The Small Towns, Big Dreams Podcast Beki Waples

**Giveaway being posted May 31st on Instagram @SmallTownsBigDreamsPodcast

Shawna was a huge inspiration for this podcast, and I’m so excited that we finally got to sit down and chat! She was one of the originally planned guests, but she’s been unbelievably busy with all her many hats – Caterer, Market Manager, Chef, and Kitchen Designer (just to name a few). But we finally caught up this month, and it was worth the wait!

Shawna hails from the bustling city of Toronto but now calls Port Elgin her home, proudly dubbing herself a “small-town girl who grew up in the city.” She’s worked incredibly hard to get where she is today, and she’s got some exciting projects in the pipeline. She shares fantastic advice on starting out, taking things slow, seizing every opportunity, and growing at your own pace.

In our chat, we dive into her catering business, her amazing BBQ products, and all the local markets and events she’s involved with. Plus, she shares how much she loves small-town life and being a part of the Bruce/Grey community.

If you spot Big Mama at one of the markets this summer, be sure to tell her you heard her on the podcast! In the meantime, grab some of her mouth-watering sauce (my personal fave is the OG Owen Sound Gold, but they’re all incredible), fire up the BBQ, and get ready to be inspired!

You can find BMKC Canada here:

Where to Buy

Website

Buy Online

Instagram






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Did you hear our new commercial (ft. Ollie & Carter?)

You need to try out:

Enjoy 10% Off Your Order at InstaCakeCards.com with code ‘SmallTownsBigDreams’

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Listen to the Podcast with me on the Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

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Lauren’s Best Podcast

Clean It Club Podcast:

Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

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Buy Me A Coffee

Or send me an email at: SmallTownsBigDreamsPodcast@Gmail.com


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This week, I’m thrilled to chat with Chef Carey McLellan,
the talented Head Chef at The Sandbar Restaurant in Southampton. After savoring a fresh, local breakfast during my staycation at the Beach Motel, I knew I had to reach out to Carey. When she agreed to be a guest, I was over the moon!

 Carey is a Red Seal chef with a deep passion for local,
seasonal, and sustainable food, honed through years of working with renowned local chefs, producers, suppliers and farmers. She shares her incredible journey, from growing up with limited food diversity to becoming a head chef known for her creativity and stunning dishes made with locally harvested and seasonal produce.

In our chat, Carey talks about the importance of community and collaboration, giving heartfelt shoutouts to local farmers, suppliers, and producers who play a crucial role in her kitchen. You can hear her respect and appreciation for those who help her.

We dive into everything from her ever-evolving menus to her unique adventures outside the kitchen. When she’s not cooking up a storm, Carey loves gardening, foraging for wild edibles, exploring Bruce County and collaborating with other local businesses.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that promises to leave you hungry for more! And after the episode, why not book a reservation at the Sandbar Restaurant? You might just catch both of us there!

If you are interested in collaborating with Chef Carey & The Beach Motel, contact them on their website below!

PS. I know we are a little behind on the collaborations, but
the shout outs should remain, so I left them in there.

Local producers/suppliers/farmers:

Glencolton Farms

Starseed Acres

West Grey Premium Beef

Wild Meadow Farm

Robichaud Commercial Fisheries

You can find Chef Carey McLellan at:

The Beach Motel

Sandbar Restaurant

@ChefCareyMcLellan on Instagram

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Please consider donating to the Waples Family Terry Fox Run at:

https://run.terryfox.ca/team/waples-family

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Listen to the Podcast with me on the Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

---------------

Lauren’s Best Podcast

Clean It Club Podcast:

Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

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Please follow Small Towns Big Dreams on:

Instagram

Facebook

Buy Me A Coffee

Or send me an email at: SmallTownsBigDreamsPodcast@Gmail.com


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smalltowns-bigdreams/message

Back in 2016, Alanna Rusnak stumbled upon a big problem in the book world: small-town writers, like Alanna, were having a tough time getting their stories and work out there. So, what did she do? She decided to tackle the challenge head-on and started her own little publishing company called Chicken House Press.

At first, Chicken House Press was all about getting Alanna's own book out into the world. And it worked! Her novel went on to become a Canadian bestseller, a finalist for the Kobo Emerging Writer Award, and named one of the top reader-recommended books of 2017 by CBCBooks.ca!

And Alanna didn't stop there, she turned Chicken House Press into a full-blown publishing powerhouse, helping writers from all corners of the globe share their tales with the world.

In our chat, Alanna shares everything you need to know about getting your book published. And our talk was so inspiring, she's all about motivating you to start putting those words down on paper, no matter where you're from or what kind of story you want to tell. So, if you've ever dreamed about writing something – whether it's a novel, an essay, or even just a blog post – this episode is your go-to guide for getting started.

You can find Alanna / Chicken House Press

Alanna’s Facebook

Alanna’s Instagram

Website

Podcast

Buy The Church in the Wildwood on your Kindle

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Please consider donating to the Waples Family Terry Fox Run at:

https://run.terryfox.ca/team/waples-family

---------------

Listen to the Podcast with me on the Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

---------------

Lauren’s Best Podcast

Clean It Club Podcast:

Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

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Please follow Small Towns Big Dreams on:

Instagram

Facebook

Buy Me A Coffee

Or send me an email at: SmallTownsBigDreamsPodcast@Gmail.com


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smalltowns-bigdreams/message

31 – Nicole Manion

This was such an inspiring episode and interview. I hope you love it, and take away as many positive insights as I did.

Nicole is an inspiring creator who started her first
business at 21. She opened Muskoka Aesthetics Inc. by herself, and turned it into a thriving team and company. In 2019, she also started Miskoka Beauty Inc after seeing a gap in the eye and brow industry.

Nicole believes in collaboration, growth, and inspiring the
next generation of creators. She even has her own podcast “Beauty Behind the Brand” – which, if you love this podcast, you will love hers!

I love this episode. Nicole is a powerhouse entrepreneur and it was an honour to interview her.

You can find more about Nicole at:

Beauty Behind the Brand Podcast

Nicole Manion Instagram

Muskoka Aesthetics Inc.

Miskoka Beauty Inc.

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Please consider donating to the Waples Family Terry Fox Run at:

https://run.terryfox.ca/team/waples-family

---------------

Listen to the Podcast with me on the Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

---------------

Lauren’s Best Podcast

Clean It Club Podcast:

Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

---------------

Please follow Small Towns Big Dreams on:

Instagram

Facebook

Buy Me A Coffee

Or send me an email at: SmallTownsBigDreamsPodcast@Gmail.com


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smalltowns-bigdreams/message

The Small Towns, Big Dreams Podcast

Hosted by Beki Waples

Rebecca gave me TWO body butters for a giveaway! See Instagram/Facebook on May 2nd for details, or forward your newsletter sign up to smalltownsbigdreamspodcast@gmail.com. Giveaway closes May 17th.

Rebecca O. established the Detour Co in 2022, after
searching for natural skincare products in her new home in the Muskoka, unfortunately she was unable to find what she was looking for. Recognizing this gap in the market, Rebecca took the initiative to craft a skincare brand aligned with her values of eco-conscious, and all natural, while also creating the family life she had long envisioned. Rebecca has devoted her effort and research to deliver an eco-friendly, 100% natural skincare line to Canada. Her infectious enthusiasm, ambition, and commitment to quality ensures that The Detour Co will become the preferred choice for individuals seeking a personal touch
in their skincare routine.

My conversation with Rebecca left me thoroughly inspired to dream bigger than I have been. Enjoy listening.

**Throughout the podcast, I mistakenly refer to her location as "the Muskokas" several times. Rebecca does clarify that this is not the correct name. I apologize for the oversight and will use the term "Muskoka" going forward.

You can find The Detour Co:

Website

Instagram

Retail Locations

Sign up for the Newsletter

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Please consider donating to the Waples Family Terry Fox Run at: https://run.terryfox.ca/team/waples-family

---------------

Listen to the Podcast with me on the Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

---------------

Lauren’s Best Podcast

Clean It Club Podcast:

Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

---------------

Please follow Small Towns Big Dreams on:

Instagram

Facebook

Buy Me A Coffee

Or send me an email at: SmallTownsBigDreamsPodcast@Gmail.com


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smalltowns-bigdreams/message

The Small Towns, Big Dreams Podcast

Hosted by Beki Waples

This week is a sit down with Fayth Irwin, a driven
entrepreneur juggling three businesses alongside her full-time role as a dental hygienist. From spray tanning to teeth whitening and myofunctional therapy, Fayth delves into the intricate connection between oral healthyou’re your overall well-being. We discuss how she overcame personal challenges with tongue therapy and now aims to spread awareness and support others facing similar struggles. We also dive into insightful conversations on the power of small business, investing in yourself, and the importance of collaboration in the entrepreneurial world. Don’t miss this episode, and then contact Fayth to book a Spray Tan or Teeth Whitening party Asap!

You can find Fayth at:

Website

Instagram – Tip of the Tongue

Instagram – Smiles by Fayth

We also discuss:

Girl Boss Solutions – Virtual Assistants

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Listen to the Podcast with me on the Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

---------------

Lauren’s Best Podcast

Clean It Club Podcast:

Ridiculously Happy Pplcast

---------------

Please follow Small Towns Big Dreams on:

Instagram

Facebook

Buy Me A Coffee

Or send me an email at: SmallTownsBigDreamsPodcast@Gmail.com




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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smalltowns-bigdreams/message