It’s every manufacturer’s dream: that call from Costco, suggesting a pilot project to test carrying your products. For Megapro Tools, manufacturers of the one and only fifteen-in-one multi-bit ratcheting screwdriver, this banner day was a long time in the making. And once it came, “it took a tremendous amount of planning, coordinating, and troubleshooting to … Continued
Most North Americans have no idea how fun it can be: a mug of mulled wine cheer, warming your hands before it warms your whole body. At a pub on a winter day? At a ski-slope? Come on! FireVines founder Ben Andrews hails originally from the UK, so he knows just how much delight the … Continued
Cosmo fans know: when you’re craving that iconic pink and bubbly drink, nothing else will do. And why shouldn’t you be able to indulge at any given moment—even, say, during an international flight? That was Olivia Lovenmark’s thinking at least. On a flight home to Vancouver from New York, she figured, “Somebody should bottle cosmopolitans.” … Continued
If you don’t know Routine Natural Goods yet, chances are you will soon. This Calgary-based natural deodorant company, founded by self-declared “formerly smelly sisters” Pippa and Neige Blair, is having a bit of a moment. A collaboration-with-Taryn-Toomey-of-The-Class-sized moment, to be precise. Indeed, to be trusted as makers of the official The Class Deodorant is no … Continued
A dish isn’t called “comfort food” for no reason. And Soul Bite Food’s flaky phyllo pastries, exotic spices, and hearty rolls provide plenty of comfort, especially to vegan eaters. But, incredibly, this company is determined to provide comfort to more than just their customers. Through the power of stuffed veggies, cabbage rolls, and mushroom and … Continued
Going Nuts is exactly that sort of unique, soulful, family-run business that starts out as a market stand and ends up everybody’s favourite snack brand. Launched in 2004 at the Calgary Farmers’ Market by entrepreneurs and nut lovers Chris Schlemm and Brenda Jenkyns, Going Nuts is increasingly renowned in Alberta. From then to now, they’ve … Continued
Jack59, the Edmonton-based shampoo and conditioner bar company, started the way so many innovative businesses do. Because a smart, capable woman became determined to create a livelihood on her own terms. “I was a dental assistant for most of my life with two kids, eighteen years apart,” says Vanessa Marshall, Jack59 founder. “I was really … Continued
For plenty of kids, a bowl of their favourite cereal in the morning is exciting enough. But what happens when they get a boldly printed box—and a box of chocolate and strawberry flavoured cereal as only one of its treasures? What if this Envirokidz Turtle Splash ™ starter kit was also packed with a handmade … Continued
Nick Hepner and Annise Lorel didn’t plan it. And they never would have wished for a pandemic to be the reason their sustainable flower delivery company, Bespoke Blossoms, experienced dramatic growth. But in the spring, floral arrangements began “going through the roof,” says Nick, “because people who were separated by COVID-19 wanted to show each … Continued
As a general rule, chocolate makes us feel good. But what if there was chocolate that made everybody who had anything to do with it—from cacao farmers to consumers—truly happy? That’s the idea behind CHOCXO (pronounced Choc-SOO) Chocolate, a company that we’ve partnered with since their founding in 2015. From day one, their delectable treats … Continued