ONSIDE Impact
ONSIDE’s Start Now Incubator is making real impact in the lives and businesses of entrepreneurs across Canada.
Leitha Haysom (Resolves Composites), Heather Stewart (Knitten While Sittin), Amna Burki (Stories Matter), and Antony Josephine Snowfy share their experiences with the Start Now Incubator!
ONSIDE Women Entrepreneurs Spotlight
Gabrieli (Gabi) Campanaro, founder of The Pop Yard in Windsor, Ontario, grew her confidence and leadership through ONSIDE: Start Now Incubator programs, gaining clarity and tools to build a community-driven market and events initiative that creates inclusive spaces for women-led and newcomer small businesses.
Kathleen Cerrer, founder of Soft Minimal Wellness in Vancouver, BC, gained clarity, confidence, and structure through ONSIDE’s Start Now Incubator, helping her turn an idea into a market-ready wellness brand. Today, Soft Minimal Wellness offers simple, intentional tools that support women in navigating overwhelm, building mindful routines, and feeling less alone through community-driven wellness.
Dalene, CEO of Networking Naturally in Halifax, NS, grew her confidence and sharpened her strategic approach through multiple ONSIDE: Start Now Incubator programs. Applying practical tools from workshops on pricing and offer-structuring, she strengthened her referral-based business and saw immediate results. Today, Networking Naturally helps entrepreneurs and professionals build meaningful, trust-based connections.
Chrystal Toop, founder of Blackbird Medicines in Pembroke, Ontario, gained clarity, planning skills, and accountability through ONSIDE: Start Now Incubator’s Mashup Lab program. With this support, she strengthened her goals and momentum, enabling strategic growth and meaningful community connections. Today, Blackbird Medicines promotes healing justice through trauma-informed care, public speaking, educational tools, and workshops that empower individuals and communities navigating grief, loss, and lived experience.
Stacy Kairu, founder of BIPOC Women’s Society in Vancouver, BC, strengthened her leadership and expanded her network through ONSIDE: Start Now Incubator programs. By applying strategies from mentorship, workshops, and advisory support, she clarified her organizational direction and built practical skills in strategy and sustainability. Today, BIPOC Women’s Society provides inclusive, community-centered spaces where BIPOC women connect, learn, and lead, creating meaningful impact in their personal and professional lives.
Anne Laurie, founder and president of TriCoast Education in Hanwell, New Brunswick, gained leadership confidence, pricing clarity, and stronger business foundations through ONSIDE: Start Now Incubator programs. With practical tools and personalized support, she refined her service offerings and learned to clearly communicate the value of her work. Today, TriCoast Education supports speech-language pathologists and resource teachers with early language assessment tools, professional development, and literacy-focused children’s books that help students build strong communication skills.
Alethia Cadore, founder of Mindsilike Consulting & Community Practice INC in Toronto, Ontario, strengthened her leadership confidence, clarified her business model, and built sustainable systems through ONSIDE: Start Now Incubator programs and supports. With access to networking, mentorship, and practical growth tools, she refined her messaging and expanded her reach to better serve underserved communities. Today, Mindsilike provides culturally responsive therapy, wellness programs, and leadership development initiatives that support youth, families, and helping professionals in building resilience, emotional well-being, and community connection.
Margaret Osakwe, founder of Ada Hairitage Braids and Beauty Supply Store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, expanded her network and increased her business visibility through ONSIDE: Start Now Incubator vendor market opportunities. By showcasing her products and services alongside other women entrepreneurs, she gained valuable exposure, built meaningful connections, and learned insights she continues to apply to her growing business. Today, Ada Hairitage operates as a one-stop destination for hair care, braiding, beauty treatments, and specialty products sourced locally and internationally, serving the diverse needs of its community.
Ivy Kwok Chipman, founder of Bake Theory Artisan Bakery in Halifax, Nova Scotia, strengthened her business direction and expanded her reach through ONSIDE’s Start Now Incubator programs and support. With access to practical tools, guidance, and community connections, she refined her offerings and built a brand centered on intentional, health-conscious baking. Today, Bake Theory creates customized, made-to-order pastries that cater to diverse dietary needs, helping individuals and businesses enjoy personalized treats that are both nourishing and beautifully crafted.
Irene Rose Saliendra, founder of Digital Flow Consulting in Halifax, Nova Scotia, strengthened her confidence and foundational business knowledge through ONSIDE’s Start Now Incubator. With practical tools in marketing, SEO, and financial literacy, she gained the clarity to communicate her value and make informed decisions as a founder. Today, Digital Flow Consulting helps organizations streamline sales processes, optimize workflows, and build stronger foundations for sustainable growth.
Juli Bishwokarma, founder of Imagine Diaspora in Atlantic Canada, gained clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of direction through ONSIDE’s programs and community. With access to inclusive spaces, practical tools, and meaningful connections, she refined her vision and built a platform that reflects the lived experiences of immigrant women entrepreneurs. Today, Imagine Diaspora fosters community, shared learning, and support—helping migrant and immigrant women connect, grow, and navigate their entrepreneurial journeys with confidence.
Kehinde Ekpudu, founder of Twin Ocean in Calgary, Alberta, strengthened her confidence, expanded her network, and gained practical business insights through ONSIDE’s Start Now Incubator. Through peer learning and expert-led sessions, she discovered new strategies for branding, funding, and growth, helping her move forward with greater clarity and direction. Today, Twin Ocean supports immigrant, Black, and Indigenous communities through culturally rooted, trauma-informed mental health care that empowers individuals to build resilience, confidence, and wellbeing.
Tracy Kwan, founder of Argan Beauty in Halifax, Nova Scotia, strengthened her confidence and sense of belonging through ONSIDE’s community and events. As a newcomer entrepreneur, she found inspiration, connection, and support by engaging with other women founders and learning from their experiences. Today, Argan Beauty offers natural, ethically sourced skincare rooted in Moroccan and French traditions, empowering women through beauty, global craftsmanship, and community-driven impact.
Rebekah Streeter-Rad, founder of Voda Retreats in Halifax, Nova Scotia, strengthened her strategic thinking, confidence, and network through ONSIDE’s events and coaching. With access to new ideas, tools, and meaningful connections, she gained clarity on how to grow her business and take intentional next steps. Today, Voda Retreats creates wellness products and experiences that help people build simple, sustainable self-care habits—supporting individuals and organizations in fostering balance, mindfulness, and everyday wellbeing.
Stephanie Hovey, founder of Allied Therapy in Bedford, Nova Scotia, strengthened her business strategy, confidence, and community outreach through ONSIDE’s programs and events. With practical guidance and support, she refined her approach to growth while staying focused on delivering meaningful impact. Today, Allied Therapy provides collaborative, accessible therapy services—supporting children, adults, and families through integrated, team-based care that empowers long-term wellbeing.
Cinthia Marques, founder of Made With Love by Cinthia, is an artisan baker based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, specializing in authentic Brazilian desserts. Through her connection with the ONSIDE: Start Now Incubator community and the Radiant Voices conference, she has built a business that blends her rich culinary heritage with a passion for community connection. From brigadeiro-filled cakes to delicate macarons, Cinthia’s home-based bakery brings the vibrant flavors and traditions of Brazil to every local celebration.
Meghan Doucette, co-founder and creative director of Lemonade Co. in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, strengthened her professional network and deepened her community ties through ONSIDE: Start Now Incubator events and speaking opportunities. By engaging with a collective of like-minded business owners, she moved past the isolation of entrepreneurship to find a supportive space for sharing experiences and connecting with potential clients. Today, Lemonade Co. serves as a creative partner for non-profits and social impact organizations, providing essential communications strategy, branding, and website design to help mission-driven campaigns connect meaningfully with their audiences.
Rajvir Bee, founder of Brite Bites in Vancouver, British Columbia, strengthened her business acumen and expanded her national network through the ONSIDE: Start Now Incubator programs. By engaging with online resources and collaborative circles of women entrepreneurs, she gained practical sales and marketing skills that surpassed her corporate experience, allowing her to better understand market concepts and formulate a strategic growth plan. Today, Brite Bites operates as an innovative startup in the plant-based sector, developing sustainable, health-conscious consumer packaged goods designed to meet the needs of the modern, wellness-focused market.