YWiB's Favourite Women Entrepreneurs List 2020
/In honour of International Women’s Day, the Young Women in Business Toronto team wanted to celebrate spectacular women-identified entrepreneurs who are creating great products/experiences, inspiring others, and making a difference in the world. We asked our community to nominate local entrepreneurs they looked up to. We are pleased to announce the 11 incredible recipients of YWiB Toronto’s first ever Favourite Local Women Entrepreneurs List! Read more about them below;
Erika Reyes, Founder & Head of Marketing at Wisebird
Nominated by: A member of the YWiB team
“I really love that Erika is passionate about the climate and am excited about the potential impact Wisebird’s reusable takeout containers pilot can bring to Toronto and beyond. On Wisebird’s website, it says “Wisebird is looking to question the ordinary things we do every day that don't make sense.” Erika’s desire to empower local businesses and their customers to reduce single-use plastic waste is a good example of finding innovative solutions to hard and pressing questions that feel too big for all of us.”
Find out more:
Instagram/ Facebook: @Wisebird_canada @WiseboxTO
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikareybol/
Website: www.wisebird.ca
Karlena Waugh, Founder of Mini K Creations, Event Planning & Management Services
Nominated by: A Member of the YWiB community
“I nominated Karlena because she’s got one of those good-spirited vibes and the drive to get the job done. While acting on behalf of Mini K Creations (her event planning business), she also founded “The Biz Mixer”; creating a space for entrepreneurs across many facets to learn, build and connect. Looking at how she manages her business and life, she’s a great example to me (and I’m sure others) of how to keep pushing to be better!”
Find out more:
Instagram: @minikcreations
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlena-waugh/
Jennifer Uy, Founder of Happy Natural Products
Nominated by: A member of the YWiB team
“Jennifer is a go-getter. Ever since I met her I've known her to be fearless. She has boundless energy: besides running her own business, she’s an opera singer, a sales manager for two other business, and a mom of two! Despite all these commitments, she's the type of person you can always rely on. She’ll make that connection for you, will make that introduction, etc. She’s the one you can go to when you need encouragement… because she truly believes in supporting others, and sees the very best in people.”
Find out more:
Instagram: @happy.naturalproducts
Website: www.happynaturalproducts.com
Kristina Plotnikova, Founder of Toronto Nails
Nominated by: A member of the YWiB community
“Kristina started her nail business from nothing, despite the fact she has no family in Canada and English is not her first language. She is absolutely fearless. She accepts any challenge and she is known to be very positive and always seeking growth and opportunity. Kristina is a role model for many...she is motivational. She has mastered everything you need to know about health and safety in the beauty business. Many come to her for advice. I've known her for the past four years that she’s been in Canada, but we became very close in the past few months. I can say she is a very good friend of mine now.”
Find out more on Instagram: @torontonails
Jahmeelah "Jam" Gamble, Founder: Slay The Mic Program + Slay The Mic Podcast
Nominated by: A member of the YWiB community
Jam is a self-described ‘Connector of People, Ideas, and Energy’. Her nominee had this to say; “I attended her masterclass last weekend and it was SO amazing and empowering, She gives the tools to uncover stuff from past experiences that may hold you back but shows you how to use it to fully embrace and give power to yourself and your voice.”
Find out more:
Instagram: @iamjamgamble
Website www.iamjamgamble.com
Tiffany DaSilva, Founder of Flowjo
Nominated by: A member of the YWiB community
On top of her growth marketing consulting business, Tiffany has developed Flowjo; bucket list boxes for self-care and couples that give back to charity with every purchase. She was nominated by a YWiB community member and former colleague that thoroughly enjoyed working with her and is impressed by the way she’s built up Flowjo.
Find out more:
Instagram: @thetiffdasilva
Website: flowjo.co
Vanessa Arscott, Owner/President: Plan V Productions
Nominated by: A member of the YWiB team
“The music industry is very male-dominated, and it's rare to see women starting their own companies and thriving within the industry. Vanessa has done just that and is such a power force to work with. Often surrounded by men, she's paving the way for other females to have a role model and someone to look up to who are interested in event and production management. Vanessa is widely regarded as a leader in her field, winning Production Manager of the Year at the Live Music Industry Awards in 2018. She's the one behind your favourite festivals and shows like Field Trip, Boots & Hearts, and the JUNOS, making each experience go smoothly and seem effortless to the audience.”
Find out more:
Instagram: @planvproductionsinc
Website: www.planvproductions.com
Mani Jassal, Founder & Fashion Designer at Mani Jassal Designs
Nominated by: A member of the YWiB team
“Mani is an inspiration to other young women who are passionate about or exploring a career in fashion. Her unique designs bring together culture, trends, and her own creativity. Honestly, she’s someone I look up to because she’s accomplished so much already.”
Find out more:
Instagram: @manikjassal
Website: www.manijassal.com
Jessie Frampton & “Flo” Florence Gaven-Rossavik
Nominated by: Members of the YWiB community
One nominee said: “Since day one, I saw their drive and was immediately inspired by their passion and their mindset of doing things differently. Now, they employ over 200 women and constantly introduce us to new wellness practices, create roles based on passions and continue to find new ways to innovate. They’re awesome to work for and I see their drive and passion in the success of their business every day.”
Nominated by: Members of the YWiB community
Another said “… I can’t say I’ve met two women who support and love their staff as much as Flo and Jessie. They have always been incredible bosses and the support I’ve received from them has changed my life. They are like this with everyone and I couldn’t be prouder to call them my bosses and friends.”
Find out more:
Instagram: @jessie_frampton @flogavenrossavik @fuzzwaxbar
Website: fuzzwaxbar.com
Quest Atkinson, Founder & Head Chocolatier at COCO XO
Nominated by: A member of the YWiB team
“I nominated Quest because she puts so much care into the details of her (decadent!) products and her customer service/experience.” Quest also gives back to the community; supporting other women-identified entrepreneurs by teaching workshops and sharing her own experiences as an entrepreneur.
Find out more:
FB/IG/TW: @chefcocoxo
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cocoxo
Website: www.cocoxo.ca