WHEN

September 27th & 28th, 2024

WHERE

The Art Gallery of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta

2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton

DR. JODY CARRINGTON

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dr. Jody Carrington is a renowned psychologist and a charismatic keynote speaker celebrated for her profound expertise in human connections. As a leading authority in addressing complex, human-centered challenges, Dr. Carrington excels in guiding individuals and organizations through the intricacies of re-establishing relationships in today’s increasingly disconnected society. She boldly believes that all humans have the capacity for good; however, so many of us these days, because of isolation and burnout, have lost access to that good.

Through her insightful analysis, Dr. Carrington explores how societal detachment occurs and outlines practical, meaningful solutions for reconnection. Her approach combines a deeper understanding of how necessary acknowledgment has become and she underscores how this need is so much bigger than recognition. Her dynamic and heartfelt presentations, infused with humor and honesty, captivate and energize audiences worldwide.

She is the Founder and Principal Psychologist at Carrington & Company, she has served as a civilian member of Canada’s national police force, the RCMP, and practiced with the most complex cases on a psychiatric inpatient unit. Dr. Jody’s balance as a devoted practitioner and brilliant communicator result in an ability to authentically connect through impactful presentations that has set a new bar in talking about the shifting landscape of mental health.

Dr. Jody has authored three best-selling books including Feeling Seen (Harper Collins, 2022) and hosts the widely celebrated podcast, “Everyone Comes from Somewhere.” Her work is trusted by many of the world’s Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams, education and healthcare leaders all working to solve similar core challenges in creating a new set of rules to support and motivate their teams.

She is a mom to three, a wife to her (very lucky) husband, a hockey coach, a daughter, and a sister, navigating this world, alongside everyone she has the privilege to learn from and serve.

ALLY STONE

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Ally Stone has been a partner and leader in the hospitality industry since 2005. She was integral to developing 15 successful businesses and teams during that time.

Now, with The Inspired Leader, she has built a business dedicated to the transformational practice of bringing humanity back to the heart of business. Ally, an Executive Coach working toward her Master's designation, is an inspiring speaker and a skilled workshop facilitator.

In 2022, Ally was awarded the Transformational Leader Award by The Universal Women’s Network and in 2024 was nominated for an award with AWE (Alberta Women Entrepreneurs) and RBC Women of Influence. Ally is also a certified Meditation Teacher and a Heart Math Resilience Mentor

She is active and loves yoga, biking, hiking, and spending time with her husband and two dogs.

KIM JONES

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Kim Jones is a keynote speaker and leadership coach with over 25 years of experience leading in Fortune 250 companies, most recently serving as senior vice president and divisional Chief Information Officer (CIO) for a large US-based insurance company. Kim is now a sought-after coach for leaders aiming to reach their highest potential, specializing in working with women in male-dominant industries to carve their own unique paths to success.

As an executive coach, she helps leaders amplify their impact and build inclusive cultures where all are able to thrive. Kim is a frequent speaker on core 21st-century leadership skills and gender equity. She serves as faculty for the Women in Leadership – CIO Certification program and instructs at UCLA Extension's Technology Management Certificate Program, focusing on creating engaged and inclusive tech environments. Kim holds an MBA, a masters in anthropology, and numerous coaching certifications, making her a powerful advocate for empowering women in leadership.

ASHLEY MCKARNEY

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Passionate about people for as long as she can remember, Ashley has been specializing in Human Resources for more than 15 years across a variety of industries. Throughout her career, Ashley has built comprehensive Human Resource functions and worked with senior executives to increase engagement and strategize organizational growth. Ashley founded Involvi Consulting in 2019 with a goal of working with engaged leaders and business owners to improve their HR practices, provide them with ongoing expert solutions and to support their employees to improve working conditions and organizational culture.

On top of the HR community involvement and volunteer time, Ashley sits on the Board of Directors for Little Warriors, a national charitable organization focused on the awareness, prevention, and treatment of child sexual abuse. As a lifelong learner, Ashley holds her Bachelor of Commerce Degree as well as her CPHR and SHRM-SCP designations.

SHEENA RAJPUT

PANELIST

Sheena Rajput is a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in helping women of all ages look and feel beautiful. When Sheena started in the medical aesthetic industry, she saw there was a huge stigma surrounding beauty treatments, specifically cosmetic injections. This was largely in part due to looking "unnatural". She started Bespoke Beauty as a way for women to not only avoid cookie cutter injections, but also to feel empowered in their decision to have, or not have, medical aesthetic treatments. In her care, safety and unique treatments are of utmost importance. When she isn't in the clinic injecting, she is teaching physicians and nurses across Canada, attending conferences, or hanging out with her husband and dog Leo.

POOJA GANDHI

PANELIST

Pooja Gandhi is an experienced and thought provoking strategic leader. With over 10 years’ experience in operations she has established herself as a key component for success for businesses across Canada. In each of her roles she has helped to improve and drive company growth all while furthering her education and being a mom to her son, Everest. Pooja graduated from the University of Alberta in 2004 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and most recently has completed her MBA with the Australian Institute of Business. In addition to this, she also holds an Advanced Accounting Diploma from NAIT and a Project Management Certification from Grant MacEwan University. Pooja enjoys time sitting on various Boards including Synergy where she is past President, past board member of Boyle Street; Current Treasurer for Jerry Forbes Foundation; and a Rotarian member of Rotary 5370.

Most of Pooja's career and life accomplishments were realized in the past 13 years as Pooja’s story is one of resilience and overcoming several obstacles in her younger years as an addict. Pooja spent nearly a decade aboard prior to returning to Edmonton at the age of 31 at which time she had to face the consequences of her past and find the courage to find her true self. Today she shares her story on various platforms in the spirit of inspiring others who have walked a similar journey to put in the work towards finding their voice.

SHARLEEN CHEUNG

PANELIST

Shar is a passionate advocate for empowering women to embrace and thrive through life's transitions, particularly during perimenopause and menopause—what she calls "puberty 2.0." As a certified macro nutrition coach, Shar is dedicated to helping women confidently navigate the often challenging and misunderstood journey of health transformation with the right knowledge and grace.

With a blend of personal experience and professional expertise, Shar integrates science-backed strategies with a compassionate approach, creating a supportive environment for women at every stage of their wellness journey. She is recognized for her engaging and relatable style, making complex health concepts both accessible and actionable.

Shar has impacted the lives of countless women through her workshops, masterclasses, and one-on-one coaching, equipping them with the tools to manage symptoms, maintain a healthy weight, and reclaim their vitality through a deeper understanding of macro nutrition.

Beyond her work, Shar enjoys diving into a good non-fiction book and creating meaningful experiences with her family, always living the passion and purpose she inspires in others.

Connect with Shar to discover how you can lead and thrive through every phase of life.

SHERILYN TROMPETTER

PANELIST

Sherilyn is a recognized leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Co-Founder of MT Consulting Group, Sherilyn is a masterful facilitator and educator, who loves creating transformative learning experiences for her clients. She cares deeply about social justice and serving her community and has co-founded the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking Alberta and currently is on the Board of the Edmonton Community Foundation. As a recovering people-pleaser, Sherilyn's current hobby is learning how to put herself first without feeling selfish.

KRISTA TUPALA

MODERATOR

Krista Tupala is the Vice President of Culture and Leadership with Red Tractor Hospitality, a multi-unit restaurant organization, which operates multiple Original Joe's locations. With over 20 years in the hospitality industry, 12 of those being in leadership, it is safe to say that Krista has a love of people.

Krista's heart-driven approach to leadership is rooted in the belief that by nurturing and taking care of individuals, we nurture the collective spirit of the organization. Krista has dedicated herself to creating an environment where people feel heard, valued and are inspired to bring their whole selves to work.

As the VP of Culture and Leadership, Krista leads the senior leadership team of Red Tractor Hospitality with a focus on making people feel taken care of and the ripple effect that is felt throughout the organization and beyond when we lead this way. Krista believes wholeheartedly that this creates a culture of trust and camaraderie that fosters long-term connection and success.

HAYAT  KIRAMEDDINE

PLANNING YOUR LEGACY

Tax, tax, tax! Usually, a topic that can put folks to sleep or invoke panic and thoughts of the Canada Revenue Agency. When faced with the topic, Hayat Kirameddine, Partner in Ernst & Young’s Private Client Tax Practice, will bring forth strategy, planning and… even a bit of excitement!

Hayat has been providing advice to private business owners across Canada with an emphasis on Alberta based business for over 15 years. She takes a practical approach to providing clear and pragmatic solutions towards business structuring, managing cash flow and limiting risk. Her practice spans filing tax returns to estate planning to helping business owners with selling or acquiring business – and everything in between.

HEATHER BARNHOUSE

PLANNING YOUR LEGACY

Heather is a lawyer and a Partner at Dentons, the National Co-Leader for the Agribusiness Group and the Edmonton Co-Leader for the Venture Technology and Emerging Growth Companies Group.  She works primarily with women entrepreneurs, who are growing and scaling their businesses.

Heather excels in addressing the unique challenges of family-owned businesses, devising innovative solutions for business continuity, ownership transitions and family-related issues. Building on her extensive experience, Heather also brings in-depth knowledge to the franchising sector. She advises franchisors and franchisees across various industries including agribusiness, retail, automotive and industrial, helping them grow and manage their businesses while mitigating risks associated with franchising operations.

In the venture technology sector, Heather is a visionary, guiding clients through scaling initiatives via strategic partnerships and joint ventures. She has worked with many clients that have formed partnerships with First Nations, to explore new markets and operational efficiencies. Her strategic foresight in structuring these partnerships ensure maximum benefit, operational efficiency and thoughtful succession considerations.

From raising capital, considering partnerships, drafting contracts, negotiating arrangements, to exit transactions, Heather will help you navigate the unfamiliar territory to let you focus on what you are good at.

SHERRI WRIGHT-SCHWIETZ

UNLOCKING YOUR FINANCIAL WELLNESS: ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS

Sherri has been with ATB Financial since 2005. She led the People and Culture function for ATB Wealth as the Head of Talent and Mastery until February 2017, when she took on a new challenge as VP Wealth Management and Office of the President. In June 2021, Sherri accepted the role of Senior Vice President, National Advisory. Sherri has a reputation of developing innovative team member and client experience strategies to support a rapidly growing wealth management firm. Throughout her time at ATB Wealth, Sherri has received several international awards for her innovative orientation package and industry-leading recruitment process. Sherri received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Calgary. She is a Certified Human Resource Professional and has her Investment Foundations certificate from the CFA Institute.

AIMEE PARKER

UNLOCKING YOUR FINANCIAL WELLNESS: ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS

Aimee Parker is a passionate champion for women in business ignited by her own experience as a successful beauty venture owner in Alberta. As Director of W by ATB, Aimee is dedicated to creating remarkable banking experiences to accelerate women-led and women-owned businesses in Alberta and beyond, removing barriers to accessing capital and industry expertise. “When I started my career in the beauty industry, I was fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring leaders who advocated for women to be heard, celebrated and empowered. Throughout my professional career and journey as a business owner, I never forgot their incredible support and mentorship. It is my personal commitment to continue advancing women in business and leadership through my work. At W by ATB, I want our clients to know they have more than a great ‘banking’ advisor on their side—they have a business partner, ally and advocate dedicated to her success.”

TIFFANY CONNAUTON

COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS

Tiffany is the Founder and CEO of Beyond Diversity Inc, an Organizational Consulting firm based in in the Edmonton area and doing business across Canada. As a dedicated advocate for positive change, Tiffany channels her passion into shaping a world where workplaces and volunteer organizations thrive through inclusivity. With a lifetime of experience in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion space, she has become a driving force behind reshaping organizational cultures.A catalyst for change, Tiffany is a true champion of inclusion, navigating the complexities of organizational transformation with skill and determination. Her positive and flexible approach, coupled with a genuine care for the well-being of individuals, positions her as an invaluable asset to any endeavor focused on building a more inclusive and fulfilling future for all.

LAGAN GILL

SOUL STRATEGIES FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Lagan Gill, Chief of Strategy and People at CNC Industries Ltd., brings over 20 years of entrepreneurial and leadership experience across six countries. At CNC, she has been pivotal in steering the company through key growth milestones, including leadership transitions and the establishment of its first Advisory Board. Lagan's expertise in implementing the EOS Operating System and fostering a values-driven culture reflects her dedication to operational excellence and sustainable business practices. Beyond her role at CNC, she is a seasoned consultant and coach, specializing in leadership development, strategic consulting, and personal mastery. Drawing from her deep spiritual insights gained through immersive experiences in India and Thailand, Lagan integrates holistic approaches into her mentorship, empowering individuals to unlock their true potential and find alignment with their purpose. Her work has spanned collaborations with institutions like The London Business School and global corporations such as KPMG and Santander Bank. With a unique blend of business acumen and spiritual depth, Lagan inspires transformative growth in both professional and personal realms.

JENNIFER SCOTT LEBLANC 

YOUR POWER WITHIN

Jennifer is a natural healer, gifted intuitive healer and teacher. She is passionate about helping others release emotions, physical pain and heal in a way that promotes personal and spiritual growth. 

"My healing story starts with my family and a head-on collision. Christmas Eve of 2009 my family and I were in a car accident that drastically changed the trajectory of my life. The healing after the accident was not linear, and so began the sleepless nights tending to our kids and their nightmares reliving the accident. ​ Following this, in cosmic alignment, I signed up for a Reiki course with my mom and my aunt. This turned out to be nothing short of a miracle for my family. ​ Reiki Level I gave me the ability to treat my family and through the magic of energetic healing, in just ONE session, my kids nightmares were gone. ​ This kickstarted my journey into the world of ancient healing practices and my choice to share this incredible gift that has proven to help others live in balance."

JENNA WALTZ

YOUR PERMISSION SLIP

Jenna Waltz is a 3/5 Emotional Manifestor by Human Design, someone who is meant to use their voice and initiate the things that others wish existed. She is married to a 1/3 Sacral Generator who together are working on raising their children - 3 Manifesting Generators and 1 Manifestor.

Jenna resides near Vermilion AB on a cattle ranch with 170 purebred Simmental cattle, a couple of pigs, a few chickens, some goats and sheep, 3 dogs and many cats! Jenna is a certified Human Design coach and also working on training to become a Breathwork Facilitator. Navigating a journey of entrepreneurship as farmers and wellness business owners with the knowledge of Human Design has been a game changer for Jenna and her family! She is very excited to share The Human design roadmap with everyone who’s ready to learn.

CHRISTY BENOIT

ENVISIONING AN INSPIRED AND ALIGNED FUTURE

Christy Benoit Demuth is a business and executive coach who works with entrepreneurs and business leaders to help them unlock their full potential and build purpose driven businesses. She has over 20 years of experience in business leadership having co-founded, built and led several business ventures in the environmental consulting, oil & gas, and business management industries. Through her focus on developing healthy corporate cultures that foster continuous improvement mentality, she’s demonstrated that is it possible to do good while doing well in business. Christy graduated with a BSc (Pharm) from University of Alberta in 1999. Prior to starting her first business, she worked 10 years in the field of pharmacy gaining a variety of experience in areas of clinical practice, research and business management. She is also the visionary and developer of the world’s northern most Net Zero energy commercial building, the Mosaic Centre (Edmonton), which pioneered the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) methodology into Canada.

Christy is currently a partner with Results, a team of trusted business advisors helping leaders across Western Canada to build and grow businesses that have a positive impact on their people and the markets they serve.

When not at work, Christy be found sweating it out in the yoga studio, fighting weeds in her garden, forest bathing, hanging out with her husband and teenage children or enjoying the quiet company of a good book.

ISABEL FRY

SOUND BATH MEDITATION

Passionate about Yoga and Wellness, Isabel Fry, is a certified 500 hr. YTT & Meditation Teacher, 200 hr Kundalini YTT, Breathwork practitioner and Sound Alchemist. She started her Company Breathe Retreats & Wellness in 2016. Creating a safe space for all and encouraging every single one of her clients to be their most authentic, highest selves has become Isabel’s mission. Along with Wellness Retreats and Corporate Retreats, Isabel offers Sound Alchemy, Holistic services, Cacao Ceremonies and Healing Circles to support and nurture her clients.  You can find her at her main holistic practice & Yoga Studio, Highlands Yoga Room In Edmonton. Isabel believes in holding space for people to rediscover the light that shines brightly within them, and that by honouring their bodies with love and kindness, all can be conquered.

CHELSEA GLUBISH

NUTRITION DEBUNKED - REAL TALK & RED FLAGS

Chelsea is a nutritionist with a passion for educating on intuitive eating, how to make all foods fit, removing food guilt and how to improve your body image. Her goal is to help you understand nutrition, and how you can use it as a tool for living your most abundant life, instead of as a method of reward or punishment.

Chelsea wants you to feel excited about fueling your body, instead of stressed or anxious when thinking about which dietary choices are best for you. She provides a space where you are empowered to remove food rules, ditch the diet culture mentality, and find food freedom.

TARA LANGAN

NEURO-CONFIDENCE: EMBRACING YOUR OWN NEURODIVERSITY

With a background in Human Resources and a recent ADHD diagnosis, Tara has established herself as a key voice in advancing normalizing neurodiversity in workplaces on LinkedIn as well as through her keynote speaking. With several presentations, including taking the stage at DisruptHR, she is proudly inviting a call to action for workplaces to embrace neurodiversity and mental health. Taking the lead on advancing neurodiversity in industry, she has recently partnered with Athabasca University to develop a getting started continuing education program: Neurodiversity in the Workplace - a training program for leaders, HR professionals, and teams.

Tara's methods are based around offering a inclusive, empathetic and normalizing approach to the human experience. She is authentic and real and has fun with her audiences along the way.

GRACE SALAYSAY

PLANTING HAPPINESS: CULTIVATING JOY THROUGH PLANTS

My name is Grace and I am the owner of Fresh Space by Grace. I am an Interior Plant Consultant and Designer. I enhance your happiness and well-being by freshening up your interior space with beautiful living plants. My passion for plants became truly apparent after spending some time visiting family in the Philippines, nestled in the majestic jungle. I remember one evening, in particular, staring out at the jungle, and noticing how I could feel the energy emanating from the gigantic, magical jungle trees. I could feel the energy of the jungle vibrating into my soul and it was overwhelming in a glorious way. I thought my heart was going to explode. It brought me to tears. I knew then, that I needed to share this energy, and feeling with others.

TANYA THOMPSON

HOW T FOUND HER VOICE

Tanya Thompson is an entrepreneur, mom of two, and model with MODE Models International. She is the Founder of TFoundHerVoice, a platform dedicated to empowering voices and fostering open dialogue about mental health within the community. Through her work, Tanya aims to break the silence and challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging others to share their stories and find their own voices.

KATANYA TIMINSKY

SPARKING CROSS-CULTURAL EMPATHY & INSPIRING HUMANITARIAN ACTION FOR POSITIVE CHANGE

Katanya Timinsky, an international photographer and public speaker from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, has been passionate about the arts since childhood, transitioning to photography in 2016. After the devastating loss of three immediate family members in 2016-2017, she transformed her grief into a powerful form of visual expression, capturing profound emotions and moments through her lens. In 2022, she took on a photojournalism role in Ukraine, documenting the resilience and daily life in Kyiv amid the ongoing war. Katanya has since shared her compelling experiences with diverse audiences, including at Tedx Grande Prairie, inspiring many with her story and vision.

JALENE MURPHY

MODERN DAY COURAGE

Born on the Canadian Prairies to a boisterous Irish/Ukranian family, Jalene Murphy is an author and travel consultant, an adventurer to foreign lands (she has travelled to all seven continents), and an aunt to nine nieces and nephews. She also adores tending her strawberry patch while barefoot.

Modern Day Courage is Jalene's first book, which was born of a desire to share her experience with the world. It documents her journey from the farm to seven continents and from naivete to emancipation. The book covers topics of self-love, mental health, divorce, Catholic guilt and shame. Her book is essential reading for anyone wishing to discover themselves and facing similar trials will find value and support within her pages.

SANDRA MIKULIC

INSPIRING YOU TO MOVE IN THE BODY YOU HAVE TODAY

"At 43, I started running. Never in my life did I think I'd identify as a "Runner", but shortly after that 1st run, I dove into this world that didn't have a space for people that looked like me. One January 1st, 2019, I started my 5km daily running or walking streak, and that truly was the moment my life started to change. Fast forward 3 years from the start of my "streak", my mindset changed, and I knew there needed to be a running magazine that had women that looked like me in it; with their own stories in their own words, so, 'RUN YOUR LIFE MAGAZINE' was born!

Today, 6 years after I've started running in my larger body, 260 pounds to be exact, I've run 6 marathons, 2 x 50 km races and now I'm getting ready to run my 1st 100 mile race and publish Issue #5 of my magazine. Running was the vehicle I needed to shed the mindset that held me back. Running freed the little girl inside that always knew she was meant to help other women see themselves as worthy in the body they have today, and not a thinner body they are waiting to have tomorrow. Start today!"

MONICA MATZNER

LIFE AS A FEMALE IN THE RCAF, A MALE DOMINATED TRADE

Captain Monica Matzner has dedicated over 22 years to the Royal Canadian Air Force, progressing through the ranks as an Avionics Systems Technician to become Warrant Officer of the CF-18 Hornet Fighter fleet before commissioning as an Officer in the Aerospace Engineering Officer occupation. Throughout her career, Monica has navigated the challenges of working in a conventionally male-dominated environment, using each experience to grow as a person and leader. She is committed to leading with authenticity and resilience, all while staying true to the mission of serving Canada and Canadians. Monica balances the demands of her profession with a busy home life. She, her husband Derek, and their two sons, enjoy playing sports, spending time outdoors, and traveling whenever they can.

BREANNE ALLARIE

FUN FACILITATOR & MOOD MAKER

JORDYN RAYNE

MUSICAL TALENT

Jordyn Rayne is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter based out of Edmonton, Alberta. Best known for her powerful singing, wide vocal range and emotional storytelling, Jordyn provides an energetic performance the minute she steps on stage and keeps the party going until she steps off!

Jordyn just released her second full length album, “Lady,” on June 7th that will serve as Jordyn’s debut rock release. The whole album contains messages portraying societal issues such as the effects of social media on the body image of women, the view of femininity, effects of cyberbullying, and youths struggling to leave the nest in a changing economy. The album accompanies these messages with the sound of early 2000's pop/punk tunes. This year Jordyn has been invited to perform at the world renown Taste of Edmonton Festival as well as the Magnificent River Rats Festival in Athabasca, Alberta. In 2022 Jordyn received her Diploma in Vocal Performance from MacEwan University. She has also received much coverage for her recent singles in blogs such as Pressparty, Melogroove, Vibe Vault and Rhythmic Pulse Magazine. Jordyn is planning a short Alberta based tour in the summer of 2024 titled “Here Comes The Rayne Tour.”

KATE SANTO

EMCEE

Kate Santo likes to keep life spicy and wears many different hats (or just over-commits, not entirely sure which). She is a Mom of 2, the Executive Liaison to Ally Stone at The Inspired Leader, Co-Owner of El Mero Mero Taqueria restaurant and food trucks and, with all her extra time, she works as a Unit Clerk at the Cross Cancer Institute.

Kate is originally from Vancouver, BC and now lives in Spruce Grove, Alberta with her husband and kids, 2 dogs, cat, gecko, seahorses and whatever other animals are roaming around her house at any given moment. She is excited to be able to join Inspire & Awaken as an Emcee for a second time and hopes to bring some smiles, laughs and joy to everyone in attendance!

GILLIAN VERHEY

RISE & SHINE YOGA / CHAIR YOGA FOR DIGESTION

TRACI BATEMAN

VITAMIN B12 SHOTS/PARAFFIN HAND MASSAGE

Dr. Geha Gonthier

TAROT/TUNING FORKS

NIKKI ZAHARA

ACCESS BARS

MARNI BENAVIDES

FACIAL CUPPING MASSAGE FOR LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

KELLY DEVEREAUX

SHIATSU MASSAGE

NICOLE SCOTT

SHIATSU MASSAGE

LAURA POTHOVEN

ARTIST

Laura Pothoven is a self-taught creative who explores many artistic avenues, with acrylic painting being a constant passion. By day, she works in leadership in human services, but in her free time, she delights in the beauty of everyday moments through a diverse range of interests. Laura’s creativity can be found in the simplest of things – whether it’s a jar of homemade jam, a pressed wildflower, her paintings, or an antique find. She shares these moments on Instagram at endofthehall_studio and masonjarsandwildflowers, as well as her website masonjarsandwildflowers.ca. Her aspirations are to share her art in pretty places to bring joy and evoke feelings of connection and expression.

KYLA FORTIER

ARTIST

Hi, I'm Kyla Marie, a self-taught artist based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, driven by an insatiable passion for painting. For me, art isn't just a hobby—it's a sanctuary. When I pick up my brush, my mind quiets, and I find my most peaceful self immersed in a canvas of colors. Speaking of colors, pink holds a special place in my palette; it's like an extension of my personality, vibrant and lively.

My journey with art started early. Even in my school days, I found solace and fulfilment in art class. It wasn't long before I realized that painting was my true calling, surpassing even my love for music—although playing the flute and dabbling with the guitar were part of my musical repertoire.

Putting my creations out into the world isn't always easy. Like many artists, I grapple with insecurities and self-doubt. But I've learned that growth often lies beyond fear's grasp. I approach life with an open heart and a happy disposition, believing that true happiness emanates from within.