Eye-Friendly Beauty: How an Optometrist is Revolutionizing Cosmetics with Dr. Nieka Sabeti
What if your makeup routine is secretly harming your eye health? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Nieka Sabeti, a practicing optometrist and founder of CHESHMA, a groundbreaking line of eye-friendly cosmetics. After countless patients broke down in her exam room—struggling with dry eye disease caused by cosmetics and feeling they had to choose between their appearance and their eye health—Dr. Neeka had a middle-of-the-night revelation that changed everything.Discover why most cosmetics aren't as eye-safe as you'd think, how proper makeup removal can dramatically improve eye health, and what drove this optometrist to become an entrepreneur. Dr. Neeka shares her journey from chemistry undergrad to eye doctor to beauty brand founder, including why she drove labs crazy with her extensive testing requirements (way beyond Health Canada's standards).We dive deep into the connection between cosmetics and dry eye disease, the importance of proper eye hygiene, and why education is at the core of changing both consumer behavior and industry standards. Plus, hear the co-hosts debate the challenges of building awareness for health-focused beauty products in a market where convenience often trumps wellness.Whether you're a makeup lover, deal with dry eyes, or are curious about the intersection of healthcare and beauty innovation, this conversation will open your eyes (pun intended) to what you're really putting on your face. Check out Cheshma Beauty here: https://cheshmabeauty.ca/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for supporting the show: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
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Knucklehead Interviews
The Knuckleheads talk to each other. Two retail veterans with a combined 50+ years of experience sit down for honest conversations about Canadian business, brands, and the challenges facing small and medium-sized companies. We talk to each other about where we come from and how we got here. Kenny, it turns out, was always pretty linear. Phil, has nothing linear about his career at all. Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring our podcast. https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
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From Crisis to Creation: How Lupus and Scleroderma Led to a Natural Skincare Brand
When Nana Daniels returned from a trip to Ghana in 2016, she experienced a severe lupus flare-up that left her skin severely burned. What happened next changed her life forever.After seven hours in the emergency room with no real solution, Nana turned to her Ghanaian roots and created her own remedy using raw shea butter, vitamin E, and essential oils. The results were so remarkable that friends started asking for their own supply—and Honam Naturals was born.In this inspiring episode, Nana shares:Her 25-year journey living with lupus and sclerodermaHow a medical crisis became an unexpected business opportunityThe cultural wisdom behind shea butter and African black soapSelling out her first product batch in one hour and making $1,000Winning a mentorship with Dragons' Den's Manjit MinhasLanding products in Winners, Walmart (US and Canada), and Amazon—all while battling imposter syndromeThe challenges of scaling from kitchen countertop to big box retailWhy she chose aluminum containers and eco-friendly packagingHer vision for getting into more natural health stores across CanadaFrom Ajax, Ontario, Nana has built a thriving skincare and haircare brand that honors traditional African ingredients while meeting modern clean beauty standards. Her story proves that sometimes the best solutions come from going back to basics—and that a little bit of courage can turn adversity into opportunity.Products discussed: Body butters, African black soap, hair care for tight curls and chemically-treated hair, home fragrances, and men's groomingConnect with Honam Naturals: http://honamnaturals.com/collectionsThank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
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From Auto Mechanic to Artisan Sausage Maker: D-Original Sausage Haus Story
From Auto Mechanic to Artisan Sausage Maker: D-Original Sausage Haus StoryJoin us as we sit down with Clint from D-Original Sausage Haus in Steveston, BC, who shares his unconventional journey from automotive mechanic to box manufacturing to crafting premium German-style cured meats. Clint discusses the challenges of running a brick-and-mortar deli in a post-COVID world, the art of making authentic salamis and pepperoni with BC pork and natural casings, and the frustrations of navigating Canada's inter-provincial trade regulations. From consignment deals with craft breweries to building relationships with loyal customers, Clint reveals what it takes to grow a premium, artisanal meat business while staying true to traditional recipes and quality ingredients. Plus, we debate the merits of truffle pepperoni and why sometimes the best things in life come in irregular shapes. Check out Clint's online store here: https://www.doriginalsausagehaus.com/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
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From Cologne to Canada: What We Learned Walking 10 Football Fields at Anuga
From Cologne to Canada: What We Learned Walking 10 Football Fields at AnugaPhil and Kenny take the podcast on the road to Anuga, one of the world's largest food trade shows in Cologne, Germany. Recording their raw observations while navigating German parking lots and autobahns, they share what surprised them most: Bulgaria's emerging food innovation, the surprising absence of crowds at the Chinese pavilion, and how geopolitical tensions are reshaping international food trade.The episode features candid conversations with Matt and Kim Lebeau from Lebeau Excel and Luca Felicetti from the fifth-generation Italian pasta maker. They discuss practical strategies for attending massive trade shows, the protein trend's different evolution in Europe versus North America, and why Canadian brands should consider looking east instead of south. Topics range from edible utensils and shelf-stable kombucha to the 106% tariff on Italian pasta and why Americans are apologizing for being American.Our first take on Anuga Cologne. Kenny and I talk about what's happening in Cologne, and we catch up with Matt and Kim LeBeau, Luca Felicetti. Thank you to Luca and the team at Felicetti for making us feel welcome in your lovely booth. If you're still at the show, head to Hall 10.2, B080If you're not, head to https://www.felicetti.it/enYou can find Luca here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-felicetti-b27b3a279/ Thanks to Matt and Kim for jumping in on the podcast - we love you guys. Check out Lebeau Excel here: https://lebeauexcel.com/ Thank you to Fieldagent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/
A Canadian Podcast, focused on Canadian brands, determined to talk about Canadian success stories.
We are two retail guys that believe that Canadians are smart, resourceful entrepreneurs that Canada needs to know about.
We find great stories of entrepreneurs for inspiration, teach the principles of retail, share best practices,. We play the role of connector to help entrepreneurs to find great partners.
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