ONSIDE Entrepreneur Spotlight: A Conversation with Gabi
Gabrieli (Gabi) Campanaro is the founder of The Pop Yard, a vibrant, community-driven business based in Windsor, Ontario. A participant in ONSIDE programs during 2024–2025, Gabi is passionate about building inclusive spaces where creativity, connection, and opportunity can grow—especially for women and newcomer entrepreneurs.
We recently connected with Gabi to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey and how ONSIDE’s programs supported her leadership growth and business direction. On this page, you can explore Gabi’s experience with our programs and the impact they’ve had on her work and community.
The Impact: Leadership & Clarity
“ The most meaningful result was the transformation in my leadership. ONSIDE equipped me with the tools to confidently make decisions and articulate my business's vision. This journey allowed me to step into a more authentic version of myself as a founder, making this a truly inspiring success story. This personal and professional growth has directly influenced how I build partnerships. It guides me in creating spaces that genuinely reflect our community's needs. I also learned a crucial lesson: there is no "one-size-fits-all" in entrepreneurship. Not every business is for everyone, and that's perfectly okay. The key is to build something intentional, grounded, and aligned with the people we serve. “
This has been such a worthwhile investment in myself. I’d recommend it to anyone.
— Former Customer
What positive results have you seen because of this program or support?
The most meaningful result was the transformation in my leadership. ONSIDE gave me the tools to feel comfortable making decisions, communicating my business's vision, and stepping into a more authentic version of myself as a founder. This growth has directly shaped how I build partnerships and create spaces that truly reflect our community's needs. I also learned that there is no "one-size-fits-all" in entrepreneurship, not every business is for everyone, and that's okay. What matters is building something intentional, grounded, and aligned with the people we serve.
“ONSIDE reminded me that community building and entrepreneurship don't haveto happen alone. With the right support, women founders can create impact that reaches far beyond their businesses.”
— Gabrieli (Gabi) Campanaro
Is there anything else you
would like to add about
your story or business
journey?
My entrepreneurial journey has always been rooted in community. As a newcomer myself, I saw the need for spaces where creativity, culture, and belonging could grow together. That vision became The Pop Yard 4 a place designed to uplift makers, connect communities, and create opportunities for newcomer women to showcase their work and build sustainable pathways for growth, confidence, and economic empowerment. ONSIDE's support came at a time when I was expanding that vision, and it gave me greater clarity, confidence, and direction as I continue building community-driven initiatives.