luxury in fashion. And that they did — today, the brand is thriving and meeting the needs of consumers in search of responsible accessories. Kendall has...

Meredith Shaw, recently appointed co-host of Breakfast Television, is a multitalented personality with a passion for inclusivity. Her diverse professional background spans broadcasting, music, and fashion, and Meredith's journey is a testament to breaking barriers and creating transformative conversations. This week, we re-air this conversation with Meredith, where you’ll learn about her extensive career, from singer-songwriter to her life-changing role in radio, and how she's captivating...

Isabelle Hudon has consistently shattered expectations and proven skeptics wrong throughout her impressive career in the corporate world. As the President and CEO of BDC since August 2021, the first woman to occupy the role, Isabelle has not only held jobs that many doubted were within reach but has also excelled in them, leaving a trail of achievements from her time as Ambassador of Canada to France to her leadership roles at Sun Life Financial. Isabelle's tenure at BDC is marked by her...

This week, my guest is Tiffany Callender, a community developer and social entrepreneur whose work has profoundly impacted Montreal's Black community over her 16-year career. As the youngest female Executive Director of one of Quebec's oldest Black organizations, Tiffany was named among the 100 most influential people of African descent under 40 in 2020. In 2021, she spearheaded the creation of the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) for which she is CEO, where she set up the $160...

Kelsey Irvine is part of the mother/two-daughters trio behind Birch Babe, a Canadian skincare brand that's making waves in the natural beauty industry. Kelsey's career is a blend of creativity, commitment to sustainability, and a keen eye for storytelling. With a background in commercial advertising and documentary directing, she has a unique ability to craft content that looks good and connects on an emotional level. Kelsey isn't just about making things look pretty; she's deeply invested in...

In March 2020, Halifax-based Kerry Maher's world turned upside down with the closure of her restaurant. Facing uncertainty, she was inspired by her mother's question, "Now what?" Opting for action, Kerry reached out on Facebook Live, unsure if anyone would join her for a workout. Leveraging her background as a Golf Pro and Fitness Instructor, Kerry’s leap of faith sparked an incredible journey. From her living room to her garage, Kerry has built a daily ritual where more than 200 women gather...

Creating a successful business is a formidable journey on its own, but what happens when you have to let go of it because your life is unravelling at the seams? This guest has a remarkable story to share, so good that we are re-airing a recent episode featuring Alli Webb, the visionary founder behind Drybar, whose iconic blowouts have graced the locks of Hollywood's elite, from Zooey Deschanel to Julia Roberts. Alli's achievements are nothing short of astonishing. She's been celebrated in...

Robyn Wishart, a Vancouver-based personal injury lawyer, has been a force for change in the legal industry since 2001. At Wishart Brain and Spine Law LLP, she tackles complex injury and insurance cases AND challenges the industry's status quo. Wishart has leveraged her early experiences, including representing insurers like Lloyds of London, to advocate for her clients with a blend of tenacity and innovative legal strategies. Wishart brings a unique perspective to the practice of law. Her...

With over 15 years of experience in the startup ecosystem and a Harvard Master’s degree, Maggie Adhami-Boynton has reshaped the luxury goods shopping experience with ShopThing. Launched in 2019, the first-of-its-kind live video marketplace in North America has made luxury goods more accessible, gaining the largest social commerce audience in the world.  Behind the scenes, as ShopThing CEO, Maggie actively fosters diversity and inclusivity in the predominantly male-dominated tech field. Her...

In the United States, a mere 5% of plastic is recycled, with projections from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation suggesting that, by 2050, the oceans could contain more plastic than fish. Against this backdrop, the environmental toll of single-use plastic is increasingly recognized. In response to this challenge, Anastasia Kiku, Co-Founder of Reusables.com and BC Business’ Youth Entrepreneur of the Year for 203, has spearheaded the development of a container tracking platform designed to...

Dana Ben David is Co-Founder and Creative Director of Healthybud, a brand reinventing the pet wellness category focusing on functional treats, meal-toppers and healthy and nutritional food for dogs. The Montreal-based company is leveraging superfoods that are usually more familiar to humans than dogs, such as ashwagandha, goji berries, or reishi medicinal mushrooms. A multi-passionate professional, Dana has an interesting background that gave her the knowledge she needed to start her company...

If you’re a woman in business, you're probably well aware of the crucial role branding plays in commercial success. Often, however, the conversation around branding is dominated by male voices. Today, we're shifting the spotlight to a woman making waves in the industry. Meet Ana Andjelic, a brand executive who earned her stripes transforming brands for marketing giants such as Banana Republic and Rebecca Minkoff. She has been recognized as one of Forbes’s Most Influential CMOs, and today, she...

The beauty market is saturated, and it takes courage and vision to launch a new brand within the industry. A few years ago, such a visionary stepped onto the scene, changing the landscape with her unique approach. Haley Bogaert, an entrepreneur with over 15 years of hands-on experience in the beauty business, known for her expertise in all things eyebrows, founded HBFace inspired by her vision for a different beauty studio experience. HBFace reflects Haley's vision: chic, fresh, and inviting....

In this episode, you'll hear an inspiring conversation with Leanne Citrone, a trailblazer in the hair and beauty industry turned Co-Founder of UDEA Wellness, as she shares her transformative journey and insights into holistic wellness. Leanne's profound experience in the hair and beauty domain allowed her to connect deeply with women from diverse backgrounds. Recognizing the common thread among their stories — a shared desire for betterment, visibility, and balance amidst life's demands — she...

This week, join us on an enlightening journey with Kasey Crown and Jakki Leonardini, the visionary co-founders of WellSoul—a dynamic wellness education company designed to guide individuals toward profound healing and self-discovery. Kasey, a Transpersonal psychotherapist and wellness educator, challenges traditional mental health paradigms, advocating for a balanced integration of scientific and spiritual perspectives. With over a decade of experience in facilitating healing for individuals...

In today's episode, we delve into the inspirational journey of Lexi Miles Corrin, Founder and CEO of WAXON Laser + Waxbar — an inclusive beauty and wellness brand dedicated to fostering confidence in one's skin. For over a decade, Lexi has championed the vision of helping everyone embrace their confidence through WAXON. Beginning with the flagship location in Toronto, Ontario, she established a robust franchise platform, providing a pathway for women to realize their entrepreneurial...

Meet Alexis Eizinas, the creative force behind Silvering, North America's trailblazing beauty brand designed specifically for naturally silvering hair. With over 30 years in the fashion and beauty industry, including a decade as an international model, Alexis transformed her personal quest for silver hair care into an innovative brand. Inspired by her mother's confidence in rocking silver hair during the 1980s and her own journey navigating beauty standards, Alexis is on a mission to redefine...

Welcome back to The Brand Is Female Podcast! In this episode, our host Eva Hartling unravel the extraordinary journey of Vivian McCormick, the innovative mind behind Wilet, a pioneering Canadian retailer revered for its exquisite 100% European linen bedding and home essentials. Beyond the realms of commerce, Vivian's narrative embodies resilience and transformation. A former lawyer turned community-builder and trusted advisor, her entrepreneurial spirit thrives in reshaping the landscape of...

In this week's episode, we explore the riveting journey of Alli Webb, the brilliant mind behind Drybar, a venture that skyrocketed to success, gracing the tresses of celebrities like Zooey Deschanel, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Julia Roberts. Amidst the accolades from Fast Company, Fortune, Marie Claire, and Inc., and a bestselling book, Alli faced the unseen challenges of her personal life. As her marriage unraveled, her son entered rehab, and her once-thriving business lost its luster, Alli found...

In this special episode, we're privileged to host two extraordinary guests whose bold pursuit of artistic expression and activism has resonated globally. Both members of the renowned Russian art collective, protest group, and punk band, Pussy Riot, Masha Alyokhina and Diana Burkot have fearlessly ignited discussions and taken a stand for freedom, justice, and unbridled creativity in the face of adversity. Masha Alyokhina, having faced severe repercussions for her political activism, endured...

MMH Blockchain Group CEO Emma Todd's pioneering role as a woman of colour on two publicly traded boards in Canada in 2022 marks a significant milestone in the tech industry. As a board member of the Canadian Blockchain Consortium (CBC), Emma has collaborated with major global financial institutions, including JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, and HSBC. Her impactful speeches at venues like the Parliament in Ottawa and the United Nations Headquarters, along with recognition in prestigious...

Meredith Shaw, the new host of Breakfast Television, is a trailblazer with a passion for inclusivity. With a diverse background spanning broadcasting, music, and fashion, Meredith's journey is a testament to breaking barriers and creating transformative conversations. In this episode, we delve into Meredith's multifaceted career, from her time as a singer-songwriter to her pivotal role in radio. Discover how she's captivating audiences every morning as she wakes up the nation with her...

Lara Murphy is the Owner and President of Ryan Murphy Construction Inc. in Calgary, which proudly stands as the only female-owned commercial construction firm in the city. Lara’s cooperative approach has played a pivotal role in its rapid growth and national recognition. With a track record of managing multi-million-dollar projects in corporate, commercial, health care, and residential construction, her leadership is all about transparency and effective communication. Publications like...