The Brand is Female

Today we are re-airing a season favourite: our conversation with former NASA rocket scientist, entrepreneur, and citizen astronaut Aisha Bowe. Aisha has built a career defined by bold decisions—and even bolder execution. She’s also, as you’ll hear, not opposed to naming a few favourite [fictional] aliens along the way. From discovering her passion for math in community college to working at NASA, founding two companies, raising venture capital in a system where fewer than 2% of women reach that threshold, and ultimately funding her own journey to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard, Aisha’s path is anything but conventional. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to bet on yourself. Aisha opens up about overcoming self-doubt, navigating environments where she wasn’t expected to succeed, and why she believes imposter syndrome is often misplaced. She shares her perspective on building companies with purpose, challenging broken systems—from venture capital to education—and creating access for the next generation through her edtech platform. We also explore her journey to space—not just as a personal milestone, but as a mission to expand representation and visibility in STEM. For Aisha, space is not just about exploration; it’s about who gets to be seen there, and what that unlocks for others. At the end of the episode, Selwa Rafi, founder of Canadian aerospace company KEPLR Intelligence, joins the conversation to bring a complementary perspective on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of the space industry. A conversation about ambition, resilience—and yes, a few unexpected favourites from beyond our planet. Today’s episode is part of a mini-series highlighting the journeys of inspiring women in engineering, presented by Gestion FÉRIQUE and Services d'investissement FÉRIQUE. Visit ferique.com for more! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

As we get ready for a new season launching this September, we are re-airing some of our (and your) favourite episodes of 2026. This week: Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. Mélanie Joly has held some of the most demanding roles in Canadian federal politics — from Minister of Canadian Heritage to Minister of Foreign Affairs to her current role as Minister of Industry. But before any of that, she was a 34-year-old who founded her own political party and ran for mayor of Montreal. That gutsy move set the tone for everything that followed. In this episode, we talk about what power actually means when you're someone who thinks more about impact than authority. We get into the realities of being a woman in politics today — why it's arguably harder now than it was ten years ago, the role social media plays in that, and the very real mental load of maintaining a public identity while protecting your private self. We also talk about imposter syndrome, why women need to be asked six times on average before agreeing to run for office, and what it takes to back yourself when there are no role models who look or sound like you. Mélanie is candid, sharp, and genuinely thoughtful about where we are right now — and what it'll take to keep moving forward. This one's worth your full attention. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/wie // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

What does it take to become the first? In this bonus live episode of The Brand is Female, Eva Hartling sits down with Dr. Gina Cody, engineer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, Chancellor of Concordia University, and the first woman in Canada to earn a PhD in Building Engineering. Recorded live at the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, this conversation traces Dr. Cody's remarkable journey from arriving in Canada from Iran with just $2,000 to building one of the country's leading engineering firms and becoming one of Canada's most influential champions for women in STEM. But this episode is about much more than career milestones. Dr. Cody reflects on the mentors who changed her life, why kindness is one of the most powerful leadership skills, how she overcame fear and self-doubt, and why being "the only woman in the room" became an advantage rather than a limitation. She also shares her philosophy on leadership, lifelong learning, balancing ambition with family, and the importance of giving back once you've achieved success. Whether you're an engineer, entrepreneur, student, or leader, this conversation offers timeless lessons on courage, resilience, generosity, and building a career with purpose. In this episode, you'll learn: -Why courage isn't the absence of fear—it's acting despite it. -How to turn obstacles into opportunities. -The leadership power of listening, humility, and kindness. -Why women belong at the forefront of engineering and innovation. -How Dr. Cody defines success after a lifetime of achievement. Today’s episode is part of a mini-series highlighting the journeys of inspiring women in engineering, presented by Gestion FÉRIQUE and Services d'investissement FÉRIQUE. Visit ferique.com for more! Follow The Brand is Female on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Purpose and profit are often framed as competing priorities. But what if the most successful businesses are built by refusing to choose between them? Recorded live in Vancouver last week during The Brand is Female Conversations Series, this episode brings together two leaders who are redefining what entrepreneurship can accomplish. Carla Guerrera, Founder and CEO of Purpose Driven Development, is transforming how we think about housing by creating communities designed around inclusion, affordability, and long-term social impact. Kirsten Koppang Telford, CEO of The Forum, has spent her career helping entrepreneurs harness innovation to solve meaningful problems and now leads one of Canada's most influential organizations supporting women entrepreneurs. Together, they explore what purpose-driven leadership actually looks like in practice: making difficult decisions, resisting short-term thinking, building profitable businesses without compromising values, and challenging the systems that continue to underestimate women founders. The conversation also examines the powerful links between housing, entrepreneurship, economic opportunity, and community building, and why supporting women entrepreneurs isn't simply an equity issue, but one of Canada's greatest economic opportunities. Whether you're building a company, leading a team, or simply rethinking the kind of impact you want your work to have, this conversation offers an inspiring reminder that purpose and profit don't just coexist—they can reinforce one another. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

In one of our favourite episodes of the season, Eva Hartling speaks with Chantel Chapman, founder of the Trauma of Money Institute, to explore the deeper forces that shape our relationship with money. After starting her career in finance and working as a financial literacy educator, Chantel realized that knowledge alone doesn’t always translate into healthy financial behaviour. Her work now sits at the intersection of finance, psychology, and trauma-informed practice, helping individuals and institutions better understand the emotional dynamics behind financial decision-making. In this conversation, Eva and Chantel discuss why many women struggle with confidence around money, how patterns like underearning and overgiving take root, and how women entrepreneurs can begin to build a healthier, more empowered relationship with their finances. Order Chantel’s book, “The Trauma of Money: Mapping Compassionate Pathways to Healing Financial Trauma and Disempowering Financial Shame”. This conversation originally aired in March. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

What does it really take to scale a food brand when your standards make everything harder? In this re-aired episode, Eva sits down with Tara and Megan, the founders behind Canadian functional food company Rawcology. What started in a family kitchen with a dehydrator and a mission to remove inflammatory ingredients from everyday snacks has grown into a nationally distributed brand now carried by retailers including Whole Foods, Bulk Barn and Costco. But growth didn’t follow the typical startup playbook. They chose to self-manufacture instead of co-packing, prioritized ingredient integrity over margins, and navigated fundraising as a women-led company in a category dominated by massive incumbents. They share the realities behind building a CPG business — the economics of distribution, why the system favours cheap food, the bias they encountered raising capital, and how staying close to customers shaped their product strategy. This is a conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and defining success on your own terms when your values come first. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

What does it take to break into one of the most closed, traditional industries in the world—and do it on your own terms? In this episode, host Eva Hartling sits down with Erica Bianchini, co-founder and creative director of Ecksand, to unpack how she built a fine jewelry brand from scratch—without legacy, without outside investment, and without compromising on values. What started in Montreal as a bootstrapped venture is now a globally recognized brand, worn by women like Meghan Markle, Kourtney Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, and Dove Cameron—and entering its next phase of growth with its first U.S. boutique set to open this year. From knocking on doors in her early twenties to pitching the (then radical) idea of selling fine jewelry online, Erica shares the realities behind building a luxury brand the hard way: reinvesting every dollar, choosing craftsmanship over scale, and staying fiercely independent. The conversation explores: Why sustainability, for Ecksand, was never a marketing angle—but a design principle How creativity, storytelling, and discipline shape timeless design The tension between growth and control—and why she chose to stay independent What it really means to build a modern luxury brand in today’s market This is a conversation about conviction, patience, and building something that lasts—in every sense of the word. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/wie // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

At a time when women’s sports are reaching new heights, Canada’s women’s rugby program is emerging as one of the most compelling stories in the game. In this episode, Eva Hartling sits down with Jocelyn Barrieau, head coach of Canada’s women’s rugby sevens team, to explore the evolution of the sport — from limited opportunities to Olympic podiums and World Cup finals. Together, they unpack what it takes to build a high-performance culture rooted in trust, psychological safety, and a clear sense of purpose. Jocelyn shares her leadership philosophy — grounded in passion, pride, and love — and reflects on the role of visibility, media access, and athlete storytelling in driving the sport forward. The conversation also touches on funding realities, the need for stronger commercial partnerships, and why true progress will depend on greater representation in decision-making roles. A conversation about sport, leadership, and the systems we need to build to sustain women’s success — on and off the field. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/wie // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Former NASA rocket scientist, entrepreneur, and citizen astronaut Aisha Bowe has built a career defined by bold decisions—and even bolder execution. She’s also, as you’ll hear, not opposed to naming a few favourite [fictional] aliens along the way. From discovering her passion for math in community college to working at NASA, founding two companies, raising venture capital in a system where fewer than 2% of women reach that threshold, and ultimately funding her own journey to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard, Aisha’s path is anything but conventional. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to bet on yourself. Aisha opens up about overcoming self-doubt, navigating environments where she wasn’t expected to succeed, and why she believes imposter syndrome is often misplaced. She shares her perspective on building companies with purpose, challenging broken systems—from venture capital to education—and creating access for the next generation through her edtech platform. We also explore her journey to space—not just as a personal milestone, but as a mission to expand representation and visibility in STEM. For Aisha, space is not just about exploration; it’s about who gets to be seen there, and what that unlocks for others. At the end of the episode, Selwa Rafi, founder of Canadian aerospace company KEPLR Intelligence, joins the conversation to bring a complementary perspective on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of the space industry. A conversation about ambition, resilience—and yes, a few unexpected favourites from beyond our planet. Today’s episode is part of a mini-series highlighting the journeys of inspiring women in engineering, presented by Gestion FÉRIQUE and Services d'investissement FÉRIQUE. Visit ferique.com for more! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Sherry Holmes grew up on construction sites with her dad, Mike Holmes — one of Canada's most recognized names in the trades. But becoming a builder in her own right wasn't a given. In fact, she fought it for years. In this episode, Sherry opens up about the winding road that led her to construction, including a brain tumour diagnosis at 19 that changed her perspective on everything, the moment she realized she wanted to earn her place on site — not inherit it, and what it's really like to show up as the only woman in the room, day after day. We also get into the practical, often overlooked barriers that still keep women out of the trades: gear that wasn't designed for a woman's body, safety harnesses that don't fit, work boots that don't come in your size, and yes — the porta-potty problem nobody talks about. Sherry is funny, grounded, and refreshingly honest about what she still doesn't know. She's also one of the most compelling examples of what representation in non-traditional industries can actually look like in practice. If you're thinking about a career in the trades, or you just want to hear from a woman who built her confidence one job site at a time — this one's for you. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/wie // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Dr. Nathalie Gabra is an otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon, and Dermapure practitioner who brings a deeply medical lens to aesthetic medicine. But before the treatments and the protocols, she grew up watching her father and grandfather operate, and knew from a young age that surgery was her path. That foundation shapes everything about how she practices today. In this episode, airing on the last day of Women’s Month, we talk about what responsible aesthetic medicine actually looks like from the inside, and why the goal has never been to change your face but to help you look as good as you feel. We get into the shift happening around how women approach aging, why the so-called expiry date is finally losing its grip, and the very real stigma that still follows women who choose to invest in their appearance. We also talk about where skincare ends and medical aesthetics begins, what a long-term treatment plan looks like versus a one-stop-shop mentality, and why sunscreen is still the most underrated tool in any routine. Dr. Gabra is thoughtful, precise, and refreshingly honest about what's worth it and what isn't. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the options, or unsure whether any of this is for you, this conversation is a good place to start. This episode is presented by Dermapure. Visit https://www.dermapure.com/en/offers/360-consultation/ to book a free skin consultation today at one of their clinics across Canada! This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/wie // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Mélanie Joly has held some of the most demanding roles in Canadian federal politics — from Minister of Canadian Heritage to Minister of Foreign Affairs to her current role as Minister of Industry. But before any of that, she was a 34-year-old who founded her own political party and ran for mayor of Montreal. That gutsy move set the tone for everything that followed. In this episode, we talk about what power actually means when you're someone who thinks more about impact than authority. We get into the realities of being a woman in politics today — why it's arguably harder now than it was ten years ago, the role social media plays in that, and the very real mental load of maintaining a public identity while protecting your private self. We also talk about imposter syndrome, why women need to be asked six times on average before agreeing to run for office, and what it takes to back yourself when there are no role models who look or sound like you. Mélanie is candid, sharp, and genuinely thoughtful about where we are right now — and what it'll take to keep moving forward. This one's worth your full attention. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/wie // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

This week’s episode is exceptionally airing in French! ….. Sophie Larivière-Mantha voulait programmer des robots — et c'est un stage de cégep qui l'a redirigée vers le génie. Depuis, elle n'a jamais programmé un seul robot professionnellement… mais elle dirige aujourd'hui l'Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, une institution de 77 000 membres dont la mission fondamentale est la protection du public. Dans cet épisode, Sophie parle avec franchise de son parcours atypique — de l'industriel au biomédical, du conseil d'administration à la présidence — et de ce que ça représente d'occuper ce rôle à un moment charnière pour la profession. En 1989, les femmes représentaient 4 % des ingénieurs au Québec. On est aujourd'hui à 16 %. C'est une progression réelle, mais Sophie est la première à dire que le travail est loin d'être terminé. On aborde la culture d'entreprise, le recrutement, les alliés masculins qui font une différence concrète, et pourquoi les affichages de postes peuvent, à eux seuls, décourager des candidatures féminines avant même qu'une entrevue ait lieu. On parle aussi de leadership — du sien, collaboratif et ancré dans le travail d'équipe — et de ce que ça veut dire d'arriver dans de grandes chaussures sans essayer de les remplir de la même façon que ceux qui les portaient avant. Et parce que Sophie est, de son propre aveu, résolument optimiste : on termine sur l'avenir. La crise des infrastructures, la transition énergétique, l'intelligence artificielle — autant de défis qui vont exiger des milliers de nouveaux ingénieurs au Québec dans les dix prochaines années. Et pour elle, il n'y a qu'une façon d'y arriver : avec tout le monde dans la même direction. L’épisode d’aujourd’hui fait partie d'une mini-série d’épisodes portant sur le parcours de femmes inspirantes qui ont du génie, vous étant offerte par Gestion FÉRIQUE et Services d'investissement FÉRIQUE. …… Connect with The Brand is Female on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Patrizia Libralato is the founder and Executive Director of the Toronto Biennial of Art — Canada's first and only international art biennial. What started as a bold idea in 2014 has grown into a free, 90-day contemporary art event that draws audiences from across the country and puts Canadian artists on the world map. In this episode, Patrizia shares what it really took to build cultural infrastructure from scratch — navigating skeptics, securing multi-year funding commitments, and proving herself in rooms that weren't always ready to take her seriously as a female founder. She also gets candid about the state of women in the arts: why visibility alone isn't enough, why museum acquisitions matter, and why she's doubling down on gender parity at the Biennial even as DEI becomes an increasingly fraught conversation in North America. This one is for any founder who's ever been told their idea is too big, too early, or too ambitious — and built it anyway. The Toronto Biennial of Art opens September 26th. Learn more at torontobiennial.org. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/wie // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

In recognition of Women’s Month, Eva Hartling speaks with Chantel Chapman, founder of the Trauma of Money Institute, to explore the deeper forces that shape our relationship with money. After starting her career in finance and working as a financial literacy educator, Chantel realized that knowledge alone doesn’t always translate into healthy financial behaviour. Her work now sits at the intersection of finance, psychology, and trauma-informed practice, helping individuals and institutions better understand the emotional dynamics behind financial decision-making. In this conversation, Eva and Chantel discuss why many women struggle with confidence around money, how patterns like underearning and overgiving take root, and how women entrepreneurs can begin to build a healthier, more empowered relationship with their finances. Order Chantel’s book, “The Trauma of Money: Mapping Compassionate Pathways to Healing Financial Trauma and Disempowering Financial Shame”. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

What does it really take to scale a food brand when your standards make everything harder? In this episode, Eva sits down with Tara and Megan, the founders behind Canadian functional food company Rawcology. What started in a family kitchen with a dehydrator and a mission to remove inflammatory ingredients from everyday snacks has grown into a nationally distributed brand now carried by retailers including Whole Foods, Bulk Barn and Costco. But growth didn’t follow the typical startup playbook. They chose to self-manufacture instead of co-packing, prioritized ingredient integrity over margins, and navigated fundraising as a women-led company in a category dominated by massive incumbents. They share the realities behind building a CPG business — the economics of distribution, why the system favours cheap food, the bias they encountered raising capital, and how staying close to customers shaped their product strategy. This is a conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and defining success on your own terms when your values come first. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Canada is facing a women’s health crisis: three in four women over 40 experience menopausal symptoms that disrupt their daily lives — yet access to care is inconsistent, fragmented, and often out of reach. In this episode of The Brand is Female, originally recorded during World Menopause Month, Eva Hartling speaks with Dr. Michelle Jacobson, a leading OBGYN who decided to take her expertise beyond the clinic and into entrepreneurship. As co-founder of Coven Women’s Health, she is transforming how women access hormonal health support in Ontario with a virtual platform offering expert, continuous, and personalized care. Dr. Jacobson is joined by her co-founder and CEO, Jennifer Patterson — a seasoned business builder with experience at Google and TD, who, after her own frustrating experience of feeling unwell, became passionate about making women’s health solutions easier to access. Together, they discuss why hormonal health remains stigmatized and overlooked in Canada, what’s missing from our current system, and how Coven is reshaping the future of women’s healthcare through integrated programs that support women navigating menopause, perimenopause, PCOS, postpartum recovery, PMDD, and more. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Hi! Eva here. This episode is a little different. In the first part, I take you behind the scenes of my work and share what has always driven me — an obsession with precision when it comes to messaging, thought leadership, and reputation. I talk about why I’m launching Hartling Communications as a sister agency to The Brand is Female, and why this isn’t a pivot, but a clarification. I reflect on the experiences that shaped how I think about communication — from my time as Chief Marketing Officer, to working alongside founders, executives, and institutions. I also spend time on a topic that comes up constantly in my work and in this community: imposter syndrome — how it shows up, why it persists, and how clarity in communication can be a powerful tool for confidence and credibility. In the second part of the episode, you’ll hear a live conversation recorded at The Brand is Female Conversation Series in Vancouver with Carlyn Loncaric, founder and CEO of AquaEye / VodaSafe. Carlyn shares her journey from lifeguard and engineer to building a life-saving technology company, and we talk candidly about fear, resilience, leadership, and what it takes to scale a business in spaces where women are still underrepresented. This episode is about clarity — of message, of purpose, and of direction — and about the conversations that shape how we lead. This season of our podcast is brought to you by our sponsor, TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/wie // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

This conversation originally aired on Women Are Players Too, where it quickly became our most popular episode of the season. Recorded at the end of the Northern Super League’s inaugural season, this episode captures a defining moment for women’s professional sports in Canada, when the scale of what had been built was coming clearly into focus. This episode features a conversation with Lara Murphy, CEO and co-owner of Calgary Wild FC, Alberta’s first professional women’s soccer team, and the co-founder of Calgary’s only female-run commercial construction company. Long before stepping into professional sport, Lara had already established herself as a respected business leader, board member, and community builder in Calgary, known for her hands-on leadership and commitment to creating opportunity. In this conversation, Lara reflects on a path shaped by sport, construction, and entrepreneurship, and on the journey from volunteer to CEO at a pivotal moment for women’s sports. She shares what it means to build something that didn’t exist for the generation before her, the responsibility that comes with being first, and the influence of visibility on the next generation of girls who can now see a future in professional sport. This episode is about leadership, community, and legacy, and why women-led movements in sport are reshaping not just the game, but culture itself. This season of our podcast is brought to you by our sponsor, TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/wie // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

This is part 2 of last week’s conversation. To kick off the year, host Eva Hartling sits down with Sophie Boulanger — founder and former CEO of BonLook; advisor and investor — for a season-opening conversation about what retail transformation really means in 2026. Because this is not the year for surface-level change. Brands will either evolve at the core… or fall behind. In this episode, Sophie shares the lessons behind building one of Canada’s rare modern retail success stories — and what she believes today’s brands need to understand about changing consumer expectations, experience design, and the return to proximity and independent retail. Eva and Sophie also zoom out to unpack what legacy retail can teach us right now: what the Hudson’s Bay fallout reveals about adding digital to a broken model, why Simons continues to win, and how smart operators are building resilience in a shifting market. And finally, they look ahead — to what AI and technology integration can genuinely unlock for modern companies, and why the opportunity isn’t about gimmicks, but about becoming faster, smarter, and more connected to the customer. A must-listen for founders, marketers, and business leaders navigating the next era of retail. This season of our podcast is brought to you by our sponsor, TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/wie // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

To kick off the first episode of the year, host Eva Hartling sits down with Sophie Boulanger — founder and former CEO of BonLook; advisor and investor — for a season-opening conversation about what retail transformation really means in 2026. Because this is not the year for surface-level change. Brands will either evolve at the core… or fall behind. In this episode, Sophie shares the lessons behind building one of Canada’s rare modern retail success stories — and what she believes today’s brands need to understand about changing consumer expectations, experience design, and the return to proximity and independent retail. Eva and Sophie also zoom out to unpack what legacy retail can teach us right now: what the Hudson’s Bay fallout reveals about adding digital to a broken model, why Simons continues to win, and how smart operators are building resilience in a shifting market. And finally, they look ahead — to what AI and technology integration can genuinely unlock for modern companies, and why the opportunity isn’t about gimmicks, but about becoming faster, smarter, and more connected to the customer. A must-listen for founders, marketers, and business leaders navigating the next era of retail. This is part one of this conversation, to be continued next week. This season of our podcast is brought to you by our sponsor, TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/wie // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

What does it really take to help women entrepreneurs scale in Canada — and where are we still falling short? In this episode, Eva Hartling sits down with Julie Dimitri, National Manager, Women in Enterprise at TD, for an in-depth conversation on the realities women founders face when navigating financing, growth, and long-term sustainability. Drawing on TD’s recent research with the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, Julie unpacks why access to capital remains a persistent barrier, why Canada has a scale-up problem — not a start-up problem, and how confidence, timing, and banking relationships can make or break a business’s growth trajectory. Together, Eva and Julie explore: Why women entrepreneurs tend to wait too long to seek funding — and the cost of that delay What women actually want from their banking relationships How bias and confidence gaps still show up in financial decision-making The importance of relationship-based banking and integrated financial support Why ecosystems, mentorship, and intentional connections matter as much as capital This episode offers practical insights for women founders at every stage, as well as a candid look at what financial institutions must do differently to truly support women-led businesses. A must-listen for entrepreneurs, advisors, and anyone committed to unlocking the full economic potential of women in Canada. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

In this special live episode recorded at the Poppy Barley boutique in Calgary, host Eva Hartling sits down with co-founder Kendall Barber for an unfiltered conversation about building — and sustaining — one of Canada’s most beloved women-founded footwear brands. Kendall shares the real story behind Poppy Barley’s 13-year journey, from the early days of selling custom boots and dreaming in wildly optimistic spreadsheets, to becoming a B Corp–certified brand rooted in purpose, craftsmanship, and comfort. Together, we explore what it really takes to scale a retail business in Canada: balancing purpose with profit, navigating volatility in fashion and supply chains, building community-driven design, and learning how to take care of yourself while you take care of the business. Kendall also opens up about co-founding with her sister Justine, the evolution of their leadership, and the realities of risk, financing, and longevity for women entrepreneurs. Recorded live as part of The Brand is Female Conversation Series — presented in partnership with TD Women in Enterprise — this episode brings you honest insights, hard-earned lessons, and a thoughtful look at what it means to build something meaningful that can truly last. A must-listen for founders, creatives, and anyone building a brand with heart and staying power This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

For more than a decade, best friends and business partners Dani Kagan and Victoria Marshman have been building community and empowering women through entrepreneurship. From their early days as co-founders of City MOGULS and Stratus Events — connecting thousands of entrepreneurs and raising over $250,000 for Canadian charities — to launching Mave & Chez, the women-founded slipper brand featured on Dragon’s Den, their journey is one of purpose, creativity, and resilience. In this episode, they join Eva Hartling to talk about growing together through multiple ventures, what it takes to build brands with impact, and how confidence, community, and courage can shape the legacy women leave behind. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

En collaboration avec Gestion FÉRIQUE, nous présentons une édition spéciale de la série « Les femmes ont du génie », enregistrée en direct à Montréal devant public. Animée par Eva Hartling, cette table ronde réunit quatre ingénieures d’exception : Hélène Brisebois, ingénieure associée, vice-présidente et chargée de projet chez SDK, experte reconnue en ingénierie structurale Suzanne Demeules, associée et première vice-présidente, Transport chez CIMA+ Caterina Milioto, présidente et fondatrice d’Intervia, une entreprise pionnière en ingénierie de transport et gestion de la mobilité Catherine Tremblay, vice-présidente, Agences de transport chez AtkinsRéalis, où elle dirige de grands projets d’infrastructure Elles partagent leurs parcours inspirants dans un domaine encore majoritairement masculin, des chantiers de construction aux projets d’envergure qu’elles dirigent. Ensemble, elles discutent de confiance, de mentorat et de visibilité, mais aussi des obstacles systémiques qui freinent encore la progression des femmes dans les professions techniques. Une conversation franche et inspirante sur la représentation, la collaboration et l’importance d’intégrer les perspectives féminines pour bâtir un futur plus inclusif et durable — un futur véritablement conçu par et pour toutes et tous. Cet épisode fait partie de notre mini-série portant sur le parcours de femmes inspirantes qui ont du génie, et qui vous est offerte par Gestion FÉRIQUE et Services d'investissement FÉRIQUE. Gestion FÉRIQUE est un gestionnaire de fonds communs de placement qui sont offerts exclusivement aux professionnels en génie, ainsi qu'à leurs familles et leurs entreprises, par le biais de Services d'investissement FÉRIQUE. Visitez ferique.com. This episode is airing in French. Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Scientifique et entrepreneure, Selwa Rafi, Ph.D. est la fondatrice et cheffe de la direction de KEPLR Intelligence, une entreprise montréalaise spécialisée en science des données et en intelligence artificielle appliquée à la compréhension du comportement humain dans des environnements complexes — de l’aviation à l’aérospatiale. Dans cet épisode, Selwa revient sur son parcours exceptionnel : de ses débuts en recherche jusqu’à la création de sa propre entreprise technologique. Elle partage avec authenticité les défis rencontrés dans un domaine encore très masculin, les moments qui ont façonné sa vision du leadership, et l’importance de bâtir une innovation plus éthique, inclusive et humaine. Une conversation inspirante avec une pionnière qui redéfinit le rôle des femmes dans la science et la technologie. Cet épisode fait partie de notre mini-série portant sur le parcours de femmes inspirantes qui ont du génie, et qui vous est offerte par Gestion FÉRIQUE et Services d'investissement FÉRIQUE. Gestion FÉRIQUE est un gestionnaire de fonds communs de placement qui sont offerts exclusivement aux professionnels en génie, ainsi qu'à leurs familles et leurs entreprises, par le biais de Services d'investissement FÉRIQUE. Visitez ferique.com. This episode is airing in French. Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Maud Cohen est la première femme à diriger Polytechnique Montréal depuis sa création en 1873 — une étape marquante pour le milieu universitaire et de l’ingénierie au Québec. Forte d’un parcours ancré dans l’innovation, la rigueur et le leadership humain, Maud a dirigé plusieurs grandes organisations, dont la Fondation CHU Sainte-Justine et l’Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. Dans cet épisode, elle revient sur l’évolution du leadership en sciences et en ingénierie, l’importance de la représentation et la manière dont l’agilité, la collaboration et l’empathie peuvent inspirer la relève. Cet épisode fait partie de notre mini-série portant sur le parcours de femmes inspirantes qui ont du génie, et qui vous est offerte par Gestion FÉRIQUE et Services d'investissement FÉRIQUE. Gestion FÉRIQUE est un gestionnaire de fonds communs de placement qui sont offerts exclusivement aux professionnels en génie, ainsi qu'à leurs familles et leurs entreprises, par le biais de Services d'investissement FÉRIQUE. Visitez ferique.com. Maud Cohen is the first woman to lead Polytechnique Montréal since its founding in 1873—a historic milestone in Quebec’s academic and engineering landscape. With a career built on innovation, integrity, and human-centered leadership, Maud has led major organizations including the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation and the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. In this conversation, she reflects on the evolution of leadership in STEM, the importance of representation, and how fostering agility, collaboration, and empathy can shape the next generation of changemakers. This episode is airing in French. Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

October is World Menopause Month — and it’s time to challenge one of the most persistent myths in our culture: that women’s careers, beauty, and relevance come with an expiration date. Graydon Moffat, founder of Graydon Skincare, has made it her mission to defy that idea. She’s spoken openly about ageism in entrepreneurship and about how women navigating perimenopause and beyond deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated — not sidelined. Before becoming a skincare founder, Graydon had already reinvented herself more than once — from plant-based chef to yoga teacher — and it was through these experiences that she earned the nickname “The Skin Chef.” Her approach to beauty was never about anti-aging, but about nourishment and vitality. That same philosophy drives the formulas at Graydon Skincare, where super-powered superfoods meet proven clinical actives to create products that are as effective as they are ethical. Today, Graydon leads a female-founded, values-driven company grounded in ingredient transparency, sustainable packaging, and accessibility — proving that looking good and feeling good can go hand in hand. In this conversation, she shares her insights on aging, entrepreneurship, and building a conscious beauty brand that stands the test of time. This episode originally aired during Season 6. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Canada is facing a women’s health crisis: three in four women over 40 experience menopausal symptoms that disrupt their daily lives — yet access to care is inconsistent, fragmented, and often out of reach. In this episode of The Brand is Female, highlighting World Menopause Month, Eva Hartling speaks with Dr. Michelle Jacobson, a leading OBGYN who decided to take her expertise beyond the clinic and into entrepreneurship. As co-founder of Coven Women’s Health, she is transforming how women access hormonal health support in Ontario with a virtual platform offering expert, continuous, and personalized care. Dr. Jacobson is joined by her co-founder and CEO, Jennifer Patterson — a seasoned business builder with experience at Google and TD, who, after her own frustrating experience of feeling unwell, became passionate about making women’s health solutions easier to access. Together, they discuss why hormonal health remains stigmatized and overlooked in Canada, what’s missing from our current system, and how Coven is reshaping the future of women’s healthcare through integrated programs that support women navigating menopause, perimenopause, PCOS, postpartum recovery, PMDD, and more. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Kelsey Irvine is part of the mother/two-daughters trio behind Birch Babe, a Canadian skincare brand that's making waves in the natural beauty industry. Kelsey's career is a blend of creativity, commitment to sustainability, and a keen eye for storytelling. With a background in commercial advertising and documentary directing, she has a unique ability to craft content that looks good and connects on an emotional level. Kelsey isn't just about making things look pretty; she's deeply invested in making a difference. Her work as an Oscar-nominated producer highlights her dedication to narratives that drive positive change. This passion is a perfect match for Birch Babe's ethos, which prioritizes natural and ethically sourced ingredients, waste reduction, and minimizing carbon footprints. As CEO and Head of Creative and Communications at Birch Babe, Kelsey has helped the brand grow into a leader in the natural beauty market, earning a dedicated following and a reputation for excellence. In this episode, we delve into how Kelsey's blend of creative talent and strategic thinking and her commitment to eco-friendly practices helped shape a successful brand that stands for more than just beauty products. She also brings up her sobriety journey and commitment to living intentionally. This episode originally aired as part of our 2024 season. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

What does it take to challenge centuries of tradition and shift an entire culture’s relationship with alcohol? In this episode, I sit down with Moa Gürbüzer, a former social worker and family therapist who saw firsthand how alcohol harms families and communities. Rather than staying in the therapy room, Moa decided to tackle the issue at its roots: our cultural norms and rituals around drinking. At the age of 55, she founded Oddbird, a Swedish winery dedicated to producing world-class, non-alcoholic wines. Partnering with leading oenologists and more than 100 vineyards, Moa has turned skepticism into admiration—her wines are now served in Michelin-starred restaurants, featured at the Nobel Prize after-party, and even gifted to Porsche owners in Sweden. Moa shares her journey from being dismissed as an “outsider” to building a respected brand that blends craftsmanship, science, and social purpose. We talk about why shame is at the core of drinking culture, how women supporting women can accelerate change, and why failure should be celebrated as part of the entrepreneurial process. This is a conversation about innovation, resilience, and rewriting the rules—not only for the wine industry, but for how we celebrate, connect, and care for one another. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

We’re re-airing this episode as it has been one of our favourites this past season. It features a true pioneer in the period care space: Carinne Chambers-Saini, Founder and CEO of DIVA, the company behind the Original DIVA Cup. What started over 20 years ago as a mother-daughter mission to bring a better, more sustainable alternative to pads and tampons has since grown into a global brand that has reshaped the menstrual care industry. Back in 2002, Carinne and her mom Francine launched DIVA out of their basement in Kitchener, Ontario. Together, they took on an industry that wasn’t built with women’s bodies—or the planet—in mind. Their vision? Conscious, accessible, stigma-free period care for every body. Since then, DIVA has become a household name, known not just for innovation but for pushing the conversation forward around menstrual equity, sustainability, and body confidence. In this conversation, Carinne shares what it took to build a brand that challenged the status quo, how she continues to lead with purpose, and what’s next for a company that’s always been ahead of its time. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

This week, we’re revisiting one of our fave conversations of the season. Eva chats with Sara Jonsdottir, Founder and CEO of Revol Cares—a company leading the charge in reimagining period care with medically recognized, toxin-free leakproof underwear. Sara shares her journey from identifying critical gaps in women’s health and sustainability to launching an innovative product that puts safety, comfort, and dignity first. We talk about what it takes to fundraise in a space often ignored by investors, how she’s challenging long-standing taboos around menstruation, and why human-centered design is at the heart of her brand’s mission. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt let down by traditional period products—and for every entrepreneur dreaming of building something that truly makes a difference. Topics Include: Why the period care industry needed a revolution How Sara raised capital while educating investors on women’s health Building stigma-free, sustainable products Designing with empathy and user needs in mind The future of innovation in menstrual care Follow @RevolCares to learn more. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

What do you get when a childhood CEO dream, a boring date night, and a refusal to settle for burnout collide? You get Mandy Balak’s playbook for building brands, leading communities, and living life on purpose. In this episode, Mandy—entrepreneur, coach, and President of The Gathering—shares how she turned a last-minute class project into a media company, why her monthly Integration Day is non-negotiable, and what it really takes to build a legacy without losing yourself in the hustle. We talk ambition, alignment, burnout, bold decisions—and why leadership without presence just isn’t it anymore. Whether you’re running a business or running on fumes, this one’s for you. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

With summer in full swing and fewer people tuning in weekly (because… vacation!)—we’re revisiting some of our favourite episodes from the past year—ones that deserve another listen as we hit the halfway mark. Kaelen Haworth is a designer and entrepreneur who has navigated the ever-changing world of fashion with creativity and adaptability. After launching her namesake brand in 2009 and earning a spot in the CFDA Incubator program, she built a reputation for effortless, modern womenswear. She later expanded into size-inclusive fashion with Second Sight and spent time in editorial and celebrity styling. Now, after years in New York, Kaelen has moved back to Toronto—lucky us in Canada! She’s the founder of Absolutely Fabrics, a concept store that blends fashion, vintage, and creative community. In an industry where retail is tougher than ever, Kaelen has found a modern way to make it work. Her store isn’t just about selling clothes—it’s about creating an experience, hosting trunk shows, photo shoots, and designer collaborations to bring people together in a fresh, engaging way. On top of that, she’s taken a smart and personal approach to connecting with her audience through her Substack, where she shares thoughtful takes on fashion, entrepreneurship, and the realities of running a business in today’s landscape. Kaelen’s career has been defined by reinvention, and she’s proving that fashion retail can still thrive—if you do it differently. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

In this episode of The Brand is Female, Eva Hartling sits down with Cynthia Sakai, founder of evolvetogether, the elevated personal care brand that took the world by storm with its mission-driven, design-forward essentials. Launched at the start of the pandemic with a medical-grade face mask that quickly became a celebrity favourite, evolvetogether has since grown into a full line of high-performance products for daily life—combining sustainability, science, and style. -Cynthia shares her journey from launching her first company at 18 to building Vita Fede, a luxury jewelry brand, and now creating a globally loved personal care company rooted in purpose. In this conversation, she breaks down: -The early days of evolvetogether and what led to its explosive growth -How her fashion and jewelry background informs her approach to product and brand design -The strategies behind building a loyal community through both DTC and retail -Why creating products that are beautiful, functional, and responsible is more than a brand philosophy—it’s a personal mission Tune in to hear how Cynthia is making everyday essentials anything but ordinary. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

When avid outdoor adventurers Jaime Hackett and Erin Prohaska couldn’t find a bug spray that actually worked and felt good on their skin, they decided to create their own. That’s how Bite was born — a Toronto-based brand on a mission to make bug protection clean, non-toxic, and enjoyable to use. In this episode, the co-founders share the full story behind Bite’s creation, from the personal frustrations that sparked their idea to the uphill climb of bringing a new kind of wellness product to market. We talk about what it takes to build a purpose-led brand in a highly regulated category, the red tape of Health Canada approvals, navigating a tough retail environment, and the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship in a product-based business. Jaime and Erin open up about the unexpected roadblocks, the grind of building something from the ground up, and the relentless belief that a better solution was possible. This is a conversation about the ups and downs of brand-building, and changing the way we think about the products we use every day — even bug spray. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Jenn Harper is the Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, a brand rewriting the rules of the beauty industry — and redefining what it means to lead with purpose. In this episode of The Brand is Female, Jenn shares the incredible journey that took her from working in food service and sales to launching a mission-driven beauty brand from her kitchen table. A dream about three Indigenous girls covered in lip gloss became the spark for Cheekbone Beauty — but it was her drive, curiosity, and resilience that turned it into a nationally recognized brand rooted in sustainability and Indigenous representation. Jenn opens up about the early days of building the brand as a side hustle, teaching herself how to make product through Google searches and YouTube videos, and navigating the beauty world without a traditional background. She also speaks candidly about the challenges of building a clean, transparent supply chain and why staying true to her values meant turning away from easy solutions. This is a conversation about resilience, representation, and rewriting the narrative — both in beauty and in business. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

In this episode, Eva sits down with Sara Jonsdottir, Founder and CEO of Revol Cares—a company leading the charge in reimagining period care with medically recognized, toxin-free leakproof underwear. Sara shares her journey from identifying critical gaps in women’s health and sustainability to launching an innovative product that puts safety, comfort, and dignity first. We talk about what it takes to fundraise in a space often ignored by investors, how she’s challenging long-standing taboos around menstruation, and why human-centered design is at the heart of her brand’s mission. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt let down by traditional period products—and for every entrepreneur dreaming of building something that truly makes a difference. Topics Include: Why the period care industry needed a revolution How Sara raised capital while educating investors on women’s health Building stigma-free, sustainable products Designing with empathy and user needs in mind The future of innovation in menstrual care Follow @RevolCares to learn more. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Today’s conversation is one we wish we didn’t have to have—but it’s one we absolutely must. In this episode, host Eva Hartling is joined by Liat Kaplan, founder and CEO of WiSP, a device she created to address a disturbing and all-too-common issue: drink spiking. Drink spiking is more widespread than many realize. While it’s hard to find stats on this issue, recent studies show that 13% of women in the UK report having had their drinks spiked at some point in their lives. Among young adults aged 18–24, it’s 70% who have either experienced or witnessed drink spiking. Despite these alarming numbers, the vast majority of incidents go unreported, often due to fear, shame, or the belief that nothing will be done. Liat, who has a background in strategic marketing with brands like SodaStream where she worked on Pepsi products, and Believer Meats, decided to take action. She developed WiSP—a small, reusable device that discreetly detects the presence of drugs in drinks, providing a simple yet powerful tool for personal safety which will be available for individual consumers in both the US and Canada. In this episode, Liat shares her journey from recognizing the problem to creating a tangible solution. We discuss the challenges she faced, the technology behind WiSP, and the broader implications for women's safety. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

This conversation features a true pioneer in the period care space. Carinne Chambers-Saini is the Founder and CEO of DIVA, the company behind the Original DIVA Cup. What started over 20 years ago as a mother-daughter mission to bring a better, more sustainable alternative to pads and tampons has since grown into a global brand that has reshaped the menstrual care industry. Back in 2002, Carinne and her mom Francine launched DIVA out of their basement in Kitchener, Ontario. Together, they took on an industry that wasn’t built with women’s bodies—or the planet—in mind. Their vision? Conscious, accessible, stigma-free period care for every body. Since then, DIVA has become a household name, known not just for innovation but for pushing the conversation forward around menstrual equity, sustainability, and body confidence. In this conversation, Carinne shares what it took to build a brand that challenged the status quo, how she continues to lead with purpose, and what’s next for a company that’s always been ahead of its time. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

In this episode, host Eva Hartling sits down with Jessica Bosman and Bryn Davis Williams, co-founders of DOUBL, a company that’s reimagining how bras are made and sold. The duo met at university and bonded over their shared passion for entrepreneurship and disruptive innovation. Noticing how little the bra industry had evolved over the years, they saw an opportunity to do things differently. Launched in 2020, DOUBL uses AI and smartphone scanning technology to create made-to-measure bras that can be ordered entirely from home—no fittings, no guesswork, and no standard sizing. Jessica and Bryn share their journey from idea to launch, the challenges of innovating in a legacy industry, and how they’re using tech to empower women to feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin. Tune in to hear how two founders are using innovation and empathy to reshape a daily essential. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Caroline Monnet is a multidisciplinary artist of Anishinaabe and French ancestry, based in Montreal. She has carved out her own path as an artist and filmmaker, building a practice rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems and contemporary expression. Her work explores identity, community, and the impact of colonialism—offering any creative entrepreneur or artist a powerful model of what it means to build a practice anchored in intention and vision. Caroline brings a rich, critical perspective to her work. Her art has been exhibited globally—from the Whitney Biennial to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the National Gallery of Canada. Her films have screened at TIFF, Sundance, Berlinale, and beyond. And she’s received major accolades, including the Prix Pierre-Ayot, a Sobey Art Award nomination, and a residency with the Cannes Film Festival’s Cinefondation. In our conversation, Caroline shares the realities of navigating the art world independently—and speaks candidly about how, as she puts it, “no one tells artists they need to be entrepreneurs too.” Her insights offer powerful takeaways not only for creatives, but for any woman building a business or forging her own path professionally. This conversation airs this week as we get ready to debut our new podcast, Collection’elle, in a few days. This new show aims to encourage women to engage in contemporary art collecting—at a time when women are rising in influence in the art world, yet women artists remain underrepresented in collections. Collection’elle highlights the voices of women artists like Caroline, while also decoding market dynamics through conversations with gallerists, curators, and art-world insiders. Her full interview will continue there, but today, you’ll get a first listen to Caroline’s story of building a creative practice that’s deeply personal, political, and visionary. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Dallas Barnes is on a mission to transform reproductive health for individuals with ovaries. As the founder and CEO of Reya Health, a digital platform offering personalized birth control support, Dallas is helping users navigate contraception with confidence and clarity. In this episode, she shares how her own experience with birth control side effects sparked the idea for Reya—and how she turned that vision into a rapidly growing femtech startup. We explore the key stages of launching a femtech company, what it takes to build in a space often overlooked by traditional healthcare, and how Dallas is preparing for her next fundraising round after a successful pre-seed. Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation on innovation, impact, and championing health equity from the ground up. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

This week, we’re re-airing a conversation with two of our favourite beauty founders from Canada. Three Ships Beauty was founded by Connie Lo and Laura Burget in 2017. What began as a kitchen experiment with just $2,000 each has grown into a thriving skincare brand known for its commitment to transparency and sustainability. Rebranded in 2020, Three Ships Beauty is now stocked in nearly 1,000 stores across North America. With a recent $3.5 million investment led by BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund, they’re set to expand their product line and team, all while continuing to disrupt the beauty industry. Tune in and dive into Connie and Laura’s journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the advice they offer to all women entrepreneurs — including a few things that may surprise you when it comes to dealing with investors! This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale