The Brand is Female

In the second episode of our special PWHL mini-series presented by GoodLife Fitness, we explore the careers of two standout athletes, both Olympic Gold Medalists in women’s hockey and both professional hockey players: PWHL Ottawa Goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer and Genevieve Lacasse, Manager, Corporate Sponsorships & Sales for PWHL. In this conversation, we dive into the couple’s views on the significance of the inaugural PWHL season and what its creation means for women in sports. Join us as we discuss their journeys, triumphs, and the bond they share in the world of hockey. Emerance Maschmeyer, known for her collegiate career at Harvard and a 29-save performance in the 2015 NCAA National Collegiate Women's Ice Hockey Tournament, has also made her mark internationally. She earned gold at the IIHF Women's World Championship and the Winter Olympics and now plays for Ottawa as a goalie in the Professional Women's Hockey League.Geneviève Lacasse, a former goaltender for the Canada women's national hockey team, is a two-time Clarkson Cup winner and an Olympic and IIHF World Championships Gold Medalist. After retiring from professional hockey in September, she joined the PWHL front office, continuing her dedication to the sport.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

In this episode, we’re shining a light on the co-founders behind Jems, a non-toxic condom company with gender-inclusive packaging and language, Whitney Geller and Yasemin Emory.Yasemin and Whitney, who by then had already been operating their own design agency, noticed a gap in the market while searching for contraception options between their pregnancies. The condom aisle lacked appeal due to its outdated packaging and language – the category was targeting straight men only, with products that hadn’t been updated in decades, and left women and gay folks out of the conversation altogether. As a result, they embarked on a mission to revolutionize the industry. Jems isn't just about condoms; it's a platform for expansive education, sparking conversations on everything from sexual health to love, power, and beyond. With a commitment to simplicity and transparency, Jems is normalizing safer sex with condoms that are healthier and cater to everyone’s needs.In this episode, we'll hear from Whitney and Yasemin about their journey into the industry, the challenges they've faced, and their vision for the future of sexual wellness. Here is our conversation. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

The first conversation in our special PWHL series, presented by GoodLife Fitness, is with Emma Maltais, a standout forward for PWHL Toronto and a key player for Canada's national women's ice hockey team.In her debut PWHL season, Emma Maltais tallied 19 points (that’s 4 goals and 15 assists) in 24 games, tying for the scoring lead among rookies and finishing seventh overall in league scoring. Her 15 assists led all rookies and tied for the overall league lead, showcasing her exceptional playmaking abilities. Emma was instrumental in Toronto's penalty kill unit, contributing to its league-best 91.8% success rate and scoring the first-ever 'jailbreak' shorthanded goal in PWHL history​. If, like us, you don’t speak hockey and are not entirely sure what that means, just know that her outstanding performance earned her a nomination for the PWHL Rookie of the Year award.Beyond the PWHL, Emma has already had a brilliant international hockey career. She won a gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics with Team Canada and has secured multiple gold medals at the IIHF Women's World Championships. She also played a vital role in Canada's silver medal finishes at the 2023 World Championships and the World U18 Championships.Emma’s journey to the top was not without its challenges. Growing up, she often played on all-male teams, including in the Junior league, which helped hone her skills and toughness on the ice. Emma’s achievements in both the PWHL and for Canada on the international stage underscore her talent, determination, and growing influence in women's hockey, making her an inspiring figure for athletes and fans alike. Here is our conversation.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

This episode highlights a true pioneer when it comes to science-forward skincare that transforms everyday life. JJ Walsh founded Formula Fig, inspired by her rich background in the world of fashion and experiential design. She began her career working under the British editor Isabella Blow at Tatler, eventually becoming a fashion editor herself. JJ’s creative journey included writing for British Vogue and Conde Nast Traveler, later founding her own design firm to work with some of fashion’s most prominent brands. She transitioned her focus to wellness and skincare after relocating to Vancouver, establishing Formula Fig in 2019, a skincare company known for its luxurious facial bars offering high-tech facials, vitamin shots, and clean beauty products, all in an inviting and aesthetically pleasing environment.Her mission with Formula Fig is to make expert skincare accessible through innovative, design-led experiences. Uniquely female-founded and operated, Formula Fig emphasizes community, design, and service, helping customers #GiveAFig about their skin. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

This episode spotlights a fascinating succession story, featuring Andreea Crisan, who’s become a leader in the transportation industry, a space where women tend to be under-represented to say the least.From the age of 11, Andreea worked in some capacity or another alongside her father, navigating the challenges of immigration and unemployment to ultimately see him establish Andy Transport. After her business studies, Andreea chose to eventually take over the role of CEO from her father, expanding the company’s operations and diversifying its business units. Today, Andy Transport has one of North America's Top 250 largest fleets and earned recognition as one of Canada's fastest-growing companies.As President and CEO, Andreea carries forward a legacy of excellence and empowerment, guided by the wisdom imparted by her father. Through her example, she inspires others to embrace curiosity, embrace uncertainty, and pursue their passions with courage and conviction. There are so many amazing businesses in need of a good succession in Canada, and we hope this conversation inspires you to consider this model as an option, whether you’re a new entrepreneur looking for a fresh project, or an established one, looking for a successor. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Felicia Snyder is Co-Founder of arcana - a literal sanctuary in the hospitality industry that offers guests, specifically those living in cities, a transformative space to reconnect with nature and themselves.Located in the woods just under two hours northwest of Toronto, arcana is a hidden retreat featuring mystical mirrored cabins that seamlessly blend with the environment year-round. Once guests book, they are given the precise location, granting access to this wellness hideaway. Each cabin includes a queen bed, kitchenette, private fire pit, sauna, and access to 15 kilometers of marked trails.With a background in corporate leadership and growth, Felicia's journey to entrepreneurship has been nothing short of remarkable, including as a founding executive of cannabis brand Tokyo Smoke, which was acquired by Canopy Growth in 2018. Inspired by her maternity leave experience, Felicia seized the opportunity to create arcana where she not only reimagines hospitality but also champions sustainable design and responsible business practices. Her dedication to environmental preservation extends beyond the walls of arcana, as she continues to advocate for sustainable living and innovation in her community.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

This special episode features an engaging conversation with Anick Beaulieu, the CEO of C2 Montréal, a premier annual event that draws over 5,000 participants from more than 60 countries and 30 industries. As C2 Montréal prepares for its 13th edition from May 21-23, 2024, this internationally acclaimed forum will spotlight entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity again. Over 100 global experts will convene for more than 40 conferences, labs, and coaching sessions, fostering transformative discussions that extend beyond the three-day experience.Anick Beaulieu, with her entrepreneurial background, leads the C2 Montréal team in orchestrating impactful conversations and building lasting partnerships with industry leaders worldwide. Her efforts have significantly enhanced the event's global standing.Deeply embedded in Montreal's business community, Anick is a staunch advocate for innovation and serves on the board of directors of Zú, an incubator for creative entrepreneurs founded by Cirque du Soleil's Guy Laliberté.Tune in to hear Anick's insights on driving innovation, building international networks, and the future of entrepreneurial ecosystems.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

As we celebrate Women’s Health Week, we’re exploring the topic of sexual wellness in this episode, featuring a visionary leader, Victoria Lyons. Victoria is the founder and CEO of Slipp, a groundbreaking condom company challenging the status quo and empowering all individuals to prioritize their sexual health.Victoria's journey into the world of sexual wellness began when she noticed a glaring gap in the market. While wandering the aisles of drugstores, she couldn't help but notice the lack of products designed with women in mind. Determined to change the narrative, Victoria embarked on a mission to create a condom brand that not only prioritizes safety but also embraces pleasure and empowerment for all.Fueled by her passion for reproductive rights and a desire to challenge outdated norms, Victoria launched Slipp. Since then, the brand has gained momentum, sparking important conversations and shifting paradigms around safe sex. But for Victoria, Slipp is more than just a business—it's a movement towards inclusivity, education, and self-care, allowing us to redefine the conversation around condoms and sexual health. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

In this episode, we're diving into the world of holistic nutrition and entrepreneurship with a visionary in the field, Kate Taylor Martin. Kate is the founder and CEO of Nutbar, a Toronto-based healthy cafe redefining the concept of on-the-go nourishment.Kate's journey into the realm of holistic nutrition began during her time working in PR at a Toronto hospital. Struck by the fragility of health, she embarked on a journey to explore the healing potential of food and nutrition. This passion led her to enroll in the Institute of Holistic Nutrition, where she discovered the power of superfoods. She then found her calling: to educate and inspire people to feel their best through wholesome, nourishing foods.Fuelled by her newfound knowledge and a desire to revolutionize the coffee shop experience, Kate conceptualized Nutbar. Her vision was to replace the typical sugary, processed foods with delicious alternatives packed with nutrients and flavour. Since opening its doors in 2016, Nutbar has blossomed into a thriving enterprise, boasting multiple locations and a growing line of consumer packaged goods, including innovative products like their frozen nut milk launch.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Would you let go of your career in a cushy Government position to risk it all for your true passion? And what if you had children? Well, this is exactly what Rachel Fox did when she launched Renard & Co, a sought-after interior design company based in Toronto. Rachel has been a trailblazer in the home décor industry even before launching Renard & Co. Her vision when it comes to contemporary design caught the eye of publications like House & Home, and of several prominent homeowners in the GTA. With Renard & Company's evolution from a dynamic startup to an established industry reference, Rachel faces a new landscape of challenges and breakthroughs. This week on 'The Brand is Female,' I invite you to hear Rachel Fox share her journey and talk about the ups and downs of running a services business that still very much depends on her. If you’re a solopreneur or a founder in a creative industry, you will especially enjoy this one. Here is our conversation.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale