Leading the Change:
A Tribute to the Women Shaping New Brunswick’s Success
In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting the remarkable creators, strategists, and trailblazers shaping the business landscape across New Brunswick.
From innovative startups to thriving local enterprises, our province is home to pioneering female entrepreneurs, co-founders, and operators whose stories of resilience and creativity exemplify leadership.
Join us as we go behind the scenes to meet the women behind the products you love and uncover the inspirational role models making a lasting impact right here in NB.
Angèle Miller
Cocagne, NB
A believer in collaboration and community, Angèle created Creekside RNR to highlight the nature, wildlife, and local products of Southeastern New Brunswick. The resort’s roots trace back to 1767, when her ancestors first settled in the seaside village of Cocagne, and after building a career on the West Coast, she returned to her family’s land to share this rare beauty with the world. Nestled on the north side of the seashore, the property offers an unparalleled experience where guests can reconnect with themselves through glamping domes, local seafood, and endless trails. By partnering with regional artisans, farmers, and musicians, Angèle and her family ensure every visitor enjoys a uniquely authentic Cocagne experience.
Creekside RNR will soon be launching a full Wellness Center designed to nurture your body, calm your mind, and restore your spirit.
Geneviève Nolet
Moncton, NB
I ventured into entrepreneurship driven by the desire to bring something new, innovative and aligned with my values. I felt New Brunswick was fertile ground, and it solidified my decision to establish a Nordic spa in Moncton. The drive to make a positive impact in the community by providing a space to disconnect, relax, and recharge remains my inspiration on this entrepreneurial journey. I view challenges as opportunities for learning and personal growth.
“I believe female entrepreneurs enrich the business landscape by bringing different perspectives, skills and approaches. I find incredible support within our community and countless opportunities for collaboration.”
USVA by the Sea will be opening in Spring 2026. Located in the heart of the picturesque seaside town of St. Andrews, and nestled beside the historic The Algonquin Resort, this new destination will bring the essence of the Nordic spa experience to the ocean’s edge.
Sylvie Roy
Dieppe, NB
Sylvie Roy’s lifelong love for lip balm evolved from a personal comfort into a mission to create the perfect sensory experience. Driven by a desire for natural ingredients that didn't sacrifice fun or texture, she spent years through trial and error perfecting a rich, creamy formula that glides on effortlessly without being waxy.
After launching Eclair Lips® in 2015, her dedication to high-quality, custom-blended flavours saw a massive surge in 2022 when her behind-the-scenes process went viral. Today, she continues to share that joy with a global audience, ensuring every product serves as a playful, soothing bright spot in her customers' daily routines.
Alison Cornford-Matheson
Saint John, NB
Alison is the creator of Fierce Lynx Designs, a jewelry brand born from her desire to reconnect with nature and craftsmanship after years of living abroad.
Based in the scenic Fundy region of New Brunswick, Canada, Alison hand-assembles each piece as a sustainable alternative to her tech-heavy background. By operating exclusively online, the business maintains a global reach while focusing on quality and affordability.
Véronique Thibeault
Charlo, NB
Véronique began making jewelry for herself but her pieces were so beautiful, that family and friends started making requests. Recognizing an opportunity to turn a passion into a business, she took classes to perfect her craft and then opened her unique, eclectic boutique, Sail Away Jewelry.
In addition to her own creations, she offers a variety of products made locally by NB artisans. Véronique is an entrepreneur and mentor who encourages others to follow their dreams like she did.
Caleigh Chadwick
Miramichi, NB
This warm, cozy café delivers vibrant and fun hand-crafted beverages, bistro style goodies and yummy homemade desserts from local providers. Caleigh, a native of Miramichi, dreamt of someday owning her own business.
She wanted to create an inviting and multi-functional space where people can go to work, relax in the book-nook or catch up with friends. Wanting to support other small businesses, the café also has a small boutique area with products made locally in NB.
Josée Desjardins
Grand Falls, NB
Owning a sugar bush was a dream that Josée turned into a viable business that respects the environment, utilizes healthy tree tapping procedures including no fertilizers or pesticides. She makes a variety of maple products including her popular maple Kisses that can be ordered online.
Josée loves nature and the outdoors. She stopped eating refined sugar in 2012, likes eating healthy. She’s always looking for new recipes made with Maple syrup to share with you. Photography enthusiast and passionate about making maple Syrup. Worked 3 years in the forest after graduating from Environment Technology in 2000 and now the proud owner of the company.
Jennyfer Brideau
Tracadie-Sheila, NB
Jennyfer began her adventure by making her own cosmetics at home. By sharing with her friends and family, the products were more and more in demand.
She decided to take the plunge by training in cosmetic formulation and aromatherapy in order to perfect her techniques.
Voilà! That’s how Savonnerie la vie en mousse was born. In addition to her own creations, you can also find a wide variety of products from Canadian artisans in her shop.
Marie-Claude Gallant
Dalhousie, NB
Marie-Claude opened the Restigouche Snack Bar in the summer of 2021 on Chaleur Bay in Dalhousie and is now open year-round. The pub offers an exclusive menu of New Brunswick-sourced alcoholic beverages and food, with individual offerings and large cheese boards to-go.
Established when Marie was 26 weeks pregnant, the Snack Bar is now home to her 1.5-year-old son, Alik (the Snackbar baby), beloved by regular customers. Her team strives to promote local products through workshops and Pop up Shops.
Karen Collins-Larter
Malden, NB
At Lavender Moon Farm, we are passionate about growing a variety of high-quality lavender and providing our customers with unique lavender-based products. Our family-run farm is located in the beautiful and quaint countryside of Malden, New Brunswick.
Our dreams of becoming lavender farmers grew from our love of the plant itself and a desire to build something from the ground up. Spending time outside, in the dirt, at our favourite place is what we consider to be the perfect way to spend a day!
Our goal is to continue to provide our customers with the highest quality of lavender and its products so they can enjoy the same benefits of lavender that we do.We actually started the farm in 2020 as a female-owned and operated farm. I operate year-round via the website and am active all across the Maritimes at various artisan craft shows. Weekends are in Pugwash and Shediac. Open seven days a week in July and August. This year's activities will include cut-your-own bouquets, a lavender felted workshop in the field, field rentals for photography sessions, and field yoga sessions.
Dawn Frowley
Beaubassin East, NB
It’s inspiring to see just how many female entrepreneurs are changing the landscape of the small business world. The majority of the retailers that carry our products are female-owned, and even a decade ago, I’m not sure that would’ve been the case. It’s encouraging to see the diversity and equality that the future promises.
I am a mom to 3 active little kiddos and have an amazingly supportive family rooting me on from the sidelines. I want my daughter to grow up believing that she can do anything she puts her mind to.
Profile Photo credits: Alexandria from Radiant Photography
Jolene Laskey
Tobique First Nation, NB
A piece of history and a taste of Indigenous culture in every bottle, these barrel-aged syrups are made from traditional maple syrup recipes dating back generations. Wabanaki Maple is proudly committed to supporting a healthy environment and helping our Indigenous communities thrive.
Her Story, Our Strength: Celebrating New Brunswick's Female Founders
As we celebrate International Women’s Day across our province, let’s remember that supporting these entrepreneurs is about more than just a single day—it’s about fueling the local economy and the collective future of New Brunswick. Every time you choose a local product or share a founder's story, you help these women continue to innovate, lead, and grow. Join us in honouring their resilience and creativity by supporting local and lifting up the trailblazers who make our communities thrive. Happy International Women’s Day!
