Every year on March 8th, on International Women’s Day people and organizations celebrate the achievements of women now, and in the past and work to lay a foundation for the future.
This March we want to introduce you to some of the amazing Women in Westboro. These women are part of a larger group of women who own and lead businesses throughout Westboro Village BIA. We have so many businesses led by women that it is more than double the national average. They cross all sectors, from dining, retail, health, wellness and professional services. As a community, we want to amplify their work and celebrate their successes, not just for one day, or one month but year-round.
Allow us to introduce you to our inspiring 2024 Women in Westboro below.
Laura Porter, Owner, The Cupcake Lounge
After earning her Bachelor of Social Science from Memorial University, Laura pursued her passion for baking at Algonquin College, successfully completing their Baking and Pastry Arts program. Laura’s journey took an exciting turn when she joined The Cupcake Lounge team, a beloved establishment in the heart of Ottawa with a rich history of 12 years. Starting as a manager, she quickly made her mark, showcasing exceptional leadership skills and a keen eye for business operations and customer service. When the chance to take ownership of the business presented itself, Laura eagerly seized the opportunity.
Being the owner for just over one and a half years now, Laura has continued the legacy of the business, while also infusing her personal touches; including wine and cupcake pairings, trivia nights, paint nights and hosting used book sales with the proceeds going to The Ottawa Food Bank. The Cupcake Lounge is owned and operated by an all-women-led staff, all of whom make it possible for Laura to continue to run and grow the business. Outside of the business, Laura enjoys playing hockey, singing, game nights, and spending time with her new niblings, thriving in her Auntie Era.
Laura is so excited to be a panellist and to surround herself with the powerful Women in Westboro.
Peggy Austin, Director, Corporate Partnerships, Pallium Canada
Peggy is the Director of Corporate Partnerships with Pallium Canada, a national non-profit based in Westboro. She works with donors and partners to ensure that those living with life-limiting illnesses, their families and caregivers have access to timelier, more effective, and more compassionate palliative care. Peggy’s past career experience includes leadership roles with the Algonquin College Foundation, Tim Horton Children’s Foundation, United Way Ottawa, and the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre. Peggy has been previously recognized for her work locally with a United Way Ottawa Community Builder Award and a Youville Centre Angel Award, and she is a two-time recipient of United Way Canada’s National Service Award. She holds a master’s degree in leadership from Royal Roads University.
Jessie Lyon, Pokoloko Co-Founder & GM
Jessie is an entrepreneur with professional experience in 9 countries on 4 continents; in non-profit and private sectors; in the world trade, retail/wholesale, arts/culture, fashion, home decor, and international development spaces. Her strength is transforming an idea into a scaled, sustainable, and profitable operation regardless of culture, language, and circumstance. Jessie is co-founder and GM of Pokoloko, an ethical, Ottawa-Gatineau-based fashion and home brand, including wholesale, online retail, and brick-and-mortar retail sales channels. It’s no secret that fast and cheap doesn’t last, and if you look closely at its trail, we can see what and who is really paying for the convenience. Poko wanders off the beaten path to bring you goods rich with stories from cultures of the artisan entrepreneurs who’ve made them for your home and lifestyle. Poko designs and curates high-quality collections made to last in aesthetic and function, and to restore the interconnectedness of maker, collector, and earth.
Poko operates a shop in Westboro which they share with their long-time friends CloudForest Coffee. What started as a 2-month pop-up in the former Westboro David’s Tea, grew into a permanent, shared commercial space for the two small businesses. Poko welcomed a second brick-and-mortar location in December 2023 on the beautiful Mill St in Almonte, Ontario, and will continue to evolve their wholesale network of like-minded shops, their unique seasonal collections, and their give-back projects, into 2024. The Westboro Village BIA has always been an active supporter of Pokoloko in their journey with the Westboro community, for which both Jessie and Pokoloko are very grateful.
Karen Tuff, Co-Owner, Trio Bistro and Lounge
With a dedication to a diverse range of clients, Karen Tuff has worked in the broad public and private sectors with a specialization in Human Resources. Her value as a trusted advisor is in her ability to align business strategy to a total rewards framework for stakeholders and senior management. Karen’s years of facilitation and best practice review means she can provide insight and provide targeted improvements for clients.
In 2016, Karen expanded her entrepreneurial focus with the purchase of Trio Bistro & Lounge, making it a family-run business. Their goal was to keep the intimate atmosphere of Trio and build on the lounge’s specialties such as hand-crafted cocktails. It is truly a community favourite and celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2023.
