Campus to Commerce

He’s energetic, encouraging, and kind. As an industry leader and an instructor in the Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Management programs with Nova Scotia Community College, Garth shares his extensive industry knowledge and expertise with his students to support their development as excellent hospitality professionals. Having grown up in hotels (his childhood was the real-life Suite Life of Zack and Cody) it’s no surprise that Garth went on to become a celebrated and influential professional in the world of hospitality. In our conversation, Garth tells me what it was like to grow up in hotels, what it takes to create a truly excellent fine-dining experience, why he is passionate about great hospitality and proud to be in this profession, and how he mentors his students!   Want to get in touch with Garth? Reach out at garth.brown@nscc.ca  Connect with Campus to Commerce -  Instagram | Substack

These two are thoughtful, creative, and conscientious! As Co-Founders of Lemonade Co., Emily and Meghan support non-profits and small businesses with branding, marketing, and website design that not only looks good, but feels good! The creative duo helps clients show up online authentically so they can connect meaningfully with their communities.  In our conversation, Emily and Meghan talk about non-profit marketing vs. for-profit marketing, why entrepreneurship fits perfectly into their lives, how and why they started Lemonade Co., and more.  Thank you for listening!   Learn more about Lemonade Co. -  Instagram | Website Connect with Campus to Commerce -  Instagram | Substack

She’s a warrior, a leader, and a visionary. As the President and CEO of the IWK Foundation, Jennifer Gillivan is a passionate advocate for the advancement of women’s and children’s health, from care and access to research and knowledge. She and the IWK Foundation team work to raise funds to support IWK Health, empowering individuals and families in the process. In our conversation, Jennifer tells me about the powerful ‘why’ that propels her work, the intersection of her values with her work, the impact of the IWK Foundation and IWK Health, personal experiences that have shaped her, and so much more. This conversation meant so much to me, and I am so grateful to Jennifer for sitting with me. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by empowered, courageous, kind women who uplift those around them and march to the beat of their own drum, like Jennifer.  Thank you for listening!  Learn more about the IWK Foundation -  Instagram | Website Connect with Campus to Commerce -  Instagram | Substack    

These two are truly sunshine in a bottle! As co-founders of Circle & Wick Candle Co., Brittany Durnford and Courtney Parsons craft candles that their customers can feel a good about burning in their homes! As a health-conscious brand with a focus on sustainability, Circle & Wick candles are phthalate free and made from soy wax, right here in Nova Scotia.  Our conversation follows their experience as co-founders, launching a product-based business, the story behind the Circle & Wick Candle Co. name, brand identity, their new limited edition candle, ingredients and sustainability, and so much more.  Thank you for listening! Learn more about Circle & Wick Candle Co. -  Instagram | Website Connect with Campus to Commerce -  Instagram | Substack Timestamps: 00:00 How Circle & Wick Candle Co. started  8:55 The story behind the name 10:35 Their roles as co-owners  14:42 Developing the brand and bringing their vision to life 18:18 Limited edition Golden Hour 23:00 Retailers 28:35 Building business relationships 31:14 Growing through challenges 33:55 Rebranding and customer feedback 37:38 Current challenges 40:48 Brand identity and community 44:35 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs 50:30 Thank you for listening!                          

She's kind, creative, and tenacious!  As the Founder & CEO of Celebrate Your Curves, Navdeep (Navi) Parmanand is a leader for inclusive clothing and fashion. Her inclusive clothing company offers made-to-measure pieces to fit all body types and abilities, all while empowering women in her small town in India through meaningful employment.  Our conversation follows the founding story of Celebrate Your Curves, what self-love means and we can cultivate it, the importance of community, Navi's experience as an immigrant and entrepreneur, and so much more.  Thank you for listening!    Learn more about Celebrate Your Cruves  -  Instagram | Website Connect with Campus to Commerce -  Instagram | Substack      

Natalie is generous, adventurous, and uplifting! As a Business Advisor with the Centre for Women in Business, she focuses on student engagement, start-up level businesses, and leads the Specialized Program in Cooking Entrepreneurship, aka SPICE! Not only does Natalie expertly advise entrepreneurs and students in the CWB programs, but she is a celebrated and award-winning community leader. Natalie told me about her own experience as an entrepreneur, the game-changing work she does with the Centre for Women in Business, the challenges and triumphs facing immigrant women entrepreneurs, and so much more! Thank you for listening!  Learn more about the Centre for Women in Business -  Website | Instagram  Connect with Campus to Commerce -  Instagram | Substack Timestamps: 00:00 Natalie's role and expertise  10:49 Types of projects the Centre for Women in Business supports 13:08 The SPICE (Specialized Program in Cooking Entrepreneurship) program 22:25 Brining inspiration from New York City to Nova Scotia 28:57 Building the SPICE conference 35:46 Forces that shaped Natalie's leadership style  43:59 Independence and the importance of community 46:00 Women's participation in business 49:17 Barriers to entry 1:03 Natalie's vision for the future of women in entrepreneurship      

These two are fiercely passionate, driven, and energetic! As co-founders of Queensberry Rules Boxing Studio in Halifax, Laura MacPhee and Julie Houde are trailblazers for the sport in Nova Scotia. Together with the QRules team, they foster a welcoming, nurturing, accessible environment for fighters of all skill level to enjoy the sport! In addition to being business partners and boxers, Laura and Julie are champions of several local community organizations.  Our conversation follows their experiences as co-founders and coaches, including their community-minded approach to business, the positive impact of the sport in and outside the ring, their advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and more.  Thank you for listening! Learn more about QRules -  Instagram | Website Connect with Campus to Commerce -  Instagram | Substack Timestamps:  00:00 The origin of QRules 11:19 Fostering community 19:56 Building a team  21:38 The powerful impact of the sport 26:48 Management and leadership decisions 32:00 Overcoming challenges 37:15 Shaping the perception of boxing through storytelling 43:35 Nova Scotian boxers and QRules' impact 46:58 How to be in your own corner 54:52 Business is about more than money  1:02:30 Supporting small business  1:03:10 Thank you for listening!