Business In The Open

In this episode of the Business in the Open podcast, host Vanessa Smith sits down with Jay Gallagher, founder of Fuel Your Body Healthy Meal Delivery Inc. Jay shares his inspiring journey from Ireland to Canada, detailing his transition from a career in construction to starting a successful healthy meal delivery company. The conversation covers his early struggles, the challenges and benefits of w...

On today's episode, we sit down with Colin Younker, Owner of the Spa Total Fitness Centre, a staple in the Charlottetown fitness community, and a franchisee for Little Caesars Pizza - a North American pizza chain known for their “Hot & Ready” pizzas. We chat about: How his business partnership with his cousin come about How the purchases of his businesses came to be What does a typ...

On today's episode, we sit down with Lacey Koughan, Owner of 24Strong & 24Talent - a dance studio here in Charlottetown and talent management organization for kids across Canada. We chat about: The deep meaning behind her business names How a mentor's encouragement led to the creation of her business at 16 Her growth and where her focus is these days Some of the roadblocks she has faced over t...

On today's episode, we sit down with Jessica Gallant, Owner of Jessica Gallant Beauty - Jessica is an artist & entrepreneur. She is a performer in musical theatre, film and TV as well as the owner and founder of her beauty product business that celebrates the beauty of PEI through make-up. We chat about: How theatre led to starting her make-up career Jumping head first onto Instagram How COVID...

On today's episode, we sit down with Amber Paglia, Owner of Fresh Face Skincare - Amber is an esthetician with over 14 years of experience who focuses on holistic skincare offerings such as facials, and skincare retail products We chat about: How COVID led her back to PEI How she tested the waters for her business before going all in The long-time-coming decision to add a team member The boundarie...

On today's episode, we sit down with Coltin Handrahan, Owner of Stay Golden Custom - an Atlantic-Canadian-based business that creates custom printed clothing and merchandise lines for businesses, teams and brands. We chat about: How Coltin started his business at such a young age The fork in the road that led him to dive all-in to his t-shirt business The advantage of starting a business as a youn...

On today's episode, we sit down with Amy Follwell-Harris, Owner of Bijoux by Amy - a custom jewellery design business specializing in engagement rings, wedding bands and other fine jewellery. We chat about: What brought Amy to PEI How she got into custom jewellery Her path from Christie's Auction House, to Tiffany & Co., to Bijoux by Amy What it looks like to work with a jewellery concierge Th...

On today's episode, we sit down with Chef Adam Loo, Owner of Ada Culinary Studio - Charlottetown's newest culinary offering. We chat about: Adam's history in kitchens The concept for Ada Culinary Studio The inspiration behind the branding What the first two weeks of opening looked like Landing on the right location The emotions around leaving a career you've had for 14 years Advice for others What...

On today's episode, we sit down with Ashe Green, Founder and Creative Director of Hijinks Design Agency - a creative agency here in Charlottetown focusing on logo design, branding strategy, website design and more. We chat about: How taking time off after high school and trying different jobs finally led to her passion Her roles in graphic design over the years including mat leaves and contracts a...

On today's episode, we sit down with Lauren Holden of @Laus_Healthy_Life - Lauren is a naturopathic doctor and content creator with over 160,000 instagram followers . We chat about: How dealing with her own health issues lead to growing her social platform How she handles negativity online The process of working with an agency and brands Her typical day and content goals each week Advice for peopl...

On today's episode, we sit down with Brady McCloskey of Brady McCloskey Photography - Brady's a professional photographer who focuses on wedding, commercial, family, portrait and headshot photography. We chat about: His career over the past 14 years Evolving from wedding photography into commercial work Trends in the wedding industry How he defines his photo style Having a career that requires YOU...

On today's episode, we sit down with Jared Murphy, CEO of Lone Oak - a multifaceted hospitality operation comprised of a craft brewery, restaurants and a beer garden. We chat about: Jared's passion for sport and his roles before Lone Oak that helped prepare him for entrepreneurship How a Facebook message led to a business partnership The process of financing a capital-intensive business Why Borden...

On today's episode, we sit down with Taylor Smiley of SpinCo Charlottetown. A lawyer turned SpinCo franchisor. We chat about: Taylor's desire for something in addition to her law career How family played such an important role in her journey The slow path from the initial inquiry in 2021 to opening officially in May of 2023 New challenges being faced 9 months in Reservations about bringing a new f...

The origin story. Host Vanessa Smith, gives listeners an inside look at the long journey of turning this idea into a podcast. From how it started initially as an in-person event back in 2019, to why she feels so passionately about interviewing local, young entrepreneurs, she covers that and more in this introductory episode. This podcast is for those of us who: Want to turn their passion into a pa...