Alumnae in Business

Sablewood Drives +

Kayla and Sablewood Drives+ have all your delivery needs covered servicing Winnipeg and surrounding areas. With the holidays fast approaching, call on Sablewood Drives+ to deliver or pick up your curbside and online packages for your home or business. Can’t make it out to get your groceries or have a few errands to cover off, Sablewood Drives+ can do it for you. Book your delivery today!

About Sablewood Drives+:

Sablewood Drives+ is a specialty delivery service owned and operated by two long time friends Kayla Duna '06 and Addie Miles-Abbott. Both having grown up playing hockey well into university realized the value of supporting the community and maintaining that close sense of community.

With a passion for small businesses, they wanted to figure out a way that they could support local and small businesses beyond purchasing their product, and so came to be Sablewood Drives+ an affordable, safe and reliable way to not only bring businesses products to customers but to be a personable bridge of connection between the business and their customer. In addition to business deliveries, they also have a personal delivery service that can pick up curbside orders for you. 

Hair Co. Exchange

Located on Market Avenue in the Exchange, Hair Co. is a vibrant, full-service hair salon and a meeting place to gather with friends, socialize, and gain confidence (during normal unrestrictive times). Under current restrictions, guests can bring the Hair Co. experience home with them by shopping in their new online store! Whether it be sustainable haircare products, local goods we love, or exclusive collaborations with local brands such as our custom tea blend with Cornelia Bean, there’s something for everyone.

Online store can be found by clicking the button below and guests can enjoy 10% off their first order with code WPG10. Delivery is free by one of the McGhie family members!

About Hair Co.:

Hair Co. is an eco-luxury salon in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. The Hair Co. concept was spearheaded by the 3rd generation in a family of salon owners – siblings Megan and Tyler McGhie. The “CO.” In our name represents our values: CO.mmunity, CO.nsciousness, CO.llaboration, and CO.nfidence. We see chair time as a time to lift people up and send them out our door a little brighter and a little lighter. Connecting in simple, meaningful, and positive ways is our way of helping people feel good in their skin.

Johanna Brierley Jewellery Design

Looking for that perfect piece of jewellery with a unique touch? How about a lucky stone, inspired by the stones that line the shore of Lake Winnipeg at Gimli. Johanna’s designs in both silver and gold are one of a kind. Safely shop online at johannabrierley.com or request a video consultation for a custom piece. Worldwide shipping and local curbside pick up are available. Enjoy 20% OFF sitewide from November 27-30 for Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

About JBJD:

Located in downtown Winnipeg, Johanna Brierley ’95 established Johanna Brierley Jewellery Design in 2007, after a lifelong fascination with jewellery in all its forms. She began by casting stones found on the beaches of Lake Winnipeg in silver, and has grown her business to include both silver and gold jewellery. Bridal and custom work also make up a significant portion of her business. She has spent the last several years expanding her gold collection in particular, taking inspiration from nature, film, literature, travel, gemstones, and art. Her jewellery can be found in retailers all over North America and on her website.

anARCHI design

Zephyra’s #FlowShop is comprised of meditative pieces of artwork that intentionally stimulate a sense of being present in the moment, something we all strive for in our disconnected, digital lives. Peruse through her latest minimalist flow prints, “INTEGRATION SERIES: daily reminders for a more integrated self”, as well as her Architecture Flow gallery at www.anarchi-design.com/flow-shop. Prints come in a variety of sizes and make excellent cards or gifts! Shipping and pick-up options available. Use Promo code: FLOW2020 to receive $5 OFF any purchase over $29.

About Zephyra:

Zephyra Vun is a creator. She is a visual artist, creative writer, and teacher of both art and fitness. She utilizes these various roles to explore self-awareness, mindfulness, and authentic human connection, with a special interest in studying and cultivating flow states. Whether through drawing, writing, or teaching, Zephyra is dedicated to applying her unique set of skills to inspire flow states in herself and in others, further advocating for their exceptional importance to our mental and physical health in today’s digital age.

She is the founding artist of anARCHI design, a solo, architecturally-inspired art practice in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada that approaches art and architecture, their creative processes, and flow states, symbiotically. She is an architect by education, receiving a Masters of Architecture from the University of Manitoba in 2011, and a visual artist by choice. She has exhibited her artwork both locally and internationally.

Life + Soul Coach

Sometimes the best gift of all is self-care. Give the gift of personalized coaching to yourself or another amazing woman in your life. Enjoy 20% off services until the end of the year!

Let Melissa help guide you to see the bigger, deeper picture, because you deserve a soul-led life. Coaching with Melissa includes: weekly 1:1 coaching virtual coaching appointments to keep you accountable, tons of useable, digital content that you can get started on right away and keep forever and unlimited text and email support. Start your customized journey today!
About Melissa Giller:

A former senior change management consultant, chronic goal-getter, social butterfly and “busy girl”, Melissa’s heart (and lifestyle) was forever cracked open by the birth of her first child. Through the struggle of losing and finding herself in modern motherhood, Melissa learned to embody a lifestyle that allows the best version of herself to shine. After obtaining her certification in Life + Spiritual Coaching, she has found her path in helping others reclaim their inner selves after periods of major transition.

With a BA in psychology, an MBA from the I.H. Asper School of Business and Certification from the Life Purpose Institute, Melissa offers a unique take on the importance of self-love, authenticity, positive mindset and spiritual connection and how it all relates to our experience with motherhood, our careers, relationships and life balance.

Grace & Company Ltd.

Inspired by the boutiques of Milan, Paris, and Barcelona, Grace & Company brings a European shopping experience to Winnipeg. Located on Academy Road, they offer everything from kitchen tools, home and décor items, dining and entertaining accessories to bath and spa products. Don’t forget you can also pick up something for the kids too!

Explore their holiday gift guide online and enjoy local curbside pick up available Wednesday and Saturday from 12-2pm. Free local delivery on orders over $100 and free Canada-wide deliveries on orders of $150.

About Dorothy and Grace & Company:

Growing up in Poland, I have always found that my heritage has been a huge influence on my tastes and the things in life I appreciate and love. I opened Grace & Company in 2016 to share my passion for design, food, home goods and gardening with others. I hope you enjoy the items I’ve brought into the shop as much as I do! - Dorota

O'Brien Fitness

Give the gift of health this season and shop from the comfort of your own home! O’Brien Fitness is a local and global online Health and Wellness business that provides lifestyle & nutrition coaching, personal training, chronic disease and weight management and corporate wellness strategies through its “Total Body Approach.” A perfect gift for a loved one or treat your employees to wellness too!

Browse the online e-book store, including their newest release ‘Plant Based Living’, for some new and inspiring reads to shift your quarantine headspace.

Watch their page @obrien.fitness as they kick off 12 Days of Christmas tomorrow with lots of great tips on workouts, weight management, recipes and more!

About Michelle:

Michelle O’Brien (Czarnecki ’99) is a medical fitness professional with over 12 years experience specializing in cardiac rehabilitation and chronic disease management; she is an accredited and practicing Kinesiologist, Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Coach and Owner of O’Brien Fitness.

Michelle’s client roster reaches both local and international men and women from Hong Kong to Costa Rica to Berlin, Czech Republic, Spain and the United States to name a few. Just recently O’Brien Fitness was featured on the cover of Fitness Business Canada Magazine for its innovative global coaching initiatives and e-commerce approach for health and fitness professionals. Michelle’s expert advice has also been featured in Oxygen, Women’s Health & Inside Fitness Magazine.

In her "free" time Michelle is a contributing wellness guru on CTV’s Morning Show Live “Living Well” educating the community on all things fitness and health. She is a retired dancer and bikini competitor yet stays close to the stage through the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation as a bodybuilding and fitness competitor judge.

Verde Salon Group

Verde Salon is an award-winning Aveda Lifestyle Salon located in Bridgwater and Seasons on Sterling Lyon. Their haircare, skincare and body care products are vegan, cruelty-free, and manufactured with 100% wind power!
Enjoy easy online shopping and 20% off all regularly-priced items with the code LOCAL20 and complimentary delivery within Winnipeg on orders of $50 or more. Treat yourself to self-care at home at verdesalon.ca!

About Naomi:

Naomi Brien has been the Marketing Manager at the Verde Salon Group since May 2019. She prides herself working for this local business that focuses on providing an incredible guest experience (named one of the top salons in North America by Salon Today) and eco-friendly products and practices! She is a graduate of Asper School of Business with a double major in Marketing and Finance.

Prana Vida

Amelia is the owner and designer behind the timeless, Canadian-made and eco-friendly clothing of Prana Vida. This is your go to brand for humans who value comfort, simplicity and sustainability. All clothing is size inclusive, maternity and postpartum/nursing friendly, and is made to evolve with you through the seasons of life.

Enjoy free shipping in Canada and the US on orders over $150. Let your Prana Vida pieces become your wardrobe staples, or your "uniform", that you won't want to part with (or even to throw in the wash!), so you can finally declutter your closet and find joy in getting dressed, stress-free. You can feel good about supporting this local and ethically made clothing company that is totally quarantine approved!

About Amelia and Prana Vida:

Amelia started Prana Vida in 2013 because she couldn’t find a source of ethically made clothing that she truly trusted and loved. Since then, Prana Vida has grown and evolved in so many beautiful ways. She continues to be an advocate of veganism, zero waste and the environmental impacts of the garment industry which is why she is committed to making her clothing with the most eco-friendly natural and recycled fabric options and ships using compostable paper or cardboard packaging.

She believes "less is more" and focuses on bringing you a few much loved and versatile pieces made with high-end natural and recycled fabrics. All Prana Vida is still made in Canada, and the goal is to eventually offer all your essentials in a complete capsule wardrobe (stay tuned as we release a new addition or two every season!)

Sweet Impressions

Wrap up your holidays with hand decorated cookies from this sweet local bakery. Cookies are individually packaged and tied with ribbon, perfect for mini gifts, stocking stuffers or even place settings. Great gift for family, neighbours and friends! You can even personalize some of the designs.

Looking for something to keep the kids busy? Pick up a cookie decorating kit, starting at $19 and have some tasty DIY fun or be creative with a virtual cookie decorating class $79. Also, gift boxes are perfect for clients and business gifts! Pre-order everything on the Sweet Impressions website! Offering curbside pickup and delivery available Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

About Sweet Impressions:

Krista is a co-owner of Sweet Impressions Allergy Friendly Bakery - 100% nut free with vegan and flourless options. They pride themselves in making life sweeter and safer for those living with allergies.They specialize in cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and gift boxes.

Lineage House

Lineage House is a sustainable salon located in the heart of Corydon Village at 250 Lilac Street, where you can enjoy holistic and customized salon experience. They offer eco friendly products including supplements, accessories and hair and skin care. Contactless pick up and free local delivery, as well as shipping across Canada are available with your purchase through their online store.

About Frenchy & Marchy:

Fran began her education and career in Toronto, Canada at the Aveda Institute & Academy. There she grew naturally into her role as an educator and stylist, sharing her skill of hairstyling with students in Toronto and Winnipeg.

When Fran moved back to Winnipeg in 2012, she continued to expand within her career as Assistant Creative Director for the Winnipeg Academy, gaining invaluable experience working with some of the top stylist and educators in North America. In 2016, it was only natural that she would take on her own clients, build her brand, and carve her own creative path within the industry. @frenchydoesmyhair

Marcella began her education and career in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Aveda Institute & Academy in 2012. She continues to update her education and perfect her craft by travelling across North America to learn from the best in the industry like the Nine Zero One salon in Los Angeles, and the Bumble and Bumble school in New York. Marcella is well-known in Winnipeg for her personal style, always leading the charge with her cutting-edge fashion. She continues to showcase her personal brand and advertise her services through her large and connected social media following, cross promotion on photoshoots and freelance work. @marchyrizzhair

Modern Meets Retro

We are sisters and make fun, unique polymer clay earrings! Each pair is hand-made with care. A portion of our proceeds it always donated to charity. We are also making Christmas ornaments for the holidays! You can purchase our products through Instagram @ModernMeetsRetro or on goodlocal.ca which offers tons of locally-made products. Thank you for supporting our small business!

About Laura & Sarah:

Laura is currently in her final year at the Asper School of Business with plans to pursue a career in accounting in Toronto upon graduation. Sarah is a second year psychology student at the University of Manitoba. They have both enjoyed holding positions on the St. Paul’s College Students’ Association at the university.

K9 Storm Inc.

“The trees shimmer in the morning sun as you stroll down the Crescent, and you can't help but feel like people are turning their heads to stare at you. Can it be?

You do a quick self-check: You're wearing the same workout clothes that you wear every day. Lulu's from head to toe. A black and white swoosh on your feet.

There it is again! Another head turn, this time, you're certain of it!
You get to the end of the block, ready to start back to your street when finally, your thoughts are confirmed.

The young gardener at one of the historic mansions, deliberately cuts the motor on the lawnmower and stares directly into your eyes as you pass him by.

"Absolutely gorgeous...", he says with a smile.

You raise your eyebrows, perplexed, and continue to walk by when he finishes his thought.

"...Retriever."

You look down at your hand and realize you're holding your brand new K9 Storm Leash. Your dog's brilliant pink Harness brings out the natural colors of her coat like never before. Her Collar catches the same light reflecting off the trees, making it impossible not to stare.
You laugh and wave at the gardener and continue down your path, ready for whatever the day brings next.”

Ready to #StormThroughAnything.

About K9 Storm Inc:

K9 Storm is a family run small business helping dogs #StormThroughAnything and come home safe in over 35 countries. Meghan spearheads systems management and Jessica oversees customer relations. They have free shipping globally, so SMA alumnae can purchase gear from anywhere in the world! All K9 Storm Gear is made in Winnipeg's Exchange District, is fully customizable in color, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

DZee Louise

Dzee Louise is a visual artist and jewellery designer living and working in Vancouver, BC. Her studio is located in the Eastside Arts District where she paints abstracts inspired by anatomy and biology. She also collaborates with scientists in disciplines such as neuroscience, microbiology and robot engineering, which informs both her subject matter and her process. Her paintings are available for purchase through her website dzeelouise.com or in studio by private appointment and through art events such as the Eastside Culture Crawl. Dzee Louise also offers a selection of small wearable art in the form of hand-painted jewellery. Each piece is crafted from repurposed flatware, carefully polished and painted which can be purchased by clicking the link below.

Luxury Soap Designs

Luxury Soap Designs started one year ago, as a passion project crafting one-of-a-kind handmade soaps and bath salts. It has grown into a full service small business offering a year-round soap collection, seasonal Holiday soap collection as well as custom orders for giveaways and special occasions. The perfect size to fill a stocking or treat for client or colleague! Their designs are aesthetically pleasing, gently scented, colorful, practical and memorable. The soaps stand out as a unique line of multi-colored, decorative hand soaps which are infused with pleasing fragrances and multiple textures.

Shop online through Etsy or browse the collection @luxurysoapdesigns

About Marissa:

A current student at SMA, Marissa is an active member of the Winnipeg Optimist Athletics Track & Field Club and enjoys playing the piano. She is also a member of the Debate Club and enjoys participating in Science Fairs. When she’s not in school, you can find her spending time outdoors with nature and hanging out with friends.

Sparkl + Dot Boutique

Sparkl+DOT Boutique began in 2016 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Sparkl+DOT started as a hobby to make unique and personalized gifts for friends and family. Eventually, it turned into a small online boutique where we create custom, unique, and personalized handcrafted jewelry to empower self-expression and creativity. We take special care a precision in each piece we make to ensure a quality product. We make hand stamped keychains, pendant necklaces, bracelets, and other accessories. 

About Stephanie:

I graduated from SMA in 2011. I received my Bachelors of Science at the Univesity of Manitoba and continued my education at the University of North Dakota School of Law. I graduated from UND in May of 2020, passed the North Dakota Bar Exam, and became a licensed attorney in September of 2020. I presently practice law in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Academy Bistro

Already in her second year operating @academybistro Sandra and her team continue to delight the SMA community with healthy and nutritious meals everyday.

This Christmas, treat yourself to a stress free turkey dinner, just pick up, heat and serve or indulge in some delicious cookies perfect to share... or not

Harry the Bear and the Perfect Pair

Harry is a young bear who is having trouble seeing. He needs to see far and he needs to see near but everything is blurry! Reading is hard and playing isn’t fun anymore. When he tells his parents, they take him to the eye doctor. Harry tries on glasses with polka dots and even a pair with feathers and a beak, which ones will he choose for his perfect pair? Available for purchase online at www.prairieeye.com and @nestwpg owned by alumna, Hillary Taylor (Harris ‘01).

Nest is your local family centre store for all things family from pre-conception to kindergarten. Products, classes, workshops and support for every step of the way.

About Dr. Renee:

For years she has enjoyed sharing stories with her young patients and now she is proud to share this story of a young bear unsure about his visit to the eye doctor. It’s a fun and playful change from her past contributions to professional articles. Renée is an optometrist, who has practiced in a variety of healthcare settings and cities throughout North America. She enjoys reading and spending time with her 3 children and husband in her spare time. Dr. Phipps is looking forward to sharing the book with her pediatric patients at @prairieeyecare

Believe

Believe is a story about Livebe the Caterpillar trying to find herself. Livebe will inspire your little ones to believe in themselves. The bonus colouring book in the back will allow them to create their own colourful world for Livebe to live in. Believe is available in paperback and kindle editions on Amazon.

About Katherine:

Katherine M Brown was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She currently lives in Calgary, Alberta with her husband Chad. She has been a flight attendant for a well known Canadian airline for almost 10 years. Katherine aims to write creative stories instilling confidence, love, and positivity in young children.

Translate Reality

Nadia’s second book, Translate Reality 2020, is a deep dive into the transformation, tragedy, perseverance and hope that emerged from a year that shook us all to the core. The year of humanity. You can pick this book up anytime and put it down for as long as you want, not having missed anything. There are aspects of each of us contained within; our shared suffering through the pandemic, recovery from mental illness and as always, a thread of humour weaved in wherever possible.

It is one of three books in a series. The first was published last year; Translate Reality 2019 Edition and interestingly enough, the third and final book in the series was written long before Nadia even began the very first version of Translate Reality. The third book will bring together a story that is weaved into the sharing of her life experiences, along with an exploration of the 10,000 joys and 10,000 sorrows that we face as a part of the human condition. Both books are available in Kindle and Paperback format on Amazon.

The cover photo on both books were created by fellow alumna, Zephyra Vun ’05; she has contributed an article, a chapter and all artistry for this book series. Visit the Translate Reality website to join Nadia and the Translate Reality community of happy distractions, sarcasm, over-thinking and inverted perspectives.

The Brilliant Dark

Samantha’s, The Brilliant Dark, is the final thrilling chapter in a trilogy series about gods, monsters, and the people who must decide if they’re willing to pay the ultimate price to protect the family they found… in a world that may not be worthy of saving. This edition released on paperback in October and the other two Realms of Ancient books are widely available where books are sold.

Samantha is a Winnipeg-based artist, author, and editor. Her first novel, The Lake and the Library, was nominated for the Manitoba Book Award for Best First Book, as well as the 2014 Aurora Award.

Hot Hula Fitness

HOT HULA fitness® is a total body workout inspired by dances of the Pacific Islands, set to the sounds of Polynesian drum beats, funky Reggae, and Hiphop music. The focus of every class is to strengthen the core and lower body and work up a good sweat!

Our mission at HOT HULA fitness® with Nenette is to provide fun + effective workouts in a safe, body-positive, judgement-free environment where we celebrate the love of self and love of life exemplified by the people of the Islands.

All classes are currently taught online via Zoom. Class schedule and other information is available on Nenette's website.

Gift certificates ($40) for one month of unlimited online classes or for four live classes (dependent on Covid-19 restrictions) are available.

About Nenette:

Nenette is the first certified HOT HULA fitness® instructor in Winnipeg. She has over 45 years of hula 'auana (modern hula) and tahitian ote'a experience, starting at the age of 6 with the Kealoha Polynesian Dancers of Winnipeg. Nenette has had the pleasure of performing at various cultural, family-oriented events throughout the city, including the Red River Exhibition parade in 1977.

In 2002, after returning to Winnipeg from a short stay in Hilo, Hawai'i, Nenette promoted herself from software engineer to stay-at-home mom, and started teaching hula classes and workshops on the weekends. In 2017, Nenette made the transition to the fitness world as a certified HOT HULA fitness® instructor.

K9 Fuel

K9 Fuel offers a variety of services that focus on canine wellness and sustainability. From nutritional consultations to a limited ingredient product line to canine training, fitness, and conditioning, K9 Fuel sets every dog up to succeed. Fast Fuel delivers dense, quality nutrition products delivered directly to your door. Free Winnipeg Delivery to ensure your pets can be as healthy and happy as possible this holiday season. Here at K9 Fuel we believe in helping every dog thrive through effective and ethical methods. For training, conditioning and fitness, please email k9fuel@gmail.com

Don’t forget to treat your fur-baby this Christmas!

About Hannah:

K9 Fuel owner, Hannah is a certified canine nutritionist and developed Winnipeg’s first wellness subscription service for dogs. K9 Fuel began in honour of her dog, Sace, who struggled with stomach issues and allergies and human aggression.

My passion is to continue to help other dogs who struggle with digestion or need a little extra love when it comes to training. Overall we work on discovering what it is that brings your dog joy and how we can enrich their lives. Training focuses on building a bond between the handler and the dog. We use positive reinforcement training and work with dogs based on mutual respect.

Our primary focus is sustainable wellness, ensuring our clients are thriving via nutrition, exercise, training, rest time and mental stimulation. Adequate mental and physical exercise when paired with proper nutrition can act as preventative medicine to set our dogs up for a healthy and happy life!

Hannah is currently a student with the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) enrolled in their professional dog trainer program.