Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs in Edmonton

Sep 25, 2023

Learn about some of the many incredible women entrepreneurs who make Edmonton the city we know and love. One thing's for certain - there's no shortage of inspiring women in this city!


Header image provided by: Dallas Curow

Lane Edwards: PURA Botanicals

Lane Edwards was influenced by her family's knowledge of holistic medicine, and embarked on a journey of creating natural skincare and fragrances. While expecting her first child, her sensitivity to conventional beauty products led to the birth of PURA Botanicals. Fueled by a desire for purity and performance, PURA Botanicals stands as a testament to Lane's commitment to clean beauty.

In a crowded industry, PURA Botanicals sets itself apart by leading the way with originality and authenticity. Their inspiration comes from a genuine desire to make the world better and a deep love for nourishing others with the purest plant-based ingredients. One standout product is the Overnight Watermelon Mask, which becomes a beloved choice, especially as autumn sets in. It's like a refreshing drink for your skin, providing unmatched hydration and nutrition to quench dry skin. Another star in their lineup is the Ambrosia Beautifying Serum, a true gem with incredible healing properties, like liquid gold for your skin.


Lane's advice for future women entrepreneurs?

Make sure you know and understand your 'why.' Even if that 'why' evolves overtime, it really has to be from your heart. A strong purpose to drive you when it gets really tough, and it will get really tough. You'll need it to persevere.

Linda Hoang: Blogger & Digital Strategist

As the woman behind the guide to Edmonton's Instagrammable Walls and the International Cat Festival, local social media maven, blogger, and digital strategist, Linda Hoang is a go-to resource for the best to see, do and eat in Edmonton. She is inspired by the work of innovative local entrepreneurs like fashion designer Alèthe Kaboré of KYN Apparel (who custom made Linda's all-time favourite jacket) and Rochelle Ignacio of Black Owned Market - an organization which supports and highlights the Black community including Black creatives, entrepreneurs, and businesses.

In true Linda fashion, she is using this opportunity to shine a spotlight on the countless other women-owned businesses in the city. Linda recommends referencing this list of 41 Edmonton area Woman Artists, Makers and Entrepreneurs or checking out her Women-Owned Businesses in Edmonton article. You can also find many amazing Black and women-owned businesses through Black Owned Market Edmonton.


Linda's advice for future women entrepreneurs?
Connecting with the community and sharing those moments online along the way - the good, bad, tough, fun, whatever those moments may be, humanizes you and makes your business special because it’s yours. People want to work with you. People want to buy from you. People want to support you. You become the unique and selling feature of your business, which I think is pretty cool.

Seble Isaac: Tiramisu Bistro

If you've been walking down 124th Street recently, you've probably seen Tiramisu Bistro. It's a standout in a district known for it's legendary dining (we're talking the likes of Bodega 124 and RNG RD).

Speaking of supportive neighbours, Tiramisu's owner draws inspiration from the other amazing entrepreneurs on 124th Street, like Angela Larson, the owner of Swish Vintage. Angela pursued her passion for vintage clothing long before it was 'in' to do so. She uses her own uniqueness to fuel Swish Vintage, something Seble says is driven by a combination of her passion and personality.


Seble's advice for future women entrepreneurs?

Decision making is painful, and fear is always present, but you just have to have the courage to go through the 'what if's'. Allow your imagination to guide you and just do it!

Rochelle Ignacio: BOM YEG

When Rochelle Ignacio isn't providing consultation surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, and psychological safety as a Safety & Inclusion Specialist, you can find her bolstering the community as a managing partner and core team member of Black Owned Market (BOM YEG) - a volunteer run collective which exists to uplift Black businesses in Edmonton.

This local business owner and advocate works with an entire collective of outstanding women and is grateful to have a wider community that she interacts with every single day. She recently connected with Sina Zere from Buff Experts & Buff Waxspot, who provided feedback and resources which will help Black Owned Market to grow. "Sina is an incredibly genuine and kind human," Rochelle says, "in addition to being an incredibly talented and smart business owner".


Rochelle is excited to see how BOM YEG evolves over the next year and can't wait to share this growth with the community. If you're interested in volunteering with the team (and gaining valuable skills while giving back to the community), you can reach out to hello@bomyeg.ca to learn more.

Rochelle's advice for future women entrepreneurs?
My last piece of advice is to start your business! We never created BOM to become an ongoing organization and I don't have a business background. If BOM can do it, then so can you!

Kirsta Franke: The Public, Wild Heart Collective

Kirsta's entrepreneurial path began at just 23 years old. A born and raised Edmontonian, she credits the community for her success, "I am grateful everyday for the support and connections I have made here," she reflects, "I don't know if I would be where I am today if I chose to start my career in another city". It's no stretch to say that Edmonton is grateful for her as well - she is the woman behind countless events and programs that make the city a vibrant place to live, work and play.

In 2019, she co-founded The Public, a new 15,000 square foot food incubator and hub in the city's core, which can be found in the historical Central McDougall Neighborhood. This facility will be the first of its kind in Alberta, working with market vendors, farmers, culinary creatives, chefs, producers, educators, and more. After some delays opening the food hub, Kirsta is excited to finally open The Public this summer/fall to food lovers and food makers in the city.

Kirsta's advice for future women entrepreneurs?

You never know if you don't ask. You deserve a seat at the table, so take it.

Robyn Kerr: Runaway Workout Club

Runaway Workout Club blends instructor-led run intervals with dynamic, high-intensity exercises for the ultimate workout. Runaway is all about instilling a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of connection - something we've all been craving over the last couple of years. Robyn and her team have created a place where people can be individually challenged and most of all, have fun. You do not need to consider yourself a "runner" to take a class at Runaway.

On the horizon, Robyn is excited to be offering a new class option called “All Run”. In this 45-minute class, you spend approximately 40 minutes on the treadmill running instructor-led run intervals and then they cap it off with 5 minutes of core work. Dust off your sneakers and try something new! Your body (and your mind) will thank you.


Robyn's advice for future women entrepreneurs?

As a new entrepreneur during very different and difficult times, I would say my biggest learning has been to know when it is best, and sometimes even advantageous, to let go and move in a different direction and when to be unyielding on your path forward. Finding a balance between staying the course, giving your idea enough time to get off the ground and when it is time to make changes.

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