OV Boss Babes

In 2017, the Allard family founded the Ethan Allard Memorial Hockey Fund (EAMHF) in 2017 following the tragic death of their son Ethan in a workplace accident. Ethan always had a passion for hockey and sports and the Allard’s wanted to ensure that their brother and son’s legacy carried on by helping youth across the Ottawa Valley have the ability to get involved in sports. Although the pandemic ha...

This well loved micro brewery knew that craft beer was cool over 28 years ago and wanted to be able to put cans of their freshly crafted beer directly in the hands of their friends and customers. Perth Brewery has grown their collection to feature over 20 beer styles, all of which are available for free home delivery across Ontario, and are available at your local LCBO, grocery and Beer Store. Co...

The Grind Pembroke is a 100% volunteer run non profit organization that provides a coffee house, community kitchen, outreach ministry, emergency shelter services client services office, and youth services recreational programs. The organization does not receive government funding but relies on donations and fundraising. Administrative assistant Bonnie Harnett speaks proudly on behalf of the Grind,...

Elle Macqueen has always enjoyed event hosting and event planning and knew that she wanted to incorporate these skills into her next business venture. As a business consultant, she has coached many boutique hotels, small chains and short term rental owners on how to build and brand their experience and wanted to build create a welcoming and personalized experience for guests that book a stay at Su...

When you hear “essential workers”, many of us immediately think of healthcare workers, medical professors and first responders. But front line workers working tirelessly in the developmental services sector also need to be recognized. Natasha Brennan is a Community Living worker at Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley who is a proud advocate for people with developmental disabilities. Natasha shar...

Akousa Asare was our very first guest when OVBB first launched to talk to me all about her first business, Essence Luxe Couture Wigs. She even had the opportunity to appear on Dragon’s Den AND scored herself a deal. But it was leaving her stressed and completely unmotivated. Once Akos knew it was time to shut it down and walk away, she followed her true passion of producing organic, local and sust...

Kelly Johnson always knew that Bronzed by B would never just be a “beauty business” and she wanted to expand her sunless tanning services by creating a line of products that were free of harsh chemicals and 100% vegan made. And so, she did that and beyond, as she is now busy creating natural bath products for kids and pets! It was also important for Kelly to build a platform where she could have m...

As the only women’s shelter and dedicated support services in Lanark County for women of abuse, the Lanark County Interval House and community support has been providing safe and emergency shelter for women since 1979. It’s more important then ever to ask for help. You should not feel shame or embarrassment. And in 2022, it’s not looked upon as a sign of weakness. It’s seen as a sign of strength....

Pam McNichol is a floral-preneur who initially opened her gift store in downtown Pembroke, which quickly transitioned to a flower shop to serve the floral needs of Ottawa Valley community.  She has since opened her sister store in Barry’s Bay and in 2020, she expanded again and opened up another store in Barrie, Ontario. Pam shares her 1000 businesses (kind of kidding.. but kind of not), why it’s...

Allana Robinson is a parenting coach for parents of toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. Through her coaching program; ParentAbility, Allana helps parents understand why their children are misbehaving and how to fix it without yelling, shaming, or time-outs. ParentAbility has supported over 2,000 parents from over 50 different countries with evidence-based, child-centred behaviour interven...

Shelly Cull is a local baker based out of Deep River that specializes in an assortment of desserts and delicious goods, including cakes, cookies, cake pops, and muffins. She is also well known for her hot chocolate bomb frenzy that is a staple at Christmas time and makes for the perfect stocking stuffer. Shelly shares about her unexpected journey becoming a full time baker, which baking ingredient...

Since Erica and Drew Gilmour opened Hummingbird Chocolate, their chocolate has won more than 100 international awards to date. Their ethical and sustainable bean-to-bar brand is sourced directly from farmers, is better than Fair-Trade prices and is enjoyed by chocolate lovers across Canada. Hummingbird Chocolate has not only been recognized for their outstanding chocolate but for their business in...

To say that Deborah Grose has always loved the spirit of Christmas is an understatement. After she was given the initial push to consider attending Santa School in Alberta, Port Perry local Deborah transformed herself into Mrs. S. Claus Canada and has been bringing joy to folks all over Durham Region. 
Mrs. S. Claus Canada enjoys meeting and visiting with children, sharing stories about Santa, his...

At 23 years old, Julia Yorke got a circuit creator for her birthday and the creative ideas started to flow from there. From personalized keychains, potted plant holders, tumblers, name plates, wine glass and so much more, Mermoiselle Creations has got you covered. She may be the new maker on the block but Julia already has joined the Lanark County Makers community by being a vendor at local market...

Laura Jane Cox always knew she wanted to work with animals, while also helping people make the best choices for their pets. Fast forward to 2021, Laura Jane is the proud owner of Laura Jane’s Pet Food & Supplies, with two locations, one in Perth and the other Carleton Place. She is also the proud recipient of Perth’s 2021 Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award AND the Pet Industry Jo...

At Carrot Top Soap Shop, their passion is putting some jazz into your hygiene routine - because they believe that life is too short to use boring soap. Maker and creator Shannon St. Michael’s naturally scented soaps are paraben free & phthalate free, using quality oils and butters, for healthy and smooth skin. With creative bath and beauty products like fairy dust, frosted bath bomb cupcakes, clea...

Keanna MacKinnon was only 17 when she decided she wanted to go into business herself. She wanted to provide a new and contactless delivery service to shop for groceries and deliver them right to your front porch but didn’t necessarily have the money to launch her start up. That’s when she took it upon herself to complete Enterprise Renfrew County’s Summer Company Program, where she was successful...

What started out as a hobby crocheting turned into so much more for Laura Carlsson as she was given the push to register Dame with a Hook as a vendor in local markets, and has since become a staple piece for headbands, baby wear, her famous homemade faux-fur pom-poms (and hopefully in 2022, sweaters!) Although she is not taking any more custom orders until the new year, you can find Dame with a Ho...

The brains behind the beans, Sarah Wright and her partner Neil wanted to offer fresh, small-batch roasted coffee to their community that would leave a lasting impression with all those that tasted it. Their handcrafted coffee can be found on shelves across Canada. What initially started as a “start-up” concept has turned into so much more, with two thriving locations, over 300 wholesalers, and the...

Boss babes, friends and business partners Kait Smith and Sara Bulhoes, of Glass House Cosmetics are on a mission to simplify every day looks for busy women, without sacrificing time or luxury. They wanted to bring YOU 100% Canadian made, vegan and hypoallergenic cosmetics - and they did just that, launching their business admidst the pandemic. So pull up a seat and using their words, put your best...

OV Boss Babes Podcast is celebrating our one year in business - and we have invited four past guests who came on the pod last year and are celebrating with us. We are also celebrating these small business owners because they have survived the last year and have pivoted, adapted and changed the way they’ve done things, and we wanted to recognize their success and share with everyone what they’ve be...

Katie Clark and Louise Bimm are two small business owners who not only wanted to spotlight small businesses in the Ottawa Valley, but they also wanted to give back to their community. They held their first market, Vendors of the Valley, back in the fall, hosting a very successful event, with 100% of proceeds going towards the Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation. Now, they’re back at it again hol...

Independent bookstores are becoming rare nowadays but when you talk to the owner of White Pine Books, Jen Rusheleau, she shares why passionate readers still prefer to browse through sections of bookshelves, searching for their next new read to get lost in, instead of scrolling online or reading on a kindle. After taking over the business from her mom, Gwen Storie, Jen expanded the store fo include...

You’ve heard his voice and have seen him play across the Ottawa Valley for years, from events, weddings, dances, and even on the Valley Heritage radio but this year marks Gillan Rutz’s golden 50 year anniversary celebrating his musical career. Gillan hit the stage when he was brought in by The Valley Entertainers, a local group of musicians back in the day, but his love for music started well befo...

Sarah Gunter and Mel Ribgy both started off teaching at Petawawa’s former yoga and fitness studio, Power of You, but after it closed, the ladies heard the cries of their yogi students who were devasted and desperately wanted to continue yoga here in their home community. So together, these instructors & friends opened their own studio doors, Beyond the Mat to share their passion of fitness yoga an...