OV Boss Babes

Kelly Johnson always knew that Bronzed by B would never just be a “beauty business” and she wanted to expand her sunless tanning services by creating a line of products that were free of harsh chemicals and 100% vegan made. And so, she did that and beyond, as she is now busy creating natural bath products for kids and pets!

It was also important for Kelly to build a platform where she could have major impact on the lives of those in her community, working with local organizations and non-profits. Between tan pop up events, product sales and wholesale matching, Bronzed by B donated over $1600 in 2021!

Find out what this unstoppable boss babe all has going on, how her brand is driven by female empowerment, and how community development, collaborations, and partnerships helps both her and other businesses succeed.

As the only women’s shelter and dedicated support services in Lanark County for women of abuse, the Lanark County Interval House and community support has been providing safe and emergency shelter for women since 1979.

It’s more important then ever to ask for help. You should not feel shame or embarrassment. And in 2022, it’s not looked upon as a sign of weakness. It’s seen as a sign of strength.

Holly chats with Marina Watson, who participates on the LCIH Board of Directors, who shares what services and programs the LCIH all offers for women and children, signs to look for if someone close to us is in an abusive relationship, and ways that we as a community can help and get involved to make a difference.

This week’s podcast episode has been sponsored by:

With over 20 years of combined experience in offering counselling, parenting support and information, vocational rehabilitation services, and trauma treatment, Forging Forward counsellors are here to help you move forward in your journey. Reach out for a consultation to reach to a counsellor today (service dog friendly!) https://forgingforward.ca

Pam McNichol is a floral-preneur who initially opened her gift store in downtown Pembroke, which quickly transitioned to a flower shop to serve the floral needs of Ottawa Valley community.  She has since opened her sister store in Barry’s Bay and in 2020, she expanded again and opened up another store in Barrie, Ontario.

Pam shares her 1000 businesses (kind of kidding.. but kind of not), why it’s important to recognize your employee’s own creative outlets and entrepreneurial spirit, the inside scoop as to why you should support your local floral boutique vs. an online flower company, and of course, we talk about the famous Sidney!

This week’s podcast has been sponsored by:

Milano Pizza Petawawa: Browse their menu of Pizza, Wings, Subs, Italian Dishes and of course, Jenny’s famous and delicious cheesecakes! Order your next meal at https://mpetawawa.milanopizzeria.ca

Shop small and local businesses in Madawaska Valley and help support your local community: https://www.madawaskavalley.ca

The City of Pembroke is encouraging everyone to "show your love for local" by exploring new and creative ways to support our small businesses. https://www.pembroke.ca/economic-development/

Book your next tattoo or piercing appointment with one of the fabulous Bombshell ladies in downtown Pembroke ! Email [email protected] to secure your spot!

Allana Robinson is a parenting coach for parents of toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. Through her coaching program; ParentAbility, Allana helps parents understand why their children are misbehaving and how to fix it without yelling, shaming, or time-outs.

ParentAbility has supported over 2,000 parents from over 50 different countries with evidence-based, child-centred behaviour intervention strategies. Allana has been featured on CTV News, today’s parent, global news, the bump, along with many others!

Be sure to also tune into Allana’s podcast, the Mudroom, which features weekly nuggets of parenting wisdom to help you parent your toddlers and preschoolers more effectively, with less effort.

This week’s podcast episode has been sponsored by:

Are you a business operating in the Town of Petawawa? Register your business to Petawawa’s business directory here: https://www.petawawa.ca/business/

Amanda Talker Media is the Ottawa Valley’s most trusted branding expert. Let Amanda help your business grow through social media, photography and brand identity - check out her portfolio at https://amandatalker.media/

To manage your business effectively, you need to know how your business is doing financially. Get your books in order - contact the Ledger Lady in Eganville at 613-628-3773.

Enchante Cosmetic & Medical Aesthetics is a Botox, laser therapy and medical spa that provides you with a natural looking appearance, making you look and feel good in your own skin. Book your next appointment at https://mcaesthetics.ca/linkbio

Shelly Cull is a local baker based out of Deep River that specializes in an assortment of desserts and delicious goods, including cakes, cookies, cake pops, and muffins. She is also well known for her hot chocolate bomb frenzy that is a staple at Christmas time and makes for the perfect stocking stuffer.

Shelly shares about her unexpected journey becoming a full time baker, which baking ingredient that was just as hard to find last year as Lysol wipes, and how local retailers found and approached her to feature her products in their stores!

This week’s podcast episode has been sponsored by:

Labour Market Group Renfrew/Lanark County’s new LMI HelpDesk service is now available on their website to answer your Labour Market Information requests and questions related to occupation outlooks, industry trends, average wages, etc. Access the LMI link here: https://www.algonquincollege.com/renfrewlanark/lmi-helpdesk/

Since Erica and Drew Gilmour opened Hummingbird Chocolate, their chocolate has won more than 100 international awards to date. Their ethical and sustainable bean-to-bar brand is sourced directly from farmers, is better than Fair-Trade prices and is enjoyed by chocolate lovers across Canada.

Hummingbird Chocolate has not only been recognized for their outstanding chocolate but for their business ingenuity, local business collabs and community contributions. Erica divulges the secrets behind their award winning chocolate, where the “Hummingbird” came from, and why branding is so important in chocolate packaging (similarly to our favourite wine labels!)

This week’s podcast episode is sponsored by:

Small Business Centre helps entrepreneurs plannning to open or have an existing business with the information you need to get your business going and keep it running smoothly and profitably. Learn more at https://smallbizcentre.ca

Valley Heartland supports businesses within Lanark County + North Leeds by providing entrepreneurs with access to funding, training and mentorship. Learn more at https://www.valleycfdc.com

Plan Your Visit with the Mississippi Mills Fun Guide. You will find natural, cultural, and heritage assets combined with friendly people, unique shops and amazing restaurants will fill your visit with incredible experiences: https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/explore-and-play/explore-mississippi-mills.aspx

With over 20 years of combined experience in offering counselling, parenting support and information, vocational rehabilitation services, and trauma treatment, Forging Forward counsellors are here to help you move forward in your journey. Reach out for a consultation to reach to a counsellor today (service dog friendly!) https://forgingforward.ca

To say that Deborah Grose has always loved the spirit of Christmas is an understatement. After she was given the initial push to consider attending Santa School in Alberta, Port Perry local Deborah transformed herself into Mrs. S. Claus Canada and has been bringing joy to folks all over Durham Region.


Mrs. S. Claus Canada enjoys meeting and visiting with children, sharing stories about Santa, his elves, the reindeer, and of course, the inside scoop on what goes on at the North Pole.

Deborah’s enchanting and charismatic personality will bring the Christmas spirit out in you, as we dive deep into some fun and interesting questions about Santa, the workshop, what’s Mrs. Clause’s role is at the North Pole, and how she has time to organize, plan and execute the Markham’s Home for the Holidays” Christmas Market!

At 23 years old, Julia Yorke got a circuit creator for her birthday and the creative ideas started to flow from there. From personalized keychains, potted plant holders, tumblers, name plates, wine glass and so much more, Mermoiselle Creations has got you covered.

She may be the new maker on the block but Julia already has joined the Lanark County Makers community by being a vendor at local markets, collaborating with other biz owners and is creating some sweet content with her so relatable reels.

This week’s podcast episode has been sponsored by:

Sweetened by Shelly would love to cater / create desserts for your next event or social gathering. Find her on Facebook and Instagram at Sweetened by Shelly.

Laura Jane Cox always knew she wanted to work with animals, while also helping people make the best choices for their pets. Fast forward to 2021, Laura Jane is the proud owner of Laura Jane’s Pet Food & Supplies, with two locations, one in Perth and the other Carleton Place. She is also the proud recipient of Perth’s 2021 Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award AND the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada’s (PJAC) 2021 Independent Retailer Award.

Hear how Laura Jane opened her business at only 25 years old, why she trusts her staff to oversee the operations at her second location, and why she “doesn’t let the bastards get her down.” 🙌🏻

This week’s episode has been sponsored by:

The Town of Perth has a lot to offer — from recreation and sports to community services, they have it covered. Check out their calendar of events http://calendar.perth.ca/default/Month

Small Business Centre helps entrepreneurs plannning to open or have an existing business with the information you need to get your business going and keep it running smoothly and profitably. Learn more at https://smallbizcentre.ca

Valley Heartland supports businesses within Lanark County + North Leeds by providing entrepreneurs with access to funding, training and mentorship. Learn more at https://www.valleycfdc.com

Amanda Talker Media is the Ottawa Valley’s most trusted branding expert. Let Amanda help your business grow through social media, photography and brand identity - check out her portfolio at https://amandatalker.media/

At Carrot Top Soap Shop, their passion is putting some jazz into your hygiene routine - because they believe that life is too short to use boring soap. Maker and creator Shannon St. Michael’s naturally scented soaps are paraben free & phthalate free, using quality oils and butters, for healthy and smooth skin.

With creative bath and beauty products like fairy dust, frosted bath bomb cupcakes, cleaning face polish and so much more, there is something for every bath and beauty lover on your Christmas list.

You can find Carrot Top Soap Shop in downtown Renfrew inside Mill Music, or on her website at https://www.carrottopsoapshop.com/. This episode has been sponsored by: Local Immogration Partnership Group of Renfrew-Lanark: Take advantage of the FREE Introduction to Intercultural Competency workshop featuring topics like Identity and Culture, Value-based Behaviours, Assigning Meaning and Unconscious Bias. Register here: https://algonquincollege.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUqduqgpj0jHtPfQ_j_3Hq26-NL3eJDm-r6.