Chikako Ogawa, Founder of Studio Kokoro, creates meaningful experiences that connect people with Japanese culture through art. Through ink performances and community events, she shares aspects of Japanese culture that cannot always be expressed through words alone. Her work has recently expanded into new areas, including the development of team-building programs for companies, creating new opportunities to bring her artistic skills and cultural experiences into professional settings.

One of Chikako’s biggest challenges has been building a sustainable business while staying true to her creativity and artistic voice. She has worked to find a balance between growing the business and remaining authentic to her creative vision. The Women’s Business Hub (WBH) has played a key role in helping her navigate that journey, providing her with a strong foundation in business and a broader perspective on how to turn her creative ideas into reality. Through WBH, Chikako has also connected with like-minded entrepreneurs, expanding her professional network and gaining a supportive community that has contributed to her growth.

Today, Chikako is excited about the growing opportunities to bring her skills, creativity, and cultural experiences to communities and businesses through meaningful and engaging experiences. With the knowledge, confidence, and connections gained through WBH, she continues to build Studio Kokoro while creating innovative ways for people to connect with Japanese culture through art.

Danielle “Dee” Buenaventura, Founder of Dee Bee Shoppe, began her small business journey with custom gifts and printed t-shirts. As she listened to her clients and responded to their evolving needs, her offerings naturally expanded to include air-filled balloon styling and décor, live concessions, and exciting party entertainment for a wide range of celebrations. Today, Dee Bee Shoppe is also proudly working with corporate clients and local businesses to bring memorable experiences to special events and brand activations.

According to Dee, The Women’s Business Hub (WBH) has played an important role in her growth, both personally and professionally. Through WBH’s programs and classes, she has gained new skills, strengthened her confidence, and learned how to apply what she learns directly to her business. Just as importantly, WBH has provided Danielle with a welcoming and supportive community where she can ask questions, access valuable resources, seek advice, and build meaningful connections.

Danielle is grateful to the WBH for being a source of knowledge, encouragement, and connection throughout her business journey. With the skills, confidence, and community she has gained, she continues to grow Dee Bee Shoppe into a versatile events and entertainment business that helps clients celebrate, connect, and create memorable experiences.

Tasty Bites Bookah was founded by Shakirat Akintunde-Owoseni, whose passion for sharing authentic Nigerian cuisine and creating a sense of home through food and pastries inspired her to turn a small dream into a growing catering business. Today, Tasty Bites Bookah serves the Saskatoon community through catering, community events, and a consistent weekly presence at the Saskatoon Farmers' Market and Gather Local Market. One of Shakirat’s proudest milestones has been emerging as the second runner-up in the WBH’s Dream to Reality Pitch Competition, an achievement that affirmed her vision, resilience, and commitment to quality.

Building a business in a new country presented Shakirat with significant challenges, from learning the local market and establishing credibility to navigating limited resources. She has tackled these challenges through consistency, continuous learning, mentorship, and embracing opportunities to showcase her food and connect with the community. The Women’s Business Hub (WBH) has played a key role in Shakirat’s entrepreneurial journey, providing mentorship, business education, access to markets, networking opportunities, and the confidence and platform to present her business through the pitch competition.

The support and encouragement she received through WBH have strengthened her confidence as an entrepreneur and equipped her with valuable tools, knowledge, and connections to help Tasty Bites Bookah grow.

‍

Starting a yoga business in Canada was a challenge for me as a newcomer. While I had over 15 years of experience teaching yoga in Serbia, I found the business landscape in Canada completely different—laws, banking, accounting, and taxes were all confusing.

The Women’s Business Hub (WBH) provided the knowledge and practical support I needed to launch my business successfully. Their Global Marketplace e-commerce platform made it easier for clients to pay online, significantly boosting my business. The social media and marketing workshops also helped me understand how to attract clients, especially on platforms like Instagram.

Thanks to WBH, I turned my passion for yoga into a thriving business. Their support made all the difference in navigating the challenges of starting fresh in a new country!

Hanita Ralaivao is the co-founder of Red Island Extracts, a Saskatoon-based business offering ethically sourced, premium Madagascar vanilla products and gourmet spices. As an immigrant entrepreneur, she faced numerous challenges in launching and growing her company. However, with the support of the Women’s Business Hub (WBH), Hanita gained access to critical resources such as an e-commerce platform, digital literacy training, and marketing tools. These supports helped her expand her business's visibility, strengthen its online presence, and reach new markets.

Today, Red Island Extracts continues to grow, bringing high-quality, fair-trade ingredients to kitchens while making a lasting impact on both local and global communities. You can now find her products at Sobeys and other local market in the city.

Nikita Desai’s journey from passionate organizer to successful business owner was fueled by the support and resources she gained through our program. Since launching Saskatoon Party Planner in 2018, she has transformed her hobby into a thriving business, decorating over 300 events.

The program helped her refine her business strategy, expand her network, and build a solid foundation for growth. Today, Desai is a trusted event planner known for her creativity and meticulous attention to detail, continuing to expand her business and create unforgettable celebrations.