The Small Towns, Big Dreams Podcast

Back in 2016, Alanna Rusnak stumbled upon a big problem in the book world: small-town writers, like Alanna, were having a tough time getting their stories and work out there. So, what did she do? She decided to tackle the challenge head-on and started her own little publishing company called Chicken House Press. At first, Chicken House Press was all about getting Alanna's own book out into the wor...

31 – Nicole Manion This was such an inspiring episode and interview. I hope you love it, and take away as many positive insights as I did. Nicole is an inspiring creator who started her first business at 21. She opened Muskoka Aesthetics Inc. by herself, and turned it into a thriving team and company. In 2019, she also started Miskoka Beauty Inc after seeing a gap in the eye and brow industry. Nic...

The Small Towns, Big Dreams Podcast Hosted by Beki Waples Rebecca gave me TWO body butters for a giveaway! See Instagram/Facebook on May 2nd for details, or forward your newsletter sign up to smalltownsbigdreamspodcast@gmail.com. Giveaway closes May 17th. Rebecca O. established the Detour Co in 2022, after searching for natural skincare products in her new home in the Muskoka, unfortunately she wa...

The Small Towns, Big Dreams Podcast Hosted by Beki Waples This week is a sit down with Fayth Irwin, a driven entrepreneur juggling three businesses alongside her full-time role as a dental hygienist. From spray tanning to teeth whitening and myofunctional therapy, Fayth delves into the intricate connection between oral healthyou’re your overall well-being. We discuss how she overcame personal chal...

I met Jennifer when she was speaking at a WBOSS event here in Port Elgin. Before she took the stage, we exchanged small talk, but when she began speaking, it felt like destiny intervened – that’s a bit dramatic, but I really resonated with everything she said. At the end of her talk, she mentioned she loved books, and it cemented it for me – I had to have her on the podcast. Jennifer is a Naturopa...

Meet Ben Frisch, the visionary behind GET Digital Support. As the owner of GET Digital Support and two other businesses under the B Fresh Marketing Group, Ben is a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for empowering small businesses. GET Digital Support was born when the Town of Collingwood and the County of Grey launched the Digital Main Street Program, offering free digital marketing support to...

26 – Connect Rehab Clare D. and Steph S. are the dynamic duo behind Connect Rehab. If you've passed by their offices on the East side of Owen Sound and simply assumed it's just another physiotherapy clinic, you'd be selling yourself short. Clare and Steph joined forces with a shared vision of making a significant impact on their community's well-being and believed that they could create a powerhou...

Kinga is a recovery and wellness coach who helps “everyone who’s ever had anything happen to them, ever”. She is a passionate advocate dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey to recovery from various life challenges including addiction. Drawing from her own experiences of overcoming addiction she empowers others through her online program, The Self Control Solution . That is a very offic...

24 – Dimmick Studio with David & Kristin D. Dimmick Studio is a family-owned art studio founded by David and Kristin Dimmick based in Southampton, ON. With a deep-rooted love for the community and a strong belief in supporting local businesses, Dimmick Studio strives to create art that resonates with people from all walks of life. I was excited for this interview because I was interested in ho...

Why every new and repeat mom needs a doula! If you are a new or expecting mom, or know someone who is OR are interested in supporting new moms, you NEED to listen to this episode. I went into this interview thinking I had some idea of what a doula does, but Katie opened my eyes, and really inspired me to advocate for every mom hiring a doula! Katie has an entrepreneurial spirit, and I am so excite...

Tara Tourloukis offers therapy for people feeling burnt out, overwhelmed and having trouble coping. We chat about the importance of talking about our mental health, mental health first aid, she also offers good advice for those of us feeling overwhelmed, and she shares good business advice for nurses and anybody else who wants to start their own business. Tara is making a difference in her client’...

Small Changes, Big Impact: How Prioritizing Your Health Fuels Entrepreneurial Success Mini Episode 1: Leah Van Dolder Let’s grow together. Leah is back! In this new mini series, we chat with creators in the health and wellness space and discuss strategies and insights that have propelled them into success and how prioritizing your health can be the best investment in your business. Leah chats her...

Let's grow together. Tasneem Dairywala is a passionate children’s book author-illustrator on a mission to touch hearts, bridge gaps, and ignite change through her stories. In a world where connection is key, Tasneem's journey into writing began during the pandemic. While at home with her daughter, she discovered a newfound passion for storytelling to foster connection, and make others feel less al...

So you want to be an entrepreneur? This week on the podcast, I sat down with Jenelle Bannon the Business Development Coordinator for the County of Bruce. I invited Jenelle to sit and chat with me to help my listeners who are entrepreneurs – or who are inspired to start something! If this podcast has inspired you to create something then you HAVE to tune in. Jenelle gives the inside scoop on all of...

Let’s grow together. This was such a fun interview – Niv reached out to me on Instagram because she is from Bruce County and was featured on Season 7 of the Great Canadian Baking Show! We discuss her passion behind baking, her experience on the show, her exciting future, and how her small town has been such a big part of her success! If you haven’t been inspired yet, I am sure this will push you o...

Nikki Gal, the visionary behind five thriving companies, joins us this week. Nikki started her career as a model at the young age of 15, and is now a digital designer, photographer, content consultant, podcast host and fashion designer. Nikki discusses how she manages all her businesses, how growing up in a small town affects her life, and how she conquers her goals. We also discuss how being a su...

Let’s grow together. This week, I sat down with Kimberlee Bowerman, the powerhouse behind Stor-X Georgian Bay. Kimberlee not only transforms spaces in homes all across Grey-Bruce, but she also owns a thriving massage therapy business! Listen as we discuss customized storage solutions, the journey to working for yourself, the importance of aligning your goals with family, and how Stor-X could be th...

Let's grow together. This week we are unveiling the secrets to being ridiculous happy!  This week's podcast episode features Sophia Lemon, the genius behind Sophia Lemon Photography - Photography for Ridiculously Happy People and host of the 'Ridiculously Happy Pplcast.'  Join us as we discuss the joy in family photos, Sophia's journey in the photography world, and dive deep into discussions on ba...

15 – Empower Boudoir Welcome to Season 2! We are starting season 2 off with a BANG! This week, I interview Brandy Earnest with Empower Boudoir, on location at her studio in Jackson. Brandy is passionate about the female form and showcasing its unique beauty through photography. We discuss fatphobia, self esteem, how to feel sexy, and why you should bet on yourself and take empowering photos of you...

Episode 14 – The last episode of 2023! Posted a bit early – Happy Holidays! This week we chat with Leah Van Dolder. Leah grew up in Grey County to a family of entrepreneurs, and is now a Health and Success Coach for women. Leah helps women achieve lasting weight loss, while also helping them level up their energy and self confidence. Our chat is high energy, and inspiring! To work with Leah, find...

Episode 13 – Let’s grow together. This week we chat with Shaun Dixon, who has recently started his own business – The Healing Path Trauma and Recovery. Shaun is a trauma and recovery coach who empowers his clients to reach their goals. Trauma cannot be measured or compared and everyone is on their own journey. Shaun is there to help clients identify obstacles, develop strategies, and take action....

Let’s grow together. This week I interview Krista Swetman with Here On Lake Huron. Krista fell in love with Lake Huron when visiting the lake with her mother during a challenging part of their lives. Krista couldn’t find a cozy sweater that featured Lake Huron, so she created one! She also created a brand, a story, and a cozy apparel company at the same time. Krista has great business advice from...

Let's grow together. This week I interview Tamara Ebel who owns Clean It. Tamara is a residential cleaner, a podcast host, and a digital product creator. Tamara is dedicated to her business and is growing rapidly. Tamara shares her inspiration behind her business, where its headed, and how to visualize your future and actually get there. We started our podcasts at the same time, and it is beyond e...

Let’s grow together. This week I interview Eric Burke with Burke’s Brick Works. A local mason, we discuss his journey to owning his own business, how much he loves living in a small town, and his charity – Burkie’s Turkeys. Eric works hard to get his business where it is, and his passion is clearly shown in the episode. If you want to start a career in the trades, listen to this episode, you will...

Episode 9 – Let’s grow together. This week Randi McMann from Gather and Graze joined me in my ‘podcast studio’ to chat all things meat and cheese. As a hungry girl myself, meeting Randi in person was exciting because I feel like I have known her for so long, because of her authentic and genuine presence on social media. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Randi is a big believer in, if you love...