As many of you know, International Women’s Day recently passed on March 8. This is an important day for me every year—not only because I’m a female business owner, but because I so luckily get to spend the day with some of the most inspiring women I know. For the last few years, I have been jet setting down to Mexico with a great group of Calgary-based female entrepreneurs to partake in The Rare Method Haven Retreat. Together, we learn, move, and grow, further developing our capacities when it comes to work and life—allowing us to come back refreshed and fulfilled.
For this month’s blog, I want to focus on some women-owned brands that I love in Calgary. Thinking about this year’s International Women’s Day Theme, Give to Gain, we are all reminded of the importance of supporting one another. In supporting others, we build up our community and therefore support ourselves. Without further ado, here are some amazing local brands founded by women that I use daily or recommend to all my friends.
With Easter just around the corner, it would be worth stocking up on Candy by JCo. Jennifer O’Connor, a gal whom I’ve known for years, has really nailed the boutique candy experience with her company. Each candy pack is fun, colourful, and sweet—just what we all need! I especially love the Hippity Hop Candy Box and the Sweet Hatch Carton (both available for preorder). Can’t forget about the pre-filled eggs, making your Easter Egg Hunter extra convenient this year. If you have a sweet tooth or know someone who does, you really don’t need to look any further.
This is an amazing Calgary-based brand created by Lara Smith, an entrepreneur who has demonstrated to all of us that some of the most impactful businesses are born out of personal stories. Her vision for high-quality sleepwear and sheets that keep the body cool at night started when her sister, who was diagnosed with cancer, was experiencing uncomfortable night sweats. Lara set out to create a solution, made from Xirotex™ fabric that pulls moisture away from the skin—big bonus is Lusomé products are free from polyester! I’ve gifted many sleepwear sets from this company to family and friends, and I’d do it over and over again.
These two businesses, owned by Wray and Jeremy Bokitch, have been leaders in their industry for over 25 years (wow!). With locations across Calgary’s downtown core, you have lots of options where you can find a booking in a pinch. Hedkandi specializes in all thing’s hair, while Butter Beauty Parlour focuses on nails, brows, medical aesthetics, and more. Some of my best weekend days start with a trip to Butter, followed by a croissant from La Boulangerie in Mission, and a walk along the river.
I’ve been so impressed by this brand since they first came onto the Calgary candle scene at Market Collective. Owned by Holly Singer, Milk Jar is known for far more than just amazingly scented candles and diffusers—they have made their mark by supporting non-profits that promote inclusion for people with disabilities. Over the years, the company has donated over $485,000 to local organizations, and the impact is felt across the city. You’ll be hard pressed to find a Calgary boutique that doesn’t carry Milk Jar. Their workshops are also incredible team building opportunities! Take a peek here.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a blog of mine without a great resource for entrepreneurs (though you don’t have to be a business owner to get value from this journal). The Bedside Business Plan was developed by a sister and brother duo, geared towards turning your ideas into reality. Since they launched in 2021, they have expanded their journal lineup to also include “Employee to Entrepreneur” and “The Anti-Retirement Plan”. I think these are great resources for anyone—you can grab one yourself or gift one to a friend!
Learn more about the journals on Instagram.
Financial Takeaway
To conclude, here’s a little financial tip to help you shop smarter this season: before you buy, create a “Wishlist” in your Notes app (or wherever you like to jot down ideas) and add these items to it. Set a budget, and once you’ve had something on your list for at least 3 months, you can consider if it’s truly worth purchasing right now. Thoughtfully think through making these purchases—we want to minimize impulse spending! This can help you in the long run, and it feels that much more satisfying purchasing off your wish list when you know you won’t have any guilt or buyer’s remorse.
More to come from me next month!