After decades of developing a love for hats and formal wear, Ranelle Larocque turned her passion into a creative fashion business in 2019. Her custom designed and handmade hats and fascinators have been worn at events such as the Queen’s Birthday Garden Party in London, UK, the Royal Ascot, the Kentucky Derby, and at countless Canadian and international military ceremonial events around the world.

In early March 2020, she decided that she was ready to open her doors at her own brick and mortar, having to close even before opening due to pandemic. Despite this potential setback, Ranelle talks about how she has connected with her new found community of local business owners and has seen a resiliency in the local business retail sector that is and continues to be inspiring.

This week’s podcast episode is sponsored by:

Amanda Talker Media: She helps entrepreneurs and small business owners grow through strategic branding, photography and social media marketing. See her extensive portfolio at: https://amandatalker.media

Community Employment Services Perth is a free-of-charge link to the Lanark County workforce. Register for their free upcoming workshops at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/perth-employment/event/ces-workshop-calendar-june-2021/

The Small Business Advisory Centre is a business information source designed to point entrepreneurs in the right direction with advice, whether they are just starting out or growing their business. Book a consultation or register for one of their free webinars at https://smallbizcentre.ca

Growing up in a big family surrounded by music, love and laughter, Becky McPhee wanted to ensure that her family legacy was carried on. After catching wind that a former restaurant became available in Combermere, Becky and her sister Shanti knew that they had to jump on the opportunity. And in 2018, after long hours of renovating and bringing their vision to life, the Heartwood Restaurant opened its doors.

Becky gives listeners and inside look into their menu, like, what’s all in the “bulldog breakfast poutine” and “why Buddha bowls?!” Becky also shares the clever and creative way she and her staff served up customers last summer and let me tell you - it’s not your average curbside takeout and delivery service.

Once the lockdown is over and you’re passing through Madawaska Valley, be sure to stop by the Heartwood Restaurant - where the music is alive, the food is fresh, and love is loud.

This week's podcast episode is sponsored by:

The Township of Madawaska Valley is proud to support and promote their local businesses. Shop small and local businesses in Madawaska Valley and help support your local community.

Join the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association’s #tourismfamily today by becoming an OVTA member. It’s completely free! http://www.ottawavalley.travel/About_the_OVTA/Become_an_OVTA_Member/Join_Our_Tourism_Family.html

Did you know that Enterprise Renfrew County has a Summer Program specifically for students? The program helps students ages 15-29 write their business plan, conduct research and receive a $1,500 award to help cover their business start-up expenses. Learn more at https://www.enterpriserenfrewcounty.com/programs/summer-company-information-and-guides/

Before knowing if social media was here to stay, Clio de la Llave knew she had a vision to help brands navigate the changing media landscape. And in her early twenties, she started her own marketing service revolution known as Booje Media. She is also the manager of former Bachelorette and recent winner of Dancing With The Stars, Kaitlyn Bristowe and together, the BFF duo have also created Dew Edit and Spade + Sparrows Wine. Holly sits down with Clio to chat about what it’s like managing four thriving businesses, working with influencers, how the social media marketing industry has blown up, why it took so gosh darn long to bring Spade + Sparrows to Canada (I mean, Clio and Kaitlyn are BOTH Canadian!) and if Clio was in on the surprise engagement with Kaitlyn and Jason. Follow Clio to see what she's up to next in both business and in life, on Instagram @cliodelallave.

This week's podcast has been sponsored by:

Spade + Sparrows Wine: Spade + Sparrows wine is now available at the LCBO! But hurry, as supplies are limited and are flying off the shelves. Check out Clio and KB's wine label here: https://spadeandsparrows.com/  

Bundle of Joy Box: Pregnancy can be long and tiring some days. But the Bundle of Joy subscription box has all the fixes and products for every stage of pregnancy - including the fourth trimester! Use code OVBB for 10% off your first box at checkout: https://bundleofjoybox.ca/collections/all 

Loop Lifestyle Ltd.: Loop Lifestyle is your one stop for all your scrunchie, apparel and accessory needs. Yes, even for your littles! Shop now at https://looplifestyle.ca/

Corey Treacy Designs: Creating jewelry and an experience worthy of the moments they mark. Shop the entire jewelry collection, pick out your favs, and use code BOSSBABES for 15% off your order.

Each piece tells a story.

Originally from Lindsay, ON, Callee Kuiack always had a sense of fashion and was working in the retail industry since she was just 14 years old, quickly leaning the ins and outs of inventory, customer service, fashion and eventually, owning her own brick and mortar. After a long journey of working for others, testing the waters of working in child and youth services, and then coming up with an idea to launch the well-known Ottawa Valley clothing company, Ottawa Valley Apparel, this milspouse and mom of two didn't want to just stop there. Callee wanted to bring a taste of big city vibes, mixed with apparel and products that would suit women at any age and appease folks in the Ottawa Valley. Thus, Cork & Coral was created to provide locals with access to some of the "must have" pieces and brands for every season.

Callee talks about her road to becoming an entrepreneur, how she made the leap to take a chance on herself to make her long-time dream of owning her own business come true, how her staff (and family!) have supported her since opening her doors, as well as through unchartered waters through the last three pandemic lockdowns, and why she prefers to wear jeans over leggings ANY day.

This podcast episode is sponsored by:

Amanda Talker Media: She helps entrepreneurs and small business owners grow through strategic branding, photography and social media marketing. See her extensive portfolio at https://amandatalker.media

The City of Pembroke is encouraging everyone to "show your love for local" by exploring new and creative ways to support our small businesses. Shop, share, and support local. 

Join the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association’s #tourismfamily today by becoming an OVTA member. It’s completely free! http://www.ottawavalley.travel/About_the_OVTA/Become_an_OVTA_Member/Join_Our_Tourism_Family.html

Sweeney Curations offers brand, logo, print and digital design and so much more! Sweeney Curations is now booking into 2022 - fall in love with your brand all over again! Book your consultation with Amber from Sweeney Curations at https://www.sweeneycurations.com/

With a stunning interior vibe, a beautiful view overlooking Calabogie Lake, delicious eats, and the perfect Americano and Latte, Oh-el-la Cafe is a must see tourist attraction for both visitors and locals. Originally from Calabogie, Ella Guckes spent her early 20’s working in cafés in Europe, Asia and Australia. When she came home in December 2020, she decided to bring her barista experience and vision to create the vibe of a trendy hot spot to sip coffee, catch up with friends, and create an atmosphere perfect for a “sweet escape.” Ella talks about where she got her inspo for her cafe, how the pandemic has affected her three times since opening, and why she decided to name her biz after herself! 

This week’s piece is sponsored by:  

Bombshells Tattoo Studio: The Bombshell girls have relocated to Downtown Pembroke! Support these bombshells by buying a gift certificate, new merch, or paintings. E-mail [email protected] for more info! 

The very talented esthetician and lash tech Molly is your go-to beauty expert in Lanark County for all your waxing, sugaring, lash extensions, manicure and pedicure needs! Check out this beauty expert’s work on Instagram at molly_rosestudiospa and book your next appointment once the lockdown is over. 

Shop Pokoloko in store and online and use promo code OVBOSSBABES for 15% off at checkout.

A mother's story typically begins with a love story - and Jae Day's love story may be unconventional to some, but she and her husband just knew they were meant for each other after getting married just four short months of dating. What inspired this now-mother-of-four to become a doula was wanting to provide services to women in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), specifically mothers, after she had been in the military for over 13 years and saw that there was a need for available resources and support to pregnant women.  After giving birth to her two boys and twin girls, Jae became a certified Maternal Support Practitioner (also known as a Doula), offering her doula services under the name "The Baby Days" and has worked as a birth and postpartum doula, mostly serving CAF women and spouses in the areas of CFB Borden and CFB Petawawa. This mama has remained strong, after her first son was diagnosed with a serious critical Congenital Heart condition and her twin baby girls were born premature and were in the NICU for several weeks before being reunited with their brothers and parents. Jae wants all mother's to know that pregnancy is one of the most beautiful journeys, but can also be of the hardest journeys, especially during a pandemic and she is here for anyone who may need resources, information, or guidance to help support pregnancy concerns during the pandemic.

This week's podcast has been sponsored by:

Amanda Talker Media: She helps entrepreneurs and small business owners grow through strategic branding, photography and social media marketing. See her extensive portfolio at https://amandatalker.media

The Town of Petawawa's Shop Petawawa: An interactive site resource connecting the public to our business community. Support local businesses in Petawawa - visit https://www.shoppetawawa.ca/

Ms. April's Music Studio: Receive 10% off online, virtual piano lessons with Ms. April by using the code OV Boss Babe Podcast at checkout at https://msaprilsmusicstudio.mymusicstaff.com/

Emily Prout came up with the name of her business, Arrow It Forward, as she wanted to showcase the pay it forward concept and to set your eyes on what you want, focus in, and keep aiming because Emily followed her arrow and wants to inspire others to do the same. Arrow It Forward offers a line of handmade home fragrance products with punny names. Her soy candles, wax melts, room sprays, and reusable car air fresheners can be found in many stores throughout Canada and on her website: https://www.arrowitforward.com/

With a passion for human rights, empowering woman and understanding the struggles that comes with motherhood, Christina wanted to create a brand that spoke to busy mom's for feeling cozy and comfortable but also stylish and of high quality. Her MAMA, Grandma and Nan collections sell out FAST and it's no surprise why. Check out Victori & co. https://www.victoriandco.ca/ 

Stephanie has always enjoyed making and bringing cheesecake to social events and has a true passion for creating the unthinkable.  One day while looking at a mason jar on her counter Stephanie thought, can I bake in that? From there,  Baked Cheesecakes In A Jar were born! And the ideas keep rolling in for new ways to eat cheesecake. Grab your Cheesecake Bakery cheesecake at one of her many stockists or online: https://cheesecakerybakery.ca

This week's podcast is sponsored by:

Favourite Things:  Favourite Things in Downtown Pembroke has a new website! They have a huge amount of inventory and are adding new products daily. Check them out at ftpembroke.com

Loop Lifestyle: Loop Lifestyle's Inspired by Mom's has a new bundle of the week until May 09. Shop now at https://looplifestyle.ca/ 

Bombshells Tattoo Studio: The Bombshell girls are moving to Downtown Pembroke! Support these bombshells by buying a gift certificate, new merch, or paintings. E-mail [email protected] for more info!

Do you ever walk into IKEA’s showroom and wish that your bedroom could look like that? Or when you’re seeking idea on Pinterest for your living room but no matter how many times you rearrange the room or buy a new lamp, rug or clock from Homesense, you’re still having troubles identifying what’s missing.

With many of us working from home and spending every waking moment there, the pandemic is reshaping everyone’s visions for interior design. And that’s where Jessica Lena comes in! Jessica sits down and talks about how she works with clients to bring their visions to life, if she prefers to have creative control, how the pandemic has affected her business (especially during this stay-at-home order) and so much more!

This week’s piece is sponsored by:

Community Employment Services Perth is a free-of-charge link to the Lanark County workforce. Register for their free upcoming workshops at https://www.algonquincollege.com/perth-employment/event/ces-workshop-calendar-may-2021/.

The super talented Molly Mkup is now booking 2022-23 - check out this beauty expert’s work on Instagram at https://instagram.com/mollymkup?igshid=5wf8306ljnuf

The Small Business Advisory Centre is a business information source designed to point entrepreneurs in the right direction with advice, whether they are just starting out or growing their business. Book a consultation or register for one of their free webinars at https://smallbizcentre.ca

Led by an all-female staff, Valley Heartland has a relentless focus on innovation and entrepreneurship to create social and economic value in Lanark County. Visit valleycfdc.com to learn more!

It all started with a woman who was determined to start her journey down the entrepreneurial path, someone who could make a difference for other businesses while making a career doing something that she had a true passion for. And it was when Amber Sweeney from Sweeney Curations was off on maternity leave with her first where she discovered her love for graphic design and ever since, she has been dedicated to ensuring businesses have a cohesive branding message that also resonates with their targeted audience.

Whether it be through brand and logo development, print and digital design, or even creating custom GIFS, Amber is the go-to designer that you want to work with.

Every company has a story, and behind this one is a woman with drive, passion and a will to succeed. Sweeney Curations has become a recognized name within the industry and in the Ottawa Valley - tune in to find out why! This week’s podcast is sponsored by:

Amanda Talker Media. She helps entrepreneurs and small business owners grow through strategic branding, photography and social media marketing. See her extensive portfolio at https://amandatalker.media

The super talented Molly makeup is now booking 2022-23 - check out this beauty expert’s work on Instagram at https://instagram.com/mollymkup?igshid=5wf8306ljnuf

Enterprise Renfrew County has a new business advisory program open to all residents in Renfrew County. Learn more at https://www.enterpriserenfrewcounty.com/programs/virtual-business-advisory-program!

Originally from North Bay, Dale Luckey opened her smoothie shop in October 2017 with a plan to sell smoothies to yogi’s after they finished their shavasana, however, when things weren’t picking up, she decided to pack up her smoothies and relocated to Downtown Pembroke... and that’s when things started to immediately pick up!

Dale has expanded her business to include healthy meal options, a wide grocery selection, and most recently launched a cheese of the month club! While juggling a business, a 16-month old, and packing up to move back to North Bay (😢), find out what else she has been “cooking up” so that you can have a taste of Blendz in your own home! This podcast episode is brought to you by: Bombshells Tattoo Studio - support the bombshell girls during lockdown by buying a gift certificate, some new merch, or some paintings. E-mail [email protected] for more info!

The City of Pembroke is encouraging everyone to "show your love for local" by exploring new and creative ways to support our small businesses. Shop, share, and support local.

Favourite Things in Downtown Pembroke has a new website! They have a huge amount of inventory and are adding new products everyday. Check them out at ftpembroke.com