Rural Unrecognized

In this episode we invite you to join us in a captivating conversation with Nikki Wiart, the owner of Lady’s Hat Farm. Nikki shares her inspiring story of transitioning from a journalist to a farmer florist, while also shedding light on the world of ethical flower farming. As a journalist, Nikki noticed something intriguing – young individuals with no farming background were making the bold decision to move to rural areas and start their own farms. This sparked her curiosity, leading her to explore the topic for her Masters Degree. Through interviews and travels, she uncovered some of the challenges these new farmers faced, including limited access to land, financial constraints, and the absence of the traditional mentorship that comes with a family farm.Simultaneously, Nikki's disenchantment with the world of journalism grew. Nikki realized the  privilege of having land available to farm on and felt a responsibility to use it wisely. She decided to start her own farm. It is here, at Lady’s Hat Farm where she now grows and sells a beautiful array of cut flowers. Join Nikki as she sheds light on the importance of supporting local flower farmers and understanding where our flowers come from. She advocates for ethical luxury and sustainable practices in the flower industry, urging us to be mindful consumers.To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.caTo learn more about Lady’s Hat Farm visit Ladys Hat FarmSocial: InstagramThis episode was produced and edited by JCE Films

In this episode, host Amanda Wagner engages in a thought-provoking conversation with the remarkable Doreen Bloomhagen, a farmer, mental health advocate, and incredible storyteller. Together, they delve deep into the essence of rural experiences and the power of mental wellness.As the founder of Country Road Chats, Doreen is passionate about fostering authentic and meaningful dialogues. Amanda and Doreen explore the importance of going beyond small talk and connecting on a profound level. They discuss mental health, personal journeys, and the challenges faced while growing up in a unique family dynamic. Doreen's inspiring story of embracing her differences and finding her voice will leave you feeling empowered and encouraged to prioritize your own mental well-being.Join Amanda and Doreen on this enlightening episode of Rural Unrecognized, where boundaries are challenged and perspectives are broadened. Tune in to uncover the transformative power of genuine connections and be inspired to prioritize your own mental well-being. Let Doreen's captivating storytelling and unwavering spirit ignite your own journey of self-discovery and success.To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.caTo learn more about Country Road Chats visit Home - Country Road ChatsSocial: Facebook   LinkedIn

Get ready for an extraordinary journey as you listen to this exclusive interview recording from the 2022 Flagstaff Celebrates Success Gala. Join host Amanda Wagner as she sits down with Graham Sherman, the mastermind behind Tool Shed Brewing Company. In this interview, Graham shares his inspiring journey and sheds light on the power of authenticity and storytelling in business. From his childhood experiences with his mother, to his relentless pursuit of making a difference, Graham’s infectious energy and passion for his craft make this interview a must-listen.Discover how Graham transformed being “too much” into his superpower and learned to ignore the naysayers. His genuine authenticity and unwavering commitment to his vision have propelled Tool Shed Brewing to success. As Graham delves into the significance of storytelling, he reveals how his mother’s influence shaped his ability to draw people into his narrative, making it more than just a story but an immersive experience. Through his engaging anecdotes and heartfelt insights, Graham encourages listeners to uncover their own captivating stories and embrace their passions. As the conversation unfolds, Graham speaks to the significance of having a strong support system. He shares how he overcame challenges by surrounding himself with like-minded individuals who believed in his vision..Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation that will leave you inspired to make your mark in the world of business and beyond.To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.caTo learn more about Tool Shed Brewing Company visit www.toolshedbrewing.comSocial: Instagram    Facebook   Twitter

Join host Amanda Wagner in an engaging and enlightening conversation with the extraordinary Holly Singer, CEO and Queen of Candles at Milk Jar Candle Company. In this episode, Holly shares her inspiring journey of building a successful candle empire driven by the passion for social enterprise and making a meaningful difference in the world.Holly takes us behind the scenes of the Milk Jar Candle Company, revealing how her entrepreneurial endeavor began at her kitchen table with a goal of raising $500 for charity. With a deep commitment to giving back to the community, Holly shares her vision of using candles as a vehicle to support nonprofits that are important to her. In the span of the last 7 years, Milk Jar has successfully raised over $275,000, validating Holly's belief that consumers are eager to rally behind companies that make a positive impact on others.With refreshing candor, Holly opens up about the unique perspectives and strengths that come with ADHD, and how it has shaped her creative process and entrepreneurial endeavors. Through her personal experiences, she highlights the power of embracing her diagnosis, and using it as a catalyst for innovation and success.Furthermore, Holly discusses her dedication to inclusivity within Milk Jar. She passionately shares her unwavering belief in providing opportunities to individuals with disabilities, actively hiring and supporting them within her company.This exceptional episode of "Creating in Flagstaff" not only celebrates Holly’s entrepreneurial spirit but also highlights her steadfast commitment to making a difference. Discover the inspiring success story of a business that brings joy and warmth to homes while simultaneously uplifting and empowering communities. Tune in and be inspired to harness the power of social enterprise, creating a world where every purchase contributes to positive change.To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.caTo learn more about HOM of Wellbeing  visit  www.milkjar.caSocial: Instagram    Facebook 

In this episode, host Amanda Wagner sits down with the incredible Shirley Damberger, owner of HOM of Well Being and a Registered Massage Therapist, Certified Thai Therapist, Facial Stretch Therapist, Oncology Massage Specialist, and Educator. Prepare to be inspired as Shirley shares her remarkable story of seizing opportunities and taking her business to new heights.Amanda and Shirley dive deep into the power of saying "yes" to life's unexpected twists and turns. Discover how Shirley's unwavering determination, desire to seek opportunities, and her passion for supporting others led her to establish her thriving practice. Shirley also discusses some of  the self-care practices that keep her grounded and motivated, such as walking in nature and meditating.Through their engaging and thought-provoking dialogue, you'll gain a renewed perspective on the power of embracing opportunities and finding fulfillment in unexpected places. You will be captivated by their compelling stories, leaving you with a renewed sense of possibility and a profound appreciation for the power of saying “yes” to opportunities.To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.caTo learn more about HOM of Wellbeing  visit  www.homofwellbeing.comSocial: Instagram    Facebook 

In this insightful episode, Amanda Wagner interviews Deanne Beis, founder and CEO of Tenfold HR. Deanne shares how after working in large HR departments, she founded Tenfold to provide scalable support tailored for growing companies.  They explore the transformative role of human resources (HR) in small businesses, debunking old perceptions and unveiling a proactive, strategic approach. Amanda and Deanne discuss the iterative process of discovering core values with employees and leadership to define a company's culture. Deanne emphasizes living those values through examples and acknowledges that company culture must evolve as businesses grow.The conversation also covers managing professional relationships in tight-knit rural communities. Deanne offers strategies for maintaining fairness and structure while navigating close personal ties common in small towns. The discussion provides practical guidance for business owners on developing culture from a solopreneur to multi-person operations. Deanne covers topics like recruitment, empowering employees, risk mitigation, and navigating family businesses. Overall, the episode equips listeners with insights and resources for cultivating strong cultures as their companies scale.To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.caTo learn more about Tenfold HR visit www.tenfoldhr.com

In this episode, we dive into the world of media coverage and authenticity with Jessica Mose, the founder of Prairie Soap Shack. As an artisan and entrepreneur, Jessica shares her journey of building a rural business from the ground up and how she's embraced her identity as a prairie-based herbalist.With media features ranging from Vanity Fair to television networks, Jessica discusses the power of social media presence in attracting media attention. She emphasizes the impact of high-quality photography and consistent branding on capturing audience engagement. The value of authenticity shines through as Jessica opens up about her process of showcasing behind-the-scenes aspects of her business and life, fostering trust and connection with her audience. Jessica also gives a few tips to help others get the media attention they are after.Throughout the conversation, Jessica highlights the importance of continuous learning and staying open to growth, while also addressing imposter syndrome. She encourages entrepreneurs to embrace imperfection and focus on progress rather than perfection. Jessica's personal experiences illustrate how authenticity and purposeful media choices can propel rural businesses to greater heights.Join us for an insightful conversation on this episode of Rural Unrecognized, and discover the transformative potential of being genuine in the world of media coverage.To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.caTo learn more about Prairie Soap Shack visit Prairie Soap ShackOr follow Jessica on Instagram Jess Mose | All-Natural Soap + Skin Care (@prairiesoapshack) • Instagram photos and videos

In this episode we introduce Jacqueline Jacek. Jackie is the founder & cocoanista of JACEK Chocolate Couture and in this episode, she shares her story and how it all began in 2009. To learn more about Flagstaff County visit https://www.flagstaff.ab.ca/.To learn more about Jacek Chocolate Couture visit https://jacekchocolate.com/.

For our first episode, we are starting from the beginning and answering questions on all of our minds, what is this podcast, who is it for, and why did the Economic Development team in Flagstaff County, Alberta, decide this was the next best step. This podcast is here for you to get curious and learn from others, all with the goal of reimagining what it means to live, work, and grow in rural Alberta.To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.ca