small biz love

✨ WELLNESS

@quintescent.ca

We're Noorène and Elya, two sisters dedicated to transporting you on a sensory journey by sharing the exceptional fragrances and unmatched benefits of the finest essential oils from Madagascar, our home country.

For two years, we've proudly provided premium quality, eco-friendly oils while supporting local producers and preserving regional biodiversity. Our effective products are inspired by traditional alternative medicines, a rich cultural heritage we aim to highlight and preserve.

So you get not only high-quality fair trade oils but also a unique touch of tradition, culture and love in every bottle!

✨ WELLNESS

@kaizen

Kai Zen was born to give others the momentum to take the first independent step on their own self-improvement journey, by investing in themselves and giving themselves the means to take care of their mind and body in an aesthetic and sustainable way.

I feel it is my purpose to plant the seed of self-improvement to those in need of guidance, and I did so by creating a brand based on these principles.

✨ LIFESTYLE

@grovecampus

Grove Campus is a lifestyle brand that promotes a movement to take care of yourself & a movement to make the world a better place through community building.

We are creating a world where yoga is a way of life that brings people together and strengthens communities. We are committed to providing high-quality yoga products that support individuals in their practice, but we believe that the true power is to carry the practice off the mat.

Starting a business means the world to me because I want to challenge myself and create a meaningful life, full of opportunities.

✨ LIFESTYLE

@shopvalentina.mtl

Valentina Boutique Cafe is on a mission to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for our customers, whether they're stopping by for a spontaneous shopping spree or enjoying a cozy coffee date with friends. Our boutique and coffee shop have been a lifelong dream, and we're committed to creating an atmosphere that is more than just a fashion store. We strive to help our customers find their confidence and be inspired by our unique pieces. With a focus on quality, we curate a collection that reflects the moments and places we love most, making every visit to Valentina Boutique Café a special and unforgettable experience.

It has always been a dream of mine and that dream turned into a life goal. Valentina is our baby and I want to give all the love possible and have the opportunity to see it grow until it turns into that dream and vision I had when I was 15 years old.

✨ LIFESTYLE

@stressedbutbackwards

Stressed But Backwards is a Montreal-based lunchbox cake company founded by two female entrepreneurs, Kiara and Sarah.

We specialize in creating waste-free, customizable, and Instagram-worthy cakes. Our cakes are perfect for any occasion, big or small, and we believe that every celebration should be celebrated.

We love being a part of your special moments and are passionate about providing delicious, personalized cakes that are not only beautiful but also the perfect size.

Our mission is to spread joy, one cake at a time! Kiara is a master's student studying Speech-Language Pathology, while Sarah is studying law; two Stressed students who turned it backwards and made Desserts!

✨ JEWELRY

@buttercupstudioo_

Buttercup Studio believes in creating unique pieces of jewellery that celebrate individuality and diversity. Each product is handmade with care, using sustainable materials in small batches to ensure quality and reduce environmental impact.

All the jewellery comes with an adjustable chain to ensure size inclusivity, as there is no such thing as one size fits all. All of Buttercup Studio's pieces are handmade to make you smile. With the intention of creating wearable art, each Buttercup Studio piece is crafted using various high-quality beads, locally sourced freshwater pearls, lampwork glass beads, vintage pendants, and gemstones.

Despite the use of premium materials, Buttercup Studio keeps its prices accessible to all.

✨ LIFESTYLE

@olovecakes

Olove Cakes provides gift givers with a desirable and simple solution in the form of delicious and sophisticated olive oil cakes paired with preserved flower arrangements.

One of the beautiful things about starting our business is the opportunity to share our love for olive oil cakes with others. We are inspired by the way food can bring people together, creating cherished memories and building connections. Our cakes are crafted with care, using high-quality ingredients including premium olive oil, to deliver a delightful culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our products. We are dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where our customers feel valued and appreciated.

As a family-owned business, Olove Cakes is deeply rooted in our love for baking and our desire to share our passion with others. We are proud to bring to people the joy of indulging in delicious, handcrafted olive oil cakes that are made with love, and to create lasting memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special moments.

✨ JEWELRY

@patchicollectivejewelry

Patchi Collective was born with a vision to bring beauty, emotions and colour into everyone’s lives.

Born and raised in Brazil, Patricia was always drawn to fashion and beauty. Graduated as a Fashion Designer and with many years of experience in the Retail Management industry, Patricia decided to take her passion one step further and start her own jewelry line. Living in Canada for over 15 years and having all the cultural and fashion backgrounds from Brazil was the perfect combination to start a jewelry business full of soul and colour.

Patricia wanted to integrate her passion for fashion, interior design and travel by mixing stories, memories and beauty within jewelry. Special jewelry pieces bring meaningful connections, they share stories with your loved ones and they bring colour and soul into your everyday life.

Born from a passion to be unique, to make a difference, to be a statement, to be bold, to be feminine, to pursue your dreams and always to believe that the impossible is possible. Patricia hopes to share more than jewelry but also a true lifestyle.

✨ CLOTHING

@holland.designs_

Holland Designs is a Toronto- based brand where fashion and function intersect, and elevated staples are made for the everyday.

Starting with bags and accessories, we have now shifted into a clothing brand prioritizing quality, sustainability and style.

Through a slow-fashion production model, our sustainably-made garments are crafted with ethics and intention.

From fabric sourcing to working through sample iterations, everything Holland is designed and manufactured here in Toronto.

We launch cohesive collections, with each capsule including a variety of styling options.

Through a slow-fashion production model, our garments are crafted with ethics and intention, prioritizing quality, sustainability and style.

✨WELLNESS

@coldpowjuice

Coldpow juice came to life in the spring of 2020, thanks to the vision and shared passion for healthy living of Arielle Levine and Elisa Alarie. These inspiring women didn't just start a juice company; they crafted Coldpow from the ground up, with a mission — to make healthy living simple, convenient, and, of course, delicious.

Coldpow is juicing reinvented. Say goodbye to the hassles of traditional juicing. With Coldpow, healthy is made simple. Our juices have a 2-year shelf life, no need for refrigeration, and are made from whole fruits for ultimate convenience and nutrition. Packed with protein, fibre, healthy fats, and functional mushrooms, our blends are both nutrient-rich and affordable.

Launching this business has been an extraordinary journey, filled with challenges and personal growth. Witnessing our brand come to life and collaborating with your best friend has been incredibly rewarding.

✨ LIFESTYLE

@lunamezzastudio

I’m Lauren Mezzaluna, and I'm the founder of Luna Mezza Studio. I started creating with clay about 4 years ago and eventually started posting it online and selling it through Instagram. It wasn't until then that I felt confident in my craft, and created my online website.

I loved creating unique pieces and seeing them being used in people's homes. For over a year, I have been working solely on growing the brand around Luna Mezza Studio, which has allowed me to collaborate with amazing creators.

Luna Mezza Studio is committed to creating unique, handmade functional art that reflects the beauty of the natural world. Luna Mezza’s mission is to provide their customers with high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces that bring joy and beauty to their everyday lives, while also promoting sustainability and supporting local communities.

✨ WELLNESS

@innocereyoga

Inoocere yoga's mission is to help you move in the direction of your gifts through conscious movement and meditation.

For me yoga wasn't about starting a business, it was about moving in the direction of my gifts. And the desire to share this healing practice with others.

Despite the challenges of starting and running a small business, I would not hesitate to do it all over again. It's been a blessing.

✨ JEWELRY

@cucharajewelry

Friends and collaborators Edi Cañedo and Chloé Li-Chapman were inspired to build CUCHARA for people who go beyond the basic.

Working in precious metals and stones, both co-founders understand their customer is someone who is culturally savvy, who loves to explore new ideas, and who isn’t satisfied with the mainstream.

While luxury is front and centre, the brand is grassroots, built from the ground up. While the pair are very invested in the community, they know CUCHARA is destined to go global.

CUCHARA’s designs are inspired by Toronto’s creative community, places Cañedo and Li-Chapman have loved, and Rihanna.

✨ COACH

@soulbynell

Hey, I’m Ornella! I’m a Life Alignment Coach!

My mission is to guide people to reconnect with who they truly are, build the lives they deeply desire and pursue their soul’s desire. I want people to live a life deeply true to them.

I am passionate about what I do because it has been my personal journey to pursue what sets my soul on fire and having the honor to guide my clients through their journeys is the most fulfilling personal and business mission for me! I love seeing my clients grow into who they really are.

✨ JEWELRY

@nishipearls

As 4th generation jewellers, our founders Alique and Arka grew up in the world of jewelry, seeing parents and grandparents from both sides of their family travelling the world in search of the most unique pieces and the best quality materials. carefully creating and curating collections for their customers.

With family-owned pearl farms and a naturally acquired legacy of skilled artistry, it was only natural for Alique and Arka to launch Nishi Pearls. The brand was founded with a three-fold objective: to reinvent pearl jewelry while offering high-quality and conscious jewelry at fair prices.

We create approachable, luxury jewelry featuring real pearls and ethical materials designed to reflect versatility and creativity, all while supporting meaningful initiatives that deliver lasting results.

✨ WELLNESS

@elleandjane

Elle & Jane is a female-owned, result-driven skin studio that specializes in natural facial treatments. Our mission is to make skincare more accessible to our community by creating a safe environment to learn and chat about skincare!

Having a passion for clean beauty and seeing a void in the market; Gracie and Casey brought their dream of opening an all-natural beauty “one-stop shop” to life in 2019.

With the launching of Elle & Jane All Natural Spa and Lifestyle Boutique in the Little Burgundy borough of Montreal, it’s never been easier to realize your clean beauty goals.

✨ CLOTHING

@tripinglh

Upcycling fabrics & products is an eco-friendly art, it’s unique, stylish, forgiving and sustainable. It's about giving an existing product another chance and this is why TripingLH exists.

The idea bloomed during a chaotic time, I was finalizing my affairs in Dubai and moving to Montreal. I was also getting married and it was almost the beginning of COVID.

For me Upcycling fabrics & products is an eco-friendly art, it’s unique, stylish, forgiving and sustainable. It's about giving an existing product another chance instead of creating one from scratch.

It's very special to be an entrepreneur. The best moment is when one of my creations finds a new owner, the reactions my client has when they try it on for the first time and how much they love it fills my heart with happiness and pride.

I must say being an entrepreneur is not easy, it requires a lot of energy, consistency, and patience. If you believe and love what you are doing, it is all worth it.

✨ JEWELRY

@bloomjewelry.ca

My family is a huge part of my story. Coming from three generations in the industry, I'm deeply connected to the world of jewelry.

When my late grandmother left me with a message to “smile and the world will smile back”, I knew I needed to create something to spread positivity and love. That’s why I started Bloom.

At Bloom, we believe that just like every flower is beautiful in its own way, every woman is beautiful in her own way too. That's why we create timeless jewelry that empowers women and brings joy to their everyday.

Each piece is handcrafted with the finest materials and designed in-house to reflect your unique style and personality so that you can shine and bloom wherever life plants you.

✨ WELLNESS

@gentlehomme

At Gentlehomme, our mission is to revolutionize men's skincare and cosmetics by formulating high-quality products with specific ingredients tailored to their taste and skin. Starting this business means the world to me because I am passionate about providing men with the opportunity to take care of their skin and enhance their overall well-being.

As a licensed esthetician, I am committed to creating the right products for men, as numerous options are already available for women.

We believe in the power of luxury and strive to offer the highest beauty products that cater to men's unique needs.

Our formulations are crafted with utmost care, ensuring the finest quality for your skin, face, and body. With our modern and timeless designs, packaged in exclusive matte finish containers, your bathroom cabinet will exude a masculine and sophisticated aesthetic.

Experience the transformative effects of Gentlehomme cosmetics, which provide invisible coverage with visible results, instantly improving your skin's smoothness and texture. Join us on this journey as we redefine men's grooming and empower men to embrace self-care confidently and pridefully.

✨ ART

@artist.missk

Always inspired by pop art and in awe of Ben, Andy Warhol and Mr. Brainwash as artist, I decided to start painting and launch Miss K.

My creations are glitters, colours, sequins and cartoons. I like working with materials, making my own collages, I like mixing colours to create new ones, I like the magic of creation.

Dressing up your walls is my passion.

✨ LIFESTYLE

@crystalvoyd

Welcome to Crystal Voyd, your source for exquisite crystals and spiritual spells. Founded by an ambitious 18-year-old entrepreneur who started her journey at the age of 16, we are proud to bring you a curated selection of handpicked crystals from various locations, both locally and from her native country of Colombia.

At Crystal Voyd, our commitment extends beyond providing exceptional products. We are dedicated to promoting ethical practices in the crystal industry. We prioritize sustainable sourcing and support fair trade principles to ensure that every crystal is obtained with integrity and respect for both the environment and the communities involved.

We believe in the power of connection and community. As a small business, we strive to build relationships with our customers, providing personalized attention and expert guidance.

Our team is dedicated to helping you select the perfect crystals and spiritual tools that align with your intentions and needs. Thank you for joining us on this crystal journey.

We invite you to explore our collection, connect with us, and experience the transformative power of crystals. Together, let us embrace the beauty, energy, and wisdom that these remarkable gifts from the Earth offer.

✨ LIFESTYLE

@theyegiproject

The Yegi Project is a podcast and platform curated for those who aim to live happily and fulfilled lives in all aspects - relationships, careers, mental health, personal development & more.

Initially created to help others become entrepreneurs, it has developed into a platform that discusses and explores everything that can affect our success and happiness.

We believe that the world would be a much better place if every single person did what they loved for work and felt fulfilled in their personal lives.

We believe that The Yegi Project, by helping one person at a time get there, can help change the world into that direction.

Our mission is to use The Yegi Project platform to influence & lead others to do what they love & live happy and fulfilled lives.

✨ LIFESTYLE

@behindthegirlboss

There's a lot that goes into building a business. But there's even more that goes into building a girl boss.

Join Amanda while she dives into conversations with successful business owners, social media content creators and much more.

This podcast means everything to me, as I love being able to give women from all walks of life a platform to share their journeys with the world.

Connecting with people I never thought I'd have the chance to connect with has been such a memorable experience. Everyone deserves to share their story. 

✨ AGENCY

@rrmarketingagencyy

At RR Marketing, we aim to empower small companies with unique and innovative branding solutions that inspire and engage their audiences.

We believe that every business deserves a distinctive identity that reflects its values and vision, and we're passionate about bringing that identity to life through creative design and marketing strategies.

We're more than just a design and marketing agency - we're a partner in your brand's success. We work closely with our clients to understand their goals, target market, and competitive landscape, and we tailor our services to suit their specific needs and preferences.

From logo design to business cards, posters, and advertisements, we offer a comprehensive range of branding products that showcase your business in the best possible light.

At RR, we're committed to excellence in everything we do. We're always on the lookout for new trends and ideas, and we're not afraid to take risks and push boundaries to help our clients stand out.

We're passionate about what we do and dedicated to delivering outstanding results that exceed our client's expectations.

✨ ENTREPRENEURSHIP

@abidewithpeace

If you're looking for more peace in your business, you've found it! Whether you need a strategic plan to get started, are looking for a trusted group of specialized contractors to outsource to, or are just in need of some community and encouragement, ABIDE has everything you need.

Hang out with us on The Peaceful Entrepreneur Podcast where together, we're finding peace in the process of everyday business ownership by changing how we think and what we do. We chat about common struggles for entrepreneurs and tackle how to respond to them in a peaceful way.

Take the practical step to have more peace in your business by meeting with us to create a strategic plan, or hiring us to take care of any specialized or time-consuming tasks that you want to hand off. We have the pros in all the creative marketing arenas -- video and podcast editing, web design, copywriting, graphic design, and more!

✨ BEAUTY

@laidandlashedd

Laid and Lashed was created with the intention of empowering women through eyelash services. We offer a variety of different techniques and styles to best suit your eyes.

Our mission is to create beautiful, high-quality sets while maintaining the health of the natural lashes as the top priority. At Laid and Lashed you can expect a premium service every time. How we offer that is with quality products, 100% customizable sets and excellent customer service.

✨ AGENCY

@thedeependagency

The Deep End Agency is a content marketing agency aimed at early-stage fintech founders. Originally founded due to my background in copywriting, we’ve built some amazing strategies and helped transform our clients’ results!

We believe in the importance of words, and our mission is to help passionate founders communicate their businesses better.

We focus on helping our clients with services like copywriting, content strategy, and especially building blogs with growth content and SEO practices.

✨ COMMUNITY EVENTS

@mycreativebreak

We are Linda and Kim and our mission is to bring creativity, connection and fun to your everyday lives so that you can break away from your routines, learn new things, join a supportive community that motivates you to push yourselves to do things you've always wanted to do, relax and grow. We do this through creative workshops, interactive city walks, networking events, retreats and team building programs. We use creative exercises, improv techniques and group challenges in all of these to help people bond, learn and discover their true potential.

My Creative Break started as a passion project. After meeting at an improv class, we both took sabbaticals. Linda was then an overworked and unhappy accountant. The improv classes helped her become less shy and say "yes, and" to challenges. She pushed her boundaries, moved to Paris for a year and achieved her dream of writing and producing a short film.

After coming back to Montreal from what we called our creative breaks, we both felt rejuvenated, learned a lot, and became more creative, meaning better at working, leading, adapting, innovating and seeing things through different points of views. We said “everyone should feel this way!” Everything we do is designed to make you feel like you've taken a sabbatical. You'll immerse yourself in a new environment, meet new people (or get to know your team/group better) and try new things that will help you say "yes, and" and grow.

✨ ENTERTAINMENT

@theatre.sainte_catherine

Located in the heart of Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles, Théâtre Sainte-Catherine is a cultural destination known for its diversity of arts and artists coming together.

Under the supervision of the organization Le Nouveau International, it showcases theatre plays, music performances, original comedies, and stand-up shows almost every evening of the week. It is also a venue that hosts numerous independent and professional productions, cabaret nights, as well as performances as part of various festivals.

For over a decade, Théâtre Sainte-Catherine Café-Bar has been home to the oldest free improvisation workshop in Montreal: Sunday Night Improv. In 2012, we introduced Les Lundis d'impro, dedicated to French-language improvisation.

During the day, the theater swaps its show seats for large work tables, welcoming students, businesspeople, rehearsing actors, and more.

✨ WELLNESS

@yogigyle

If you’re looking to strengthen your mind-body connection and use movement as a tool to release stagnant energy, Yogigyle is for you. I’m Avigyle, A TLV-based yoga instructor sharing my practice with the hope of inspiring others to tune inwards and live a life infused with elevated states of gratitude, balance, and joy.

I teach alignment-based Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga with creative sequences that I mould to each individual’s specific goals, allowing everyone to recognize and develop their unique potential. As a student, I have one goal: to continuously work toward aligning with my truest, deepest self while creating a space that supports the growth of my body, mind, and spirit. As a teacher, my intention is to lead you in the same direction.

My private and group yoga classes offer a sacred space for practitioners of all levels to connect with their most empowered selves. Yoga is my favorite way to meet new people, so please reach out if you’re interested in joining the flow. Looking forward to connecting!

✨ HOSPITALITY

@hospitalitymtl

Welcome, I'm Caitlin, and I'm thrilled to be the founder of HospitalityMTL!

We're the life of the party, providing top-of-the-line service staff for private events and gatherings across the Greater Montreal region. Whether you're throwing down in the comfort of your own home, renting a swanky locale, or taking the festivities outside, we've got your back.

Our team of professionals is equipped to bartend, serve, clean up, and tackle all hosting tasks, ensuring your event is a memorable one. So, sit back, relax, and let our enthusiastic and professional team handle the rest!

✨ BEAUTY

@touchradiance

The story behind Touch Radiance is deeply rooted in personal experience and a desire to address the challenges faced by individuals with sensitive skin; particularly women of color. We wanted to make a safe and welcoming place where we could assist our community in having healthy skin.

We also wanted this place to be where they could meet others who share their interests, get information about their specific skin issues, and practice self-care. And here we are, we shed light on skin conditions while empowering skincare lovers.

✨ WELLNESS

@kawarthaspiceco

Kawartha Spice Company was born out of necessity after I was diagnosed with Celiac in 2003. I discovered that the commercial curry powder that I was using contained wheat fillers.

I started making my own curry powder, using my mother’s recipe which we made back in Guyana. I look at this as a journey that started decades ago and always brings back good memories of my mother and I working together as we washed the spices, dried them in the sun, and manually grinding them to make what I now call the Guyanese Curry Powder, which is our Signature Blend.

I shared my curry powder with relatives and friends who enjoyed the aromatic and delicious flavour of freshly made curry powder. My passion for cooking, my obsession with spices, and the desire to share everything gluten-free with others were the driving forces behind founding Kawartha Spice Co.

Kawartha Spice Company manufactures spice blends and seasonings in Peterborough, Ontario. All of our spices and herbs are gluten-free, salt-free, Non-GMO, and Vegan, selected for their premium quality. The spices and herbs are a substitute for salt and accentuate flavours.