Congratulations to all 23 Finalists (26 women in total) for The 2018 Mompreneur® Awards, each a talented Mompreneur in their own right! We are thrilled to announce our winners:

The 2018 Mompreneur® Award of Excellence

Naming Canada’s Official Mompreneur® of the Year for 2018

Adriana De Luca & Michelle Lalonde

Winnipeg, Manitoba | Members since 2017

Our purpose at Tiber River Naturals is Creating Happiness Naturally — Creating happiness for our customers, our corporate team, and our growing team of direct sales consultants across the country. By creating products they enjoy using, or an opportunity to create more happiness in their lives by accomplishing goals they never thought possible; every decision we make is based on creating happiness.

Kate Belbeck

Moffat, Ontario | Member since 2016

At Belbeck’s Family Farm, we offer ethical, pasture-raised meats including chicken, turkey, beef, pork and eggs. Our customers become members of our farm family and receive monthly meat shares. We also offer the Rent The Chicken program. We provide everything needed for keeping hens in almost any backyard for a 6 month season including egg-laying hens, a portable coop, feed and unlimited support. Our Hatch The Chicken program is a 5 week rental that also includes fun and informative presentations about hatching, looking after chicks, chickens and farming in general. As both of these programs are rentals, it makes it simple for our renters to have a great experience without worrying about what happens to the chickens after it’s done. Our renters are never alone in their chicken-keeping journey and become part of our support community for life.

Tamara Aldip

Toronto, Ontario | Member since 2017

Nanashake is Toronto’s premier vegan frozen desserts parlor, proudly offering up the city’s most exciting healthy, handmade, guilt-free, gluten free and refined-sugar-free soft serve, popsicles, milkshakes and other frozen delicacies. We are a family-run business dedicated to providing customers from all walks of life and family members of all ages starting as little as 9 months old with a healthy, nutritious and delicious ice cream treat that can be enjoyed without the guilt and adverse effects of consuming refined sugars. Our products are made using only the highest quality natural and plant-based ingredients including fairtrade, organic bananas. We stand firmly behind the quality of our products and actively collaborate with a certified holistic nutritionist to openly share the health benefits of our products with all of our customers.

Kah-Mei Smith

Port Coquitlam, BC | Member since 2015

Young Living, the world leader in essential oils and wellness products, inspires millions of people everywhere to experience nature’s gifts of wellness and harmony, to create abundance as Young Living members, and to discover new opportunities for lifelong transformation. As an independent distributor and team leader of a team 5000-strong, it is my utmost honour and pleasure to walk life with my team as we work towards improving quality of life for ourselves and the ones around us. Our biggest focus is to educate families on the potential toxins found in their everyday products and cleaners and showing them a healthy alternative.

Congratulations to all of our 2018 Mompreneur Award Finalists!

Christina Platt

Vancouver, BC | Member since 2017

Here at Bamboletta Dolls Ltd. we create one of a kind companions made with all natural materials. Our team of over 30 local women (and one dad) lovingly and skillfully handcraft our dolls for children of all ages. Met with a very active and robust online community, we’ve now created thousands of dolls that have found homes worldwide. We create Bamboletta Dolls with awareness that these dolls will become friends, confidants, and faithful travelers alongside a child’s imagination and heart. All the materials we use are natural and sourced locally as much as possible. When we call our dolls one-of-a-kind it’s because they are, from the fabric being cut, to the stuffing of the bodies and stitching on every face. When those last touches are put on each doll, that’s the moment when we see its little spirit.

Elizabeth Roque

Toronto, Ontario | Member since 2015

Rok Cork brings innovation to mainstream fashion with sustainable Cork Leather Accessories, that are ethically manufactured, driven by style, quality, functionality and value. Designed in-house with functionality and versatility, and unlike mass produced market brands, our products are all handmade by generations of Portuguese artisans with a time honoured commitment to quality and exquisite craftsmanship. Not only are we promoting the preservation of our planet, but we are continuously contributing to the growth of the local economy with steady employment to the families who make our products. We take great pride that each one of our products are made with natural organic materials, from start to finish.

Ginette Ahier

Shediac, New Brunswick | Member since 2017

At Adorable Chocolat, we believe everybody deserves to be healthy and fuelled by delicious nutrition. Obsessed by chocolate, we do not compromise! The first ingredient is always cacao. Not sugar, Not fat. CHOCOLATE! All our products are free of GMOs, hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colours and chemical preservatives. Adorable Chocolat Inc is a high quality hand-crafted chocolate production, marketing and distribution company. Our activities and services focus on the following sectors: retail, wholesale clients in the Atlantic region, special events, as well as corporate gifts and services. Chocolate being an artistic medium ripe with endless possibilities, our chocolatier creators, intoxicated every day by chocolaty fragrances, passionately prepare a must-taste selection of delectable creations from the most traditional to the most outrageous.

Natalie Dueck

New Bothwell, Manitoba | Member since 2015

Rawnata is committed to providing nutrient-dense, seed-based snacks made from premium ingredients. We source organic and/or local whenever possible – because we believe in strong community relationships. We use a slow, low-temperature drying process, 18 hours on average, in order to accomplish our mission of providing raw, crunchy, functional snacks – because we believe that eating quality food can change the course of your life. Our Chocolate Hemp Snackers have won the 2016 Emerging Innovator Award and the 2011 Great Manitoba Food Fight, and made the Foodie Pages Top 20 Picks in 2015.

Natasha Vandenhurk

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | Member since 2017

Three Farmers Products is a brand that was created out of a love for Canadian agriculture and a passion for creating healthy, minimally processed foods. In 2009, Natasha Vandenhurk partnered with her sister Elysia and three Saskatchewan farmers to introduce a culinary oil called Camelina Oil to Canada. In 2012 they appeared on Dragon’s Den with their Three Farmers brand where they signed an on-air deal with Arlene. Since then, Three Farmers has launched into the “better for you” snack space with a line of Roasted Chickpeas and Pea Pops (whole green peas). Three Farmers snacks are rich in protein and fibre, bold in flavour & big on crunch! The Three Farmers brand is now distributed in over 2000 retailers across Canada.

Neveen Dominic

Calgary, Alberta | Member since 2016

Founded in 2014, Neveen Dominic Cosmetics has broken barriers, with its all-natural, high quality product line designed for any skin type or tone. It’s state-of-the-art makeup formula is made up of only water and minerals, giving your skin that celebrity glow without suffocating it under heavy artificial ingredients. Complete product line includes dermatologist formulated skin care line, makeup and accessories, perfume and cologne. Neveen Dominic Cosmetics is a high-end, professional and multicultural brand; bringing your inner beauty out. Neveen is also a proud founder of Beauty Response To Cancer Society, a charity that assists cancer clients dealing with the cosmetic side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Sheri Simson

Kelowna, BC | Member since 2017

Keenfit –The Pole Walking Co. turns a simple walk into a beneficial, easy to do, full body workout! We don’t just want you to buy our Poles – we want you to USE THEM! To support this we make our instructional videos free on our website and we certify Instructors across Canada and the U.S. to teach our unique Keenfit Walking System at free Pole Walking Clinics in their communities. We are committed to impeccable customer service; our Poles and our Walking Techniques are distinctive, designed to maximize results for everyone of all fitness levels – from casual walkers to athletic Walkers. Given that exercise is at the top of the list to prevent and help improve many health challenges, Keenfit – The Pole Walking Co. is perfectly positioned to continue to thrive and grow well into the future!

The 2018 Mompreneurs® Momentum Award Finalists

Women Making a Difference in the Lives of Others

Kerry Bunney

Milton, Ontario | Member since 2014

Hawthorne Cafe is a unique community spot with local artists, live music, kids activities and a warm and inviting atmosphere offering homemade food. We love being an independent local business where you can unwind over a cup of freshly brewed fair trade organic coffee, a delicious dessert, or a savoury lunch. Our atmosphere is uniquely inviting. We have a space for kids, where they can play with toys, read books or be a part of fun activities. We host a variety of events such as story and craft time for kids, open mic nights for local musicians, poets and comedians, seminars and other events that support our community.

Puja Misra

Mississauga, Ontario | Member since 2016

Through Zoom Into Life Photography, Puja empowers women by capturing their inner light and beauty and gift it back to them. Her mission and passion is making a difference in women’s lives by helping them see that they are beautiful and worthy, making them feel beautiful, confident and empowered both personally and professionally to say to themselves and to the world, I Am Beautiful Now! I Am Enough Now! Puja specializes in contemporary portraits that serve clients personally and professionally, including Personal Branding Portraits designed for entrepreneurs to help elevate their brand presence resulting in more business. These branding images are magazine styled portraits that are not only stylish and contemporary but also exuberate personality, creating trust and an authentic connection with their audience as it positions them as an expert in their industry. They truly capture the personality and passion of the business owner, the essence of their business and how they serve people making a difference in their lives. Beauty/Family/Generation Portraits are designed for a woman to feel pampered and to celebrate herself, her relationships and be the celebrity in her own life and create her own legacy. The images are fashion inspired magazine styled portraits that reconnect herself with her true beautiful soul making her feel confident, beautiful and empowered.

Vanessa Miniaci & Jessica Monkcom

Orangeville, Ontario | Members since 2015

The Yoga Project‘s primary aim is to normalize yoga and mindfulness in K-12 education, by offering ample opportunities for youth to develop self-awareness, self-love and self-regulation. Co-founders Jessica and Vanessa aim to normalize yoga and mindfulness in K-12 schools across Ontario and empower the future leaders of tomorrow through these principles. TYP School Programs are based on the belief and knowledge that yoga has a profound effect on children, youth, teens and families. Yoga teaches us self-awareness and helps to develop inner strength, personal insight, and the ability to move through life from a place of connectedness. Equipping students with the tools to know and recognize how to calm or energize oneself, when to ease up or get centred, as well as how to de-stress and build confidence, are all self-regulation skills for life that we strive to empower in youth.

Melissa Power

London, Ontario | Member since 2015

Many people in our community face the dilemma of choosing between basic needs and clean clothes. For the Love of Laundry works to alleviate this. Through the sale of our all natural laundry products, we fund free laundry events for low income families and the homeless population who cannot afford to do laundry on a regular basis. We take 10% of our sales and host free laundry events every month at different laundromats around London, Ontario. We pay the laundromat owner to open the machines for 3-4 hours and we bring free soap and snacks, and anyone who needs the service can come and do their laundry for free – no questions asked. We advertise at social agencies and they remind clients when the event is taking place. On average we have about 40-50 people at each event. To date, we have done almost 4,000 free loads, and saved people in need almost $15,000 in laundry services.

The 2018 Mompreneurs® Startup Award

Forging Success with Under 3 Years in Business

Anna Lozano & Lindy Sood

Oakville, Ontario | Members since 2017

Our Mission at Love Powered Co™ is to power the next generation of mindful leaders – our children! – and to fuel them with positive self-talk, confidence, self-love and self-worth. Our first product​ is Love Powered Littles: positive I AM Affirmations for parents to habitually practice with their children. Mindfulness is not new. I AM Affirmations are not new. Self-discovery and personal development are not new. However, these concepts, tools, and genres of thought, are still very niche. And when it comes to tools for parents to practice with their children? They are few and far between. It’s proven that the world will be a better, more loving place if we become more present, mindful, empathetic and lead with love.

Alison Wawrzyniak

Milton, Ontario | Member since 2015

Round Trip Studios is an engraving and design studio that specializes in creating meaningful and memorable gifts using laser technology. From Canadian-made cutting boards, to engraved teacher gifts, we have something for everyone – for any occasion. Alison creates and designs gifts that are timeless and everlasting. From a favourite family handwritten recipe engraved on a Canadian-made cutting board, a live edge cheeseboard engraved to celebrate a special event, or even a set of coasters with drawings from the Grandchildren, our gifts will survive the constant decluttering that is life, because they are always beautiful, functional and meaningful.

Ashley Freeborn

Vancouver, BC | Member since 2017

Designed and ethically produced in North America, the Smash + Tess line of premium dreamwear invites women to relax, indulge and imagine, without ever having to leave the comfort of home. We believe that women should feel confident and beautiful every minute of the day, no matter whether it’s spent in the boardroom, on a school run, or between the sheets after a day spent conquering the world! Most recently, our romper revolution has taken flight and an incredible network of women, our #smashtessgirls, have been wearing and sharing photos rocking their favourite Smash + Tess rompers! Some of our most recent high profile Smash + Tess girls include Jillian Harris, Kaitlyn Bristowe, and most recently Stassi Schroeder. But truly, Smash + Tess is about celebrating femininity, friendship, and feeling good!

Monique Parker

Delta, BC | Member since 2016

Wallis Evera is an award-winning, technology-based women’s workwear brand that has been named a “Top Ethical and Eco-Friendly Fashion Brand to Watch” in Flare, The Huffington Post, The Good Trade, Ecouterre, and Magnifeco. Our aim is to make clothes that spark dialogue and inspire change toward a more sustainable future. Wallis Evera has helped move Canadian sustainable fashion from the fringe to the international mainstream by creating a unique, technology-based brand of women’s business wear from hemp. Modern and elegant, this is hemp as it has never been seen before. The Vancouver-made apparel line dispels negative stereotypes about eco-fashion, while raising consumer awareness about the detrimental environmental, and the social and economic impacts of the fast fashion industry.

The 2018 Mompreneur® Award of Merit

Recognizing Successful Franchisees & Consultants

Barb Houser

Norwich, Ontario | Member since 2012

Founded in 2001, It Works! is a direct selling company that offers professional quality beauty and wellness products that both reflect high standards of integrity and reach consumers at affordable prices. It Works! is a skin care, health and nutrition company, named for the excited reaction people have when trying our products—it works! Our products are sold globally through our network of Independent Distributors who work as One Team with One Mission—to change lives! Together, the It Works! family is looking great, getting out of debt, having fun, and giving back to the community.

Jennifer Zurbrigg

Edmonton, Alberta | Member since 2015

Juice Plus+ is whole food nutrition, including juice powder concentrates from 30 different fruits, vegetables and grains, enhancing a healthy diet. Juice Plus+ helps bridge the nutrient gap between what you should eat and what you do eat every day. Not a multivitamin, treatment or cure for any disease, Juice Plus+ is made from quality ingredients carefully monitored from farm to capsule to provide natural nutrients your body needs to be at its best.

Kathy Drennan

Kincardine, Ontario | Member since 2013

Pampered Chef is reconnecting families around the dinner table, one meal, one memory at a time. Offering solutions to your meal time challenges by creating fun, educational and healthy cooking classes and workshops for busy people wanting ideas to create a healthier lifestyle and cook with ease. We also do this through one on one consultations, fundriasers and bridal showers. I love providing an amazing opportunity for individuals to achieve their dreams and financial well-being with their own successful businesses.

Lygia Valcourt

Oshawa, Ontario | Member since 2011

Mary Kay Cosmetics is a direct sales company specializing in skin care, makeup, nail color, and perfume, as well as skin care for men. I love to be able to touch lives and give hope to other women, not only by sharing how to properly care for their skin but also to be able to offer the business opportunity as a way to financial freedom. As an entrepreneur, I have the flexibility to set my own schedule and spend more time with my family, be my own boss, earn amazing rewards just for doing what I love and being a part of a confidence-boosting sisterhood of millions of Independent Beauty Consultants worldwide. I am so proud to be able to contribute in making the world a better, happier, more beautiful place for everyone.

“ONES TO WATCH”

Congratulations to the following entrants for The 2018 Mompreneur® Awards who were recognized as ‘Ones to Watch’, and were gifted with a complimentary VIP All-Access Pass to The 2018 National Mompreneurs Conference in Toronto March 2-3, 2018, as well as 50 complimentary points to go towards next year’s entry! These women have incredible passion for their businesses, and garnered impressive overall ratings for this year’s Awards, getting them very close to being named Finalists; we are sure you will be seeing more of them and their businesses for our 2019 Awards launch!