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There are so many reasons to support women entrepreneurs. They make products with intention and care; they practice sustainability and respect for the planet; they partner with other likeminded women; and they are problem solvers, addressing women’s needs with products and services that make a difference in our lives. Women’s Entrepreneurship Day is this Tuesday, November 19th. It is about empowering women to pursue entrepreneurship, because when they do, we’re all better for it.

This year has been particularly challenging for Canadian women running their own businesses, with the onset of tariffs and the elimination of the de minimis tax exemption, which forced many brands to cut off shipping to their US customers. There is something we can all do to help. We can put their products on our holiday wish lists, shop from them to gift people in our lives with something truly special, or buy a little something for ourselves.

As you know, supporting women who choose entrepreneurship is what Genuinely Stellar is all about. This week, we are highlighting the brands that resonated with you the most in 2025. As you revisit them, or discover them for the first time if you’re a new subscriber, be sure to read their stories and then “add to cart.” The founder behind the brand will feel your support as you participate in fueling her growth.

Enjoy!

Genuinely Stellar 2025 All Stars

This brand got more hits than any other in Genuinely Stellar so far in 2025! Hayley Wilson makes handknit sweaters from mohair, alpaca and wool. She turned her hobby into a business, Hayley Knits, when her friends started asking for one of her cool-girl sweaters. The promise of a custom, hand-knit sweater in 2026 couldn’t be a better gift!

Amanda Maria’s stylish, timeless looks caught your attention when we featured her in the spring. Her fall looks are equally captivating, especially if you’re looking for a little holiday sparkle. Now’s the time to support her. Find out why Canadian customers are more important to her than ever before.

When this trio of friends who met in high school launched their healthy snacks business, Stellar Eats, they were offended by products that billed themselves as “skinny.” Learn how their positive messaging about healthy eating is paying dividends and how it can make your holiday baking better for you and your guests.

Teresa Lake’s brand PAPER LABEL, sits at the cross section of lounge wear and ready-to-wear, which makes it a one-stop-shop for holiday gifting. Cozy and stylish hats, scarves, sweaters and sleepwear. Just think, you could get all of your holiday shopping done in one visit…

It seems that “no makeup, makeup” is an attractive proposition to our readers. When we first told the story of Wonderblush you hung on every word. Find out how Melanie Hachey has built a business on an all-natural look with products made from natural ingredients.

Maria Halfyard designs stylish raincoats in the same fabric worn by fish harvesters in her home province of Newfoundland. They come in bright and cheery colours, just like the homes that dot the rugged coast. If her brand Mernini sounds familiar, you may have seen Maria make a pitch on Dragon’s Den.

Kristi Soomer designs her garments in Toronto. The fabric she uses is knitted in Toronto. The pieces are sewn in Toronto. The signature piece in her brand Encircled is the “dressy sweatpant.” It attracted customers near and far, until she was forced to stop shipping to the US. Now is the time to support this truly Made-in-Canada Brand.

Our hope is that you don’t experience loss at this time of year, but you will want to keep Leolam top of mind when you do. Our story on the gifting platform for bereavement gifts was one of our most read features. Clearly Yolanda Pop and Linda Montalbano are onto something.

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Guests are coming and you don’t know what to serve for dessert. We’ve got you! Baked pears with berries, honey, nuts and blue cheese anyone? They are as pretty as they are delicious.

Now you’ve got dessert covered. Here are some great hosting tips to make your guests feel extra special.

One way to debut a new look for holiday party season is to change your hair colour. There’s a new hot shade in hair care and we are loving it!

Looking for a more sustainable way to wrap your holiday gifts? Try wrapping them in fabric. Here’s a technique to follow.

You may not be a crafter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t throw together the perfect handmade hostess gift. Here’s something simple for the tea lover.

Miss an issue? We’ve got you! Find quick links to recent issues right here.

Last week we did something a little different and featured women in design and decor. Looking for some inspiration to spruce up your home? Get the Home for the Holidays issue here.

Find out what you have to look forward to in Genuinely Stellar!

This month is full of gift and holiday prep ideas to inspire you for the season, woven together with the stories of enterprising women entrepreneurs.

Do you know someone who would appreciate our stories? Send them this link and invite them to subscribe to the newsletter. We appreciate your support!