Success Story

A Modern Fairy Tale – Briar Rose Beauty

Aesthetic & Personal Care | Comox, BC

For Sarah Merrill, founder of Briar Rose, beauty has always been about more than appearance, it’s about confidence, connection, and empowerment. Sarah, …

Where Care Becomes Artistry – Vi Beautify Studio

Bridal Beauty | Nanaimo, BC

Ashley Porter is the founder and owner of Vi Beautify Studio and is Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) from Akwesasne. She moved to Nanaimo before starting school and …

Building Businesses Rooted in Culture and Community – Alissa Assu

Retail | Campbell River, BC

Alissa Assu’s story is rooted in strong cultural identity and family. She was registered to the Nisga’a Nation through her grandfather, with deep ties to …

Bringing Joy and Opportunity to North Island Communities – Michelle Davis

Recreation & Entertainment | Sayward, BC

Born and raised in Campbell River and deeply connected to coastal and Indigenous communities, Michelle balances her role as Community Wellness Manager for …

From Tradition to Runway – Ay Lelum, The Good House of Design

Arts & Culture | Nanaimo, BC

Built on a powerful family legacy, this Coast Salish fashion business traces its roots back to the late1980s, when the founders’ parents launched a …

Building Aerospace Success: Dorian Cota

Areospace & Aviation | Parksville, BC

Dorian Cota, founder and president of COTA Aviation, launched the company in 2012 with a clear vision: build a high-performance aviation business and help …

Building Holistic Reproductive Care Rooted in Community – Andrea Sanders, Lagoon Prenatal

Holistic Reproductive Health Services | Victoria, BC

Andrea Sanders is the founder of Lagoon Prenatal, a holistic health and wellness practice that supports women across all stages of reproductive health, …

Confidence on the Coast – The Marc Peeler Story

Construction, Fishing | Port Hardy, BC

A proud member of the Kwakiutl First Nation and a fourth-generation fisherman, Marc Peeler carries forward a legacy deeply rooted in family, tradition, and …

Bringing Dental Care Home to Port Alberni – Dr. Elliott Vissia

Health & Wellness | Port Alberni, BC

Dr. Elliott Vissia, a proud member of the Hupačasath and Nuu‑chah‑nulth Nations from Port Alberni, comes from a family rooted in community and resilience. …

Building a Legacy of Healing: Linda Pelech and Raven’s River Rest

Accommodations, Health & Wellness | Port Alberni, BC

Linda Pelech is from the Tseshaht First Nation, with deep roots connected to her family and ancestral land. Her grandfather, Rodchester Peters, was a …

Nootka Media: Storytelling Rooted in Culture and Pride

Marketing & Video Production | Victoria, BC

Born in Banff and raised in the Tseshaht community of Port Alberni, Joey Byrne grew up surrounded by strong family values, sports, and the rich traditions …

Island Coast Mobile Welding & Fabrication – Maria Clark

Automotive and Mechanical | Alberni-Clayoquot, BC

Maria Clark a Nuu-chah-nulth woman who embodies strength and leadership, turned her passion for community and entrepreneurship into Island Coast Mobile …