The Launch Nook Podcast

In this episode of Launch Nook, we sit down with Briggs Gibbins, Founder & CEO of Last Shot Apparel (LSA) — a Canadian garment design and manufacturing company creating sustainable, ethically-made apparel for organizations across the country.Driven by a belief that business can be a powerful force for positive change, Briggs is building more than a company — she’s building impact. From creating jobs and promoting responsible production to representing Canada at the 2025 G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit in South Africa, her mission is rooted in shaping a future where commerce contributes to a healthier planet.Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Briggs built a diverse career in the performing arts — competing internationally with Team Canada in dance, performing aboard cruise ships, and appearing in productions for Netflix, Hallmark, and Paramount. Today, she blends creativity, business strategy, and social responsibility to prove that ethical entrepreneurship isn’t just possible — it’s essential.We discuss purpose-driven leadership, building a sustainable brand in today’s market, and what it really means to challenge the status quo.

In this episode of Launch Nook, we sit down with Anastasia Chapman, founder of Loo Drops — the pre-poop drops brand making bathroom odor disappear while keeping things lighthearted.After spending seven years working in startups, traveling remotely, and sharing more bathrooms than most people ever will, Anastasia spotted a universal problem hiding in plain sight. What started as a simple idea turned into a fast-growing, bootstrapped brand built with grit, humor, and intention.We talk about identifying product-market fit in everyday experiences, building a brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and what it’s really like to scale a consumer product while still hand-pouring every bottle.Follow Anastasia & Loo Drops Below ⬇️www.loodrops.com https://www.instagram.com/loodropswww.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-chapman

Nuala and Fiona are sisters and co-founders of Fromage Protein Pops, rich and creamy frozen pops that bring together the joy of ice cream with the goodness of cottage cheese.The sisters couldn’t be more different in personality or experience—Nuala is a food scientist turned policy analyst, and Fiona is a film industry hairstylist—but they credit those differences to getting their business off the ground at all. Since landing on the 2020 idea that would kickstart their business, the sisters worked their way through more than 170 recipe trials and countertop ice cream makers in their home kitchens, to develop a recipe they believe proves wholesome foods can be as comforting and indulgent as any sweet treat. They started selling their pops from an ice cream cart in 2024, and after an overwhelmingly positive response, recently branched out into retail with ambitions of expanding across the province, and eventually, the country.  WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA:www.fromageprotein.cominstagram: www.instagram.com/fromageproteinfacebook: Fromage Protein Popslinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-bobowski-bb514036bhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nuala-bobowski-17819558/email: [email protected]

What does the future of AI really look like for your business? In this episode, we sit down with Bill Bishop, CEO of the Big Idea Company, for a fascinating conversation about artificial intelligence and its practical applications in business today.Bill breaks down the misconception that AI is coming for everyone's jobs and instead reveals how it's becoming an essential tool for entrepreneurs and business leaders. From streamlining operations to enhancing creativity, Bill shares real-world examples of how AI can amplify what you're already doing well.We dive into the evolution of AI technology, discuss the importance of understanding how to use these tools effectively, and explore why now is the perfect time to start experimenting with AI in your business. Bill also shares insights on prompt engineering, the role of AI in marketing and sales, and why human creativity will always remain irreplaceable.Whether you're AI-curious or already using these tools, this conversation will give you practical insights and a fresh perspective on how to leverage AI to grow your business.Want to explore big ideas for your business? Schedule a 60-minute Big Idea Conversation with Bill: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=15047359&appointmentType=5452143Learn more: https://www.bishopbigideas.com/

What happens when a yoga instructor and vegan chef decides to challenge the beauty industry's messaging around aging? In this episode, we sit down with Graydon Moffat, founder of Graydon Skincare, to explore her journey from coaching women through body image struggles to creating a skincare line that helps them feel phenomenal in their skin. Graydon shares how she translated her knowledge of superfood ingredients and skin nutrition into sensory experiences that address real skin changes without making women feel like their aging is a problem to solve. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, wellness, and rewriting the narrative around beauty at every age.Guest Social Links:Website: https://www.graydonskincare.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/graydonskincare/All Socials: @graydonskincare

Join host Janice Figov for an inspiring conversation with Aditi Uzagare, owner and operator of Khau Gully Restaurant and Catering in Toronto. As a first-generation immigrant, Aditi's entrepreneurial journey began at just 9 years old when her family opened their first restaurant, giving her an early immersion into the world of small business and hospitality.In this episode, Aditi shares her remarkable story of leaving the corporate world in 2018 to focus on building the family business in Toronto. From her childhood spent learning the restaurant industry to pursuing a Master's in Management in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Queen's University, Aditi reveals how she balanced academic excellence with hands-on business experience.Beyond the restaurant, Aditi discusses her ventures into the startup ecosystem, including her work creating an ethnic snack company at DDQIC incubator. She opens up about the unique challenges and opportunities of being a first-generation immigrant entrepreneur, the importance of preserving cultural food traditions, and how she's building bridges between her heritage and Canadian business landscape.Guest: Aditi Uzagare - Owner, Khau Gully Restaurant and CateringHost: Janice FigovConnect with Aditi:Instagram: https://instagram.com/khaugullytoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditi-uzagare-7592102aBusiness: https://mykhaugalli.com/

Join host Janice Figov for an inspiring conversation with Charlotte Kirby, founder and CEO of The Village Hive co-working spaces. With three thriving locations across Markham, North York, and Midtown Toronto, Charlotte has built more than just office spaces – she's created vibrant communities where professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers connect and collaborate.In this episode, Charlotte opens up about her dramatic career pivot from healthcare to entrepreneurship, sharing how a toxic work environment that literally made her sick became the catalyst for launching her first co-working space in 2016. From working in physician recruitment to discovering her first co-working space at the Centre for Social Innovation, Charlotte reveals the serendipitous moments and bold decisions that led to The Village Hive.Guest: Charlotte Kirby - Founder & CEO, The Village HiveHost: Janice FigovConnect with Charlotte:Website: thevillagehive.caInstagram & Facebook: @thevillagehivecoworkingLinkedIn: Charlotte KirbyEmail: [email protected]

What if your business could actually fund your future instead of consuming your life? In this episode, host Janice Figov sits down with Jennifer Bauldic, known as "The Cash Coach," founder of Jet Stream Administration Inc. and creator of the revolutionary Cash Method framework.Jennifer shares her incredible journey from building a thriving coaching practice that helps service-based business owners take confident control of their finances. Unlike traditional financial advisors or accountants, Jennifer combines empathy with no-nonsense strategy, providing both guidance AND step-by-step training.Connect With Jennifer at the Links Below ⬇️Email: [email protected]: www.jenniferbauldic.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferbauldic/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbauldic/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jetstreamadminX: https://x.com/jenniferbauldic