Celebrating Women in Business 2025: A Night to Remember
Photos by The Coast Photography
Celebrating Women in Business was more than just an event—it was a night filled with inspiration, connection, and celebration. Held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Seaside Centre in Sechelt, this special evening brought together passionate and driven individuals to uplift and support one another in honour of International Women’s Day.
Event Highlights
🌟 A keynote speech by Heidi Murphy, offering insights on leadership, resilience, and success in business
✨ A panel discussion featuring Darnelda Siegers, Jessica Marola-Hugh, and Kimberly Flear, sharing real-world experiences and strategies for overcoming challenges
🛍️ A local artisans’ market, showcasing unique, high-quality goods from talented local entrepreneurs
🌐 Opportunities to connect with industry leaders in finance, HR, marketing, lending, law, accounting, and bookkeeping.
🤝 Networking opportunities to foster new relationships and collaborations
🍷 Snacks & Drinks to enjoy throughout the evening
🎶 Stunning lighting and a phenomenal projection backdrop by Go2Productions and DJ Gerry, setting the perfect atmosphere!
Photos by The Coast Photography
Thank You to Our Supporters
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of so many, and we want to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who played a part in making it such a success:
✨ Our Generous Sponsors – Your support brought this vision to life! Special thanks to Sunshine Coast Credit Union, our primary sponsor, and to our supporting sponsors McDonald’s, Moorestock Outfitters, RBC, Tess Bradshaw of Moore Bradshaw Real Estate Team, and CityState. Your commitment to local business and community growth means the world to us.
📸 The Coast Photography – Thank you for capturing the essence of the evening so beautifully!
🙌 Our Hardworking Volunteers – Your dedication ensured everything ran seamlessly behind the scenes.
🛍️ Our Fantastic Vendors – Thank you for showcasing your amazing products and services. Be sure to check out the full list below!
🥂 Our Food & Drink Providers – Thank you for keeping us refreshed and energized throughout the evening.
🎤 Our Industry Experts – A heartfelt thank you to Community Futures, Carter Ellis Law, Cadence Consulting, Blue Lotus Creative, Luna Bookkeeping, and Coast Flow Yoga for sharing your invaluable knowledge.
👏 And of course, to each and every attendee – Your energy, enthusiasm, and support made this night one to remember. We hope you left feeling empowered and inspired!
Photos by The Coast Photography
Looking Back & Moving Forward
We’ll be sharing more highlights and photos on our website and social media. Check out our partners, Community Futures Sunshine Coast and In Good Company, for more content. We’d love to hear your favourite moments – send us an email or tag us in your posts!
This event was created with an inclusive vision. We welcome and respect all women, including trans women, nonbinary individuals, and gender-nonconforming people who identify as women+ in a way that is significant to them. We also welcome allies who are committed to fostering supportive environments in business and beyond.
Thank you all for making Celebrating Women in Business 2025 truly special. We can’t wait to do it again!
Keynote Speaker
Panelist Speakers
Photos by The Coast Photography
Event Vendors
Bruinwood Estate Distillery produces award-winning gins, vodkas, and liqueurs in Roberts Creek. Founded in 2018 by Danise Lofstrom and Jeff Barringer, the distillery uses only BC-grown ingredients, including grains, fruits, and honey. Drawing inspiration from flavors around the world and locally sourced ingredients from the Sunshine Coast, Bruinwood Estate Distillery takes pride in crafting high-quality spirits.
Cozy Wozy Co. creates handcrafted, finger-knit blankets, baby blankets, pillows, and pet beds. Designed for comfort and timeless décor, its products provide warmth and coziness for homes, cottages, and boats. Each piece is crafted with care, ensuring a hand-knit hug any time of the year.
Elevate & Launch offers The Thrival Kit, a curated self-care package designed to help individuals reset, recharge, and reconnect. The kit includes a soothing salt soak, a crystal-infused candle, and a rejuvenating essential oil roll-on. Every product is handcrafted in small batches, ensuring a luxury experience free from chemicals.
Jewelry Collectif curates a collection of Canadian-based jewelry brands, bringing a variety of styles together in one space. Founded by two Sunshine Coast-raised entrepreneurs with a passion for jewelry, the business offers silver, gold-filled, and plated pieces for a range of tastes.
Jillies Heart Co. designs charm necklaces, bracelets, and hand-beaded crystal jewelry. Each piece is mindfully crafted with love and intention on the Sunshine Coast. Customers can also create personalized charm jewelry, adding a unique touch to their collections.
Kays Collection is a women-owned natural wellness and self-care company based in Gibsons, BC. The business specializes in handcrafted soy wax candles, aromatherapy products, and bath essentials made from premium, locally sourced ingredients. Inspired by the Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty, Kays Collection offers eco-friendly products infused with organic essential oils and gemstones. A refill service is also available to promote sustainability and reduce waste.
Milele Boutique offers sustainable, eco-friendly clothing and accessories crafted in Africa. The business is committed to ethical sourcing and conscious fashion, providing stylish, high-quality products that support sustainable practices.
Moe & Syd is a handmade jewelry and wellness business founded by twin sisters inspired by the beauty of the West Coast. The brand creates polymer clay jewelry, lavender eye pillows, and intention and gratitude notepads. With a focus on playful design and natural elements, Moe & Syd products are available online and in various Sunshine Coast gift shops.
Purely Planted Foods is a women-owned business producing healthy, plant-based food. The company specializes in cultured cashew cheese, artisan crackers, and instant sauce mixes made with simple, nutritious ingredients. The gluten-free, seed-based crackers offer high fiber and crunch, while the flour-based variety is packed with seeds, nuts, dried fruit, and herbs. Purely Planted Foods emphasizes fun, laughter, and great food in its approach to plant-based eating.
Teag’s Island creates handmade jewelry and hair accessories featuring real preserved flowers grown on the Sunshine Coast. Each piece is carefully cultivated, dried, and preserved in resin, resulting in one-of-a-kind floral jewelry.
Temper Temper Fine Chocolate is a Gibsons-based chocolatier specializing in hand-painted Belgian chocolate bars, bonbons, and hollow figures. Owner Kathy Para uses high-quality Belgian chocolate, real butter, and cream to craft premium chocolate gifts and indulgences. Each creation is uniquely painted with colored organic cocoa butter, adding artistic flair to the decadent treats.
The Art of Mischief designs original beeswax candles, papier-mâché ornaments, fairy doors, and mushroom light switch covers. The brand is dedicated to transforming the everyday into something extraordinary by combining creativity with functional artistry.
The Friggin’ Lip Balm Co. produces 100% natural, handmade lip balm designed to bring joy and laughter while providing high-quality lip care. The company believes in simple, effective ingredients that do not need to be costly, ensuring that customers receive premium natural products without unnecessary additives.
Yoga For That offers malas, bracelets, and meditation kits. Founded in 2013, the business has evolved over the past decade to include yoga, coaching, and meditation services. After relocating from Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast in 2021, Yoga For That continues to serve those seeking mindfulness, wellness, and personal growth.
Photos by The Coast Photography
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