Inspiring Stories

Chanelle founded Chic and Charmed before finishing high school

Hi, I’m Chanelle, a 16-year-old entrepreneur from Saskatoon, and the founder of Chic & Charmed Boutique. I started the brand at 13, and in just a few years, I’ve grown it into a national jewellery brand with customers across Canada. I built it through trade shows, strong online sales, and billboard advertising, even having my brand featured on billboards across my city while still in high school. I’ve also taken the brand on a Canada-wide tour, showcasing in cities like Saskatoon, Calgary, Winnipeg, Regina, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Toronto, continuing to expand into new markets across the country. Balancing school and business hasn’t been easy, but it’s pushed me to stay disciplined and think bigger at a young age. I’ve been featured on outlets like CTV, Global News, and CityNews, and have showcased at major events like the National Women’s Show and Calgary Stampede. For me, it’s about showing that age doesn’t limit what you can build, it can actually be your advantage. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Failure is not an option with Cyndee Woolley

Failure was not an option I started my career in communications for the construction industry — and from day one, I knew I wanted to build something of my own. But as a single mom, the timing never felt right. Then the economy collapsed. The downturn of 2007 to 2009 gave me the push I needed. I launched C2 Communications — and failure simply was not an option. More than 16 years later, that decision gave my daughter and me an extraordinary life: adventure, educational flexibility, and work that genuinely matters. Over 25 years, I've helped businesses, nonprofits, and political campaigns do one thing — cut through the noise and get heard by the people who matter most. Whether the goal was boosting sales, inspiring votes, or building lasting community pride, my work has always been about messages that don't just get attention — they drive action. Today, I host Cutting Through the Clutter on the Mission Matters Network, bringing in experts every week to help leaders build communication strategies that actually stick. It all comes down to one belief: the right message, delivered to the right audience, at the right time, changes everything. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Lets talk about life with a disability

Emily Ava Gillespie (they/she) is an author, disability activist, and professional daydreamer.  They won the 2021 Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award from Nipissing University. Gillespie has a BA in Gender Equality and Social Justice and an MA in Critical Disability Studies. They earned a certificate in Creative Writing from Concordia University.   They have volunteered and worked in the disability community as an activist, researcher, peer support and facilitator for fifteen years. Gillespie is also an author and performance artist. Her work explores themes of memory, identity and mental health journeys. They enjoy working in community spaces and examining individual and collective experiences.  Dancing with Ghosts (Leaping Lion Books, 2017) is her first novel. Their poetry and short-stories can be found in several journals and anthologies. She co-edited Mighty: an Anthology of Disabled Superheroes by Renaissance Press published fall 2023. Her most recent novel is titled Wait With Me and was released in 2025. Emily's contact: https://www.facebook.com/Gillespie.Em/ Instagram: ava.emily.gillespie https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16337475.Emily_Gillespie?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ07tRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwa1BURDZHYk5zRG5rNHhNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp2CWBW74Ai9dVz7oWfEDfSOqZR1Bp3hZiFTZLm4EESAx5im2_QMdnreLz_k_aem_HG_afAuaBqaY8vCnxfOJyA [https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16337475.Emily_Gillespie?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ07tRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwa1BURDZHYk5zRG5rNHhNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp2CWBW74Ai9dVz7oWfEDfSOqZR1Bp3hZiFTZLm4EESAx5im2_QMdnreLz_k_aem_HG_afAuaBqaY8vCnxfOJyA] https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/mighty-an-anthology-of-disabled-superheroes/9781990086533.html [https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/mighty-an-anthology-of-disabled-superheroes/9781990086533.html] https://www.amazon.ca/Wait-Me-Emily-Ava-Gillespie/dp/1069635103 [https://www.amazon.ca/Wait-Me-Emily-Ava-Gillespie/dp/1069635103] Ghofran Alyass is a disabled woman with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and is the Founder of Beyond Abilities International, formerly known as Beyond Abilities. She is also a part-time professor at George Brown College, teaching in the Community Worker program. She holds a Master's of Education in Social Justice Education, specialising in Disability educational policy from OISE, University of Toronto. She also holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies from the Toronto Metropolitan University, a college certificate in preparatory in Liberal Studies, and a college diploma in Community Services from George Brown College. She is a disability advocate, program facilitator, and author committed to advocating for equity, equality and inclusion of people with disabilities. Ghofran Alyass contact https://www.instagram.com/ghofran_author?igsh=MjdheGRvaXFtb3l5 [https://www.instagram.com/ghofran_author?igsh=MjdheGRvaXFtb3l5] https://www.facebook.com/share/1CW7dNEmce/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/1CW7dNEmce/] https://www.wroteby.me/ghofranalyass-author23 https://www.amazon.ca/You-have-24-Hours-Live/dp/1068916702/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KL8IC9BA7RO6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pe99ve9UmuBVhqR3Ufje0w.7OxR5xzJ0Xg7MBRMTScYznAaEwhgaLO-KSs-vQvse8w&dib_tag=se&keywords=ghofran+alyass&qid=1775518003&sprefix=ghofran+alyass%2Caps%2C820&sr=8-1   Listen to Depictions Media https://depictions.media/lets-talk-about-life-with-a-disability/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Grace Ogren Is Writing Stories for Her Young Generation

Grace Ogren writes novels for young adults and educational content that helps people find addiction and mental health treatment. She has one published novel, one in the works, and many more planned. She has worked as a freelance writer, copywriter, and editor over the last 4 years, honing her voice as an author and her goals for the future. You can find her work on Recovery.com and Amazon. https://www.graceogren.com/ [https://www.graceogren.com/] Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Nancy Lynn Griffin works with Womens Worth Wealth and Wellness

My work centers on empowering boomer women, their daughters, and now granddaughters to take charge of their wellness and financial independence. Through curated events and educational initiatives, I show women how caring for themselves leads to confidence, fearless choices, and a spirit of sharing that lifts entire communities. I believe listeners of Inspiring Stories would connect with conversations around enhancing one’s worth personally and professionally, while fostering an attitude of inclusivity and abundance. I’d love a chance to share these ideas and personal stories with your audience, and offer practical approaches for women to strengthen their well-being, leadership, and impact. Thank you for considering me as a possible guest for an upcoming episode. https://womenworthwellness.com/about-us/ [https://womenworthwellness.com/about-us/] Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspiring-stories--2917948/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].