In this episode, Vanessa Smith interviews Kristina Allen, owner of Elysian Weddings and Events. Kristina shares her journey into wedding planning starting in 2016, emphasizing the value of networking and community in business growth. They discuss the evolution of her services, adapting to changing trends, and her personal experiences navigating ADHD and COVID-related challenges. Kristina highlights the importance of proper pricing, ongoing education, and maintaining a balanced work-life approach.

Connect with Elysian Wedding & Events:

https://elysianwedvents.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ElysianWedVents/

https://www.instagram.com/elysianwedvents

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

HER Creative Co. - FREE Website Prep Checklist here

Provincial Credit Union

MRSB Group

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

On today's episode, Vanessa Smith sits down with Stephanie MacDonald, founder of Beauty Mark Medaesthetics in Charlottetown. Stephanie shares her journey from working in acute care and emergency rooms to becoming an entrepreneur in the field of medaesthetics. They discuss the challenges and fears Steph faced transitioning from a stable job to starting her own business, and the educational pursuits and professional partnerships that have supported her along the way. The conversation highlights key team members, the importance of medical-grade skincare, and various beauty treatments offered, including injectables like Botox and dermal fillers. Stephanie also delves into the logistics of starting her business during the pandemic, handling marketing, finding suppliers, and continuous learning.

Connect with Beauty Mark Medaesthetics:

https://beautymarkma.janeapp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/beautymarkmedaesthetics/

https://www.facebook.com/beautymarkmedaesthetics

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

HER Creative Co. - FREE Website Prep Checklist here

Provincial Credit Union

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

In this Business in the Open podcast episode, host Vanessa Smith speaks with Sarah Bennetto O'Brien, founder and CEO of The Handpie Company. Sarah shares her entrepreneurial journey, from starting in the culinary industry to establishing her successful hand pie business in Prince Edward Island and expanding into Sobeys stores across the Maritimes. The discussion covers Sarah's struggles and successes, including building a strong team, embracing local ingredients, and adapting to challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. With a passion for food quality and community, Sarah reveals her secrets to maintaining a positive work culture and her drive to grow her business.

Connect with The Handpie Company:

https://handpie.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/thehandpieco/

https://www.facebook.com/thehandpieco/

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

HER Creative Co. - FREE Website Prep Checklist here

Provincial Credit Union

MRSB Group

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

In this episode of the Business in the Open podcast, host Vanessa Smith interviews Sara Dykerman, owner of Plank and Pine Interior Design. Sara shares her unconventional journey from aspiring veterinarian and healthcare professional to successful interior designer. She talks about the pivotal moments that led her to pursue her passion for design, despite not having traditional schooling in the field. The discussion delves into her comprehensive design processes, and the importance of branding and client experience. Additionally, Sarah opens up about the challenges and successes of running her own design business, balancing work and family, and her future aspirations for Plank and Pine.

Connect with Plank & Pine:

https://www.plankandpineinteriordesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/plankandpineinteriordesign/

https://www.facebook.com/plankandpineinteriordesign

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

HER Creative Co. - FREE Website Prep Checklist here

Provincial Credit Union

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

In this episode of the Business in the Open podcast, host Vanessa Smith interviews CeeJay Amadi, the founder of Wheelie Bin Doctors. Vanessa and CeeJay delve into his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his roots in Nigeria to establishing a garbage bin cleaning business in PEI. They discuss CeeJay's early struggles, his inspiration from his mother's business acumen, and the transition to Canada for higher education. CeeJay shares insights on running his business, marketing efforts, community impact, and balancing multiple roles such as coaching soccer and recruiting for Holland College. His emphasis on service over profit and the significance of community support offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Connect with Wheelie Bin Doctors:

https://wheeliebindoctors.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wheeliebindoctors/

https://www.facebook.com/wheelibindoctors

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

HER Creative Co. - FREE Website Prep Checklist here

Provincial Credit Union

MRSB Group

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

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

The conversation covers his early struggles, the challenges and benefits of working with influencers, and the significance of community support. Jay also discusses business management and plans for future growth.

Tune in to learn about the importance of quick decision-making, continuous improvement, and giving back to the community.

Connect with Fuel Your Body:

https://eatfyb.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/eatfyb/

https://www.facebook.com/eatfyb

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay.

A big thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Learn more about them here:

HER Creative Co. - FREE Website Prep Checklist here

Provincial Credit Union

Fiddling Fisherman Lookout

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

On today's episode, we sit down with Colin Younker, Owner of the Spa Total Fitness Centre, a staple in the Charlottetown fitness community, and a franchisee for Little Caesars Pizza - a North American pizza chain known for their “Hot & Ready” pizzas. We chat about:

• How his business partnership with his cousin come about

• How the purchases of his businesses came to be

• What does a typical day look like managing multiple businesses

• The importance of supporting community

• Advice around being a leader to a large staff

• How he juggles work and life with three little ones at home

• What's next for his businesses

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay. (adam@adamramsay.com)

A big thanks to our sponsors Hijinks Design Agency & Fuel Your Body for making this episode possible.

Learn more about Hijinks at https://www.hijinksagency.ca/.

Learn more about Fuel Your Body at https://eatfyb.ca/

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

Want to sponsor us? Reach out to Vanessa at vanessa@refyagency.com.

On today's episode, we sit down with Lacey Koughan, Owner of 24Strong & 24Talent - a dance studio here in Charlottetown and talent management organization for kids across Canada. We chat about:

• The deep meaning behind her business names

• How a mentor's encouragement led to the creation of her business at 16

• Her growth and where her focus is these days

• Some of the roadblocks she has faced over the years

• Her thoughts of how she has built a strong organizational culture

• Her advice for others

• What's next for her businesses

Connect with Lacey:

• https://www.instagram.com/24strong/

• https://www.instagram.com/24talent_/

• https://www.instagram.com/laceykoughan_/

• https://www.24strong.ca/

• https://www.24talent.ca/

This episode was audio-produced by Adam Ramsay (adam@adamramsay.com)

A big thanks to our sponsors Hijinks Design Agency & Fuel Your Body for making this episode possible.

Learn more about Hijinks at https://www.hijinksagency.ca/.

Learn more about Fuel Your Body at https://eatfyb.ca/

Want to support the show? Click follow wherever you are listening and leave us a review! And lastly, head on over to our Instagram so we can connect https://www.instagram.com/business.openpod/.

Want to sponsor us? Reach out to Vanessa at vanessa@refyagency.com.