The Influential Women in Business Awards celebrate the success and achievements of women across Powell River’s diverse business community. These awards celebrate women who have truly excelled, not only in their professional lives but also as leaders and role models in our community. While many of these women come from different industries and walks of life, they share several traits – a strong sense of self, a success-driven work ethic and the extraordinary accomplishments to show for it. Their commitment, vision and talents make them true leaders in their chosen fields.
There were 57 women nominated in four different categories this year:
Category A - Business Woman of the Year
Holly Barnes, Afterglow Hair Lounge
Nancy Bouchard, Nancy’s Bakery
Jean Brack, Paperworks Gift Gallery
Jenna Brownlee, Studio Curious
Fiona Butula, Marine Denture Clinic
Vanessa Coray, The VK Wellness Centre
Angela Desilets Murray, New Beginnings Laster Centre
Melissa Dow, Elements Yoga
Susanna East, Robbins & Co. / Westview U-Vin U-Brew Ltd.
Nicole Fraser, Westerly Studio
Amanda Hasler, The Knitter’s Nest
Heidi Jackson, That Chicken Place
Margot Jantz, 32 Lakes Coffee Roasters
Yun Kim, Genki Sushi
Jennifer Konopelski, The Nutcracker Market
Sunny Dawn Kostelnik, 2% Realty Sunshine Coast Inc.
Kajal Kromm, Kajal Kromm Eyebrow Threading and Shaping
Colleen McClean, Hearth & Grain
Sarah McClean, Point Group Hospitality
Diana Rodriguez, Iguanas Mexican Grill
Nicole Rumley, Kelly’s Health Shop
Sarah Schindel, Luxe Salon
Rachael Sherstad, Paradise Valley Produce
Isabelle Southcott, qathet Living Magazine / Southcott Communications
Category B - Home-Based Business Woman of the Year
Hannah Adams, Below the Brow Esthetics
Amy Byles, Assured Asbestos
Robyn Harris, Free Spirit Health and Wellness
Rowwie McKeown, CrossedPromise
Chesney Martinig, Earl and Friends Dog Hikes
Jo-Al Meilleur, Rosemary Charcutarie
Gitta May Neilson, The Raven’s Nest Beauty Shed
Kathleen O’Malley, Kathleen O’Malley Quilter
Maureen Parsons, Paradise Puppies Daycare
Laura Passek, Crystal Clear Engravers / Epicure
Nicole Quigley, Ever Red Fresh Design
Kelsey Roosenmaallen, Gingerbrute Bakery
Brittany Service, Service Vocal Training
Sarah Van’t Ship, Evenstar Esthetics
Category C - Volunteer of the Year
Kim Barrows,SD47 / Minor Hockey / Minor Baseball / PAC
Elizabeth Exter, Blue Sky Consignment / The Nutcracker Market
Kathy Grantham, PR Women in Business
Carol Hamilton, Cranberry Seniors Centre
Merrilee Prior, PROWLS (Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society)
Carol Regnier, Patricia Theatre / The Source Club / Townsite Heritage Society
Category D - Employee of the Year
Lola Amundsen, Miklat Recovery Society
Lisa Beaulieu, Inclusion Powell River Association
Ramona Behan, The Laughing Oyster Restaurant
Janet Cook, Starbucks
Eden Emery-Bradley, Genki Sushi
Melissa Furlotte, Powell River Recreational Complex
Chloe Garvey, Panago
Alicia Newman, The Peak
Stacey Plisson, Rexall Drugs
Sasha Randolph, Bank of Montreal
Every nominee should be recognized for all they do for businesses and our community.
Winners:
Robyn Harris, Free Spirit Health and Wellness
Outstanding Home-Based Owner of the Year
Vanessa Coray, VK Wellness
Outstanding Business Owner of the Year
Carol Hamilton, Cranberry Seniors Centre
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year
Lola Amundsen, Miklat Recovery Society
Outstanding Employee of the Year
Runners-up:
Jo-Al Meilleur, Rosemary Charcutarie
Outstanding Home-Based Owner of the Year runner-up
Rachael Sherstad, Paradise Valley Produce
Outstanding Business Owner of the Year runner-up
Kim Barrows, SD47 / PR Minor Hockey / Basball / PAC
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year runner-up
Sasha Randolph, BMO
Outstanding Employee of the Year runner-up
