Canada’s Most Inspiring Female Entrepreneurs

By VITA Daily

In honour of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, today, Wednesday, November 16, we’ve rounded up eight of Canada’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, from coast to coast. —VITA Daily

• Tonia Jahshan, Steeped Tea, Ontario

  By VITA Daily

  It started with her first taste of Earl Grey tea made from loose leaves. Completely wowed by its rich flavour and convinced others would be too, Tonia Jahshan launched Steeped Tea, a direct marketing company. Fast forward a few years, and her tea empire is now generating millions annually. Along with a U.S expansion, and two Dragon Den backers, one can only assume there’s more brewing.    

• Kim Newport, Pink Tartan, Toronto

  By VITA Daily

  She might be the ‘other half’ to Canadian fashion-legend Joe, but as President and Chief Designer of Pink Tartan, Kim Newport Mimran is a fashion trailblazer in her own deserving right. For years, she’s given us chic, lady-like designs we swoon for every season, reminding us to have fun with fashion without falling victim to trends. Could there be a better, more tailored white shirt in our closet? Thank you Kim!    

• Tatiana Londono, Founder and CEO of Londono Realty Group, Montreal

  By VITA Daily

  Celebrity real estate agent Tatiana Londono brings a fresh and energized approach to what is often debated as an outdated industry. After gaining her realtor legs working alongside industry staples like Re/Max and Sutton Group, she founded Londono Realty Group in 2007—now one of the largest independent brokerage firms in Montreal, then went on to become the star of the national hit television show The Property Shop on HGTV. Beyond the professional world, Tatiana is actively involved in female empowerment initiatives; her philanthropic efforts have helped young women from single family homes attend coveted schools in Montreal. A mother, entrepreneur and born leader, Tatiana is an inspiring role model for any woman looking to bring her business to new heights in a cutthroat industry.

• Alex Troll, The Juicery Co., Vancouver

  By VITA Daily

  To launch a cold-pressed juice company in a city scattered with healthy fare takes guts, a solid vision and outstanding product.  Enter The Juicery’s co-founder Alex Troll.  Along with giving us the most deliciously crafted juices (Earth Beauty is beyond), The Juicery has its own family farm in Pemberton, BC that takes ‘farm to bottle’ to the highest, purest of levels. Check out their Instagram to see what we mean.  #genius

• Kristen Wood, The Ten Spot, Toronto

  By VITA Daily

  Laid-off in her 20s and with a desire to launch her own business, Kristen Wood founded The Ten Spot: An upscale beauty bar offering luxury services but in a casual, un-stuffy environment. With 18 locations across Canada and more coming soon, her franchised-based business has set a new bar in quality and service, becoming a favourite destination amongst us beauty-seekers. For that, Kristen Wood and The Ten Spot gets our 10 out of 10.    

• Christie Smythe & Andrea Lenczner, Smythe, Toronto

  By VITA Daily

  Since 2004, Smythe continues to be Canada’s most sought-after brand for their impeccably tailored blazers and jackets. Founded by Toronto designers, Christie Smythe and Andrea Lenczner, their pieces have become wardrobe staples for women every where, including Princess Kate, who’s been photographed in Smythe many times over. Needless to say, we’re proud to shine their spotlight, excited as ever to see what’s next.    

• Allison Grafton, President and Co-Owner, Rockwood Custom Homes, Calgary

  By VITA Daily

  A former investment banker with a passion for home renovation and construction, Allison Grafton put the two together to create Rockwood Custom Homes. A residential building company, based in Calgary, AB. Behind the scenes however, Grafton is highly regarded for her strong sense of vision, inspiring others in the workforce with her generosity and commitment to wellness. Now generating $100 million+ in gross sales, clearly her aspirational career is one we can all hope to build for ourselves.    

• Erica Diamond, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of WomenOnTheFence.com, Montreal

  By VITA Daily

  A certified lifestyle coach, entrepreneur, author and media personality, Erica Diamond is an inspiration to the modern woman. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the blog recognized as one of the Top 100 Sites for women by Forbes magazine, WomenOnTheFence.com, Erica’s mission is to inspire women to succeed in life by offering career tune-up tips and invaluable parenting advice. In addition to providing expert advice on life, career and motherhood via her professional platform, Erica is a weekly lifestyle and parenting correspond on Montreal’s Global Television, the author behind 99 Things Women Wish They Knew Before Starting Their Own Business, and a brand ambassador for top family-friendly brands like Barbie, Disney, Microsoft and Dove. A wife and mother of two boys, there’s no sitting on the fence for this entrepreneurial maven.