The Brand is Female

&Or Collective is a Montreal-based sustainable clothing brand founded by Katie Green and Kristen King, who also run the branding agency August Strategy together. The duo met a decade ago at L’Oréal. They have now merged style and eco-consciousness in their knitwear for men and women, focusing on creating “anyplace essentials” that are both versatile and environmentally responsible.With 92 million tonnes of clothing waste ending up in landfills each year, &Or is tackling the issue head-on. Their innovative use of Stoll knitting machines allows them to produce garments with less than 1% textile waste, a significant improvement over traditional methods. Using certified organic and recycled materials, &Or is setting a new standard in sustainable fashion.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Three Ships Beauty was founded by Connie Lo and Laura Burget in 2017. What began as a kitchen experiment with just $2,000 each has grown into a thriving skincare brand known for its commitment to transparency and sustainability.Rebranded in 2020, Three Ships Beauty is now stocked in nearly 1,000 stores across North America, including Whole Foods and Hudson’s Bay. With a recent $3.5 million investment led by BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund, they’re set to expand their product line and team, all while continuing to disrupt the beauty industry.Tune in and dive into Connie and Laura’s journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the advice they offer to all women entrepreneurs — including a few things that may surprise you when it comes to dealing with investors!This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Many women executives wonder what it’s like to leave the corporate workplace and start your own company. The Brand is Female Host Eva Hartling went through this when launching her company after spending almost two decades in the corporate world. This is also an experience her guest in this episode is familiar with. With a marketing background that spans almost 20 years at global organizations like Western Union and KPMG; Joycelyn David took a leap of faith when she decided to take over AVC, a communications agency based in Toronto. Becoming the leader of an existing business had its surprises, including horrible Glassdoor reviews. Joycelyn learned quickly that it would be up to her to implement changes that would positively impact the company’s culture. A daughter of immigrant parents from the Philippines, Joycelyn David understands the hopes and struggles of newcomers and is proud to engage with and help bring multicultural communities together. Her agency’s exceptional performance demonstrates how her hard work has paid off. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

Tracy Persson, a proud Indigenous entrepreneur and breast cancer survivor, has made it her mission to support women on their breast health journey.Tracy is the founder of My Breast Day, an innovative app designed to support women pre- and post-breast cancer diagnosis. The app has gained recognition, making it to the Top 100 and Semi-Finals in the Pow Wow Pitch, an Indigenous entrepreneur competition. Tracy's work extends beyond My Breast Day; she is also the founder and previous owner of the Cozy Intentions clothing line and Soul Remedies Inc. Tracy is also dedicated to supporting her community in a variety of ways.  In today's episode, we explore her path and her unwavering commitment to supporting underserved communities.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

In the fifth episode of our mini-series presented by GoodLife Fitness dedicated to the first season of the PWHL and what it represents for women in sports and beyond, we bring you the story of Manon Rhéaume, a trailblazer who shattered the ultimate glass ceiling in the world of hockey. In 1992, she made history as the first and only woman to play in an NHL game, stepping onto the ice as a goaltender for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Manon also became the first female to sign a professional hockey contract, enjoying a six-year career in the minor leagues. Her achievements on the ice also include winning Gold Medals at the 1992 and 1994 World Hockey Championships and an Olympic Silver at the 1998 Nagano Games, the first to feature women’s hockey. Manon's journey is one of perseverance and breaking barriers. In 2022, she joined the LA Kings as a hockey operations and prospect adviser, further cementing her legacy in the sport. Throughout her career, Rhéaume encountered significant challenges and seemingly insurmountable odds, yet she remained undeterred in her pursuit of her dreams. Today, she shares her journey to inspire others to pursue their aspirations with determination and courage, both professionally and personally.As the pioneering woman to compete in the NHL and shatter more ceilings for women in hockey (not to mention inspire generations of young women in sports), she offers not just her experiences but also vital strategies for overcoming obstacles, engaging allies, and pushing beyond comfort zones to achieve success.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

This week, as part of our mini-series presented by GoodLife Fitness about the inaugural season of PWHL, host Eva Hartling is in conversation with two executives from the You Can Play Project: Lead for Corporate Partnerships and Pro Female Hockey Player Mandy Cronin, and Chairman David Palumbo. You Can Play's mandate is to ensure safety and inclusion for all participants in sports, with a focus on 2SLGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, and fans.Mandy joined You Can Play last year, bringing her experience as the former GM and Goalie Coach for the Toronto Six, where she was instrumental in founding a new women's professional hockey franchise. She’s dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging in sports for everyone.David, as Chairman, champions 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and belonging within the sports community, driving initiatives that challenge traditional sports culture.Today, we’ll explore how You Can Play is making a difference, the strategies Mandy and David are using to further their mission, and their thoughts on the newly formed PWHL and its impact on women and 2SLGBTQ+ athletes.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

This episode, part of our mini-series dedicated to PWHL’s inaugural season presented by GoodLife Fitness, features Brianne Jenner, pro hockey player and PWHL Ottawa Captain. Brianne is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and was crowned MVP of the women’s hockey tournament at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Brianne was part of the first signings announced by the PWHL in 2023 and plays for Ottawa as part of the original six.Originally from Oakville, Ontario, Brianne played college hockey with the Cornell Big Red and has been integral in the development of women's hockey both on and off the ice. She is on the executive committee of the PWHL Players Association, advocating for the growth and sustainability of the sport.Beyond her impressive athletic career, Brianne is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of hockey players through her Hockey Academy in Oakville and Ottawa. She hosts her own training program, where she helps young players develop their skills. Brianne's dedication extends beyond the rink as she continually works to support her community, making her an inspiring role model and a driving force in women's hockey.In this conversation, we dive into her journey, her vision for the future of women's hockey, and the incredible impact she's making both on and off the ice.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

In the second episode of our special PWHL mini-series presented by GoodLife Fitness, we explore the careers of two standout athletes, both Olympic Gold Medalists in women’s hockey and both professional hockey players: PWHL Ottawa Goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer and Genevieve Lacasse, Manager, Corporate Sponsorships & Sales for PWHL. In this conversation, we dive into the couple’s views on the significance of the inaugural PWHL season and what its creation means for women in sports. Join us as we discuss their journeys, triumphs, and the bond they share in the world of hockey. Emerance Maschmeyer, known for her collegiate career at Harvard and a 29-save performance in the 2015 NCAA National Collegiate Women's Ice Hockey Tournament, has also made her mark internationally. She earned gold at the IIHF Women's World Championship and the Winter Olympics and now plays for Ottawa as a goalie in the Professional Women's Hockey League.Geneviève Lacasse, a former goaltender for the Canada women's national hockey team, is a two-time Clarkson Cup winner and an Olympic and IIHF World Championships Gold Medalist. After retiring from professional hockey in September, she joined the PWHL front office, continuing her dedication to the sport.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

In this episode, we’re shining a light on the co-founders behind Jems, a non-toxic condom company with gender-inclusive packaging and language, Whitney Geller and Yasemin Emory.Yasemin and Whitney, who by then had already been operating their own design agency, noticed a gap in the market while searching for contraception options between their pregnancies. The condom aisle lacked appeal due to its outdated packaging and language – the category was targeting straight men only, with products that hadn’t been updated in decades, and left women and gay folks out of the conversation altogether. As a result, they embarked on a mission to revolutionize the industry. Jems isn't just about condoms; it's a platform for expansive education, sparking conversations on everything from sexual health to love, power, and beyond. With a commitment to simplicity and transparency, Jems is normalizing safer sex with condoms that are healthier and cater to everyone’s needs.In this episode, we'll hear from Whitney and Yasemin about their journey into the industry, the challenges they've faced, and their vision for the future of sexual wellness. Here is our conversation. This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale

The first conversation in our special PWHL series, presented by GoodLife Fitness, is with Emma Maltais, a standout forward for PWHL Toronto and a key player for Canada's national women's ice hockey team.In her debut PWHL season, Emma Maltais tallied 19 points (that’s 4 goals and 15 assists) in 24 games, tying for the scoring lead among rookies and finishing seventh overall in league scoring. Her 15 assists led all rookies and tied for the overall league lead, showcasing her exceptional playmaking abilities. Emma was instrumental in Toronto's penalty kill unit, contributing to its league-best 91.8% success rate and scoring the first-ever 'jailbreak' shorthanded goal in PWHL history​. If, like us, you don’t speak hockey and are not entirely sure what that means, just know that her outstanding performance earned her a nomination for the PWHL Rookie of the Year award.Beyond the PWHL, Emma has already had a brilliant international hockey career. She won a gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics with Team Canada and has secured multiple gold medals at the IIHF Women's World Championships. She also played a vital role in Canada's silver medal finishes at the 2023 World Championships and the World U18 Championships.Emma’s journey to the top was not without its challenges. Growing up, she often played on all-male teams, including in the Junior league, which helped hone her skills and toughness on the ice. Emma’s achievements in both the PWHL and for Canada on the international stage underscore her talent, determination, and growing influence in women's hockey, making her an inspiring figure for athletes and fans alike. Here is our conversation.This season of our podcast is brought to you by TD Canada Women in Enterprise. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing and mentorship opportunities! Please find out how you can benefit from their support! Visit: TBIF: thebrandisfemale.com // TD Women in Enterprise: td.com/ca/en/business-banking/small-business/women-in-business // Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thebrandisfemale