The Stratford Perth Centre for Business Podcast, “Evolving Entrepreneurship” celebrates Canadian small business and entrepreneurship.
Produced in the heart of Stratford, Ontario, Canada, Evolving Entrepreneurship is an authentic deep dive into the unique struggles and triumphs of women-led businesses. Co-hosted by Stratford Perth Centre for Business advisors Holly Mortimer and Janis Auster, the podcast’s premiere five-episode season features candid conversations with local entrepreneurs about the pitfalls, failures, and partnerships that have defined their journeys.
The series shines a spotlight on the resilient and resourceful female entrepreneurs who are shaping Stratford, Ontario, Canada, and beyond.
Unlocking AI for Leadership and Creativity: Insights from Expert Brock Hart
Explore how AI is transforming small businesses and community organizations through strategic application, creative integration, and responsible use. Join Brock Hart of Overlap, Joani Gerber of investStratford, and Janis and Holly, as they discuss practical AI strategies, leadership, and the future of AI-driven innovation in corporate Canada.
8 Dec 2025
Naomi Clement
In this week’s podcast episode, Naomi Clement shares how she turned a passion for pottery into a sustainable business through teaching, community, and creativity and by building a repeat and recurring revenue stream with her own membership space.
1 Dec 2025
Meet Meredith
We introduce you to our recurring intern, Meredith and have the best time chatting all about being a Gen Z intern and why she loves working with us so much.
24 Nov 2025
Shelley Windsor - Leading With Grit & Grace
What if you led your hospitality business with transparency and values? From staffing to growth, Shelley Windsor of Windsor Hospitality Group has seen it all and led through it all.
17 Nov 2025
Marian deWever - From Listings To Leadership
This week on Evolving Entrepreneurship, we sit down with Marian deWever, broker, owner, and leader, to talk about building a brokerage rooted in values, integrity, and genuine care for families.
Tune in as Marian shares how she’s redefining success in real estate beyond sales, toward service and community.
10 Nov 2025
Janis Antonio: From Legacy to Leadership
Janis shares what it’s like to step into a long-standing community business, lead a multi-generational team, and navigate the unique challenges of managing Gen Z employees, all while honouring Stratford’s deep sports legacy.
3 Nov 2025
Dr. Cranla Warren: From Surviving to Thriving - Resilience, Purpose & Powerful Leadership.
In this conversation, Holly and Janis discuss the essential transition from merely surviving to thriving, particularly for small business owners. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, aligning actions with personal values, and focusing on high-value tasks rather than simply doing more. This approach not only enhances personal well-being but also fosters effective leadership.
27 Oct 2025
Emily van Straten - From Policies To People
In this episode of Evolving Entrepreneurship, hosts Holly and Janis engage with Emily VanStraten, an HR consultant, to discuss the evolving landscape of work, particularly focusing on the Gen Z workforce. They explore the implications of back-to-office mandates, the importance of flexibility, and the need for human-centered workplace policies. Emily shares insights from her experiences in HR, emphasizing the significance of trust, respect, and communication in fostering a positive work environment. The conversation also touches on the challenges small businesses face in hiring and the potential of AI in shaping HR policies. Ultimately, the episode highlights the necessity for businesses to adapt to the changing needs of employees to thrive in the modern economy.
20 Oct 2025
Katie DeBlock Boersma
In today’s podcast, we interview Katie DeBlock Boersma of KDB Law to explore what it means to build a modern workplace inside a traditional profession.
15 Sept 2025
Meet The Summer Company Students
It’s the season 2 finale and in this episode of Evolving Entrepreneurship, we chat with 2 of our 10 Summer Company students about running a business as a teen, balancing their lives with entrepreneurship and what their future business plans look like.
30 Jun 2025
Joani Gerber on Leadership, Local Business & Lifting Others as You Rise
Joani Gerber, CEO of investStratford, discusses tackling trade challenges, supporting small businesses, and championing women in leadership, emphasizing that true leadership involves empowering others in this interview.
7 Apr 2025
Meet The Intern: Cindy Teknedjian
Episode 6: (Bonus Episode) Meet the Intern
Episode Duration: 35 minutes
In this bonus episode of Evolving Entrepreneurship, we chat with Cindy Teknedjian about her internship at the Stratford Perth Centre for Business, her Change Management studies, and what she thinks about the world of entrepreneurship.
Resources for Entrepreneurs:
Stratford Perth Centre for BusinessWebsite: https://www.stratfordperthbusiness.ca/Email: info@stratfordperthbusiness.caBook a Free Consultation: https://airtable.com/app2gRqysORdgAAlp/shrN489caaX9MAifL
The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:
Business start-up services
Strategic planning
Digital marketing strategies
Educational workshops and events
Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
10 Mar 2025
Crystals and Commerce: A Journey of Healing and Business with Nia Bright
Episode 5: Crystals and Commerce: A Journey of Healing and Business with Nia Bright
Episode Duration: 45 minutes
Nia Bright shares her transformative journey from experiencing a severe health crisis to becoming the owner of Good Vibrations Rock Shop, a vibrant crystal shop and event space in downtown Stratford, Ontario.
Episode Highlights:
The unexpected path from health crisis to business ownership
Transitioning into entrepreneurship with no prior experience
Building and nurturing a team in a holistic wellness business
The challenges and rewards of purchasing an existing business
Expanding from retail to education through online courses
Creating a space that combines commerce with healing
About Our Guest:
Nia Bright is the majority owner of Good Vibrations Rock Shop, a crystal shop and event space in downtown Stratford. Her journey into entrepreneurship began following a life-altering thyroid condition in 2016 that led her to explore holistic wellness. Today, she's an expert in the metaphysical properties of stones, curating rare and high-quality crystals from around the world. Beyond retail, Nia has developed online crystal courses, making crystal education accessible to a broader audience.
Key Takeaways:
How personal challenges can lead to unexpected business opportunities
The importance of authenticity in wellness-based businesses
Strategies for learning business management on the job
Building a team that aligns with your business values
Balancing commercial success with healing intentions
Tips for purchasing and growing an existing business
Resources for Entrepreneurs:
Stratford Perth Centre for BusinessWebsite: https://www.stratfordperthbusiness.ca/Email: info@stratfordperthbusiness.caBook a Free Consultation: https://airtable.com/app2gRqysORdgAAlp/shrN489caaX9MAifL
The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:
Business start-up services
Strategic planning
Digital marketing strategies
Educational workshops and events
Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
3 Mar 2025
A New Perspective on Modern Agriculture with Jacqueline Martin
Episode 4: Breaking Ground: A New Perspective on Modern Agriculture with Jacqueline Martin
Episode Duration: 45 minutes
Jacqueline Martin shares her unique experience as a young female entrepreneur co-running Kampkreek Dairies with her brothers, while also managing Pastoral Pond, an artisanal cider company, with her husband.
Episode Highlights:
Navigating family dynamics in a sibling-owned agricultural business
Breaking barriers as a woman in agriculture
Balancing pregnancy and farming responsibilities
Bringing Gen Z innovation to traditional farming
Modernizing agricultural business practices
Managing dual businesses in the food and beverage sector
About Our Guest:
Jacqueline Martin is a co-owner of Kampkreek Dairies Ltd., a family-operated dairy farm bringing farm-fresh products directly to the community. Along with three of her brothers, she's revolutionizing traditional farming practices with modern approaches. She's also the co-founder of Pastoral Pond, a boutique cider company specializing in small-batch artisanal ciders, which she runs with her husband.
Key Takeaways:
Strategies for successful family business management
Innovation opportunities in traditional agricultural sectors
Challenges and solutions for women in agriculture
How Gen Z perspectives can transform traditional industries
Balancing multiple business ventures
Modern approaches to agricultural product marketing and distribution
Resources for Entrepreneurs:
Stratford Perth Centre for BusinessWebsite: https://www.stratfordperthbusiness.ca/Email: info@stratfordperthbusiness.caBook a Free Consultation: https://airtable.com/app2gRqysORdgAAlp/shrN489caaX9MAifL
The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:
Business start-up services
Strategic planning
Digital marketing strategies
Educational workshops and events
Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
24 Feb 2025
Building a 20-Year Legacy in Downtown Stratford with Kelly Ballantyne and Mel Lang
Episode 3: Building a 20-Year Legacy in Downtown Stratford with Kelly Ballantyne and Mel Lang
Episode Duration: 45 minutes
Please note that there were technical difficulties on the audio side, so turn it up once Kelly and Mel start to chat. This episode contains 20 years of knowledge that you don't want to miss!
Kelly Ballantyne, chef and owner of Sirkel Foods, along with her wife Mel Lang, share their remarkable journey of building and sustaining a successful restaurant in downtown Stratford, Ontario for two decades.
Episode Highlights:
The evolution of Sirkel Foods over 20 years in downtown Stratford
Navigating business partnership changes and growth
Leadership lessons learned from running a local restaurant
Successfully pivoting from sit-down dining to takeout during the pandemic
Candid discussion about imposter syndrome and women in business
Behind the scenes of running a from-scratch kitchen in a tourist town
Insights on business and life partnerships
About Our Guests:
Kelly Ballantyne is the chef and owner of Sirkel Foods, a beloved café in the heart of downtown Stratford. Known for its made-from-scratch menu and commitment to quality, Sirkel Foods has become a staple of the local dining scene under Kelly's leadership. Joining the conversation is Mel Lang, Kelly's wife and supporter in her business journey and genius in the Sirkel Foods' kitchen.
Key Takeaways:
How adaptability and resilience helped transform business challenges into opportunities
The importance of authentic leadership in the restaurant industry
Strategies for managing major business transitions
Real talk about overcoming self-doubt while building a successful business
Balancing personal and professional relationships in business
Resources for Entrepreneurs:
Stratford Perth Centre for BusinessWebsite: https://www.stratfordperthbusiness.ca/Email: info@stratfordperthbusiness.caBook a Free Consultation: https://airtable.com/app2gRqysORdgAAlp/shrN489caaX9MAifL
The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:
Business start-up services
Strategic planning
Digital marketing strategies
Educational workshops and events
Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
17 Feb 2025
Small Town Success: Building a Canadian Subscription Box Empire with Virginia Ehrlich
Episode 2: Small Town Success: Building a Canadian Subscription Box Empire with Virginia Ehrlich
Episode Duration: 45 minutes
Virginia Ehrlich shares her journey of creating Acre75, a subscription box service that celebrates small-town Canadian makers and captures the essence of local community spirit.
Episode Highlights:
Creating a business model that celebrates small-town Canadian culture
Managing a subscription-based business single-handedly
Navigating Canadian supply chain and shipping challenges
Dealing with imposter syndrome as a solo entrepreneur
Prioritizing mental health while running a business
Building relationships with local artisans and makers
About Our Guest:
Virginia Ehrlich is the founder of Acre75 Gathered, a subscription box service that brings the charm and craftsmanship of small-town Canada to subscribers' doorsteps. Her business model not only celebrates local artisans but also captures the authentic, comforting essence of small-town life through carefully curated Canadian-made products.
https://acre75.ca/
Key Takeaways:
Strategies for running a successful subscription-based business
Solutions for managing supply chain challenges in Canada
The importance of mental health awareness in entrepreneurship
Tips for working effectively as a solo business owner
Building authentic connections with suppliers and customers
Maintaining quality and consistency in curated products
Resources for Entrepreneurs:
Stratford Perth Centre for BusinessWebsite: https://www.stratfordperthbusiness.ca/Email: info@stratfordperthbusiness.caBook a Free Consultation: https://airtable.com/app2gRqysORdgAAlp/shrN489caaX9MAifL
The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:
Business start-up services
Strategic planning
Digital marketing strategies
Educational workshops and events
Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
Books Mentioned:
Throughout our podcasts, we will occasionally mention books as a resource to dive deeper into the conversation. Please note that we provide a link to our local independent bookstore, Fanfare Books, to make it easy for you to buy. We also recommend checking your local library for a copy of the books we love.
Stolen Focus
The War of Art
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please click here to find immediate support or head to your local emergency department.
10 Feb 2025
Sweet Success: From Banking to Bonbons with Kelly Lindsay
Episode 1: Sweet Success: From Banking to Bonbons with Kelly Lindsay
Episode Duration: 45 minutes
Kelly Lindsay shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from a 20-year banking career to founding Corner Store Candy Co., a charming sweet shop in downtown Stratford, Ontario, Canada.
Corner Store Candy Co
https://cornerstorecandy.co/
27 York St., Stratford ON Canada
Instagram
Episode Highlights:
The leap from corporate banking to entrepreneurship
Turning a lifelong dream of owning a candy store into reality
Building successful collaborations with local businesses
Managing rapid business growth as a solo entrepreneur
Behind the scenes look at running a specialty retail store
The challenges and rewards of being a hands-on business owner
About Our Guest:
Kelly Lindsay is the founder of Corner Store Candy Co., a unique sweet shop in downtown Stratford, Ontario, Canada. After dedicating over two decades to the banking industry, Kelly combined her business acumen with her passion for confectionery to create a welcoming space that offers carefully curated, high-quality sweets. Her shop has become known not just for its delicious treats, but for creating joyful experiences for both locals and visitors.
Key Takeaways:
How to successfully transition from corporate career to small business ownership
The importance of building local business relationships
Strategies for managing rapid growth as a solo entrepreneur
Creating experiences beyond just product sales
Balancing business operations with customer experience
Resources for Entrepreneurs:
Stratford Perth Centre for BusinessWebsite: https://www.stratfordperthbusiness.ca/Email: info@stratfordperthbusiness.caBook a Free Consultation: https://airtable.com/app2gRqysORdgAAlp/shrN489caaX9MAifL
The Centre offers complimentary consultation and resources for new and established small businesses, including:
Business start-up services
Strategic planning
Digital marketing strategies
Educational workshops and events
Presented in partnership with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
16
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Evolving Entrepreneurship
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Evolving Entrepreneurship?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
