The Maple Leaf Theatre in Esterhazy was filled with energy and inspiration on Thursday, November 20, as women from across rural Saskatchewan gathered for an evening dedicated to celebrating entrepreneurship, leadership, and community. Running from 6:00–9:00 P.M., the event featured a keynote presentation by Esterhazy’s own Michelle Strawford, followed by an engaging panel discussion highlighting four accomplished Saskatchewan businesswomen.
The evening’s keynote, “When Women Shine, We All Rise,” was delivered from 6:30–7:30 P.M. by Strawford, the founder of Bella Chic and MRKT, two of the province’s most recognizable boutique and market brands. Known for her passion for mentorship and community empowerment, Strawford had become a strong voice for women in business across the Prairies.
Her entrepreneurial journey began after the birth of her first son, when she felt called to create something meaningful, flexible, and uniquely her own. What started as a modest idea eventually grew into a thriving brand that connected and elevated hundreds of local makers and small businesses across Saskatchewan. During her presentation, Strawford shared her story of resilience, purpose, and the strength that emerged when women chose to uplift one another.
After the keynote, attendees heard from a panel of inspiring Saskatchewan entrepreneurs representing a broad spectrum of industries.
Featured Panelists
Michelle Strawford — Founder, Bella Chic and MRKT
Alongside delivering the keynote, Strawford joined the panel to expand on her experience building two of Saskatchewan’s most recognizable boutique and market brands. She emphasized collaboration, community, and the importance of believing in what is possible, regardless of where a business journey begins.
J’aime Payne — CEO, Breeze Business Management
J’aime Payne contributed her expertise in financial literacy and confidence-building. As an expert in budgeting, bookkeeping, and financial planning, she had helped many small business owners navigate their finances through practical tools and easy-to-understand guidance. Her message underscored that confidence in numbers was achievable for all entrepreneurs.
Sherry-Lee Duncan — Co-Owner, C. Duncan Construction Ltd.
Representing women in Saskatchewan’s heavy construction industry, Sherry-Lee Duncan offered insight into her leadership role in a sector where few women held ownership positions. A former psychiatric nurse turned business owner, she oversaw operations, HR, and safety at the 58-year-old family business she operated alongside her husband, Carmen. Her remarks highlighted teamwork, innovation, and accountability—values she championed as essential to strengthening rural communities.
Lisa Psutka — Founder, Prairie Girl The Label
Lisa Psutka shared the evolution of her brand, Prairie Girl The Label, which grew from baby products to the well-loved Prairie Path key ring and now a full women’s lifestyle brand “grown right here on the prairies.” With her brick-and-mortar store recently expanded at 410 Main Street, Psutka spoke about entrepreneurship as a journey of constant learning, adapting, and staying rooted in genuine customer service.
The evening was guided by emcee Chelsea Stewart, owner and audiologist at House of Hearing, who moderated the panel discussion and encouraged audience participation. Attendees were invited to submit questions for the panelists in advance, with Stewart welcoming inquiries at chelsea@myhouseofhearing.ca.
The gathering ultimately provided more than just business insight, it offered connection, inspiration, and the reminder that when women shine, communities rise with them.