Friends of Feadies

Episode 26: Reconnecting with yourself through food with Jenn Sharp

In this episode, we have a special guest, Jenn Sharp, a multi-talented author, journalist, and host of the documentary series "Flat Out Food" on City TV Saskatchewan. Jenn shares her inspiring journey from growing up on a multi-generational grain farm in rural Saskatchewan to becoming a prominent advocate for sustainable agriculture and local food systems.

Join us as Jenn talks about her deep-rooted connection to the land and how it has influenced her work and life. She shares the story behind her book, "Flat Out Delicious," and how it led to the creation of the "Flat Out Food" documentary series. Jenn's passion for regenerative farming practices, local food artisans, and mindful eating shines through as she discusses the transformative power of understanding where our food comes from and how it’s produced.

Episode 25: Trusting Your Gut: The Journey to COO at Beck's Broth with Domenique Mastronardi

In this episode of the Friends of FEADies Podcast, host Lindsay Toth sits down with Domenique, the dynamic COO and partner at Beck's Broth, a company known for its innovative bone broth-based coffee and hot chocolate. Domenique shares her unique journey from being a food engineering student to a successful entrepreneur and now COO. She dives into the challenges and triumphs of her career, including starting her own business, transitioning into a partnership with Beck's Broth, and the unexpected benefits of trusting her gut instincts.

Listeners will gain insights into the intricacies of scaling a food business from farmers markets to larger operations, the importance of gut health, and how Beck's Broth is making waves with its unique product offerings. Domenique also discusses the exciting and nerve-wracking process of preparing for Dragon's Den, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to prepare a pitch to investors and a shot to be on national television.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, innovation, and the power of collaboration in the food industry.

Episode 24: Crafting Botanical Beverages - From Restaurant to Retail with Dalia Kohen

Dalia Kohen is the visionary behind WildFolk. Dalia shares the journey of bringing her non-alcoholic cocktails from concept to reality, navigating challenges and celebrating successes along the way.

Discover how Dalia's background in the restaurant industry influenced her approach to crafting botanical beverages, finding inspiration in collaborative spirit and innovative design. Look ahead to future product launches and the vision behind WildFolk's spirit-free drinks, designed to foster inclusivity and connection in social settings.

Tune in to this episode to uncover the artistry and passion driving the creation of WildFolk's botanical beverages, and discover how Dalia is redefining the cocktail experience for a new generation of consumers.

Episode 23: Crafting Culinary Dreams - Laurie Rowe's Journey with Jordan Ridge Sauces

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Laurie Rowe, creator behind Jordan Ridge Sauces, nestled in the picturesque town of Black Diamond, Alberta, at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Laurie shares her journey as an entrepreneur, drawing from a rich family history of independent women and entrepreneurs.

Discover the heartwarming story behind Laurie's maple campfire sauce, a generational recipe passed down through the years. Navigate through the challenges Laurie faced, from navigating the complexities of co-packing to ensuring meticulous attention to detail in every jar. Learn valuable lessons on due diligence and the importance of trusting your instincts when it comes to building a successful business in the food industry.

Tune in to the Friends of FEADies Podcast to glean insights from Laurie's journey and be inspired to embark on your own entrepreneurial endeavors in the agri-food sector! 🌱

Friends of FEADies Podcast Episode 22: From Farmers Markets to 600+ Stores with Jennifer Kohut

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jennifer Kohut, the visionary founder behind Jenny's Delectables, a gourmet stuffed potato sensation that has taken Western Canada by storm. In this episode, Jennifer shares her remarkable journey, starting from humble beginnings in farmers markets to becoming a household name in over 600 stores.

Discover how Jennifer's unwavering commitment to quality and innovation propelled her from selling out markets within hours to catching the attention of major grocery chains like Co-op and Sobeys. Learn the secrets behind her success, including the pivotal role of sampling in winning over customers' hearts and taste buds.

But success doesn't come without its challenges. Jennifer opens up about the hurdles she faced in scaling her business, from navigating supply chain shortages to balancing personal and professional life. Through it all, her resilience and dedication to her vision shine through, offering invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a budding business owner, or simply love a good success story, this episode is sure to leave you hungry for more.

Episode 21: Crafting Brands - From Design to Delivery with Lindsay Toth

In this episode of the Friends of FEADies podcast, Kendra Wack sits down with Lindsay Toth, the Member and Marketing Coordinator at FEAD. Lindsay brings a wealth of experience from her background in the agri-food sector, particularly in marketing and branding. With a career spanning iconic companies in Saskatchewan and various entrepreneurial incubators, Lindsay shares her career journey.

From her pivotal role in rebranding Great Western Brewing's Original 16 beer to launching the rebrand for Sask Startup Institute, Lindsay's expertise shines through as she discusses the intricacies of executing a successful brand transition. Drawing from her experience at Three Farmers and beyond, Lindsay emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to marketing, highlighting the significance of consistency without overwhelming oneself.

Throughout the episode, Lindsay offers insights into the nuances of brand management and marketing strategies, providing actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to establish and grow their brands effectively.

Episode 20: Community-Driven Entrepreneurship with Prairie Grazer Founders, Cristie and Meghan

Prairie Grazer isn't just a business; it's a culinary adventure that unites people through the delightful art of grazing. When the world grappled with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cristie Zyla and Meghan Hawkins showcased the true essence of entrepreneurship. Instead of shutting their doors, they embraced the art of the pivot, resulting in a remarkable surge in sales and growth that caught the attention of many.

In this episode, we delve into their journey, exploring how they not only built a successful business but emerged as champions for their local community. Discover how Prairie Grazer highlights the talents of other local businesses and embodies a heart for giving back—a true testament to community-driven entrepreneurship.

 

You can find the Prairie Grazer on Instagram.

Episode 19: The Power of ”WHY” - My Journey into 400+ Canadian Stores

Carly Minish is an exceptional entrepreneur who has turned her love for culinary excellence into a thriving business, enriching the lives of countless food lovers across Canada.

From humble beginnings, experimenting with formulations, and sharing her creations with family, Carly's gourmet take on this quintessential Canadian product quickly gathered a devoted following. The journey led her to farmers' markets, where the demand for Smak Dab soared, and soon enough, this delightful condiment found its way into over 400 stores in Western Canada and specialty shops in Ontario.

In this episode, Carly tells you about the power of "WHY" and how to pitch your business. Smak Dab has strong branding and very engaging social media as well. She tells you about the power of social media and how to leverage that to get new customers.

So, get ready to be captivated by Carly's remarkable journey as she shares her story of passion, perseverance, and the joy of bringing her delectable creation to the world. Her journey as a female founder in the agri-food industry will undoubtedly inspire you to believe in the incredible possibilities that lie ahead when you dare to follow your heart.

Smak Dab's website: https://www.smakdab.ca/

Smak Dab's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smakdabmustard/

 

What's FEAD? Female Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food Development is a program dedicated to empowering and advancing women entrepreneurs in the dynamic food processing sector.

Learn more at www.fead.ca

Follow us on social media:

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/feadprogram/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fead-female-entrepreneurs-in-agri-food-development/?viewAsMember=true

 

In partnership with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).