Words June Murray dagnall
Inspiring women entrepreneurs are redefining what leadership, innovation and resilience look like in today’s world.
Throughout all industries and communities, these inspiring women are building businesses with purpose, breaking barriers and creating opportunities not only for themselves but for others around them. You will see that each of their individual paths reflects boldness, ingenuity and dedication, showing how ambition, when combined with effort, can turn dreams into incredible achievements. These individual journeys are often marked by courage, creativity and determination.
Meet these five inspiring winners, and learn about the passion, perseverance and purpose that drive each of their successes. All of them bring a unique story, bold vision and lasting impact to the world of entrepreneurship.
Glynis Schultz
Greenhawk Vancouver Island
Glynis Schultz is an inspiring entrepreneur whose passion for the equestrian world has grown into two thriving community businesses. As owner and manager of Greenhawk, and Bark and Fitz, she has transformed her love of horses and animals into trusted destinations for quality products, expert guidance and exceptional customer service. Deeply committed to the local equestrian community, Glynis supports everyone from new riders to professional athletes and can often be found on the store floor offering advice and building genuine connections. Her innovative leadership extends beyond the retail stores, where she hosts workshops like mental fitness sessions with a sports psychologist to organizing private “barn nights” that bring clients together. Glynis is quick to point out that she has an amazing team (in fact, she wanted to be sure they were in the picture!) and is extremely grateful for all of them who have been with her throughout the years to create the business that it is today. Despite her many professional commitments, Glynis continues to train and compete with her own horses. Humble about her achievements, she leads with dedication, creativity and a very big heart!
Charlotte Denton
Sea Star Productions
Charlotte Denton is an inspiring entrepreneur whose vision and talent transform youth performing arts on the Saanich Peninsula. Over the past two years, she has built Sea Star Productions into an extraordinary local company, giving young people the opportunity to participate in high-calibre theatre productions. These are often created in just two weeks of summer camp at the Mary Winspear Centre. A professionally-trained and award-winning actress and singer, Charlotte fosters a fun, safe and nurturing environment where participants discover their voices, explore creativity, build confidence and form lasting friendships. Her impact now extends year-round, with classes offered through the McTavish Academy of Art and through ongoing camps and programs. Sea Star will be starting its own Academy in September at the Mary Winspear Centre. In addition to mentoring youth, Charlotte teaches voice lessons to adults and individuals of varying abilities. Her generosity, leadership and commitment all help empower young people today.
Hilary Fairbank
All Ways Yoga Studio
Hilary Fairbank is a truly inspiring entrepreneur whose vision, resilience and deep sense of community have made a lasting impact on the Saanich Peninsula. When local yoga studios closed during the pandemic, Hilary stepped forward with courage and determination. She collaborated with a team of wonderful yoga teachers and partners to open All Ways Yoga Studio, creating a nurturing space dedicated to health, connection and balance. Although Hilary was not yet a certified yoga instructor, she fully committed to the journey, earning her certification so she could serve her community with integrity and expertise. Nearly five years later, the studio continues to thrive as a cornerstone of local well-being and community connection. Hilary’s entrepreneurial drive extends to Triple F: The Fairbank Family Farm. This family-run flower farm specializes in dahlia tubers and cut flowers, honouring her late father’s legacy while supporting local growers, florists and special events. Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Hilary has continued her healthcare career of almost 25 years, transitioning from Nuclear Medicine technology to CT technology, balancing the technical demands of medical imaging with compassion and care. Along with her husband of 25 years, she is raising two active teenagers, supporting their sports, activities and individual growth with steady encouragement. Hilary’s ventures are passionately purpose-driven, balancing leadership, service and family with calm and grace. Hilary identifies community needs, steps forward with courage, and creates spaces that uplift, connect and inspire, making her a remarkable example of a woman-led entrepreneur whose impact goes far beyond business success and into the heart of her community.
Jennifer (Michell) Stanners
Titan Boats
Jennifer (Michell) Stanners is an exceptional young leader in the marine industry, currently running Titan Boats, a family-owned business founded by her father, John Stanners. Under her guidance, Titan Boats has become a globally-recognized name, employing over 30 people and producing world-class rigid inflatable boats used by the Coast Guard, RCMP, whale-watching operators and marine organizations around the world. In a sector that has traditionally been dominated by men, Jennifer has distinguished herself as a respected leader, serving on multiple advisory boards and the local Chamber of Commerce. Despite only being in her early 30s, Jennifer has made a significant mark on the marine world across both coasts of Canada, demonstrating vision, resilience and business acumen. Jennifer is also co-founder of Field Five Farm with her husband, Kyle Michell. Located in Saanichton, Field Five was born from their family history of farming on the Saanich Peninsula and their desire to create a value-added product beyond commodity grain sales. They have established a malting operation to provide the local brewing and distillery sector with high-quality, locally-grown and malted grains. Jennifer’s leadership in all areas goes beyond operations, blending innovation with community engagement and fostering excellence in her team. Jennifer’s achievements and influence make her a truly inspiring example of entrepreneurial talent, dedication and trailblazing leadership.
Barbara Hubbard
Barbara’s Boutique
For more than four decades, Barbara Hubbard has been a cornerstone of the Vancouver Island fashion scene, bringing timeless elegance and personal service to the Saanich Peninsula. As the owner and heart behind Barbara’s Boutique, she has created a shop that is both curated and welcoming offering a space where fashion isn’t just sold: it’s experienced. Since opening her first boutique in Victoria in the 1980s, Barbara has earned a reputation for thoughtfully selected collections that blend classic and contemporary style, drawing loyal customers from across the region. Barbara’s passion for design extends beyond the racks where she champions personal service, believing clothing should empower the wearer, not overwhelm them. Her dedication to her community is vast, from supporting local cultural institutions to shaping Sidney’s retail identity. Even as retail has evolved, Barbara’s focus on thoughtful styling, exceptional service and meaningful connection has kept her boutique a beloved fixture on Beacon Avenue. With an eye for timeless style and a heart for her community, Barbara continues to make every visit to her boutique a celebration of fashion, confidence and personal expression.
With vision, passion and relentless drive, these five winners truly show what it means to lead and inspire in today’s world.
Congratulations to all our nominees for this contest: Alice Bacon, Elyse Barkley, Samantha Bourdeau, Kim Bremner, Aisha Cheng, Elyse Ellison, Natalie Foofat, Casey Friel,
Allie Hampton, Tasleem Jessani, Morgan Shaw, Sonia Walmsley.
Photos Glynis Schultz by Nunn Other Photography, Charlotte Denton, Hilary Fairbank, Jennifer (Michell) Stanners & Barbara Hubbard by Wind Gypsy Photography
