The Next Gen Collective

From navigating the early days of entrepreneurship during a global pandemic to building a thriving floral brand rooted in creativity and connection, this episode dives into the real story behind Waxflower Floristry.In this conversation, we sit down with the founders of Waxflower Floristry to talk about the highs and lows of running a business, the lessons learned through uncertain times, and what it takes to grow a brand while staying true to your vision. They share honest insights into entrepreneurship, resilience, creativity, and the evolution of their business over the years.This episode is filled with candid stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and valuable takeaways for anyone building a business, pursuing a creative passion, or navigating the realities of entrepreneurship.Topics covered:• Starting and growing a business during the pandemic• The early challenges of entrepreneurship• Building a creative brand from the ground up• Navigating business growth and change• Lessons learned through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship• Staying inspired while running a business

In this episode of The Next Gen Collective, we sit down with Emily Hlusko-Huard of @shaelynangus.events to talk all things events.From the creative process behind bringing a vision to life to the behind-the-scenes realities of executing seamless experiences, Emily shares what it truly takes to succeed in the events industry. We dive into her journey, lessons learned along the way, and the passion that drives her to create memorable moments for every client.Whether you're an aspiring event planner, business owner, or someone who appreciates the magic of a well-executed event, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real talk.

In this episode, we sit down with Marcus McPhee to dive into his 10-year journey in the photography industry and what it really takes to build a creative business that lasts.Marcus shares how he got started, the challenges of turning passion into a profession, and the lessons he’s learned from a decade behind the lens. From navigating inconsistent income and client growth to developing a unique style and strong personal brand, this conversation is packed with honest insight for creatives and entrepreneurs alike.We also talk about the mindset required to stay consistent, evolve with the industry, and keep pushing forward—even when things get tough.Whether you’re a photographer, creative, or business owner, this episode offers real-world advice and inspiration you can apply to your own journey.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Riley Allen, founder of Riley Socks Apparel, to share her incredible story of resilience, purpose, and turning pain into impact.Diagnosed at just 18 months old with a rare form of cancer, Riley endured years of treatment, including chemotherapy, major surgery, and recovery that would shape her life forever. Today, she’s transformed that journey into a meaningful brand that stands for strength, faith, and perseverance.Riley opens up about:✨ Her cancer journey and the lessons it taught her✨ Building a purpose-driven apparel brand✨ The meaning behind “You Are Stronger”✨ How adversity can fuel entrepreneurship✨ Inspiring others through storytelling and communityThis episode is a reminder that no matter what you face, you are stronger than you think.Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acocyep/The Next Gen Collective highlights the entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals shaping what’s next in our community.

In this episode, we sit down with Brit, the powerhouse behind Social & Stilettos, to talk all things confidence, community, and building a brand that actually feels like you.Brit shares her journey into entrepreneurship, how she turned her passion for connection into a thriving platform, and the real behind-the-scenes of showing up online—consistently and authentically. From navigating self-doubt to creating meaningful relationships both online and offline, this conversation is packed with relatable moments and actionable insights.Whether you're building a brand, growing your network, or just trying to show up with a little more confidence—this episode will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take up space.🎧 Tune in to hear: How Brit built Social & Stilettos into a community  Tips for showing up confidently online  The power of networking with intention  Real talk on entrepreneurship and growth

Myles Doak started his first business in high school and landed a deal on Dragon’s Den before most people know what they are going to do with their lives. Since then, he’s launched and scaled multiple companies, sold hundreds of thousands of units, and experienced both the highs of growth, and the hard lessons that come with entrepreneurship.After navigating setbacks, ESPECIALLY during the pandemic, he took a step back to figure out where his true passions lied. This led to co-founding Neighbour Media, a modern local media company spotlighting the positive stories of people and businesses right here in our community.