Friends of Feadies

Episode 34: Cooking Across the Prairies: Chef Jenni Lessard’s Culinary Path

In this episode of Friends of FEADies, Lindsay Toth sits down with Chef Jenni Lessard, a passionate advocate for Indigenous cuisine and sustainable food practices. From her early days cooking in rural Saskatchewan to becoming a nationally recognized chef and consultant, Jenni shares her journey through the culinary world. We dive into her experiences working across the province, her role in celebrating and preserving Métis food traditions, and how she’s shaping the future of Indigenous cuisine in Canada.

Episode 33: From Garden to Table: Building a Community Hub with the Prairie Pantry

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Valerie and Ira, the dynamic duo behind the Prairie Pantry in Stoughton, Saskatchewan. What started as a simple idea during the pandemic has blossomed into a thriving community hub featuring a café, laundromat, car wash, and a commitment to fresh, locally sourced food. Valerie and Ira share their journey of creating a space that not only serves the community but also reconnects people to the land and the traditions of rural Saskatchewan. From overcoming challenges to celebrating successes, they discuss the importance of passion, trust, and innovation in building a business that truly makes a difference. Tune in to hear how they’re redefining rural entrepreneurship and bringing people together, one homemade pie at a time.

Episode 32: From Coaching to Creamer: Ashlyn Newlove’s Wellness-Driven Journey

In this episode of Friends of FEADies, we chat with Ashlyn Newlove, a nutrition coach and food entrepreneur who grew up on a small farm in Saskatchewan and now calls Vancouver Island home. Ashlyn shares her passion for health and wellness, which has driven her to create a high-fibre, 25-calorie powdered coffee creamer designed for fitness-conscious Canadians.

Currently in development, this innovative product represents Ashlyn’s exciting transition into the world of consumer-packaged goods while she continues to inspire her clients as a nutrition coach. We delve into her journey, her vision for the creamer, and how she’s balancing coaching with entrepreneurship.

Episode 31: Scooping Up Success with Teri-Lynn Friesen

In this episode of Friends of FEADies, we sit down with Teri-Lynn Friesen, co-owner of Fête, the beloved downtown spot for ice cream in Winnipeg MB, coffee, and sweet treats. A passionate entrepreneur, Teri-Lynn shares her journey from artist to business owner. She has grown Fête, positioning it as one of the city’s top scoop shops and a staple in local restaurants, cafes, and grocers. Teri-Lynn opens up about the lessons learned from building businesses, her passion for female entrepreneurship, and the art of creating cultural experiences downtown. Tune in to discover the sweet side of entrepreneurship and why, for Teri-Lynn, it all comes back to a love of ice cream. Listen now and get inspired by Teri-Lynn’s story of creativity, resilience, and community!

Episode 30: From Seed to Spirit: Barb Stefanyshyn-Coté on Building Black Fox Farm & Distillery

In this episode of the Friends of FEADies Podcast, we sit down with Barb Stefanyshyn-Coté, co-founder and CEO of Black Fox Farm and Distillery. Barb shares her incredible journey of turning a passion for Saskatchewan’s terroir into a globally recognized brand known for its award-winning gins and whiskies.

 

Black Fox spirits have earned a reputation around the world, from Canada to the UK, Europe, China, and even Dubai. We discuss the art of crafting ultra-premium spirits, the importance of terroir in their unique flavors, and how the distillery has grown into a beloved destination for visitors from all over.

 

Interested in becoming a food entrepreneur? We've got a ton of resources available for you at fead.ca!  

Episode 29: From Holiday Treat to Hometown Hit: Mama's Signature Spudnuts with Tess Butler

In this episode of Friends of FEADies, we sit down with Tess Butler, a new business owner in her first year running Mama’s Signature Spudnuts. Tess shares her inspiring journey of turning a beloved holiday tradition into a full-fledged business. From the immediate market success of her potato-based spudnuts to navigating the early challenges of entrepreneurship, Tess offers a candid look at what it takes to bring a family recipe to market. Tune in to hear how she’s building a brand from scratch and learn her tips for other budding food entrepreneurs! 🍩

Episode 28 Good Food Entrepreneurs with Rachel Smith, Ally Hrchabeck, and Destiny Millar

Join us as we sit down with three incredible Indigenous entrepreneurs: Destiny Millar, Ally Hrchabeck, and Rachel Smith.

They share their unique journeys into the agri-food and food manufacturing space, the role of food in their healing, and how they've navigated the industry while keeping their cultural roots alive. Whether you're an entrepreneur or simply passionate about food, this conversation offers inspiration, wisdom, and heartfelt stories of resilience and growth.

Sit back, listen in, and enjoy!

#IndigenousEntrepreneurs #AgriFood #FoodIndustry #FEAD

Episode 27: Nurturing Community - The Story Behind Skip A Beet & Prairie Market with Dani Genest

In this episode, Lindsay Toth sits down with Dani Genest, the inspiring owner of Skip A Beet, a mail delivery service that provides fresh and frozen provisions, and Prairie Market, a walk-in store in Saskatoon specializing in locally produced, sustainable, and ethical food products. Dani shares her journey from her grandmother's cafe to her own culinary career, and how community, collaboration, and sustainability are at the heart of her business. Learn how Prairie Market supports local farmers and producers, while also uplifting women, people of color, and queer individuals in the food industry. Tune in to discover how Dani is making a positive impact in the agri-food development sector and beyond!