KWIB Magazine (2nd Edition) - September 2025

letter from the publisher

Lynn Hiscoe

Photo by Ellie Rye Moments —Amanda McGregor

This past year has been an interesting time for us all. Doubts and fears have been hard to ignore, and with the world in turmoil, many of us have felt the weight of struggle. Yet, in putting together this publication, my intention was to offer you a little inspiration, hope, and even a touch of humor.

Now more than ever, we need each other. Taking time away from our busy lives to reflect, to breathe, and to reconnect with nature is so vital for our mental and emotional health. Here in the Kootenays, we are surrounded by beauty, and in this issue we wanted to highlight soulful places that provide solace, peace, and joy, places to visit with girlfriends or to explore on your own.

You’ll also find heartfelt articles from women in our community, sharing their journeys and how they’re navigating these times.

One question I often ask my clients is, “What do you need for support?” More often than not, the answer is a blank stare followed by, “No one has ever asked me that. I don’t know.”

So let me ask you: What do you need right now?

Lay on your bed, stretch out on the floor, or look up at the stars, and ask yourself, “What do I need, in this moment, to support me?” Turn off the noise, put down the phone, switch off the TV, and listen. Maybe the answer is to see a movie, plan a weekend getaway, spend time with friends, or wander through a flower farm. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to make it happen, if not today, then tomorrow.

My vision for this magazine is to focus on mental and emotional well-being—on nurturing ourselves and one another. My goal is that you find this edition both insightful and inspiring.

If you’d like to be part of our next issue, click here to learn how to submit an article or purchase advertising.

Thank you for being here.

From my heart,

Note: No AI was used in the creation of my articles. I’m not a professional writer or editor, I write from my heart to yours, and I hope that’s okay with you!

Established in 2024

Vol. 2, No 1 September 2025

Publisher Lynn Hiscoe, Founder and CEO empoweredlives.ca and kootenaywomen.com

Writers/Contributors

Conner Adams, Shelley Adams, Morgan Bouma, Jacquelyn Barlow, Beth Campbell, Julia Gillmor, Lynn Hiscoe, Mélanie Pulla, Tess Rouse, Fern Sabo, Ona Stanton, Phoebe Sutton

Marketing Director Ona Stanton

Cover photo Ellie Rye Moments -Amanda McGregor

Photographers Amanda McGregor, Moving Target, Photography by Taylor

Creative Director Mishell Raedeke

Graphic Designer Page Matias

Social Media Manager Page Matias

Kootenay Women in Business is a publication that is distributed by addressed mail to women entrepreneurs throughout the Kootenay region. Each issue is published twice a year, ensuring that our readers receive the latest insights, resources, and stories that are relevant to their business endeavors. Our goal is to support and empower women in business

Subscriptions

Subscriptions are available at kootenaywomen.com

Social @kootenaywomeninbusiness Web kootenaywomen.com Office (250) 878-1634 Email lhiscoe@empoweredlives.ca

Return undeliverable items to: Kootenay Women in Business 3610 Masuch Road Creston, BC V0B 1G1 Canada

Empoweredlives and Kootenay Women in Business wish to acknowledge that all work for this project was conducted on the unceded traditional territory of the Yaqan Nukiy people within the Ktunaxa Nations.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the publisher’s written permission. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Kootenay Women in Business or its affiliates. The publisher is not responsible for advertisement or sponsored content.

9 Top Spots for Girls Gettaway

Discover the publisher’s handpicked Kootenay gems—9 top spots perfect for girls’ getaways and rejuvenating retreats.

4 The Seasons of Business: Finding Your Purpose When the Landscape Shifts

6 The Power of Community

8 letters to Lynn

Questions from real women with real concerns

9 feature articles

9 The Power of Retreats

10 Top 9 Wellness Destinations for Girls' Trips in the Kootenays

17 Power in Groups

18 Choosing Experiences Over Things

22 the story behind the business

22 CASA LAW – Leading with Purpose: A Woman's Perspective on Law in British Columbia 24 Motherhood & Herbal Support

26 What Are You Actually Chasing?

28 Behind the Bar: How Viva Cacao is Changing the Ethical Chocolate Game

30 Why I Train to Be Strong Not Skinny

32 Rooted in Community: Building a Business, Raising a Family, and Growing Connection in the Kootenays

33 Tea, Ceremony, and the Lost Art of Slowness 34 special feature story

Two Outstanding Directors in the Kootenays 37 the book club

Recommendations from a psychotherapist and a business coach

38 wellness recap

Voices From Women at Out First Summit 42 kootenay eats

With Shelley Adams & Connor Adams

kootenay women directory

Choose us as a place to market your business!

Finding Your Purpose When the Landscape Shifts THE SEASONS OF BUSINESS:

By Fern Sabo

As a woman entrepreneur, your business is likely more than just a company; it's a reflection of your passion for making a difference. But the daily demands—the endless to-do lists, marketing efforts, and constant client care—can sometimes cause you to lose sight of that initial fire that inspired you to start, especially when the lines between your work and your personal mission blur.

The business landscape has seasons, with periods of abundant growth and times of quiet reflection. In these moments of change, the key to building a powerful, sustainable brand isn't to chase every fleeting trend. It's to plant yourself firmly and find your core identity.

WHAT IS YOUR CORE IDENTITY?

Think of the majestic mountains that surround us. They stand firm, providing a constant, unwavering presence. While the landscape around them changes with the seasons, the mountains themselves are a steady and reliable reference point. Your core identity is that grounded spot for your business—the central idea that everything else revolves around.

This identity is your business's primary focus and, by extension, your brand's essence. It's not about the specific services you offer. It's about the core attribute or benefit that defines your work. While your services may change and evolve like the seasons, your attribute is your unwavering guide.

YOUR BUSINESS'S ATTRIBUTE IS THE EMOTIONAL AND TANGIBLE PROMISE YOU MAKE TO THOSE YOU SERVE. LET IT DEFINE, DRIVE, AND INFORM EVERY DECISION YOU MAKE.

contributed

Photos

ideas on brand visibility

FINDING YOUR BRAND'S DEFINING ATTRIBUTE

Instead of identifying with a product or service, focus on the unique benefit you provide. Ask yourself:

• What promise do I make to every client?

• What is the single most important feeling or outcome I want my clients to have?

• What is the core value that drives every decision I make in my business?

Your answer will likely be a key attribute like unwavering support, unparalleled clarity, or deep-seated transformation. Your business's attribute is the emotional and tangible promise you make to those you serve. Let it define, drive, and inform every decision you make.

ALIGNING YOUR BUSINESS WITH YOUR PURPOSE

Once you've identified your core identity, or your key attribute, the next step is to ensure your entire business aligns with it. This is where your brand comes to life. Your core identity should be the lens through which you view every aspect of your business— from the services you offer to the way you communicate with clients.

Look at your current offerings:

• Do your services and products truly reflect your key attribute?

• Are there offerings that feel like a distraction, pulling your business away from its core identity?

• Do your website, marketing materials, and client communication clearly showcase your brand's essence?

For instance, if your core identity is "deep-seated transformation," your offerings should be designed for long-term, impactful change, not quick-fix solutions. If your key attribute is "unwavering support," make sure that's reflected in how you communicate and the level of accessibility you provide to your clients.

By aligning your business with your purpose, you create a powerful, enduring brand. This foundation— built on the very qualities you stand for—will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of business and continue to make a lasting impact.

Fern Sabo is the owner of Spring Creative Inc., a brand, design, and marketing agency in Nelson, BC. She believes building a purposedriven brand is key to creating a business—and a life—that feels aligned and authentic. You can connect with her at springcreative.ca

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

By Ona Stanton

When I ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, I knew one thing for certain: I didn’t want to build a business in isolation.

From the beginning, I invested time in building community—joining the Chamber of Commerce, and local business groups, staying in touch with other new entrepreneurs I met through Community Futures, and creating space in my calendar for connection —both online and in-person.

But this drive wasn’t just strategic—the desire came from personal experience. Growing up without much community or family nearby, I often felt alone and like I didn’t quite fit in. Those feelings of longing for connection and community have profoundly shaped my career path and have driven me to help others

find their voice and build communities where they feel valued and celebrated!

Now, more than seven years into running Business Reach Marketing & Social Media, I can confidently say this: Community has been the foundation of everything. It’s the heartbeat behind my work today.

As a Visibility Coach and Social Media Strategist, I help other entrepreneurs build communities and strategies that feel authentic and aligned. Whether it’s through coaching, online challenges & workshops, attending and organizing in-person events, engaging in local business meet ups, or hosting bundles & summits. Community-building as an essential part of my strategy— both personal and professional.

Why Community Matters in Business

• It helps you stay energized – Being around others on a similar path can ease the isolation and bring inspiration.

• Creativity flows through connection – Some of your best ideas will come from conversations.

• Visibility grows with engagement – Your community becomes your ambassadors, sharing your name and your work in rooms and circles where you're not yet connected.

• Referrals come from relationships – People are more likely to recommend you when they know you and trust you.

by

Photo

Amanda Mary Creative

ideas on brand visibility

5 Ways to Build a Meaningful Business Community

1. Be a connector

Don’t just focus on growing your follower count—nurture real relationships. Comment with intention, share your clients' work, refer people to each other. Show up for others without expecting something in return.

2. Create or join events that align with your values

Whether it’s a local meetup, mastermind, or online co-working session, the magic often happens in live interaction. If you can’t find something that feels right—create it.

3. Make your content invitational Instead of just promoting your services, share your story. Ask questions. Celebrate others. Content should create conversations, not just broadcast information.

4. Collaborate often and with intention

Partnering with others builds trust and widens your reach in authentic ways.

This can be through group events like markets and summits, giveaways, having a guest speaker or Instagram Story takeover, featuring a partner or industry contributor— get creative and have fun.

5. Lead with generosity and clarity

Be someone who shares resources, offers encouragement, and

AS A VISIBILITY COACH AND SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST, I HELP OTHER ENTREPRENEURS BUILD COMMUNITIES AND STRATEGIES THAT FEEL AUTHENTIC AND ALIGNED.

contributes generously—and don’t hesitate to give referrals to others when you aren’t the right solution. Be clear about what you do and how people can work with you; clarity helps differentiate you from other experts.

Community doesn’t happen by accident—it’s intentional, a two- way street, built one comment, one conversation, one coffee chat at a time. Real growth happens in conversations, in collaborations, in showing up for one another—consistently and genuinely.

Say hello. Join a local event. Comment on someone’s post. Invite someone in.

I’m incredibly grateful for the people I’ve met through groups like the Lower Columbia Women in Business Club and the countless collaborations and friendships that have bloomed from intentional networking and collaborative events.

If you’ve been feeling alone in your business journey, here’s your invitation: Start with one connection. Be the community you wish existed. And trust that your people are out there, looking for exactly what you bring.

And in time, it grows into something powerful like the Kootenay Women Summit taking place this October 16-17, 2025 in Rossland! I hope to see you there…

Ona Stanton is a Digital Accountability Coach and Social Media Strategist who founded her digital agency, Business Reach Marketing & Social Media in Rossland in 2018. Ona helps entrepreneurs show up confidently online, serving as a guide and partner. Through coaching, content ‘cafes’, and virtual events, she empowers clients to elevate their marketing and maximize impact. Outside of work, she enjoys cheering on her three kids, enjoying Kootenay life, and volunteering in her community.

Photo by Amanda Mary Creative

Left photo by Ellie Rye Moments; other contributed

Deliver Your Genius Event, 2024. Kootenay Women in Business Summit, 2024.

letters to Lynn

Please note that these are real clients with real concerns. The publisher has changed their names to protect their anonymity. Permission has been granted to tell their stories.

Looking for support

I have been trying to convince others that all is going well—and even harder trying to convince myself. I also know that after he screamed at me and held my mouth shut and I continued the relationship, I just did not want to leave. I don’t want to uproot my children and my life and start over. I keep trying, and I keep failing, which only feeds my insecurity. My life is not in physical danger; I don’t want to portray it is. The damage is emotional. I realize I am never going to make it right. Ever. Why is it so hard to leave? —Sarah

Dear Sarah,

Without knowing all the details, I will try to give you some information on what might be going on. It sounds like a trauma bond. A trauma bond is created when the cycle of abuse is repeated so that the patterns of shame, confusion, uncertainty, and guilt feed on and reinforce one another.

Usually there’s a power imbalance in a trauma bond, with the abuser wielding rewards and punishments that keep the abused feeling that the situation is unpredictable and out of their control. Any self-worth can disappear as the cycle continues which – in turn – makes leaving the relationship seem impossible. What I recommend is talking to a counsellor at a local transition house. They will help you understand if you are safe and where to go when you are not safe. They will assist with a safety plan. These women have specific training in the cycle of abuse. Please reach out so you know where they are located in case you need a safe place to go. Tell someone you trust what is going on. And finally, if you are ever fearful call 911. —Lynn

What do I say?

I have an employee that has been coming in late this past month. She does not normally do this as she knows the shop opens at a certain time and I count on her being there. I do not want to lose her but I do not know how to address this. —Beth

Hi Beth, when you notice a change in behaviour the best way to handle it is by letting her know you value her and want her to be successful, however you have noticed that for the past month she’s been late. You have noticed this change. Ask her if there is anything going on that you can support her with? Maybe it has to do with daycare or there could be a medical issue. Give her the opportunity to share with you in a safe and supportive way so she can be successful at work.

Lynn Hiscoe a psychotherapist practicing in Creston, both in person and on-line. With 25 years of experience working with professional and business women, she has led a team of 15 clinicians for over 15 years and continues to develop programs and provide clinical supervision, group therapy, training, and retreats.

by

Photo

Ellie Rye MomentsAmanda McGregor

LynnHiscoe

I

The Power of Retreats

With Kerry McArthur and Lynn Hiscoe at emPoweredlives.ca

n her first book of essays, the late poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou reminisced about her annual retreat a time in which she consciously separated herself from her responsibilities and cares.

“Every person needs to take one day away,” she wrote. “A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future. Jobs, lovers, family, employers and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence” (Angelou, p. 135).

The reason for this apparent flight from duty? The retreat “acts as a spring tonic. It can dispel rancor, transform indecision, and renew the spirit.”

Wise words from the winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom! And yet how many of us follow this sage advice? How many of us consciously make time for ourselves and do it routinely, faithfully, as did the extraordinarily productive and insightful Maya Angelou?

Some women argue that they’re much too busy to take time out for themselves that their children, partners, students, jobs all function 24/7, and that leaving all that to function on its own is risky, even foolish.

Or women may declare that they plan to make a retreat somewhere in

the future just not today or tomorrow. The problem is that that future day may never come. It’s the argument people make when they plan (but fail) to exercise, to eat and sleep more consciously, to practice gratitude, to focus on connection.

The fact is that every human being today especially these days, when women are busy, and yet every individual intuitively knows they should spend more time on self-care.

But without physically sitting down to plan that retreat from the world, most women may see the weeks slip away, no further ahead in their plans to rejuvenate their exhausted souls.

Retreats need not be long or expensive. Sometimes a retreat can mean a break from the cellphone or tablet in favour of an evening of reading; it can be an escape to a local park with a specialty coffee for a few hours while your partner babysits.

Retreats can also be times of shared renewal in the company of other women. Rabbi Jessica Kessler Marshall writes of tending to her soul in a yurt in rural Washington during a women’s weekend retreat years ago. She still remembers it as a space “different from the world of productivity and achieving that many of us operate within.

“Retreat settings espouse a sacred encounter focused on intuition, nurturing, allowing what is without needing to ‘fix,’ creating for the pure joy of expressing ideas,” she writes. “This sense of feeling known and understood is the foundation retreat facilitators can create” (Marshall, p. 123).

Whatever your circumstance your time, your budget, your state of mind plan your retreat today. Start small or think big, but do it. Your weary spirit will thank you.

References Angelou, M. (2011). A Day Away. In Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now (pp. 135-37). Bantam. Marshall, J.K. (2021). Sacred Encounter: Women’s Rituals and Retreats. CCAR Journal: The Reform Jewish Quarterly (Spring/Summer 2021), 121-133.

Lynn Hiscoe leads holistic retreats for women pursuing mind, body and connection; stay tuned to the next retreat.

Top9

Wellness Destinations

for Girls’ Trips in the Kootenays

By LYNN HISCOE

Here are a few stunning wellness destinations in the Kootenays perfect for a rejuvenating girls’ trip. Each offers its own blend of serene landscapes, thoughtful treatments, and meaningful and fun experiences.

Clockwise: The Sentinel Retreat & Wellness Centre lodge, where guided meditations take place; its beautiful architecture blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings; serenity embraces this peaceful property nestled in the woods; Halcyon offers several soothing hot pools.

KASLO

The Sentinel Retreat & Wellness Centre

A lakeside sanctuary that combines ancient teachings with modern wellness, including acupuncture, massage, sauna, and hot tubs—with a unique focus on personal transformation in a tranquil alpine setting. This is a place I have held retreats and workshops and absolutely loved it. The accommodation was stunning right on Kootenay Lake just outside of Kaslo. The food was locally sourced, and it was a fabulous place to hold a retreat. We brought a sound bowl enthusiast and enjoyed yoga in the Maloca! A very special communal space even if it is just a getaway! sentinelbc.ca facebook.com/thesentinelbc instagram.com/thesentinelbc

NAKUSP

Halcyon Hot Springs Resort

Set against alpine peaks and Arrow Lakes, this resort lures visitors with natural hot springs (hot, warm, and mineral pools), spa treatments, yoga, and paddleboarding. The lodge uses geothermal heating and focuses on sustainable, farm-to-table dining. Known for its lithium-rich waters, Halcyon is celebrated for therapeutic benefits, including stress reduction. I have held several work retreats and personal girls getaways with my besties. I absolutely love this place. The pools are so beautiful with a view overlooking the lake. The cabins are stunning and well equipped. I will be back! halcyon-hotsprings.com facebook.com/halcyonhs instagram.com/halcyonhotsprings

KOOTENAY BAY

Yasodhara Ashram

A globally recognized women-led, spiritual retreat on Kootenay Lake, offering guided or self-guided retreats, immersive multi-month programs, and Karma Yoga. The beautiful retreat center is located in the stunning mountains on the shore of Kootenay Lake. This yoga retreat and study centre was founded in 1963 on Kootenay Bay outside of Riondel. If you are looking for yoga, self-reflection and spiritual growth, this is the place to go. When you go there, you feel at peace just driving in—it is a sanctuary. yasodhara.org facebook.com/yasodhara.org instagram.com/yasodharaashram

AINSWORTH

Ainsworth

Hot Springs Resort

The Lower Kootenay Band welcomes you to Ainsworth Hotsprings Resort in the traditional homelands of the Ktunaxa people. Enter a uniquely shaped cave with mineral-rich pools in a spectacular forested setting by Kootenay Lake. The waters are abundant in healing minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and lithium. The Ktunaxa people have utilized this site as a place for healing. This is a place I have gone to for years. Ainsworth is a unique experience in the heart of the Kootenays. You can also immerse yourself in the serene embrace of the Spirit Water Spa. ainsworthhotsprings.com facebook.com/AinsworthHotSprings instagram.com/ainsworthhotsprings

The iconic hot springs pool set against a scenic backdrop, representing the resort’s signature attraction.

Yoga retreat at Yasodhara Ashram.

Temple of Light, a central feature of the Ashram.

FERNIE

Lizard Creek Lodge

This is a ski in and ski out resort that is adjacent to the Fernie Alpine Resort. It offers full-service spa with massages, body treatments with three spa tubs! That sounds fabulous to me! Fernie is a great town to visit any time of the year. The coffee shops and restaurants are the best, and the scenery is spectacular. I lived there at one point and love going back to see all the new places popping up. Definitely on my list to go see! lizardcreek.com facebook.com/Lizardcreeklodge instagram.com/lizardcreeklodge

BONNINGTON

Footstep Eco Adventures

Remote mountain lodges and yoga-hiking retreats combine mindfulness with motion. Ideal for unplugged, shared experiences surrounded by alpine lakes and meadows. Footsteps tours are based in the West Kootenays, near Nelson, BC. All trips are guided by Leah Brown who is a certified hiking guide. Yoga practices are led by local, knowledgeable instructors who weave together a variety of styles. Delicious meals are catered for the guests by local chefs. I have not personally been to this eco adventure but would be really interested in the All Women Adventures. The scenery and backdrop in this part of the Kootenays is absolutely spectacular. There are two more tours running in September/October for 2025. For more info and bookings, contact Leah. footstepsecoadventures.com facebook.com/Footsteps.Eco.Adventures instagram.com/footstepsecoadventures

Lizard Creek Lodge is the mountain’s only fullservice property, offering comfort and convenience in a stunning alpine setting.

Névé Spa at Lizard Creek Lodge offers massages and wellness treatments inspired by fresh mountain snow.

Footsteps Eco Adventures offers guided mountain retreats with hiking, yoga, wellness, and cozy lodges.

A beautifully lit interior shot with wood-beam architecture.

FAIRMONT

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

This is a resort I have been to many times in life, with friends and with kids and family. It is a wonderful getaway that has access all year round to all kinds of amenities. It is one of the largest mineral hot spring resorts in Canada with multiple hot and warm pools. It is adjacent to the skill hill and great restaurants. Close to Invermere where you can discover beautiful shops and fine dining and music. This is definitely on my list! fairmonthotsprings.com facebook.com/FairmontHotSpringsResort instagram.com/fairmonthotspringsresort

Quantum Leaps Lodge Retreats

Secluded wellness packages in cabins or teepees featuring massage therapy, shamanic drumming, and forest bathing in the Blaeberry River Valley. This place is described as spiritual, personal and group retreats for raising consciousness. This one is speaking my language. This is a unique peaceful retreat place in the Rocky Mountain Region just outside of Golden. These retreats are a journey in river dipping, gentle yoga, hypnotherapy, sound bath and forest bathing. Who doesn’t need all of that?! Honestly, this looks like a place I am going to check out! quantumleaps.ca

NEAR GOLDEN

Canada’s largest natural mineral hot springs, offering a mix of soaking, swimming, and diving pools in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Nestled by the Blaeberry River at the edge of the Rockies, this sanctuary offers a serene setting for personal and group retreats.

Photos contributed

CRANBROOK

St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino

I love this destination. The amenities are endless and perfect for a girls getaway any time of the year. I will be planning our next summit at St. Eugene as it has everything that we could hope for. This resort is set on 300 acres of wilderness in the heart of the East Kootenays. The resort is owned by the Ktunaxa Nation and Shuswap Indian Band. They have a deep history in the area and offer cultural tours on site. This resort includes a casino, golf, spa, pools, walks and hikes and an interpretive center. Maybe we will see you there at our next event. steugene.ca instagram.com/steugeneresort

Historic Ktunaxa site offering luxury rooms, championship golf, casino, dining, spa, and mountain-view relaxation.

Indulge in a variety of dining experiences at the resort's restaurants.

Relax in heated pools, hot tubs, and sauna.

Ktunaxa Interpretative Centre for a taste of rich heritage, history and culture.

Break down the barriers and live from a place of unshakable self-worth in this program led by Lynn Hiscoe, registered Psychotherapist and Founder of emPoweredlives and Kootenay Women in Business.

lhiscoe@empoweredlives.ca www.empoweredlives.ca/know-your-worth

6-week live interactive group building psychological safety within yourself

Includes a booklet and access to the online program Funding may be available through your extended health benefits

All for just $595

POWER

IN GROUPS

By Lynn Hiscoe

There is power in groups. When women come together and bring a joint intention it does not just add up, it multiplies. The energy of transformation magnifies in a group setting. When people are committed to the process there is a positive growth energy that is generated in a group which is different

when we do it on our own.

There is good reason for this. It is rooted in our nature as human beings. We are designed for connection. Group energy holds the individual, supports the individual and together more is achieved that can be done on a 1-1 basis. This is why it is important to bring us together

now more than ever. I have been running groups since I was a 22-year-old social worker running parenting class’s in New Denver. I knew absolutely nothing about parenting, but I was able to hold a group even when I knew nothing. Since then, I have probably run more than 4000 groups and

trained 100’s of clinicians to run groups. What I learned is that there nothing is more important than people feeling like they belong. That is likely why AA has been running since 1935. That is 90 years! Join me in the next Know Your Worth group. Together we will build something extraordinary.

Choosing

HOW HITTING HER 50's WAS THE PERFECT TIME FOR THIS KOOTENAY ENTREPRENEUR TO CHASE COLLABORATION, ADVENTURE, AND MEANING

experiences over things

By Julia Gillmor

Fifteen years ago I set out on an intentional journey. The goal was simple to work from any beachside cafe anywhere in the world. I was thinking about “nomad” life before it was ever an instagram hashtag or legit business model.

With a vision of the life I wanted to create I left a small start-up I was working for and struck out on my own. Nine months later, I was a new mom running a sales and marketing business that did a bit of everything. Today, my LinkedIn profile lists me as Fractional CMO | Marketing Manager | Email Marketing Whiz | Strategic Copywriter I’m essentially a marketing Swiss Army knife with good SEO.

Building a business, a real business that generates revenue and results, is far harder and lonelier than the average online course creator or coach lets on in their sexy sales pages and instagram ads. I know this because I’ve written plenty of both.

But building your own business while being a mom takes even more. It’s like being the CEO of two competing companies constantly vying for your time and attention. It’s exhausting.

And while I did achieve my dream of working beachside and poolside in different countries, I was usually working alone. For me, there are two downsides to that: first, the absence of creative collaboration doesn’t always produce the best

BUILDING A BUSINESS, A REAL BUSINESS THAT GENERATES REVENUE AND RESULTS, IS FAR HARDER AND LONELIER THAN THE AVERAGE ONLINE COURSE CREATOR OR COACH LETS ON IN THEIR SEXY SALES PAGES AND INSTAGRAM ADS.

final product; and second, working in what I call a “creative vacuum” just doesn’t work for someone who thrives on being around people.

With effort, intention, and a little serendipity, I recently stepped back from my business in search of something that feels more real. Hitting my 50s prompted deep consideration of how I want to spend my days —and who I want to spend them with.

With that mindset —and a focus on experiences over things —I packed up my life in Nelson last September. I sold, donated, or gave away 90 percent of what I owned, and set out for the East Coast going fully remote with my partner, while road-schooling my daughter.

In May, we moved into a 30-foot camper, drove back across the country, and have been spending summer working, living, and playing in the Kootenays. Early mornings are spent journaling over coffee by Kootenay Lake, and we often close the day with an evening paddle as the mountains fade to blues and grey. Our plan is to head to Europe this winter —the details are still fuzzy, but we leave in October.

A naturally heart-shaped stone, an organic find that beautifully reflects the simple, grounding moments woven into the experience.

At night, our 30-foot camper glows softly in the stillness of nature. It’s not just a trailer— it’s the vessel of our journey, carrying us into a life rooted in freedom, connection, and possibility.

My partner and my daughter smiling while taking selfies in our cozy outdoor living setup in Canada.

As I enter my “third act” and the next chapter of my creative and professional life, I’m sitting with some big questions: What now? What’s next? What do I want to create that feels like an extension of who I am?

Here’s what I know my work needs to include:

• Creative projects

• Collaborative work that brings people and ideas together

• To be in service for good

• Opportunities that create meaningful experiences and connection

Where I currently find myself is with a small team of heart-centered, go-getter women I love and admire, co-creating a summer camp experience for grown-ups.

This is a group of friends I met through an in-person entrepreneurial retreat. Together, we’re creating an intimate, affordable retreat in the Colorado mountains —a perfect blend of experiential learning, adventure activities, and organic connection time.

When I talk about camp, it can sometimes sound like a cult —but really, it’s just a place where good people gather with other good people.

It checks every box of what I want to create going forward. But maybe the most important part for me is that it’s co-created with other incredible humans, rather than something I build on my own.

I’ve dreamed of creating something like this in the Kootenays, but there’s always been something else demanding my attention. Maybe now is the time.

This path is far from conventional, and it comes with plenty of uncertainty but I’m okay with that. The trade-off is getting to live the life I truly want.

For me, the key has been letting go of what life “should” look like, and instead leaning into the process and following the cosmic breadcrumbs. I often don’t know what’s next or where I’ll be living in a week, but there’s a certain beauty in creating life as it unfolds.

There are still goals to reach and the practical side of life to manage that part never goes away, but now it’s rich with connection, adventure, and meaning. And I’m here for that.

Julia Gillmor is wired for wonder and most at home on the trail or on an adventure. An unexpected homeschooler, and adventure mom, she’s also a copywriter, marketer and the Chief Good Idea Officer for the TrailBlazeHER Adventure Network. You can follow the adventures on Instagram at instagram.com/gillmorgirlsadventureclub contact her for business through LInkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julia-gillmor-02943228 or connect with on Substact at: substack.com/@therealgillmorgirl

Photos

Sponsored Advertorial

A Woman’s Perspective on Law in British Columbia

LEADING WITH PURPOSE

By Cinthia Anguiano Solís • Founder of Casa Law

WhenI began my journey in the legal profession, I understood that I was stepping into a field with a long history one that hasn’t always made space for women, particularly women of diverse backgrounds. But I also knew that law could be a powerful tool for service, for justice, and for community building. That belief has guided me every step of the way.

Today, as the founder of CASA LAW in Creston, British Columbia, I see firsthand how women are not just participating in law we’re leading

it, shaping it, and transforming it.

Leadership in law is often measured in titles partner, managing lawyer, judge but today’s women leaders are expanding that definition. Many of us are choosing to lead by example: prioritizing collaboration over competition, emphasizing client care, and building practices that reflect values of service, balance, and sustainability.

We’re also leading critical conversations that are reshaping the legal profession itself from mental health and wellness in law,

to increasing access to justice, to advancing Indigenous reconciliation.

Our impact reaches beyond the courtroom into policy reform, education, and community advocacy. We’re not only changing how the law is practiced we’re changing why and for whom it’s practiced.

I chose to open my own practice focused on real estate transactions, estate planning, probate applications, and corporate matters because I wanted to practice law in a way that reflects my values.

Team Casa Law in Creston, BC, walk together outside their office, a picturesque building that reflects the firm’s strong community presence.

HERE IN THE KOOTENAYS, WE ARE UNIQUELY POSITIONED TO LEAD IN THIS SHIFT. OUR COMMUNITIES VALUE CONNECTION, RESILIENCE, AND AUTHENTICITY—QUALITIES THAT MANY WOMEN NATURALLY BRING TO THEIR PRACTICE. AND WHEN WE SUPPORT EACH OTHER AS COLLEAGUES, CLIENTS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS, WE ALL RISE.

I wanted to create a space where clients feel heard and respected, and where legal services are delivered with care, clarity, and compassion.

The name of my firm, CASA, means “home” in Spanish a word that represents not only my roots, but also the environment I strive to create for my clients: welcoming, trustworthy, and built on a strong foundation.

As a woman in the legal field, I’ve found that our strength often lies in our ability to lead with empathy and precision. We balance technical skill with emotional intelligence. We know that behind every file is a real person with real stakes. And we understand that the legal process can be overwhelming so we strive to make it more accessible, less intimidating, and truly client-centered.

Still, challenges persist. There are systemic barriers, unconscious biases, and outdated norms that continue to affect women’s advancement in the profession. But I also see momentum. Across BC, I’ve witnessed women creating their own firms, mentoring the next generation, advocating for equity, and changing the culture of law from within.

Here in the Kootenays, we are uniquely positioned to lead in this shift. Our communities value connection, resilience, and authenticity qualities that many women naturally bring to their practice. And when we support each other as colleagues, clients, and community members, we all rise.

I’m proud to be part of this movement to be one of many women in BC who are redefining what legal leadership looks like. It’s not just about

winning cases or climbing ladders. It’s about making law more human, more responsive, and more just.

And I believe we’re just getting started.

Cinthia Anguiano Solís LLM, called to the BC Bar in 2022, is a dedicated lawyer known for her compassionate approach. She holds a law degree from the University of Colima and a Master’s in Common Law from UBC. Committed to clients and community, she also volunteers, enjoys reading, cultural events, and exploring the outdoors. Find out more at casalaw.ca

From left: Katie Reves, legal assistant; Cinthia Anguiano Solís, founder of Casa Law and Solange Huscroft, legal assistant, stand at the front door of the firm’s Creston office: 125 10th Avenue North, Creston, BC

Photos contributed

Motherhood

& Herbal

Support

At Barlow Roots Farm, I cultivate, harvest and have worked with plant medicine for over 6 years. What I’ve found working with plant medicine during pregnancy and postpartum was truly transformative.

Calendula whip butter is a gentle yet powerful skin ally during pregnancy. Rich in natural emollients, it helps improve elasticity, deeply hydrates, and soothes dryness, making it especially supportive for reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

By Jacquelyn Barlow

As a mother, you are always thinking how you can gain energy, nutrients and feel good while looking after your babies.

I started making floral balms and infused oils in 2020 to help nourish my skin during pregnancy. I made herbal teas, infusions, supplements and tinctures for herbal support. The herbal oils were intuitive and felt as though my skin loved me for it. It has been known for centuries that healing herbs and botanicals have been used to support healthy skin, enhance the skin’s appearance, heal skin problems, and improve skin elasticity.

I lathered up with Calendula serum almost daily. It felt good, absorbing the benefits from an antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antioxidating flower powerhouse. Calendula balm quite literally saved me during breastfeeding and when I ran out of my own supply I always bought locally from Tilia Botanicals Store. Our skin creates a barrier from the outside world as it is our first line and defence against everyday pollutants, which is why I believe it is so important to nourish the skin with herbs. My go-to diaper rash formula was simply calendula infused oil and for teething rashes I used calendula balm. It was magical to see the rashes on their bodies/faces disappear within minutes.

Photography by Taylor @photographybytaylor

the story behind the business

I am so grateful to have found refuge during post-partum with teas, decoctions, cold infusions and cooking. I particularly enjoyed teas with lemon balm, chamomile and nettle. I love making cold infusions of our marshmallow root that cools inflammation and also making marshmallows for my children is a favourite.

The plants I grew, I used daily, and the gratification was felt every time I made a remedy or a meal. I know how loved the herbs that we grow are and I am happy to know what I put into myself, my children and my family is undeniably healthy.

I was able to witness how I felt with certain plants in my life, the smell of lavender, sage, thyme, oregano, lemon balm was uplifting. In the winter months, I need herbs and garlic to support my immunity and my family’s. We often use garlic powder in eggs, sauces, butter and dressings as it is easier for our littles to consume.

I decided in 2024 that I would further invest my time on learning from a clinical herbalist, Colleen Emery, who founded Emery Herbals in Winlaw, BC. I took the Medicine Making Immersion Program, where I was able to connect with other students, feel empowered to work with more herbs, learn recipes and gain

knowledge on storage techniques, good manufacturing and collection practices.

One beautiful discovery from my herbal journey is the amount of pollinators, birds and bugs that have gathered on Barlow Roots Farm. The plants have brought more nature into our lives and have been a garden of solace. My love of herbs, biodiversity, and sustainable growing has opened so many doors, from nourishing my body to my friend’s and my family’s.

Please note that this blog does not constitute as medical advice and is from personal experience only. It is not intended and should not be construed

as medical advice to diagnose, treat, or cure, or prevent diseases. Always consult a health care professional if you have health concerns and take medications before using medicinal herbs.

Jacquelyn Barlow co-owns Barlow Roots in Wynndel, BC, where she cultivates medicinal herbs and remedies and loves to spend time with her family. Find Jacquelyn on instagram @ barlowroots

Bruce and Jacquelyn planting garlic on their farm in Creston.

Garlic braids and Calendula whip butter a nourishing blend crafted to deeply hydrate and restore your skin.

Jacquelyn proudly holding her certification for Medicine Making Immersion Program.

What Are You Actually Chasing?

THE HIDDEN ACHE OF HIGH- ACHIEVING

WOMEN — AND HOW BREATHWORK HELPS YOU STOP SPRINTING TOWARD A LIFE YOU ALREADY HAVE, BUT CAN’T FEEL.

By Tess Rouse

You’ve built a beautiful life. The title. The family. The curated moments. The income. The plans. And still something feels… off.

If you’re always chasing the next thing, never truly present in the success you’ve built, and wondering why fulfillment still feels out of reach, this is for you.

This isn’t about hustling harder. It’s about finding your way back to your body, your breath, and your worth.

The Ache Beneath the Achievement

I was the woman who had it all on paper. An executive role in government. Two kIds.

A stable marriage.

A perfectly decorated home.

I hosted the birthdays, packed the lunches, delivered the strategic plans. I showed up polished and prepared. I built a life that looked complete, and I believed that if I just kept checking the boxes career, motherhood, marriage, home, community I would eventually feel full.

But I didn’t.

I felt numb. Tired. Disconnected. Not because I wasn’t grateful I was. But because I was running. Not toward a dream, but away from a deeper truth: I didn’t feel worthy. Not truly. Not in my body. Not in stillness. I had confused doing with being lovable.

Performing Stability While Silently Breaking Down

Behind the image of balance and success was a body screaming for attention.

I had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 14 an autoimmune condition that flared when I pushed too hard or ignored my needs.

And I ignored them often.

I kept striving, overdelivering, caretaking, suppressing believing that if I could just keep going, the ache inside me would quiet down.

But it didn’t.

No one had ever told me that trauma stored in the body doesn’t just go away with time. It waits. It accumulates. It shows up as fatigue, illness, anxiety, or emptiness until we’re finally willing to feel it.

Breathwork Wasn’t a Wellness Trend It Was a Lifeline

By the time I stumbled into Breathwork, I had tried everything: supplements, therapy, medication, personal development work.

Breathwork was different. It didn’t ask me to perform or overthink. It gave me a safe space to feel.

Within six months of regular practice, my Crohn’s symptoms disappeared. That was nearly four years ago. I haven’t had a flare-up since.

But even more powerful than the physical healing was the emotional awakening.

Breathwork helped me release the fear, grief, and shame I had been carrying for decades. It helped me slow down, stop numbing, and finally feel the life I had worked so hard to build.

Why We Keep Moving the Goalpost

Every time I hit a goal, I raised the bar. More income. More control. More perfection.

But I wasn’t running toward expansion I was running from discomfort.

From the belief that I wasn’t enough. From the fear of being truly seen. From emotions I didn’t know how to hold.

At fourteen, Tess Rouse faced illness and trauma— Breathwork healed her body, mind, spirit, and now guides others.

the story behind the business

This is the silent story behind so many highachieving women:

Why Breathwork Works

Breathwork creates safety in the body.

It helps you metabolize what’s been stuck not through words, but through movement, sensation, and breath.

Emotional benefits

• Releases grief, fear, rage, shame

• Builds resilience and emotional clarity

• Regulates the nervous system

• Increases your capacity to feel joy, intimacy, and rest

Physical benefits

• Boosts immunity and energy

• Reduces stress, inflammation, and burnout symptoms

• Improves digestion, circulation, and sleep

• Supports healing from chronic illness and trauma

We don’t know how to stop striving, because we’ve never felt safe in stillness.

You Don’t Have to Burn It All Down Eventually, I left government not in crisis, but in clarity.

Not because I needed to escape, but because I finally knew who I was outside of achievement.

The business I’ve built today isn’t from urgency or overcompensation. It’s from embodiment. Stillness. Integrity.

Breathwork didn’t just heal my symptoms. It healed my relationship with myself.

Bring This Into Your Life (or Your Work)

You don’t have to radically overhaul your life to begin breathing again.

Try this simple practice:

• Set a timer for 8 minutes

• Inhale through your mouth into the belly, then the chest

• Exhale through the mouth

• Repeat in a circular rhythm

• Let yourself feel what comes without judging or fixing

If you’re a coach, facilitator, or therapist, Breathwork can unlock emotional access for your clients in a way words cannot. It creates deeper integration, transformation, and regulation.

What If This Is the

Arrival?

We spend so much of our lives waiting for

the next milestone, the right moment, the future version of ourselves.

But what if you’re already here?

What if this moment this breath is the life you’ve been sprinting past?

You don’t need to chase anything else.

You just need to feel what’s already yours.

And Breathwork will take you there.

Photos contributed

Tess holding space for a client in the middle of an emotional release during a Breathwork session the moment healing meets embodiment.

Behind the Bar: How Viva Cacao is Changing the Ethical Chocolate Game

Chocolate is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a global industry built on the backs of small farmers and complex supply chains. But not all chocolate is created equal. While most companies buy cacao at the lowest possible price, often ignoring the human and environmental toll, one small-batch chocolate maker in Slocan, British

Columbia, is taking a radically different approach. Meet Viva Cacao—a brand born out of a love for chocolate and a fierce commitment to ethical sourcing, transparency, and community.

The Story Behind the Brand

Viva Cacao was founded by Beth Campbell, a baker turned chocolatier

By Beth Campbell

with a passion for creativity and conscious food systems. What started in a café kitchen after hours has blossomed into a thriving chocolate company that makes organic, vegan, and ethically sourced chocolate bars, drinking chocolate, chocolate barks, and truffles. Beth’s journey is rooted in small beginnings, but her values have always been big.

Bar of Viva Cacao’s Salted Maca Crunch dark chocolate—its recyclable wrapper boldly branded and listing the 65% dark chocolate infused with maca root, crunchy cacao nibs, and a hint of sea salt.

Photos contributed

the story behind the business

“I was hand-wrapping bars, hand-making labels, and selling them at the farmer’s market,” Beth recalls. “I wanted to make chocolate that didn’t just taste good but felt good to buy.”

For Beth, chocolate is not just a sweet indulgence: it's a source of nourishment, joy, and connection. She blends nutrient-rich superfoods, wholesome low-glycemic sweeteners (coconut sugar!), and ethically sourced cacao to craft recipes that are as meaningful as they are mouthwatering. Today, her chocolates can be found in stores across BC.

What Makes Viva Cacao Different?

Most cacao is purchased at the global commodity price, a figure that rarely covers the cost of production, let alone provides a living income. Even Fair-Trade minimums often fall short of providing a living income for farmers. That’s why Viva Cacao goes beyond. The company pays prices that reflect the true value of the cacao and the people who grow it, exceeding both market and Fair-Trade rates.

Direct Relationships with Farmers

Rather than working through layers of intermediaries, Viva Cacao prioritizes direct relationships with cacao producers in Peru. This not only ensures traceability and quality but also fosters long-term partnerships that benefit both farmers and the planet.

Earth-Friendly Everything:

From sourcing to packaging, sustainability is an integral part of the brand. Viva Cacao uses organic ingredients and post-consumer recycled materials for its chocolate bark and drinking chocolate packaging. But going green didn’t stop there— one major challenge was finding packaging that could be truly diverted from the landfill. After extensive research, Viva Cacao landed on a compostable solution: each bar is wrapped in a cellulose film made from wood pulp and tucked inside an FSC-certified paper sleeve. That means every package is biodegradable from the inside out—just toss it in your compost and enjoy your chocolate with a clear conscience.

Flavour-First Formulas:

With innovative blends like Vanilla Chai with Reishi and Raspberry Camu Camu,

Viva Cacao’s products are crafted to nourish the body and delight the palate. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just a conscious eater, there’s a bar for you. Shop the full collection

Ethics You Can Taste:

In a world where greenwashing and vague ethical claims are common, Viva Cacao stands out for its transparency. The company openly shares what they pay for cacao and from whom they buy it. This isn’t just marketing— it’s a movement toward redefining what “ethical chocolate” really means.

Why This Matters?

The chocolate industry is notorious for labour exploitation, child labour, and environmental destruction. Choosing chocolate from brands like Viva Cacao helps shift the system—supporting small-scale farmers, protecting biodiversity, and investing in fair wages.

Viva Cacao is reshaping the chocolate industry by prioritizing ethics, quality, and sustainability at every step—from sourcing to packaging. In a market flooded with empty claims, Viva Cacao offers real transparency and tangible impact. If you’ve ever wondered whether your chocolate choices matter, the answer is yes. Choosing ethically made chocolate supports better livelihoods, healthier ecosystems, and a more responsible food system.

Photos contributed

Beth Campbell, founder of Viva Cacao, stirs a pot of molten chocolate in her rustic Kootenay kitchen, a scene reflecting the nature-inspired roots of her small-batch craft.

Why I Train to

Not Skinny

I’M A 31-YEAR- OLD MOM TO A WILD, BEAUTIFUL 3-YEAR- OLD BOY WHO KEEPS ME ON MY TOES. I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE INSPIRED IN MY LIFE TO BE ACTIVE AND HEALTHY THAN I DO NOW.

By Morgan Bouma

If you looked at me, you might not see your “typical” personal trainer. I have curves. I have muscle. I have body fat. I have stretch marks. And I have a whole lot of strength—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. That strength wasn’t built overnight. It was earned through sweat, tears, loss, healing, and lifting heavy, both in weights and in life. Wellness to me is about our overall fitness & lifestyle and how we treat our bodies—mind and spirit included.

I’ve lived an active lifestyle for as long as I could remember. Growing up, I was an athlete. I played hockey, baseball, and volleyball. Sports gave me structure, drive, and purpose. But, that chapter closed when my brother passed away. I was 16 and had lost all drive and will to excel in my sports. I was truly lost. The movement that once grounded me was gone, and I didn’t know how to replace it. A few years had passed and my lifestyle was nothing short of unhealthy, my Dad was diagnosed with brain cancer and all hope that was left in me was gone. I was 21 and in the darkest parts of my life. That kind of trauma changes you. It flipped my world upside down, and for years I tried to cope by bouts of overeating and then shrinking myself. I battled eating disorders for years and was disconnected from my body entirely.

IT STARTED AS SOMETHING I NEEDED TO DO AND IT FELT LIKE A CHORE BUT OVER TIME, IT BECAME MY THERAPY. IT BECAME MY HEALING. IT BECAME SOMETHING THAT SAVED MY LIFE.

I knew something needed to change and I hired my first fitness coach, that’s when I found weightlifting. It started as something I needed to do and it felt like a chore but over time, it became my therapy. It became my healing. It became something that saved my life. Lifting gave me more than a strong body, it gave me a way to process pain, to quiet my mind and to come back home to myself. Strength training brought me back.

the story behind the business

Morgan's

It taught me that movement could be empowering, not punishing. That health isn’t about what size you are or chasing a number on a scale. Your body doesn’t define your fitness level, strong bodies come in many sizes. Health and wellness to me is about being in good physical shape, treating your body with care and fuelling your body with nutritious foods.

That’s why I created BadB Coaching. It’s not your typical personal training. It’s not to push women toward unrealistic standards that society has taught us but to help them reconnect with themselves through movement. Show them they

can love themselves again by showing up for themselves. My style of training focuses on overall wellness, strength, confidence, mental clarity, and self-love. I want women to feel capable, energized, and proud of what their bodies can do. Not because they look a certain way, but because they’ve shown up for themselves in the most powerful way possible. Feeling strong and knowing you’re strong is the most incredible feeling and I want all women to feel that. That’s what being a Bad B is all about.

If I can help even one woman feel strong, grounded, and worthy in her body again after being lost then everything I’ve been through has a greater purpose

Morgan Bouma is a certified personal trainer, mom, and the founder of BadB Coaching—a wellness and strength training brand that helps women reconnect with their bodies through intentional movement. She lives in British Columbia with her son and her husband, and is passionate about creating spaces where women feel strong, grounded, and deeply worthy. Follow Morgan @badbbouma.lifts

energetic approach to healing and body reconnection at the gym, where she strengthens both body and soul.

Rooted in Community: Building a Business, Raising a Family, and Growing Connection in the Kootenays

By Phoebe Sutton

When I moved from London, UK to the Kootenays in 2017, I came in search of something deeper: community, connection and the chance to create meaningful impact. I had spent years working as a UK-qualified lawyer, later shifting into project management roles supporting nonprofits through complex technology transitions. But what I truly longed for was to plant roots somewhere I could not just live but belong.

Now, several years later, I’m grateful every day to call this region home. I live in Nelson with my partner, who’s on his own entrepreneurial journey as part-owner and general manager of White Grizzly Cat Skiing, and our two young daughters, aged 1 and 3. We are surrounded by mountains, by friends who’ve become chosen family and by grandparents who make our life possible in more ways than one. And this year, I’ve taken the leap to launch my own business, Clarendon Consulting, a practice rooted in community impact and designed to support nonprofits and small businesses in building a stronger, more connected Kootenays.

Turning Vision into Impact

My business focuses on turning ideas and community potential into realworld outcomes. I offer grant strategy and writing, project management, event planning, and fundraising support to nonprofit organizations and values-aligned small businesses. The focus in all my work is helping clients harness the resources and opportunities available, and transform that into tangible, sustainable change.

THROUGH EVERY PROJECT,

I’M

REMINDED WHY

I CHOSE THIS PATH. IT’S ABOUT MORE THAN OUTPUTS OR DELIVERABLES. IT’S ABOUT TRUST, COLLABORATION AND THE QUIET POWER OF PEOPLE COMING TOGETHER TO MAKE SOMETHING BETTER.

I don’t just write grants or manage projects. I partner with organizations to build capacity, offer structure and bring clarity to big visions. I love those moments when everything clicks: when a small team gets investment to expand their work, when a volunteer-run event becomes a beloved annual fixture or when a board feels confident in their direction.

From Volunteer to Consultant

Nonprofits have been a passion of mine for the past twenty years; long before I ever called myself a consultant I was volunteering wherever I could. That’s continued here in Nelson. Over the years, I’ve supported the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, the Nelson Community Food Centre and Nelson Cares’ Advocacy Centre. I served as President of the Nelson and District Arts Council and I currently sit on the Nelson City Housing Committee. Each experience has shaped how I show up in my work. I understand the pressure of underfunded teams with huge missions and I know what it means to juggle strategy with grant deadlines, board expectations and the on-the-ground needs of community members. And I know

how much it helps to have someone walk alongside you through it all, whether it’s a feasibility study, a capital grant application or planning the next community festival.

Business, Motherhood, and the Beautiful Mess Between

Launching a business with a young family has not been without its challenges but for me these have all been worth it. I’m building something flexible and intentional, something that allows me to contribute to my community and be fully present with my family during these fleeting early years.

Some days, I’m up early finishing a grant before daycare drop-off. Other days, I’m taking meetings between nap schedules or jotting down strategy notes while pushing the stroller. It’s not seamless, but it’s real. And it’s powered by the support of the people around me, my partner, my in-laws and the incredible network of mothers and entrepreneurs I’ve found in this region.

Our family is building a life that’s not just about earning a living, it’s about contributing to the kind of community we want our daughters to grow up in.

The Work That Grounds Me

This year, I’ve had the privilege of working with several incredible local organizations. I’m supporting arts and movement nonprofits, collaborating on capacity-building initiatives, and organizing Balfour Daze—a beloved annual community festival featuring local vendors, live music, food and fun for all ages.

Through every project, I’m reminded why I chose this path. It’s about more than outputs or deliverables. It’s about trust, collaboration and the quiet power of people coming together to make something better.

Looking Ahead

As Clarendon Consulting grows (clarendonconsulting.co), I’m excited to continue building partnerships with those who are working to strengthen our region.

For me, success isn’t measured just in revenue, it’s in relationships, ripple effects and moments of connection.

It’s in helping a nonprofit win their first major grant. It’s in mentoring a team through their first fundraising campaign. And it’s in showing my daughters that you can create something meaningful on your own terms, with your own values at the centre.

I’m grateful every day to live and work in a place where community still means something. And I’m so proud to be one of many Kootenay women building businesses not just for profit but for purpose.

Phoebe Sutton is a nonprofit consultant, project manager and mother of two based near Nelson, BC. She supports local organizations and businesses in creating community impact through strategy, structure and heart.

Tea, Ceremony, and the Lost Art of Slowness

By Mélanie Pulla

I’vealways moved fast—not in frantic bursts, but in chasing momentum and meaning. My mind ran ahead of my body, always reaching for something just beyond. I spoke quickly, lived with urgency, and circled around a sense of purpose that never quite touched down.

But underneath it all was a yearning— soft and insistent—for stillness. Not stagnation, but the kind of stillness that listens. The kind that reveals.

After seven years immersed in herbal studies, followed by an undergraduate degree, and eventually an application to medical school, the path ahead began to narrow into something I no longer felt connected to. I began to drift—uncertain and restless.

It was then that I was drawn to South Korea. And it was there, unexpectedly, that I found tea. Not simply tea as beverage, but tea as ceremony. As presence. As communion.

With a background in movement and meditation practices, tea ceremony felt like the living synthesis of everything I had been circling: a grounded, spiritual, embodied ritual. A way to bring the sacred into the everyday, to slow down without losing depth. A path that didn’t require fleeing the world but meeting it with reverence.

Traveling afterward to Japan and China only deepened this connection. I came to understand tea ceremony not as performance, but as prayer. A place where silence speaks, and water over leaves becomes a medium for remembering.

Slowness, I’ve learned, is not the absence of action. It is a kind of devotion—a rhythm that allows life to reveal itself, gently and completely. It offers the nervous system sanctuary, and the soul a place to land.

At Water Over Leaves, this is the heart of what we offer.

Our teas are handcrafted in micro batches with therapeutic intention, drawing from the wisdom of plants and the beauty of their spirit. Each blend invites presence. Each sip is a doorway.

Ceremony is woven into everything we do—not as dogma, but as invitation. We believe tea is a teacher. That ritual is an anchor. And healing is a remembering, not a striving.

Rooted on an acre of land along the North Shore of Nelson, BC, Water Over Leaves exists as both sanctuary and offering. Our studio is a small, sunlit space where tea is poured with intention and spirit is welcome at the table. Bilingual signage throughout the space is designed to inspire, reflect, and educate—encouraging visitors to slow down and connect more deeply with the living tradition of tea.

As a proud member of the ÉCONOMUSÉE® network—an international initiative that preserves and shares artisanal knowledge through immersive, educational experiences—and with support from the Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDE), we are honored to carry forward the living art of herbalism and tea, rooted in tradition and crafted with intention.

In a world that idolizes speed and celebrates distraction, the act of making tea with care—of sitting, breathing, tasting—becomes revolutionary.

This is the lost art of slowness.

And it is time we remembered.

Mélanie Pulla, herbalist and founder, crafts teas and ceremonies blending plant medicine with spiritual tradition.

Two Outstanding Directors in the Kootenays

Dear Me, Dear Us: A Way Back to Ourselves

By Lynn Hiscoe

In Creston, BC, filmmaker Sarah Kapoor asked neighbors to try a simple ritual: draw an age from a hat, anywhere from 0 to 130, and write a 200-400-word letter to that version of yourself. The constraint was playful. The impact was not.

“They were so beautiful, so kind, so remarkable, so wise,” Kapoor reflects. “Each one felt like a miracle of mental time travel.”

The film, The Dear Me Project, highlights nine of these letters. A 17-yearold writes forward to her 130-year-old self about love, loss, and joy anyway. A 33-year-old single mother receives a steadying note from her 90-year-old future. A 70-year-old AA member, assigned “age 0,” writes to his newborn self with

the compassion he once needed. What emerges is a portrait of a community practicing self-honesty—discovering how quickly self-kindness changes the room.

Kapoor arrived at the idea through lived experience. Years earlier, she had been writing letters from her future self to her present self—notes that seemed to carry “some sort of confidence-building power.” When many of those intentions later matched real life (not always exactly, but close), she wondered if others might benefit from trying. The lottery added surprise, focus, and a sense of play. The two-minute length kept it doable.

The documentary also brings in two world authorities to explain why this works.

Neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart (MIT Sloan) watched the letters and admitted,

“It was very emotive. I cried.” She explains the practice as guided visualization and self-parenting that helps move the brain from a stress state toward bonding and attachment: “The brain must be moving into a state of bonding and attachment, which correlates to the hormone oxytocin.” Even the lottery element matters: surprise activates noradrenaline, sharpening attention and making the writing moment more memorable.

Dr. James W. Pennebaker (Professor Emeritus, University of Texas at Austin), whose work helped establish the field of expressive writing, calls the concept “a really creative strategy” for seeing one’s life from new perspectives. In study after study, he notes that people who organize emotional upheavals on the page show measurable benefit,

Sarah Kapoor, director of The Dear Me Project, pictured with her crew during filming.

stating, “people sleep better, think more clearly… and are physically healthier over the next several months.”

The film is not prescriptive. It doesn’t tell viewers what to write—only how to begin. Draw an age. Set a short boundary. Tell the truth you most need to hear, whether you keep the letter private or read it aloud in a circle. At an early, packed screening in Creston (November 19, 2022), the audience felt it immediately: a civic practice had entered the room, one anyone could adopt.

The Dear Me Project also arrives in a new reality: AI systems that can draft an impressive “dear me” in seconds.

Kapoor’s question is not whether a tool can string sentences together it can— but what might be lost if we outsource the work of meaning-making.

The film’s gentle challenge: write by hand—now, while you still can. As she puts it, “I ask you to write your dear me letter now, while you still can… collect your own thoughts and write them by hand.”

That urgency sits alongside hope. Dr. Pennebaker reminds us that humans have always told stories—with or without pen and paper. Dr. Swart trusts our capacity to adapt. The film holds both truths: technology will change how we communicate, and yet nothing

I ASK YOU TO WRITE YOUR DEAR ME LETTER NOW, WHILE YOU STILL CAN… COLLECT YOUR OWN THOUGHTS AND WRITE THEM BY HAND.

replaces the clarity that arrives when we assemble our own words, in our own handwriting, for our own ears.

Whether addressed backward in time or forward, the effect is similar: people locate courage, rewrite unhelpful narratives, and reconnect with what matters. The science translates that feeling into chemistry and cognition; the letters make it real—they make it tangible.

Ultimately, this is a film about agency— finding the quiet courage to place words where fear once lived. Not just a shift in mood, but a reorientation to reality: that life is unpredictable yet precious, and the sooner we know it, the truer we live.

is an award-winning producer and documentary filmmaker with over 20 years’ experience, including co-creating CBC’s Past Life Investigation, which earned a Gemini nomination, a

Sarah Kapoor

Gracie Award, and a feature on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

A Sketch Show from the Middle of Nowhere — That's Exactly What We Need Southern Interior:

What happens when a group of rural comedians’ team up to make something completely their own part Portlandia, part Letterkenny, and fully Kootenay? You get Southern Interior, a brand-new sketch comedy series launched on May 5, 2025, on Shaftesbury’s KindaTV, a nationally distributed digital platform.

Funded by Bell Fund and Creative BC and filmed entirely in the BC Interior, Southern Interior is a sixepisode series that finds absurdity in the everyday from goat guided tours on main street to wilderness spiritual retreats. With sharp writing, rich characters, and a touch of the surreal, the show lovingly skewers the quirks of small-town life without punching down.

Created by and starring a team of comedians and writers based in Nelson, the show offers a timely lens on true coexistence where loggers, artists, tech transplants, and aging hippies all share the same Main Street.

“Here, truth is stranger than fiction, so I let the town write itself into the sketches. And, I have always felt that our community has something to say to the larger world, especially at this moment in time,” says creator Amy Bohigian.

All six episodes dropped on May 5, with behind-the-scenes content and supporting media rolling out in the weeks that follow.

While deeply rooted in Nelson - a town in BC affectionately described as if Portland and a commune had a baby Southern Interior resonates far beyond BC. With themes of identity, belonging, and a dash of chaos, the show invites audiences to laugh with the mess, not at it.

From top to bottom: Southern Interior slate on set; Amy in a red ball cap with the full cast and crew on the final day; third and fourth, director Amy with the cinematographers and directing the crew.

Amy Bohigian, Founder & CEO of Watershed Productions Inc.

Based in Nelson, BC, leads her own production company focused on documentary filmmaking and new media, with a mission to engage communities and inspire social change.

Amy Bohigian on Southern Interior: Capturing Nelson’s Complexity Through Identity and Storytelling

We're living in this fascinating moment where Nelson has become this laboratory of human identity. When you walk down Baker Street, in any given hour you could see people doing chakra cleansing baths in the Himalayan salt caves, a financial advisor meeting with a millionaire, someone getting fitted for ski boots and that's just three of like 27 different things happening. We have way more dimensions than the average place, and that's what makes it special. People can't quite figure us out, and that's exactly what makes it worth capturing we don't fit into the box the way other places do. This show is about celebrating that complexity while also poking fun at how earnestly we're all trying to figure ourselves out in this ecosystem.

When I was younger, every queer story was a coming out story. Now, our writers are including characters who just happen to be queer —they're living their lives, going about their day. That's what we're doing with Southern Interior. These perspectives aren't the story—they're the lens through which we see all our stories. When you're not in the majority, you notice different things, you catch different moments. We're not explaining that perspective, we're writing from within it.

Living in Nelson, my wife and I joke that we're 'post-gay' —we're just parents now, connecting with other parents. But then we watch our biracial kids navigate school in a town that swears it isn't racist, and suddenly those identity cards are back on the table. Southern Interior lives in that complex space. The show isn't about intersectionality —it's steeped in it. That's just the water we're swimming in.

BOOK CLUB THE

Handpicked recommendations for personal growth, featuring insightful reviews by Lynn Hiscoe (LH) and Ona Stanton (OS).

The Big Leap

By Gay Hendricks

How to get out of our own way! A transformative read about breaking through self-imposed limits. Hendricks reveals the “Upper Limit Problem” the hidden ceiling on how much love, success, and creativity we allow ourselves to experience and shows how to leap into our full potential.—OS

The Illusion of Money

By Kyle Cease

A refreshing, often hilarious take on money, abundance, and what truly matters. Far more than the title suggests, this book will shift your mindset—the audiobook or a group read makes it even more impactful.—OS

Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

By Brené Brown

An inspiring exploration of how resilience shapes the way we live, love, parent, and lead. Brown’s insight into “the story we tell ourselves” can transform both your relationships and your inner dialogue.—OS

The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance What Women Should Know

By Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

Following the success of Lean In and Why Women Should Rule the World, the authors of the bestselling Womenomics provide an informative and practical guide to understanding the importance of confidence—and learning how to achieve it— for women of all ages and at all stages of their career.—LH

Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2025

By Lonely Planet

Discover the greatest places to experience right now in our epic annual bestselling guide that ranks the world's hottest countries, regions, and cities. Featuring our traditional top 10 lists plus NEW top 10 categories, amazing photography and insider tips, you'll find mountains of inspiration to take you from the ordinary to the unforgettable.—LH

A Cup of Zen: 21 Short Stories to Calm the Mind, Stop Overthinking, and Find Inner Peace Includes Reflections for Beginners

By Kai Tsukimi

Do you ever wish your mind had an “off” switch?

Tired of overthinking everything and feeling overwhelmed? Longing for a moment of true peace in your day?

A Cup of Zen is your invitation to step away from the chaos and into clarity.—LH

VOICES FROM WOMEN AT OUR FIRST SUMMIT

Time Constraints

Serving families, community responsibilities, and business demands leave little room for personal time, leading to overwhelm

Access to Mental Health Supports

Childcare, confidentiality issues, and limited mental health resources create significant barriers in smaller communities.

Cost of Living

Rural communities face increased vulnerability due to long supply chains, rising food costs, and inflation. COVID-19 has exacerbated this, leading to record numbers turning to food banks.

Solutions for Economic and Mental Resil

Community-Centred Solutions

We need an ‘all hands on deck’ approach, integrating efforts from businesses, healthcare, government, and social sectors.

Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration

Build connections and create mentorship opportunities, fosteri mutual support within the business and rural community.

Focus on Mental and Emotional Health

Childcare, confidentiality issues, and limited mental health resources create significant barriers in smaller communities.

Possible Solutions

Challenge: Limited Access to Funding and Financial Support

Solutions:

"Funding Your Dream" workshops focusing on navigating grants, loans, and small business funding opportunities available in BC.

Establish partnerships with local credit unions or financial advisors to offer pro bono sessions on financial planning and business funding.

Create a blog series featuring grant opportunities, financial literacy, and expert tips on maintaining healthy business finances.

Challenge: Lack of Mentorship and Networking Opportunities

Solutions:

Engage and Strengthen "Rural Women in Business Mentorship Programs", pairing new entrepreneurs with experienced business owners.

Host quarterly networking events and virtual meetups for rural women to share experiences and resources.

Introduce a "Business Buddy" system where participants can regularly connect and hold each other accountable.

Challenge: Difficulty Balancing Family Responsibilities and Business Growth

Solutions:

Create a "Balancing Business and Family" support group where women can share strategies for managing family obligations while growing their businesses.

Offer childcare services during workshops and networking events, or partner with local daycare centers to provide discounts for entrepreneurs.

Develop a blog series on time management and productivity tips specifically tailored for women juggling multiple roles.

Challenge: Limited Market Reach Due to Geographic Isolation

Solutions:

Launch an "Expand Your Market" online marketing series, teaching rural women how to use social media, e-commerce platforms, and online advertising to reach customers beyond their local area.

Partner with an SEO expert to offer free webinars on optimizing websites for broader reach.

Develop a "Rural Business Directory" on the Kootenay Women in Business website to connect local businesses with customers across the region.

Challenge: Fear of Failure and Lack of Confidence

Solutions:

Organize a "Building Confidence for Women Entrepreneurs" workshop, featuring success stories from other women who have overcome failure.

Offer personal development and leadership coaching to help women gain the confidence to take risks and grow their businesses.

Create a “Fail Forward” blog series featuring candid interviews with successful women in business, discussing their setbacks and how they turned them into opportunities for growth.

Host a "Women in Business Summit" featuring inspiring success stories, interactive confidence-building workshops, and networking opportunities to empower women to overcome fear of failure and thrive.

Testimonials

I had an incredible experience at the Kootenay Women in Business Summit, thanks to Lynn Hiscoe of emPowered Lives. The two days were filled with powerful networking opportunities and valuable insights from some truly inspiring women in our community Listening to their real-life challenges and successes was both motivating and empowering. I left the summit feeling more connected to others, knowing we could support each other in our journeys. And, as a bonus, the food was absolutely delicious! It was an allaround fantastic event.

— Melanie Joy

I had an incredible experience at the Kootenay Women in Business Summit, thanks to Lynn Hiscoe of emPowered Lives. The two days were filled with powerful networking opportunities and valuable insights from some truly inspiring women in our community Listening to their real-life challenges and successes was both motivating and empowering. I left the summit feeling more connected to others, knowing we could support each other in our journeys. And, as a bonus, the food was absolutely delicious! It was an all-around fantastic event.

— Melanie Joy

The Kootenay Women In Business Summit this past September was a great time of collaboration, networking and sharing inspiring stories. It was fabulous to meet other business women from all walks of life and different businesses The one day mastermind retreat was in a beautiful location with amazing food! The guided session was transformational and a benefit to all of us who attended. I love the Kootenay Women In Business magazine! Supporting other local businesswomen is a wonderful opportunity!

Andrea Warkentin

The Kootenay Women In Business Summit this past September was a great time of collaboration, networking and sharing inspiring stories. It was fabulous to meet other business women from all walks of life and different businesses. The one day mastermind retreat was in a beautiful location with amazing food! The guided session was transformational and a benefit to all of us who attended. I love the Kootenay Women In Business magazine! Supporting other local businesswomen is a wonderful opportunity!

— Andrea Warkentin

Kootenay Eats

Featuring Shelley Adams & Conner Adams

CHICKEN CHILI with Black Beans and Pickled Onions

Ingredients

1 yellow onion, quartered

1 poblano pepper, roughly chopped into chunks

2 jalapenos, roughly chopped (de-seed them if your spice tolerance is low)

2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped into 1-inch cubes sea salt and freshly ground pepper

4 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp ground cumin

½ tbsp paprika

½ tbsp chili powder

4 cups chicken stock

1 red onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced along the grain

½ cup apple cider vinegar

3 tbsp honey

½ orange, juice of (¼ cup)

1 small head white cabbage, shredded (about 2 cups)

2 14-oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup sour cream, for garnish

Shelley wishes she’d had this chicken chili recipe when she ran the Fresh Tracks Café at the Whitewater Ski Resort, because the skiers would have gone crazy for it! The cabbage and pickled onions really set it apart from regular chili.

yellow onion, peppers and celery in a food processor until finely chopped, to make a sofrito.

chopped chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste.

oil over medium heat in a large stock pot. Add chicken and brown evenly on all sides. chicken from oil and set aside.

sofrito to the pot with the oil and rendered chicken fat, and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.

spices and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes to allow the flavours to bloom.

chicken to the pot and add stock. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 20 minutes.

Place red onion in a very clean jar.

Heat vinegar, orange juice, honey and 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan and immediately remove from heat.

Pour the heated mixture into the jar and push the onion down to submerge completely. Set aside for 30 minutes, allowing onion to pickle.

Add shredded cabbage to the chicken and stock after 20 minutes of cooking and cook 20 minutes more.

Stir in beans, let them heat for a few minutes and remove from heat.

Serve the chili in bowls and garnish with sour cream, cilantro, green onions and pickled red onions.

½ bunch cilantro leaves, for garnish

2 green onions, thinly sliced on the bias, for garnish

A sofrito is a fragrant seasoning blend of various herbs, spices and vegetables, and is often used in Mexican cooking. • Slicing an onion along the grain refers to halving it from the root to stem end, and then slicing in the same direction. This technique preserves the fibres and maintains the pickled onion’s texture.

Roasted carrots are truly the perfect vessel for different spices and flavour combinations. Here we nestle them on a bed of amazing whipped sumac feta and sprinkle them with pistachios and pomegranates for a beautiful and delicious dish.

Method

Roasted Carrots

10–12 medium-sized rainbow or regular carrots, cleaned with a vegetable brush, not peeled(whole or sliced lengthwise for uniform size)

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp honey

½–1tsp red chili flakes

½ tsp cumin

½ tsp smoked paprika

1/8 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp za’atar

sea salt and freshly ground pepper

¼ cup pistachios, roughly chopped, for garnish parsley, mint or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

¼ cup pomegranate seeds, for garnish (optional)

Whipped Sumac Feta

½ cup feta

½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tsp ground sumac

TO SERVE

ROASTED CARROTS with Whipped Sumac Feta Serves 4

Instructions

Roasted Carrots

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Grease a baking tray with olive oil and place carrots on it.

Drizzle carrots with olive oil and honey, sprinkle with all the spices, and toss to evenly coat.

Arrange carrots in a single layer on the tray.

Roast for 20–30 minutes, or until fork tender and caramelized, tossing halfway through the cooking time.

Whipped Sumac Feta

Process all ingredients in a food processor until well combined.

Serve carrots on a bed of the whipped feta, and garnish with pistachios, herbs and pomegranate seeds, if using.

It’s important to have carrots that are the same size for this recipe. Leave them whole if small in diameter or slice lengthwise if they’re bigger. Sumac is a Middle Eastern spice with a tart, lemony flavour and the most beautiful deep-red colour. It’s just heavenly in this whipped feta.

Shelley Adams & Conner Adams It’s no surprise that growing up in the kitchen with Shelley Adams inspired her son Conner’s love of cooking. In this new Whitewater Cooks the food we love cookbook, Shelley’s Kootenay mountain-style blends beautifully with Conner’s fresh Californian flair. From Wild Mushroom and Gruyère Tarte to Sweet Potato Thai Green Curry and the Best Key Lime Pie Ever, they’ve created a collection of recipes perfect for everyday meals, celebrations, and everything in between.

emPoweredlives

Lynn Hiscoe is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Registered Social Worker who provides group therapy and group coaching to professionals and women in business

directory

With over 25 years of experience and leadership in the field of mental health, she has served as a coach, therapist, clinical supervisor, manager, and team leader supporting clinicians, social workers, educators, workplaces, unions, and paraprofessionals on mental health and complex cases

The Sentinel

The Sentinel is a transformative retreat in the Kootenays, offering psychedelic therapy, acupuncture, massage, and personalized ceremonies

Rooted in nature and ancient traditions, we support personal healing through guided breakthroughs, nourishing meals, and a safe, serene environment that honours each guest’s unique journey toward growth and selfdiscovery

Nestled in the heart of the majestic Rocky Mountains, on the traditional land of the Ktunaxa Nation, St Eugene Resort is where history, culture and adventure meet The Resort offers an 18-Hole Championship Golf Course, a beautiful historic hotel, a modern casino, three on-site dining experiences and a KOA RV Park.

Walk Align Animal Therapy - Amanda McGregor, ET

Certified Equine Therapist specializing in bodywork and acupressure to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance performance. While equinefocused, I also work with dogs, and livestock Serving Creston, BC with a gentle, results-driven approach trusted by owners and loved by animals.

Barlow Roots

Barlow Roots is a family-owned business on a small scale medicinal herb farm specializing in premium garlic.

We are located in Wynndel, BC

We grow using ecological practices, building the soil to nourish our herbs.

Canyon Crest Farm

2 5 0 - 4 0 1 - 1 1 8 6

Honey Bee Zen

We produce award winning wildflower honeys in the beautiful Creston Valley under both our Swan Valley Honey and Honey Bee Zen brands

We also focus on wildflower honey, fireweed honey, honey infusions, pollen and comb honey, sourced from both this valley and Western Canadian honey fields

We are a family run award winning beekeeping operation

Accredentials Incorporated Address

Since 2006, we have been helping businesses design and deliver high-quality digital training solutions Our expertise spans creating engaging online courses, producing digital assets such as instructional videos and audio podcasts, and providing professional technical writing services, including training manuals and documentation

Canyon Crest Farm is a small, joyful farm rooted in sustainable living My partner, mother-in-law, and I recently launched a wholesome frozen meals line made with locally sourced ingredients It’s been such a fun way to nourish our community!

Learn more about us by reading our article, Finding WholenessRooted in Nature, Grown With Intention, or visit us at local markets or the Kootenay Food Hub.

Business Reach Marketing & Social Media

Ona Stanton is a Social Media Strategist helping entrepreneurs show up with greater confidence & clarity online, maximizing their impact & income! They offer visibility accelerator coaching, group programs & virtual events that provide a platform for learning and engagement

Book a Brainstorming Session today.

CASA Law - Cinthia Anguiano Solís & Associates

At CASA LAW, we provide expert legal services in Real Estate, Wills & Estates, Corporate Law, and Notary Services Based in Creston, BC, we’re committed to trust, integrity, and community Our personalized approach simplifies complex matters, helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

125 10th Avenue North, Creston BC V0B1G0

Denné Ahlefeld

Denné Ahlefeld is a Certified General Accountant who has spent years working at a Law firm specializing in actual tax planning.

She has been trained and is experienced in finding the best ways to meet your accounting needs, minimizing the amount of money you pay in taxes, and keeping more of your dollars in your pocket

137 10th Ave N Creston, BC

Spring Creative Inc.

At Spring Creative Inc , we help our clients create impact by design and empower communities to connect, act, and thrive

We believe great results are achieved through a cohesive, collaborative and holistic approach As stewards of your brand’s success, our team will provide you with innovative and effective solutions that you can count on.

Writer’s Block Solutions

Writer’s Block Solutions is a boutique, female-led copywriting, editing, and communications consulting company with a wealth of experience in a variety of fields, including book editing and publishing, marketing, and journalism. While the majority of our deliverables are published online, we come from printfocused, traditional educational backgrounds and still also work with print media. Our well-rounded team is not afraid to try new things in fact, we thrive off a challenge

Ellie Rye Moments

Located in the beautiful Creston Valley

Specializing in family, wedding, and branding photography, I capture moments that tell stories, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories

My journey from crafting and painting to photography has been driven by a passion for art and a love for connecting with people Let's create beautiful memories together!

Zest Creative

Zest is a full service creative studio crafting authentic, storytelling platforms for small businesses ready to make a splash We help passionate small business owners turn online communities into lifelong customers, through beautifully designed websites, story-telling copywriting and authentic email marketing, social media management and more

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY AND MARKET YOUR BUSINESS WITH US!

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St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino

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